I’ve done volunteer work since I was in my early teens. Not because I want to be seen as a ‘do gooder’ but because it feels good to give.
Volunteering is important and desperately needed in many areas of our society. Schools couldn’t function without the army of volunteers that put together fundraisers, help with sports, canteen, reading, excursions and much more.
Charity organisations depend on the expertise and manpower of volunteers. Emergency services and armed forces require volunteers.
Local shows, markets, hospital, fetes, fun runs and sports events require volunteers.
You’re getting the picture right…volunteers are everywhere!
Volunteering gets people out and meeting other people, it helps to educate, helps people with language skills, self esteem and interpersonal skills and it can change people’s lives.
Volunteering is good for the soul and can fill voids in a persons life. If you’ve been considering volunteering I urge you to make the step, here’s a few tips I’ve learned along the way…
– don’t over commit. I know your heart is in the right place and your enthusiasm is high but trust me, start small with just a few hours and after a few months reassess. You may want to give more time or you may find a few hours is just enough for you.
– being a volunteer is being part of a team…there is no ‘I’ in team.
– sometimes paid roles can come up, if it feels right then throw your hat in the ring. Of course the whole ‘vibe’ of the role might change so be prepared for that.
– never bring the organisation you volunteer for into disrepute, this includes keeping hush about the inner workings.
– If you feel you’re being taken advantage of then speak up to your supervisor or go higher if you need to.
– if you feel you aren’t getting what you need from the relationship then speak up, supervisors aren’t mind readers and you just need to have an honest conversation about you would like to be giving and receiving.
– There’s lots of ‘rules’ and HR stuff in some organisations so be cool with that. Some organisations have thousands of volunteers so there’s lots of paperwork to be done and structures to implement.
– Inclusion is so much nicer than exclusion. Sometimes you just ‘click’ with some people and new friends are made while volunteering which is awesome. What isn’t awesome is gossip, judging people because of their race, language, religion or background. Everybody has a story so take the time to get to know people you might not ordinarily mix with.
– present for ‘work’ in a clean and timely manner. Just because it’s volunteer work doesn’t mean standards go out the window.
– take advantage of any free training or courses that might be offered, they are great for personal growth but especially awesome if you are looking to get back to the workforce.
– when you’ve had enough and just aren’t enjoying your role anymore don’t hang on, it won’t serve you or the organisation. It’s ok to say no, let go, move on.
You might need to try a few roles before you find the right fit of volunteer work for you but once you do the rewards will be enormous…you know, good karma and grateful heart and all 🙂
Til next time,
Jen x
find volunteer roles through SEEK VOLUNTEER
Lisa mckenzie says
May 21, 2015 at 5:09 pmSuch good points Jen,I did reading groups when my children were at school and also volunteered with the Red Cross doing nail polish,hand massages and making patients in hospital feel better ,I loved it,I don’t think they do it anymore though which is a shame!
Jenni says
May 21, 2015 at 5:29 pmgreat work Lisa, I used to work for The Red Cross, it underwent lots of big changes as it took on more roles. Volunteers are also getting harder to find x
Raquel says
May 21, 2015 at 5:16 pmGreat tips. One point – as a volunteer you should never expect employment offers from the organisation. If you do get an offer then that is lovely and a bonus. But there should not be an expectation. You are there because you want to volunteer and contribute to the community in some capacity.
Jenni says
May 21, 2015 at 5:27 pmAbsolutely. Sometimes offers come up which is cool like I said but it may change the whole landscape of the role and your view of the organisation.
Sonia from Sonia Styling says
May 21, 2015 at 5:31 pmThis is really good advice. You’ve answered a lot of questions I’ve often wondered about volunteering. I have no doubt this will help many people take the leap they’ve always wanted to. x
Jenni says
May 21, 2015 at 5:36 pmThanks Sonia, let’s hope…organisations are always pleased to welcome new volunteers;-)
tamzen temple says
May 21, 2015 at 6:25 pmI absolutely admire volunteers. The time they give is incredible considering they all have their own lives, families etc and it is time away from them. Great post.
Jenni says
May 21, 2015 at 8:44 pmThanks it’s good to give and just quietly you receive when you give too x
Tracey says
May 21, 2015 at 7:24 pmI did over 6 years of dog walking for ParaQuadSA and my wonderful dog is a qualified pet therapy dog through Delta and is able to visit nursing homes, hospitals etc. we did over three years of visiting a palliative care centre. So even pets can volunteer!
Jenni says
May 21, 2015 at 8:41 pmThat is so awesome!!! Animals can be incredible healers and soothing x
Suzie says
May 21, 2015 at 10:38 pmI enjoyed volunteering in a hospice giving reiki/spiritual energy work. It was indeed very rewarding. Volunteering isn’t always ‘in the box’ standard work.
Jenni says
May 21, 2015 at 11:06 pmOh that sounds very interesting…awesome x
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
May 22, 2015 at 6:26 amGreat tips, Jen. I have a few organisations on my hit list that I’d love to volunteer for – I’m just waiting to find the time. I like to take my commitments seriously. It’s volunteering but it’s still important to stick to the schedule and fulfil all your duties. It might not be paid work but people are still depending on you and what you do matters. I think volunteering is such a wonderful way to give back x
Jenni says
May 22, 2015 at 7:36 amFor sure Sammie, there’s no point commiting if you don’t really have the time. It will happen for you when the time is right x
merilyn says
May 22, 2015 at 4:49 pma good post jen!
I’ve volunteered quite a lot over the years
at my daughter’s school for ever … tuck shop, fete committee, then I was studying!
I’ve helped with exhibitions ie hanging works and helping to organise works, planting gardens etc
but at this stage of my life I am dedicating it to my art! … and keeping hearth and home in order!
I help an older person with odds shopping and ends feeding her cat etc if she is away!
just helping neighbours really! … reciprocal stuff!
love m:)X
Jenni says
May 24, 2015 at 3:10 pmYou’ve done a lot over the years, onya x
Fleur @ Our urban Box says
May 23, 2015 at 2:13 pmExcellent advice Jenni! I have always wanted to volunteer. We had a beautifully natured dog a few years ago and I wanted to get him trained as a pets as therapy dog and take him to visit the elderly. Then we had kids and I didn’t have the time. It is still something I want to do though so I have really enjoyed your tips! x
Jenni says
May 24, 2015 at 3:10 pmIt will happen when the timing is right Fleur x
Lisa humphries says
May 23, 2015 at 7:54 pmI wish more people took the time to volunteer, it really does change your life.
Like yourself it has been a huge part of my life for many many years and I cannot imagine not giving back in this way.
xx Thank you for hopefully spurring more people into loving action on this!
Jenni says
May 24, 2015 at 3:11 pmLet’s hope it is on more people’s radars x