What should I consider before volunteering?

• When are you available to do volunteer work?
• You need to identify how much time you have available to volunteer.
• When can you volunteer; evenings, weekdays or weekends.
• What commitment can you make; short term, one off projects, once a week, long term etc.
• What type of volunteer work you would like to do?
• You need to consider what you would like to gain from volunteer work.
• Think about what interests, hobbies or skills you have or would like to develop.
• What locations are you willing to travel to the volunteer position?
• You need to consider:
• How you will travel; public transport or vehicle?
• Time and distance it will take.
• Financial costs involved in travelling; petrol or fares.

What should I consider when looking for a suitable volunteer position?

• Is the organisation you wish to volunteer with a not for profit organisation or project (i.e. not a private company)?
• Does the purpose of the organisation match your own values and beliefs?
• Does the organisation offer the sort of work that interests you and can you maintain or develop you skills?
• Will the organisation provide you with a written reference if you need one?
• Does the organisation have a written volunteer policy explaining your rights and what you can expect from the organisation? Is it available for you to read?
• Does the organisation have volunteer insurance to cover you for the volunteer work you will be doing?
• Is there a written job description for the volunteer position you want and does it explain what you will be doing?
• Is the organisation willing to provide you with written information about itself?
• Does the organisation have a manager of volunteers or a contact person whose job is to support and supervise the volunteer program?
• Will you receive adequate training and orientation for you to perform your job?
• Will you be reimbursed for money spent on behalf of the organisation?

We also run a monthly Bridge to Volunteering workshop that answers these questions and more. Find out when the next session is by contacting us by phone 9791 3214 or by email.