There are many BENEFITS TO YOU through volunteering. They may include some or all of the following experiences individuals glean through volunteering:
- Feeling healthier and happier
- Increased self-esteem
- Opportunity for reflection
- A greater sense of balance
- Volunteers of all ages and all walks of life agree that by giving, they receive a great deal.
Finding a volunteer position can seem as intimidating, overwhelming and confusing as seeking paid employment. And, just like a job search, the search for a fulfilling volunteer position consists of many steps. Luckily for Rhode Islanders we have articulated those steps below!
In conjunction with our Helpful Tips & Hints list you may want to consider this basic 5 step guide and fill out the downloadable questionnaire (PDF, 176KB):
- Step 1 - Explore your motivations. Identify your personal goals. Knowing your motivations will help you better choose a volunteer position that's right for you. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to volunteer? What are my goals? Do I want to make a difference in my career, my social life, my community, or something else?" Your goals will direct your search.
- Step 2 - Do a personal inventory. Assess your skills and interests. What are you good at? What do you enjoy? What skills would you like to improve? If you have volunteered in the past, you can think about the things you liked the most and least about your experience. Be specific. Do you like working indoors or outdoors? Independently or with others? Would you choose to work in a behind-the -scenes position, such as a clerical assistant in the office of a food bank, or in a position that provides direct service, such as a court advocate for abused children?
- Step 3 - Focus! Choose an Issue! What are you interested in? The environment, animals, the arts, consumer advocacy? If you want to work in human services, consider the issues that move you most, for example, hunger, homelessness, domestic violence, literacy or disability rights. Think about how you can apply your skills and interests to your chosen issues.
- Step 4 - Evaluate Your Schedule. Be realistic. After completing the above steps, you may feel anxious to get started. Before you do, try making a chart of the number of hours you spend on daily activities--job, family, friends, hobbies, chores, etc.--and see how much time is left. Then decide how many of these hours you are willing to donate to your cause. Don't be dismayed by a limited schedule; many volunteer positions are available in the evenings and weekends, with time commitments of as little as 2-3 hours per month.
- Step 5 - Use the Volunteer Center. The nationwide network of volunteer centers helps connect thousands of people to thousands of volunteer jobs. The Volunteer Center of Rhode Island is the local referral source for volunteers. Through our comprehensive online database and our professional staff, you can match your skills, interests and schedule to positions at agencies that really need your help. In addition to referral services, VCRI runs special programs for youth, seniors, families, working people and corporate employees. Be aware that volunteer centers refer you; they do not place you. You will receive a list of referrals, and you must decide which you want to contact for further information or interviews.
Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind as you begin to explore the wonderful world of volunteering. Remember our staff is available to help you at any step along the way!
- Be realistic and clear about the amount of time you can commit. It is easier to start small and increase your commitment than to have to back out because your schedule is overwhelming you.
- Visit the organization you are interested in before committing yourself. Get a sense of the staff and clients you will be working with and an overall feel for the environment.
- Find out about the agency's purpose and how your role as a volunteer fits into that mission. Sometimes what may seem an insignificant contribution to you makes all the difference to the people you are assisting.
- Ask for a job description of your volunteer work. It helps you decide if the work is an appropriate fit for you, and it provides a set of standards or expectations when you do volunteer. You don't want to set aside time to work at an agency only to arrive and find there's nothing to do.
- Ask about training and supervision. If an organization is asking you to perform a task, will they provide the support necessary for you to be successful?
- Volunteering is an opportunity for personal growth. Don't be reluctant to request an evaluation of the work that you perform or a letter of recommendation, should you decide to list your volunteer service on a school or job application.
- Enthusiasm is key! If you are not excited about the program, the chances are that you are not going to be thrilled with giving up time in your day to go there.
- Go for it! You get out of your volunteer work what you put into it. Volunteering requires no special degree or prior experience; it's simply a willingness to help.
Yes, you certainly do and they are the following:
Responsibilities
- Be honest about goals, skills, imitations and motivations
- Fulfill your commitment
- Maintain confidentiality
- Cooperate with staff
- Be flexible and open-minded
- Stay informed
- Participate in personal development
- Ask for help-it is OK!
- Understand your role as a volunteer
Rights
- Receive a clear appropriate assignment
- Fulfilling work
- Orientation and training
- Informed Involvement with agency
- Supervision and support
- Development of individual potential
- Recognition of service
- Respect as a sepcial person
- Time put to best use
- Safe, healthy working conditions