Questions to Ask

Before you start as a volunteer, ask yourself the following questions to help you make the most out of your volunteer experience.
 

  • If you had all the time and money in the world, what problem would you solve? What would you change or create? Your answer will tell you what matters to you most.
     
  • How much time can you commit? Weekly? Monthly? Mornings or evenings? 
     
  • What kinds of people do you want to work with--both in terms of who is receiving the services and who your co-workers might be? Do you want to volunteer with children? The seniors or disabled?  
     
  • Where would you like to volunteer? At home or at an organization? Do you have transportation?
     
  • Do you have specific skills or talents you would like to share? Others could benefit from your expertise--whether that be gardening, sewing, bookkeeping, web designing and much more. 
     
  • What are your personal goals? Gain work experience, explore a new career, champion a cause near and dear to your heart and
  • Are you willing to participate in a training course or do you want to start your volunteer work right away? A training course can boost your skills, but it can also be time-consuming.
  • What DON'T you want to do as a volunteer? Identifying your dislikes will give you a clearer picture of what your ideal volunteer experience looks like.
     

As a potential volunteer, it's equally important that you ask the agency/nonprofit organization questions about the position:
 

  • What is the organization's mission?
     
  • How will your volunteer work help the organization fulfill its mission or goals?
     
  • What kind of volunteer work will you be doing? Is there opportunity for advancement?
     
  • Is there a written job description for the position?
     
  • What skills will you use/develop?
     
  • Is there a trial period? If so, how long is it?
     
  • Who is your supervisor?
     
  • What kind of environment is it? Hectic or slow-paced?
     
  • Will out-of-pocket expenses be reimbursed?
     
  • Is a background or child welfare check required?

--Adapted from the Volunteer Centre of Ottawa-Carleton and the Volunteer Centre of Hamilton and District

All these questions are important, and will help you narrow down your search when choosing the right organization to volunteer with. 


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Last updated: July 6, 2010