Where do I volunteer?

People mostly but not exclusively volunteer at not-for-profit or charitable agencies or organizations. These places provide services in arts, health, education, social services, sports and many more.

What will I do as a volunteer?

There are many different volunteer positions. A volunteer may assist an agency's clients directly or help with administrative or organizational duties (examples - serving meals at a drop-in centre, editing content for an agency newsletter, helping to organize a special event). Volunteers do not replace paid staff.

How much time do I need to volunteer?

Most volunteer positions ask for two to four hour a week and a minimum three-month commitment. There are also periods where you can volunteer for shorter periods - once a month or once a year at special events. There are many volunteer positions that may fit your interests, needs and schedule. To find a volunteer position that is right for you, you may want to consider:

• How much time you are able to commit.
• Whether you would like a long-term position or a short-term position.
• What the skills, interests and experiences are that you would like to share.
• What experiences are you looking to gain.
• What issues in the community you think are important (e.g. environment, arts, health, etc.) and how you would like to help.
• Which locations you prefer - in your community or close to your school.

Thinking through these issues will allow you to refine your search for a position. What should I expect to do?

The volunteer coordinator or supervisor is the staff member in the agency/organization who recruits and works with the volunteers. He/she is the person to contact about the volunteer position in which you are interested.

1. First, you contact the agency by email or phone or in person. You should expect a response within a day or two with more information about the agency and the next steps (interview or information session).
2. Next, you attend an information session at a designated time to learn more about the agency and the volunteer opportunity. It is an opportunity for the agency to get to know you and your skills and experiences as well as for you to find out whether the agency offers what you are looking to gain or experience.
   1. At the information session, you will probably complete an application form with details like your name and contact information as well as your interests and skills. Personal references and a police check may be requested as part of the screening process to ensure you are a good fit with the organization.
   2. As well as an information session, you may have an interview in order to allow the agency/organization to get to know you a bit better and allow time for you to ask questions.
3. You should get a response within a week about the next steps - start date, training date, etc.

What is expected of me?

Once you have joined as a volunteer, the agency expects you to be:

Punctual and Reliable

- You must contact your supervisor in advance to let them know that you will be late or absent.

Committed

- You are expected to stay for the required duration of time for the particular project or task with which you will be involved.

Professional

- You are expected to keep information confidential about the clients at the agency or organization, follow the rules and procedures, and represent it appropriately.

Enthusiastic

- You are expected to be interested in the cause and share your skills, knowledge and experience with the agency.

Willing to Learn

- You are expected to attend all training, ask for assistance if required, assist others, discuss any problems you have with the person you report to, and continue to learn about the agency.

A volunteer is an individual who without financial compensation gives of his or her time and skills to help others in the community.