Finding the Right Volunteer Opportunity:

People become involved in community service for a variety of reasons. Some volunteer to help others or to focus on a specific issue or to gain work experience and career exposure. Whatever your reason, it is important to examine your motivations in order to find the program that will best suit you.

We suggest that you ask yourself the following questions before choosing a volunteer job:

  &bull Time Commitment - How much time do I realistically have? How much of a commitment am I willing to make?
  &bull Skills and Interests - Why do I want to volunteer? What do I feel I can offer the community? Do I have any interests or hobbies that I would like to share with others through my volunteer work? Will the job I choose fulfill those motivations?
  &bull Experience and Issues – Would I like to continue my past experience or explore something new? Are there particular social issues that I would like to address?
  &bull Community - What age group do I want to work with (children, teens, elderly)?
  &bull Do I want to work with people who have disabilities (physical, emotional, mental)?
  &bull Do I want to work one-on-one with a person or with a group of people?
  &bull Geographical Preference and Setting - How far am I willing to travel to do volunteer work? What kind of place do I want to work in (school, hospital, shelter, etc…)?

Calling or Visiting the Agency

      Remember that community service agencies are busy places! Sometimes you will have to leave two or three messages before the agency coordinator gets back to you. Don't give up.
      All of the agencies that are listed on the SCSC page have expressed an interest in working with you. If you do reach the agency volunteer coordinator on the first try, ask if this is a good time to talk.

Make sure you explain the following:

  &bull you are an ISU student
  &bull you received their name and number from the ISU Students’ Community Service Center website
  &bull you are interested in the work their organization addresses
  &bull the days and hours you would like to work
  &bull any past volunteer experiences you have had
  &bull any particular skills which you would like to use or feel you have to offer
  &bull schedule an appointment to meet with them as soon as possible to discuss how you could work together effectively
  &bull you appreciate the time they are taking to meet and possibly work with you.

Before you hang up make sure you have the following information:

  &bull the day and time you can meet with them,
  &bull the agency location and directions by car, foot, bicycle or bus.

When you visit the agency, be prepared to ask the agency person any additional questions you may have.

Here are some questions you may want to ask:
  &bull Who does the agency serve?
  &bull What is the history of the agency?
  &bull Do they offer training to volunteers? If so, is it mandatory?
  &bull Who will be my supervisor? Will a supervisor always be present?
  &bull Are volunteers required to give a minimum time commitment?
  &bull How does the agency operate? Are there specific hours of operation?
  &bull What are some problems I might encounter? How might I deal with them?
  &bull Are there any do's and don'ts? Are there safety/health regulations?
  &bull What opportunity will I have to develop my skills and expand my responsibilities?

Also, bring a copy of your resume to give the agency coordinator ideas about how you might best fit into their organization.

Commitment

It is important that you develop a clear understanding of your goals and expectations, and that you discuss them with your agency supervisor. As a volunteer you are working with professionals and working with a community that is looking to build on its strengths. In order for you to be effective in your role in the community you must establish trust between yourself and the people with whom you will be working. One way to create this trust is by maintaining and cultivating a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to the organization and community. If a situation arises where you cannot keep your commitment, let the agency know as soon as possible. Remember they are counting on you. If you are unhappy with your volunteer position, don't just quit. Analyze the situation and discuss it with your agency supervisor or a ISU staff member. After October 1st, you may contact Linda Burke, director of the Students’ Community Service Center for personal assistance.