Resources and Guidelines

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Resources and Guidelines

Finding the Right Match

We all have different reasons for volunteering. It's important for you to consider your needs and expectations, and take the time to find an organization that does the work you most want to do as a volunteer.

Ask yourself:

What causes or issues matter most to me?	Do I want to work directly with people or do administrative or research work?
Are there particular people, age groups or communities I would like to work with?	Do I want to work alone, with friends or my family?
What do I hope to gain from this experience?	What don't I want to do as a volunteer?
What do I have to offer?	How much time do I realistically have to dedicate to this?
Do I want to use skills I already have or do something completely new?

Contacting a Community Organization

If you decide to contact an organization directly, be sure to ask about:

Agency's history and mission	Descriptions of volunteer job opportunities available
Overview of services provided and clientele served	Time or length of service commitment required
Hours and days of operation	Training requirements

Ask the agency to send you any written materials that describe their programs, services and volunteer opportunities. This will allow you to compare a variety of organizations at your leisure. In most cases, you can also arrange a tour to see the facilities and talk to paid staff and other volunteers. Also, be sure to visit their website.

Be aware that organizations may ask for references and require an interview to determine whether you are good fit.

If you are ever unsure about an agency or have questions, please contact the Director of Volunteer Services. She or he is available to meet with you individually to discuss your concerns.

Once You Decide to Commit

When you begin volunteering, remember that people will be counting on you to follow through. Some of your responsibilities may include:

Taking orders and doing what the organization needs you to do (within reason).	Participating in evaluations and seeking and offering honest feedback.
Arriving on time and staying for the entire length of your shift unless you've made prior arrangements with the agency.	Making your objectives clear to the people you are working with.
Respecting the organization and its clients' confidentiality.	Addressing problems that may arise before that get out of control, or determining when a situation no longer meets your objectives, interests, or schedule.

Service Partner Links

Inclusion in this list does not imply an endorsement or recommendation by CSE or the Geraldine Doyle Riordan Center for Volunteerism and Service-Learning.

Resources and Guidelines

Finding the Right Match

Contacting a Community Organization

Once You Decide to Commit

Service Partner Links

National Service

Children's Issues

Education

Disabilities

Homelessness and Hunger

International Service

Volunteer Resources