Tips for Volunteers

1. You have a good idea of what to expect. If no one has told you, you ask. Use the websites or printed material.

2. Be on time. If something comes up that is unavoidable, or if you even just have a change of heart, you own it and let the organization know you're not coming. You can do this via e-mail, phone, or even text messages.

3. Come equipped with whatever you said you were going to bring. This could include everything from closed-toe shoes to your mom or dad. If you want to be a terrific volunteer, you ask if there's anything else they might want you to bring.

4. You remember that you are in service. If the person running the project asks you to do something you really don't want to do, you do it anyways. If you can't do something due to health reasons, explain them and then ask what you can do instead.

5. Remember that you are there to help. Having a good time is key, but while you' are at the activity, it is actually, at best, the second-most-important reason you are there. If your task is done, for example, ask "what else can I do to help?"

6. If something takes a surprising turn, you go with it. Remember this is a volunteer experience and that everyone is doing their best. If you want to be a stellar volunteer, find ways to resolve the surprising turn things have taken.

7. Use your common sense. Remember the rules that apply to the rest of your life and apply those to volunteering. 

8. Smile and ask friendly questions such as: What is your name? Where are you from? are always good ice breakers.

9. Focus on the good. It's about people trying to do something nice!

10. You stay until the job you agreed to do is done. Even if other people leave early you want to be a great volunteer! And before you go, you say thanks.

If you are not sure about how much time you wish to commit to think about the following before you decide:

• Look at your schedule -work, family, friends, other commitments you have already made- and see how much free time you have
• Consider whether this volunteer commitment is going to fill up some extra time that you've got, or whether you are going to need to squeeze it in-or perhaps give up something else you've been doing (which could be anything from your book club to watching funny videos on YouTube)
• Decide if having another commitment is going to make you feel good and happy and useful-or stressed out, overwhelmed, and resentful
• Imagine the volunteer commitment you are about to take on and where you see yourself in a year. Do you see yourself as proud of what you've accomplished? Wanting to continue? Hoping to take on more? Or glad to put it behind you now that you've done your time?

If you first make a small commitment to volunteer, and you later decide you like it, you are having a good time, and you are really making a difference, then whomever you are volunteering for will be more than happy to give you more to do!.

Taking this into account will allow you to choose the right volunteer opportunity so is both enjoyable and fruitful to you:

• Do you wish to do something that allows you to put in practice your skills? Maybe something that you have done before, or continue doing nowadays
• Would you like to develop new skills? Think about new things you've never done and don't be afraid to try them out! You might find new skills and talents you did not know you possessed