|
Tip Sheets
How to Choose a Volunteer Role That's Right for You
People volunteer for many reasons. It might be to try out a new skill, get work experience to add to a resumé, meet new people or make a difference in someone’s life. Whatever your reasons for volunteering, finding a volunteer role that fits will be as beneficial to you as the act of volunteering. But how do you know if a volunteer role is right for you?
Think about how you dress. Your clothes suit your lifestyle and personality, right? So should your volunteer role. And, as you grow and change, you may need to choose new volunteer roles that fit the new you. You might also want to try new volunteer experiences to stay enthusiastic and motivated. Try the following exercises to help you decide what volunteer opportunities suit you best.
 |
Know yourself |
|
Think about the qualities you have to offer. What skills, attitudes and knowledge do you have? Who might be able to use them?
|
|
Make a list of your qualities. |
|
Now list some volunteer agencies or types of agencies that could use your particular qualities. |
 |
Still more about you |
|
Just because you have certain skills or attributes doesn’t mean you’ll want to use them in a volunteer job. If you work at a particular job all day, it may be the last thing you’d want to do in your spare time. But you may have other skills that don’t get exercised in your usual work. Volunteering is a good way to keep them in shape.
|
|
With this in mind, think about what you are willing to contribute, the things you definitely don’t want to do and what you hope to get out of a volunteer experience. Write these down.
|
|
Time and talent—the skills and other resources you’d gladly volunteer and when you are willing to volunteer them. |
|
Quests—the new things you’d like to try or learn.
|
|
No way! The things you definitely don’t want to do or contribute.
|
 |
Prepare a shopping list |
|
How do you know if a volunteer opportunity is right for you? Create a “shopping list” of things you hope will happen during your volunteer experience. What features are essential? What would be ideal if you were designing the volunteer job of your dreams?
|
|
Ask yourself these questions when considering a volunteer experience: |
|
 |
Does the volunteer role match my interests and values? |
|
|
Am I comfortable with the people I will be helping and the people I will be working with? |
|
|
Will I be able to learn or sharpen my skills? |
|
|
Will I get orientation and training? |
|
|
Will I be able to use some of my own ideas? |
|
|
Does the opportunity fit the amount of time I can give? |
|
|
Is it at a time convenient to me? |
|
|
Does it require a short- or long-term commitment from me? |
|
|
Is there opportunity for advancement or more challenge? |
|
|
Is it in a location I can get to? |
|
|
Are there any expenses like transportation, parking or admission? |
|
|
Does the experience provide me with a written evaluation? |
|
|
Will I get a reference if I do a good job? |
Volunteering is a win-win experience. And when you find a volunteer role that’s right for you, everyone comes out ahead.
|
|
download an online copy or order the publication from the Publications website at alis.alberta.ca/careershop |
|
|
call the Alberta Career Information Hotline at 1-800-661-3753 toll-free or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton |
|
|
visit your local Alberta Employment and Immigration service centre. To find the centre nearest you, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline. |
Last Updated: June 14, 2006
|
