What is Volunteering? A Guide for Youth

By: Volunteer Success

Do you want or need to volunteer but not sure how to get started? You’ve come to the right place! In this series of short articles, we will cover the what, why, where, who and hows of volunteering. We begin this learning journey by defining what exactly is volunteering.

What is Volunteering?

  • Basic definition of volunteering: the practice of giving one's time or talents freely and without compensation for charitable, educational, or other worthwhile activities, especially in one's community.
  • In other words, doing good for the community without pay!

Don’t skip the next step because you need to know your why! Go to Why Volunteer?

Also check out:

Where and Who to Volunteer With?

When can I volunteer?

How to Find the Right Volunteer Opportunity

How to Apply for Volunteer Roles

How-to Tips for Interviewing and Email Communications

How-to Tips for Applying for Unadvertised Volunteer Opportunities

How-to Tips for Working in the Volunteer Role

How to Troubleshoot Problems in Your Volunteer Role

How to Get a Reference and/or Paid Role!

Also read…

Co-creating racial equity in volunteer engagement

By: Rob Jackson

Our friends at the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement (MAVA) have recently published the latest report from their inclusive volunteering project. Whilst the report has it’s origin in the ongoing racial tensions in the USA, the findings have lessons for all of us engaging volunteers, and so we are pleased to share the following update from MAVA on our blog.

Leading Volunteer Programs Through Choppy Waters

By: Lori Gotlieb

We are in a world that requires us to pivot, react and respond to the changes in the non-profit environment. Volunteer programs have been hit hard by the pandemic requiring them to shift to virtual programming and/or closing their doors and being shut down completely. In many cases, volunteer programs and those who lead volunteers will need to dig deep into their leadership skills and look at the best ways to serve their communities and develop meaningful volunteer opportunities.

Youth Thrive Program: Volunteer, Gain Experience, and Build Your Career

By: The Career Foundation – Youth Thrive National Program

The Youth Thrive Program is a unique initiative under the Canada Service Corps (CSC), designed to provide meaningful volunteer service opportunities for youth, while also equipping them with the skills, experience, and network to succeed in the professional world.