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Volunteering FAQ’s
Q. I really want to volunteer but have three young children and don’t seem to have the time. What can I do to help?
A. Right now your primary responsibility is helping to raise your family and this takes up most of your waking hours. If you have any time at all to give to a volunteer situation it will probably be on an episodic basis. When you get the chance, you may wish to work for the same organization or may want to try out a variety of situations. Often, checking with your local volunteer center or with the Hands On Network affiliate if your city has one, can provide just what you are looking for. Another option is to be a virtual volunteer and work from your home computer. Internet volunteering may be just the answer for you. Look up virtual volunteering on the Web for opportunities. When the kids get older, a family volunteer option might be just right for you and yours.
Q. I would like to make a difference in the life of a young person by being a mentor, but don’t have any idea of what’s involved.
A. Mentoring is one of the most valuable and needed volunteer opportunities around. You will need some fairly involved training so that you will both feel and be effective. You will also want to get together with your peers on occasion to share your experiences and concerns and the comfort in knowing that you are not alone. When searching for the right mentoring situation, ask about training and follow-up. You must also be realistic about your own availability so that you can meet your mentee on a regular basis.
Q. What if I make a commitment but find that the volunteer situation is really not the best fit for me?
A. Be honest. Share your concerns with the organization and leave as soon as it works for you and the organization. There are other possibilities that will be a better fit.
Q. Am I expected to make a financial contribution to the organization if I volunteer?
A. While the nonprofit organization would certainly be happy to accept financial support, that should not be a condition of volunteering unless you are going of the board of directors which has a different set of expectations. Most organizations expect their board members to contribute financially and make these expectations clear before appointing new board members.
Q. There is an organization whose mission really inspires me but their volunteer programs are pretty weak. Would I be better off with another group whose volunteer programs are well-established?
A. Maybe. If there is an organization that gets to the core of what is of interest to you, it may be possible to work with them to improve their volunteer offerings. Perhaps you and other volunteers can help them to develop programs that will utilize your talents and interest in furthering their mission. If this is not possible, you may want to work with another group where your efforts will bring greater results.
Q. Somebody told me about an organization that sounds OK, but I haven’t heard of them and want to volunteer for a group that is going to do some good. How do I find out about them?
A. With about 900,000 tax exempt nonprofit organizations, it’s possible that you haven’t heard about them all. Most organizations will have a website. Look them up and learn about their mission. Call or write for written information if available. You may also want to take a look at their financial statements. Go to www.guidestar.org and look at their tax returns. Ideally you want to work for or contribute to an organization that uses most of its income for programs and not administration or fundraising.
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