During the pandemic, volunteering has become more important than ever before.

Roles are changing rapidly as the non-profit landscape changes, and this has allowed organizations to focus their volunteer efforts to responding to the needs in the community in a meaningful way under the varied restrictions.

Organizations are looking for new and creative ways to engage volunteers with their stakeholders and clients through both in person and virtual methods.

There have been many lessons learned during the Pandemic and organizations are more open to unique volunteer experiences than before. What that means for volunteers is that there are opportunities that may fit into the unique set of skills or abilities to work virtually, which removes geographic barriers.

Many people want to volunteer but don’t know how to start the process. There are a few key steps that you can follow.

Ask yourself the following:

• Why do you want to volunteer?
• What skills do you think you have to offer?
• What skills do you want to learn?
• What time commitment works best for you?
• How flexible are you?
• What are your strengths?
• What type of organizations can you see yourself being involved in?
• What area interests you?
• What are your passions or curiosities? (Animals, sports, culture, hospitals, community services to name a few)
• Do you work well independently?
• Do you have access to technology?
• What are your limitations and availabilities?

Once you have answered the questions above, the next step is to let your fingers do the walking.

• Check out the different organizations websites and look at their mission, vision, and values. If they have their strategic directions listed, you can find some great ideas as to where their priorities are heading and if you have skills that could be of assistance.
• Read about their programs and go to their volunteer pages (assuming they have one) and look at what they have to say. Not all websites list their volunteer positions and even if they do, there is still the opportunity to discuss how your skills can make a difference and build a unique position for yourself. If you are not sure about where to go, you can always look up your local volunteer centres or other volunteer matching websites.
• Fill out the forms if available online and then they will get in contact with you but because of the restrictions there may be a time delay in response, you may want to reach out to them as well.
• Once you have booked an interview, this is an opportunity for you to interview the organization as well. As well, if available ask to see a role description because this document will break down the responsibilities and benefits related to the position. This matching process is a two-way street, you also want to make sure it is the right fit for your needs (as mentioned in the above self-identifying questions).
• The matching process is an opportunity to find out about each other and see where the common ground is as well as the expectations and benefits of the role.

Ultimately, you are looking for a rewarding opportunity that fits into your life and gives you a chance to not only share your passion, skills, and talents but to learn new skills and talents to build on your foundation. Do your homework, make informed decisions so that you make the right choice and this will start a long mutually beneficial journey for both you and the organization that you have chosen.

For more information, advise or if you have a question, please feel free to reach out to me at lorigotliebconsulting@gmail.com or check out my website for articles and workshop ideas at www.lorigotliebconsulting.wordpress.com