Ready to find a really rewarding volunteer position? We can help, but first a few things you should consider…

• How much time do you have to volunteer? 
• How much of a commitment can you make? A one-time project, a week, a month, a year? 
• Do you want to work alone, with friends, family or co-workers?

• Why do you want to volunteer? 
• What do you want to do?
• What interests, hobbies or experience do you want to share? 
• How do you want to volunteer? Directly with people? In an office? On a committee or board?

• Where would you like to volunteer? Hospital, school, nursing home, office, gift or thrift shop, shelter/soup kitchen, sports/recreation program, camp, park, musuem, theater? 
• How will you get there? Do you need a car? Is it accessible by public transportation? 
• What kind of atmosphere would you like? Quiet? Fast paced? With others? By yourself? 
• Do you want to volunteer inside or outside?

• Infants; pre-schoolers; elementary, middle or high school students; adults; elderly? 
• People with physical, mental or learning disabilities?
• Individuals (one-on-one) or groups of people? 

• Do you have any physical or mental limitations that you should consider when choosing a volunteer job? 
• Do you know someone who would be a reference if you needed one? Have you asked them in advance?

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Once you've found the perfect opportunity, it's time to make sure that you and the organization will be a good match. Always be open and honest when you discuss opportunities for volunteer work - the more you and the agency know about each other, the better the match will be!
 

• What is the purpose/mission of the organization? What programs/services does it offer? 
• What are the responsibilities of the volunteer job? 
• What kind of commitment is required? 
• Will I be trained? By whom? 
• Who will supervise me? 
• Will I be working with other volunteers? With staff? Alone? 
• Are there costs involved, such as lunches, meetings, travel, uniforms? Will I be reimbursed for my expenses? 
• What about parking? Public transportation? 
• Does the agency have liability insurance that covers volunteers? 
• Are there policies and procedures for volunteers?

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