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Success
Tips for Volunteering
Volunteer
jobs vary greatly in how they are organized and what is expected
of the volunteer. Some volunteering, such as helping the coach at
your child's sport activity, is very informal. As you watch the
children, you may see a way to help, such as retrieving the ball
or encouraging all the children to participate. Some volunteering
is much more formal. You are expected to perform tasks in a certain
way and meet a certain level of care or efficiency. In these cases,
you have more responsibility to the organization and the people
you volunteer with.
The
key to successful volunteering in any setting is to commit only
when the job is right for you, to be clear about what is expected,
and to do your best at all times. The following tips will help you
to meet the expectations of most volunteer situations.
1. Be
reliable
- Give
advance notice if you are unavailable, if you must change your
schedule, or if you plan to stop volunteering.
-
Fulfill the commitment you made to the volunteer program.
2.
Work safely
- Follow
safety and security procedures.
- Wear
appropriate clothing.
- Pay
attention to signs in the workplace.
- Ask
questions when you need assistance or information.
3.
Know your limits
- Be
aware of your duties.
- Read
your orientation and training materials.
- Attend
all training sessions as required.
- Decline
assignments that are unsuitable for you.
4.
Communicate openly and ask for feedback
- Offer
suggestions that might improve the volunteer program.
- Give
feedback if you are unhappy in your volunteer job.
- Clarify
instructions so you are sure to do the job right.
Ask your
staff supervisor to identify what you do well and areas you can improve.
5. Behave professionally
- Maintain
confidentiality, be discreet.
- Dress
appropriately.
- Have
fun, but remember that others may be observing your behaviour.
- Maintain
a tidy work space.
6.
Demonstrate initiative
- Think
ahead and do tasks without being told.
- Be
a problem solver, and try to find solutions before seeking help.
- Try
to improve your performance.
7.
Strive for accuracy
- Double-check
all your own work.
- Listen
carefully to instructions, and clarify instructions to be sure
you get it right.
- Ask
for feedback.
8.
Manage your time effectively
-
Use your time wisely, and allow others to do the same.
-
Ask about deadlines and complete work on time.
-
Arrive on time and stay until the end of your shift.
-
If you require help for a personal problem, schedule time with
your supervisor or other staff members outside of your regular
shift.
-
Make arrangements outside of your shift for personal things such
as preparing your résumé using the organization's
computers.
9.
Develop your skills
-
Ask for feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement
-
Be willing to accept suggestions for improvement
-
Keep a list of new vocabulary words and practice them in the workplace
-
Ask for more challenges in your work
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