Here are a few topics that should be researched with any organization you’re considering supporting through volunteering:
About the Agency
- What are the goals of the organization? Its philosophy?
- How long has the agency been operating?
- Who does the agency serve?
- How many volunteers serve the organization?
- What is the structure of the agency?
- How does the agency interact with the surrounding community?
- How is it funded?
About Volunteering
- What expectations does the organization have of its volunteers?
- What is an average volunteer’s day like?
- What type of service does the agency need? (direct work with clients, behind-the-scenes work, etc.)
- Are there specific skills or qualities the agency is looking for in its volunteers?
- Are there age/education requirements?
- What type of orientations and on-going training do volunteers receive?
- What type of resources are available to volunteers?
- Who supervises volunteers?
- Are there opportunities for regular interaction with the supervisor?
- What kind of feedback or evaluation do volunteers receive?
About Your Involvement
- Must volunteers agree to a minimum commitment?
- How many hours per week are needed?
- Are the work times flexible or fixed?
- Is public transportation available to the site? Is there parking?
- Is there additional assistance required at certain times of the year? (holidays, etc.)
- What skills or qualities can volunteers develop as a result of working with the agency?
- Will meals be provided? (e.g. an all-day event)
- Are there any monetary costs I’ll be expected to cover?
- What will I need to bring/wear? (tools, sun screen, tennis shoes, etc.)
- Will you provide me with contact info for other current/past volunteers so I can talk to them about their experiences?
- Will I be able to choose where I am placed in the organization?
