Volunteering Tips & Tricks
After a year of uncertainty and stagnation I decided early on that I wanted to make this year count, so I have spent most of this year volunteering for causes I feel strongly about. I’ve helped various organizations through the years and I wanted to share some general tips for volunteering in case you are thinking of donating your time to a good cause:
First thing’s first, where to find volunteering opportunities:
The best way to find out where to volunteer is to visit the websites of local organizations you’re interested in and get on their mailing list. It’s also very helpful to join online groups related to the causes you are interested in because organizations and individuals will often post volunteer requests there. For example, I am a member of several local gardening groups online and local environmental organizations post in there asking for help with planting projects, weeding, setting up greenhouses, etc. Be cautious on websites like Craigslist and volunteer matching websites because, sadly, there are many scammers out there posing as legitimate nonprofits.
Red Flag: if an organization requires you to pay a fee or purchase something in order to volunteer, it is a scam! Report them immediately!
Volunteering in person:
If you would like to volunteer in person, then make sure you:
- look up the location beforehand and inquire about parking.
- carry a lightweight backpack, a messenger bag, or any bag that lets you keep your hands free. You don’t want to be fumbling with a bag or setting your bag down anywhere to be forgotten/stolen.
- carry your ID/driver’s license, very little cash, and some coins for feeding the parking meter if you are driving.
- bring water and a snack, especially if you will be working outdoors during the warmer months. Don’t assume that there will be refreshments or a store nearby!
- bring hand sanitizer, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and an extra face mask
- ask about the bathroom situation beforehand or soon after you arrive! Don’t assume there is a bathroom on site, especially if you are volunteering outdoors.
When you arrive at the volunteering site, try to locate the person running the event and introduce yourself. Ideally, you will have sent an RSVP for that event so the organizer will have some idea of who you are. This is important because you want to make new connections and be accounted for (and of course, it’s only right to say hello when you arrive somewhere). Some volunteer events don’t require and RSVP and in that case there is usually a table or sign-in area somewhere where people congregate and that’s a good place to meet the organizers.
Once you’re settled in, wait for directions or move around to different areas to see what people are doing and ask if they need help. In many volunteering situations people split up into small groups and tackle specific tasks. If you’re not clear about directions, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. It’s always better to double-check than to assume, and as a volunteer you are not expected to know everything.
Remember that you are not obligated to stay for long periods of time or at all. Every bit of help counts and you don’t need to wear yourself out! Decide beforehand how long you intend to stay and then adjust as you go.
Other ways to volunteer:
If you can’t volunteer in person, don’t worry, there are many other ways you can help! Think of any special skill you have. Do you have graphic design experience? Do you have knowledge of common graphic design programs/platforms (i.e. photoshop, canva, etc)? Do you speak another language? Do you write well? Most organizations need to create graphics, posters, and other promotional materials, and they need people to assist with writing campaigns, blogging, writing letters to editor, etc. There are many other skills that can be useful to organizations and these might be things that you do every day, like growing veggies in your garden, organizing small events, or posting on social media. Don’t discount your skills! My biggest piece of advice is to contribute what you feel comfortable doing. Don’t offer to bake 3 dozen cupcakes when you hate to bake!
Other than volunteering, you can support a cause or organization by telling others about it. Talk to your friends, family, neighbors and anyone else who you think might be interested in that issue and share the organization’s posts on social media to help them grow. Hey, maybe you will inspire others to get involved and volunteer as well!
Got tips for volunteering? Comment below and tell me how you help out.
