Before making a volunteer commitment, please give the following some thought. (Print this list out if it would be more convenient).
How much free time do I have available? (Be realistic about your schedule, extracurricular activities, study and down time, as well as travel time for getting back and forth from the agency).
How many hours per week do I have available to volunteer?
How many weeks or months am I able to commit? Can I make an ongoing commitment, or am I better off volunteering for occasional events/projects?
Why do I want to volunteer?
Have I done volunteer work before?
Do I have any interests, skills or hobbies that I would like to use in my volunteer job?
How far am I willing to travel? Do I need a car?
What work environment do I prefer? (Think about your likes and dislikes, your preference for direct or indirect service, and what you hope to gain from the experience).
Do I have time for training?
Do I want to work independently or with other volunteers or staff?
With what age group do I want to work?
Do I have the ability to work with all types of people?
Do I want to work one-on-one with someone or with a group of people?
