Volunteering…

Who is a volunteer? A volunteer is someone who chooses to help someone without getting paid

Why Should I Volunteer? Civic Responsibility Discover your strengths and interests A chance to practice decision making, problem solving and leadership skills. Develop employable skills such as interpersonal and communications skills, teamwork, time management, ability to take an initiative Build a terrific resume/ cover letter Opportunity to develop a network Get good references Explore Career options Knowledge that you have made a difference in the lives of others

How does this benefit an Organization? It provides a link with the community Broadens the range of knowledge and expertise Provide a voice in the community for the organization and its causes Capacity to expand services

Things to think about before looking for a volunteer position Why do you want to volunteer? How much time do you have to volunteer and when are you available? What skills do you have to offer? What jobs you not want to do? Is there a specific organization or age group of people that you would like to assist?

Not Sure Where to Focus? Let your personality and interests guide you… Are you…Consider … People – orientedFriendly visiting with a senior A take-charge personHeading a fundraising event or chairing a board or committee A nature loverPlanting a heritage garden Always on the moveVolunteer driver A sponge for knowledgeBeing a museum interpreter Bi/multi-lingualTranslating for newcomers to Canada ArtisticTeaching art and craft programs A computer specialistHelping a charity creating a website or graphic design AthleticBeing a coach for a sports team

After you have found a volunteer opportunity that interests you we suggest that you. Contact the organization as they would like to speak with you Ask them more about the position and set up an interview Be aware that you may be asked to: a.) Fill out an application form b.) Be interviewed c.) Provide names of references d.) Provide a police records check e.) Attend a training session.

What is Screening? This is a process designed to identify any person (volunteer or staff) who may be inappropriate for a specific position. Advantages of Screening: Create and maintain a safe environment Ensure an appropriate match between volunteer and task. How is Screening done? Interview References Police record check

Sample Interview Questions Have you volunteered previously? Why do you want to volunteer with this organization? What would you like to get out of this volunteer experience? What are your interests? When are you available to volunteer? What skills and abilities would you like to share or obtain? Are you prepared to provide references and a police record check.

Questions you may want to ask at the Interview What work will I be doing? How much experience does this position need? What type of training is involved? Will your organization provide me with a reference letter?

References Should you be asked to provide references you will be asked to submit names and contact phone numbers for two or three individuals who can speak on your behalf. Employers Teachers Leaders of sport or recreation club that you participate in Leaders from a faith community. The reference should have known you for at least 6 months to 2 years and should be able to answer questions about your abilities, trustworthiness, and dependability. Family and personal friends are not recommended and are often not accepted as a reference.

Police Records Checks Some organizations will ask potential volunteers to provide a police records check. This is usually when the position has a higher level of risk/responsibility for client, volunteer and or organization Requirements and instructions on the procedures will be advised by the organization with which you are making application.

Work-Place Ethics Show up on time Dress appropriately Act professionally Be respectful to others Listen to instructions Do the job to best of your ability and ask for directions if unsure Call and notify your superior prior to the scheduled activity if you are sick or cannot come to work Maintain Confidentiality