You’ve jumped through all the hoops and you get an email saying you’ve been accepted as a volunteer. Congratulations! What are the next steps?

• Promptly respond to the email or message, within 24 hours if possible. That signals your enthusiasm and interest to the person contacting you.
• Review the position description or ask to see it - like a job description, it lists all the tasks that are required of you. Make sure you know what you aren’t allowed to do.
• Make sure that you can commit to the minimum amount of time asked of you, whether it is hours per shift or number of months in the role.
• Expect orientation and training sessions. Depending on the role and the organization, your orientation to the organization and training for the role can happen at the same time or separately.
• Some organizations offer orientations or info sessions before you even apply, to give you the opportunity to make an informed decision about whether this is a good fit for you.
• Show up on time for your orientation and any training sessions, whether they are virtual or in-person.
• Be attentive at the training sessions, and ask for clarification if you aren’t sure about something. Asking questions shows interest and curiosity.
• Find out who your direct supervisor will be. In larger organizations, the Manager or Coordinator of Volunteer Services will not be supervising your day-to-day work.
• Apart from your supervisor, ask to be introduced to other staff and volunteers. You may even be buddied up for your first session with another volunteer.
• Additional mandatory training should include Occupational Health and Safety and Accessibility Training - ask for this if it isn’t offered to you and stay safe on the job! Even working from home may have health risks if you have to work at a desk for long stretches. Make sure your working area is set up to avoid repetitive strain injury.
• Dress appropriately for the work and if you aren’t sure, ask!
• Does your shift take place over a meal hour? Ask about whether you can bring lunch and where you can keep it or if you have time to buy and eat your lunch.
• Make sure you are familiar with the lay-out of the site if you are working in-person and know where the washrooms are.

More tips on working in the role

• Be on time, every time! If you are late, apologize to your supervisor and improve your punctuality next time.
• Say hi! Greet your supervisor, other staff and volunteers to let them know you’ve arrived; say goodbye when you are leaving.
• Make sure that you are signing in and signing out so that your volunteer hours are tracked, based on the organization’s procedures.
• Can’t make a shift? Let your supervisor know well in advance if possible. They will appreciate the heads-up. Ask if you can make it up if that is possible with your schedule.
• Sick? For in-person roles, stay home if you are sick and let your supervisor know as soon as possible. For virtual roles: decide if you are well enough to complete your shift.
• Be a good team player. Notice something isn’t right while on shift? Bring it up to your supervisor. Volunteer for additional tasks if they ask for more help. Offer to buddy with newer volunteers once you get the hang of your work.
• Stay task-focused as much as possible! Volunteer shifts are typically only 3 to 4 hours in length and while friendliness is encouraged, don’t let socializing get in the way of getting your work done, especially if you are looking for a reference.
• Ask for feedback on your performance so that you can learn on the role. Some organizations may offer formal one-on-one performance review meetings with volunteers but you can always just make it an informal check-in.
• Take advantage of any formal or informal opportunities to learn. There’s so much to learn when you are volunteering somewhere.
• Staff may also be learning from you too! Have an idea of how something might be done in a better way? Consider talking or emailing your supervisor. Start off by saying: “Have you ever considered…?” or “I wonder if you’ve ever tried this approach…” Most organizations appreciate a proactive approach from volunteers.
• If you are sent a volunteer satisfaction survey, make sure to fill it out. Organizations appreciate the feedback and can use it to make it a better experience for other volunteers and ensure that clients or the community receive excellent service.
• If you have completed a specific number of hours and need verification for your school community service hours, don’t wait to ask for it! Have your form ready on your last shift or email the request as soon as possible after your final shift.
• If your school requires you to complete paper forms for your community service hours, keep your signed forms in a separate folder and make copies for yourself before turning them into your guidance counsellors.

Something’s not quite right? Check out: How to Troubleshoot Problems in Your Volunteer Role

Loving your volunteer role and want to take the next step? Check out: How to Get a Reference and/or a Paid Job!