Course handoutLife and communication
Getting ready to volunteer
What volunteering can look like, and the questions to ask before starting a role.
Theory and discussion only · Community education, not accredited training
Key takeaways
- 01Volunteering comes in many forms, from regular shifts to one-off events.
- 02Choose a role that suits your interests, strengths and the time you have.
- 03Ask about tasks, training, supervision and support before you agree to start.
In this course
01What volunteering can look like
- Regular roles, such as a weekly shift.
- One-off roles, such as helping at an event.
- People-focused roles or hands-on practical tasks.
- Some roles can be done online or from home.
02Matching a role to your interests and strengths
- What do I enjoy doing?
- What skills and experience do I bring?
- What would I like to learn?
- How much time can I realistically give?
03Questions to ask before you start
- What will I actually be doing?
- Who will I report to, and who can I ask for help?
- What training, checks or paperwork are needed?
- What hours are expected, and can they be flexible?
- Are costs such as travel covered?
04Training, supervision and support
- An induction introduces the organisation and its rules.
- Training helps you do particular tasks with confidence.
- A supervisor is your go-to person for questions.
- Check-ins are a chance to raise concerns or ideas.
05Working as part of a team
- Be reliable, and let people know early if plans change.
- Ask questions rather than guessing.
- Respect privacy, roles and boundaries.
- Share your ideas and welcome other people’s.
Talk it over
- What kinds of volunteer roles have you seen or heard about in your community?
- What strengths could someone bring to a volunteer role?
- What questions would you most want answered before starting a role?
- What helps a volunteer team work well together?
Reflect
What interests or strengths of yours could suit a volunteer role?
What are two questions you would ask an organisation before starting?