Is it Safe to Volunteer?

Now that places have opened up again post-COVID-19, everyone wants to know whether it is safe to go into hospitals, community centers, and other communal places to volunteer.

Some curated articles just for you, to guide you towards a volunteer experience that is right for you:

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a volunteer, you have the responsibility to: Greet staff or your supervisor when you arrive, so they know you're there Fill in all paperwork and policy sign-offs as required (e.g., safety protocols) Inform your supervisor as soon as possible if you'll be late or absent or want some time off Be reliable, responsible, friendly, respectful and demonstrate integrity Ask any questions to clarify or get [read full article]

What to Expect from the Organization where you are a Volunteer

From the volunteer-involving organization, you should expect to: Feel welcomed Have a clear understanding and expectations of your role and responsibilities — found in a volunteer position description of your role, ask for one if you don't get one Have an orientation to the organization, their policies, and to your specific role Receive training(s) as needed to perform your role Know the organization's COVID protocols and [read full article]

Barriers and Enablers to Volunteering

What might be stopping people from volunteering and what would encourage people to get involved? These are two really good questions for older adults who are considering volunteering. Mitigating the reservations people may have about volunteering can be addressed with: more useful and realistic information — much of what blocks people from volunteering can be addressed and rectified, as some of the blockers are rooted in [read full article]

Virtual Volunteering

What does Virtual Volunteering Even Mean? Is it for Me? In a nut shell, virtual volunteering means you volunteer from a location that is not at the organization you are volunteering with. Most virtual volunteers volunteer from the comfort of their own home. We’re glad you’ve asked! Virtual volunteering usually means you volunteer from a computer or tablet (like an iPad), usually online through the world [read full article]

What to Ask an Organization Before Volunteering

What You Want and Need to Know from a Volunteer-involving Organization You may unexpectedly hear appeals for volunteers on the radio or see an advertisement or poster. Or you may intentionally search for volunteer roles in the newspaper or through a volunteer centre or online or through people you know. Or you may wish to directly approach a charity or non-profit and offer to volunteer with [read full article]