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 Pre Volunteering Guide

Are you thinking about volunteering?

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering opportunities come in many shapes and sizes. Some people volunteer a few hours regularly, others when called upon by an organisation. You could volunteer in your neighbourhood, online or in other countries. This guide will help you find out what is possible and how to begin volunteering. Volunteering can be one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. Simply put, it is the giving of time and energy to a third party which can bring measurable benefits to the volunteer, client groups (or service users) and host organisations. Volunteering can also have a positive effect on our local communities, our environment and society at large. According to Volunteer Development Scotland:

  • 87% of UK employers think that volunteering can have a positive effect on both getting a job and career progression for young people age 16-25;

  • 29% of adults in Scotland, an estimated 1.3 million people, volunteered in the last year;

  • Volunteers living in Scotland contribute 162 million hours of help which is worth £2.6 billion to the local economy.

Making the choice to volunteer is not motivated by financial gain but because we want to get involved, help others and improve our skills and overall employ-ability. Volunteering opportunities are as wide ranging as befriending, helping at events, driving, fundraising, conservation activities, providing support to children and older people. What turns that donation into an investment is that you get back far more than you give. So whatever you want to get out of volunteering, there is an opportunity that can help you realise it.

 

How will I develop?

Things you will need

  • A passion

  • Time, sometimes very little time

The development of an individual’s skills, attributes and learning will vary from opportunity to opportunity. You can expect to:

Attributes:

  • Gain confidence. Volunteering can help you gain confidence by giving you the chance to try something new as well as testing and developing your skills and abilities in a real world environment.

  • Make a difference. Volunteering can have a real and valuable positive affect on people, communities and society in general.

Skills

  • Learn new skills. Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience and sometimes even qualifications.

  • Learn about your community. Volunteering allows you to see the benefits of your volunteering in action; in your host organisation, your community and society as a whole.

  • Become a Global Citizen. A new insight into your community and society empowers volunteers with the ability to lead their own actions. Along with the knowledge and values that you will gain from learning about local and global issues, volunteers equip themselves with the necessary skills and confidence to be pro-active in making a positive difference in the world.

  • Take on a challenge. Through volunteering you can challenge yourself to try something different, achieve personal goals, practice using your skills and discover hidden talents.

Personal Benefits

  • Meet people. Volunteering can help you meet different kinds of people and make new friends.

  • Be part of a community. Volunteering can help you feel part of something outside your friends and family.

  • Have fun! Most volunteers have a great time, regardless of why they do it.

 

Expectations

Instead of considering volunteering as something you do for people who are not as fortunate as yourself, begin to think of it as an exchange. Consider that most people find themselves in need at some point in their lives. So today you may be the person with the ability to help, but tomorrow you may be the recipient of someone else's volunteer effort. Sometimes you might be on both sides of a voluntary service: maybe you are a volunteer in a local charity shop but last month you needed help from a St Andrew’s First Aid volunteer. Volunteering also includes "self-help". So for instance, if you are active in your neighbourhood crime watch, your home is protected while you protect your neighbours’ homes, too. Adding your effort to the work of others makes everyone's lives better. Your volunteering experience should be a good experience. We want to make sure that you are in a trusted environment, and receive all necessary support from the Volunteering Host Organisation as well as East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action (EDVA). To this end we have chosen to partner with respected charitable (Third Sector) organisations as well as providing some opportunities within our own organisation.

 

What to expect from your volunteering experience

If undertaking a volunteering role internally or externally volunteers are entitled to expectations. These expectations include:

  • Equality - To be treated according to equal opportunities and confidentiality policies;

  • Expenses – To have out of pocket travel expenses reimbursed (subject to approval & not every organisation can afford to pay expenses);

  • Information – To receive up to date information about your volunteering and support;

  • Knowledge – To have a clear description of your role as a volunteer;

  • Recognition - To be provided with a record of your volunteering;

  • Safety – To feel safe and respected and have any concerns dealt with;

  • Skills – To have an enjoyable volunteering experience enabling you to develop your skills;

  • Support - To be fully supported and receive guidance when needed;

  • Training – To receive adequate induction, training and supervision.

 

What EDVA and your Host Organisation will expect from you

EDVA and the organisation you are volunteering with will have expectations too.

Expectations include:

  • Ambassador – To act responsibly and set a good example to others when volunteering;

  • Commitment – To attend at agreed times and tell your project leader in advance if this is not possible;

  • Communication – To let EDVA know the details of your volunteering placement;

  • Contact – To keep in contact with EDVA and your host organization;

  • Dedication – To be honest, reliable and punctual whilst volunteering;

  • Respect – To abide by the policies, procedures and standards of your host organization;

  • Speak-Up – To let your project leader know about any problems, issues or concerns;

  • Update – To inform us and your supervisor of any changes to your contact details, availability or if you wish to cancel your placement;

  • Feedback – To provide feedback when requested to help us improve our service for future volunteers;

 

What do you want to do?

People volunteer for a wide variety of reasons, especially wanting to help others. But it's also OK to want some benefits for yourself from volunteering.

Some people are uncomfortable with the notion that a volunteer "benefits" from doing volunteer work. There is a long tradition of seeing volunteering as a form of charity, based on humanity and selflessness. The best volunteering does involve the desire to serve others, but this does not exclude other motivations, as well.