...Tips for volunteering...

If you often volunteer for the local community, doing anything (from looking after abandoned pets to working in a charity shop) then the following may sound familiar to you. 

Have you ever thought of how rewarding you work is? 

Not just because you get to get work experience and new skills, improve your CV, make new friends, raise your confidence levels and even find a paid job because of your voluntary services. 

But because you dedicate YOUR time to an objective, a cause, something you believe in. And it all pays back if you do it right. 

But before you start considering voluntary work, take a moment and think of the reasons you would like to volunteer, what you really like to do, how much time you can afford, and even, where this volunteering will take you. 

Now, let's discuss these 4 points separately:

Reasons

Do you wish to volunteer because you simply love getting out the house and making new friends? Or, because you think that you will get new skills and networking opportunities that may help you find a job in the future? Or both? Or because you simply love working with children or for the local church? There might be thousands of reasons for you to volunteer, so throw them in the mix. Be yourself and go for what you like, for the reasons you like.

Types of volunteering

Not all types of volunteering are for everyone. If you are emotional, volunteering with terminally ill patients may not be for you. 

If you are allergic to certain animals, please do not volunteer with pets. 

If you can't leave the house, consider volunteering your time from home - many organisations look for volunteers who work from home. 

VOLUNTEERING IS FOR EVERYONE. Yes! Even for people with mental problems, learning difficulties or special needs. Do what you can and what you are able of doing. And always say no if you think you cannot do something. Do not pretend! You are there to volunteer. Nobody is going to kick you out if you deny lifting some garden pots if your back is in pain. Do not trespass your mind and body limits!

Time

Talking about limits... time is an issue. How much of your free time can you offer to a cause? 

Be honest. When you attend an interview or an open event for new volunteers, talk to the manager or volunteer coordinator about how much time you are willing to afford to the cause. Mention which days you are normally available / unavailable and how many hours you are willing to volunteer per week / month. 

How about setting your own schedule for your voluntary work? Remember: your manager will appreciate this. 

Goal

Many volunteers are retired. They sometimes miss their job and volunteer their time because they simply love keeping their mind and body active, while they enjoy making new friends. 

If you are a teenager, you may wish to volunteer in order to complete your Duke of Edinburgh award. 

Many younger volunteers volunteer because they need to get the skills that will allow them to enter the job market in the future. For instance, many university students who read heritage studies volunteer in museums. 

Volunteering looks great on your CV, especially if you are out of work. Let's be honest: these pauses in you employment history  aren't good. Fill them with volunteering and voilà... you increase your chances to land a job! 

Now, if you are looking for job experience as a (normally) younger volunteer, there are some unpaid internships out there that might be better for you. These normally require more involvement and time than any other voluntary role, but thanks to them, you may land a job in your preferred field (not guaranteed but let us hope you do so). Internships are often accompanied by a 'contract' that you have to sign. 

Lastly, there are three things that I need to mention in order to close this post:

1) Take things seriously. When you volunteer, be a professional. Apply for volunteering in a rather professional manner, attend an interview in a rather professional manner, and work in a rather professional manner.

2) Learn to say 'I can't do this'. Learn to say 'no'. Learn to say that you need help for something you were asked to do. Learn to ask why. Learn to communicate with fellow volunteers and with the manager. You are no superhero, you have no superpowers and your time is not unlimited. Also, understand that you are there to get something back. You are not there to cover staff shortages but if you are not happy, or if you feel that you are exploited, learn to set your own limits for everything you do. Or stop volunteering - and start volunteering for something else. Simple. 

3) If you are not into the whole volunteering thing (and you rather get paid for your work instead), please do not volunteer. Nobody is pushing you to volunteer. It is there as an option. You either take it or leave it. 

Have fun whatever you do!