5 Ways to Be a Good Volunteer
We’re so glad you are considering volunteering! Whether you volunteer on a committee or board of directors, for a special event, or for a one-time task, you will make a difference in your community. Volunteering can also be beneficial in career development and for your mental health. Here are five tips for volunteering that are applicable to many different roles:
Be honest about your availability.
Be honest with the organization and yourself about your availability for the tasks at hand. You may really want to volunteer for that special event, but if it falls right in the middle of your busy season at work, it might not be the best fit. Don’t overcommit!
Stay in touch and be reliable.
Check your email regularly (or whatever means is used for communication in the organization). Set up a routine so that you stay on top of communications. If you say that you will complete a task within a week, stick to that deadline or let your team know as soon as possible that you won’t be able to complete the task on time. Family and work commitments will take priority over volunteering, but there are folks counting on you - so give them enough time to figure out another plan if needed.
Respect the staff.
Remember that the staff members of an organization are living the mission daily and will know their community best. Offer help and advice as the situation requires, but make sure to listen to their feedback. Do not expand the scope of their work to fit your needs!
Respect the folks affected by the organization’s work.
You may be working with communities during times of joy and times of trauma. Respect their privacy. For example, don’t take photos at volunteer events without express permission. If you are working with individuals with a different cultural background than yourself, take the time to understand their values and beliefs. 540WMain is a well-known provider of antiracism education in the Rochester community.
Understand and share the mission.
Make sure that you understand the organization’s mission and share it with your own community. Have your own “elevator pitch” ready when someone asks you about the organization. Volunteers can be excellent ambassadors for nonprofits and further the mission by sharing their work!