What is Volunteering? A Guide for Youth

By: Volunteer Success

Do you want or need to volunteer but not sure how to get started? You’ve come to the right place! In this series of short articles, we will cover the what, why, where, who and hows of volunteering. We begin this learning journey by defining what exactly is volunteering.

What is Volunteering?

  • Basic definition of volunteering: the practice of giving one's time or talents freely and without compensation for charitable, educational, or other worthwhile activities, especially in one's community.
  • In other words, doing good for the community without pay!

Don’t skip the next step because you need to know your why! Go to Why Volunteer?

Also check out:

Where and Who to Volunteer With?

When can I volunteer?

How to Find the Right Volunteer Opportunity

How to Apply for Volunteer Roles

How-to Tips for Interviewing and Email Communications

How-to Tips for Applying for Unadvertised Volunteer Opportunities

How-to Tips for Working in the Volunteer Role

How to Troubleshoot Problems in Your Volunteer Role

How to Get a Reference and/or Paid Role!

Also read…

Three tips to help you develop meaningful volunteer roles

By: Rob Jackson

Finding truly meaningful things for people to do is one of the most important aspects of working with volunteers, yet is is something that we can spend too little time paying attention to. This is a problem. This article will give you some great tips on developing meaningful volunteer roles

The Road to Volunteer Burnout: How to Avoid It and How to Manage It

By: Lori Gotlieb

As the saying goes, “if you want something done, ask a busy person”. This holds very true for volunteers and the dedicated work that they do. People are busier now then they have ever been and balancing your life has become more and more complicated. People volunteer for a variety of reasons; they want to make a difference and give back to their community but they also want balance in their volunteer efforts. If they do not get the balance they will get burnt out. This is called “volunteer burnout” and it is more common than you think.

Are Volunteer Programs Ready to Strategically Plan for the Future?

By: Lori Gotlieb

Strategic planning for volunteer programs is a key process to get ahead of change and flux in our communities. It is a plan that helps to create objectives, goals, and strategies that drive growth and responds to community needs. In uncertain times, people are constantly moving in and out, mandates are shifting, budgets are changing, stakeholder needs and expectations are shifting, and priorities are being re-evaluated. A solid strategic plan will help guide your volunteer program for success.