Volunteering

Shaping Your Future Through Volunteering …and generally just getting involved!

Shaping Your Future Through Volunteering Voluntary Sector Community Services Council Benefits of Volunteering Finding The Right Fit Rights and Responsibilities How to Get Involved Volunteering in NL

Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador © CSC 2003 NOT SIMPLY VOLUNTEERS…. The voluntary, community-based sector is the total collection of all voluntary groups… Including charities, non-profits, community groups and committees such as sport and recreation, faith, economic and community development, service providers, culture, arts, environment - and all their resources including volunteers, employees, infrastructure, assets and finances. What is the Voluntary Sector?

Volunteer Centre Volunteer Week Global Youth Service Day Student Work and Service Program – SWASP Research, Consultations & Information Sharing Profiling the Sector Training Opportunities Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador

What is Volunteering? Fundamental act of citizenship Offering time, energy & skills of one’s own free will Formal or informal You give & you receive!

True or False? Volunteers are nice to have around but are not vital Volunteers are less competent than paid professionals Volunteers have responsibilities as well as rights There are many ways to volunteer

Why Volunteer? Career Development Meet new people Make contacts Find out about the work world Develop existing & new skills Explore career possibilities Learn to market yourself Enhance job search/gain experience

“The linking together of individuals who, through trust and relationship building, become walking, talking ambassadors for one another” Networking…

What does it say about YOU? Coach Volleyball Grad Committee Read in Church Collect Door-to-Door Peer Counselling Hockey Team Beach Clean Up Student Council Help a senior citizen Direct, Supervise Organize, Plan Communicate Manage Money and Time Listen, Talk Assist, Cooperate Problem Solve Make Decisions Support

Why Volunteer? Personal Development Gain personal satisfaction Feel accepted & valued Be part of a solution Appreciate people’s differences Take on new challenges Discover strengths and talents Gain self confidence Have responsibility & input into projects Build a better society Have Fun!

Assess Your Situation Your skills Your interests Your beliefs/values Your goals Your lifestyle/limits

Look for Opportunities Family & Friends Schools Community Organizations Volunteer Centres The Media The Internet

Volunteer Responsibilities Sincere Objectives Screening Policies & structure Skills & interest Training Expectations Efficiency Confidentiality Direction & feedback Accountability Suggestions Voice feelings Dependable

Volunteer Rights Suitable position Position description Guidance Organization info Workplace/resources Receive feedback Make suggestions Receive training Be appreciated

Tracking Your Progress Identifies new skills and knowledge Log activities –Date –Time –Activity description (action words) –What you learned –Contact person

© CSC 2003 How Volunteers Grow Community -Provide Valuable Community Programs and Services -Stimulate Economic Growth -Provide Opportunities to All Ages -Respond to Social Needs -Support Cultural Diversity and Heritage

Snapshot of the sector… The Sector in Newfoundland and Labrador Number of Groups ~ © CSC 2003 religious recreation/sports com & econ dev. education social clubs heritage health family/youth emergency bus/prof/assoc arts & culture women disabilities environment seniors justice aboriginal fundraising

© CSC 2003 What Do Volunteers Do? Organizing or Supervising Events51% Canvassing, Campaigning, Fundraising44% Sitting as a Board/Committee Member38% Office Work28% Providing Information27% Teaching & Coaching26% Providing Care or Support23% Participating in Self-help Group22% Maintenance & Repair19% Collecting & Delivering Food15%

Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador © CSC ,700 VCBOs in Newfoundland and Labrador -138,000 Volunteers in Newfoundland and Labrador -31% age 15 and older volunteered their time & skills -The average number of volunteer hours per year is 206. Quick Facts NL volunteers donate the equivalent of 15,000 full time jobs!

Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador © CSC 2003 Contributed more than 28.6 million hours up almost 40% Door-to-door canvassing Young people most active 37% of residents aged 15 – 29 Value of Volunteer Work in NL $220 Million Quick Facts

Volunteering – Final Thoughts Doesn’t have to be a lifelong commitment or a one-time experience Everyone has something to offer What you will gain can & will change Find something you really enjoy Often hard work, but rarely dull Discover new parts of yourself, make friends, try new experiences & feel satisfied

© CSC 2003

Shape Your Future Through Volunteering …get involved!