• What is a nonprofit and why do they need volunteers?
• Who are volunteers?
• Benefits of volunteering
• How to be a successful volunteer
• What to expect from agencies  
• What agencies expect from you
• How do I use the Volunteer Center?
• Reminders

Nonprofits are exactly what they sound like…organizations which provide much needed services to the community without benefiting from profits.  These organizations provide a variety of services to many different clients for many different causes.  Nonprofits are funded through donations or modest fees to their clients for services.  Donations come from a variety of sources including individuals, organizations or corporations.  Nonprofits can also receive funding through grants offered by the government or private foundations.  Nonprofits support a variety of causes such as animal concerns, the environment, social services, refugees and immigration services, disaster relief and others. They provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care, counseling, job training and other free or low-cost services. The money that nonprofits receive is used to pay expenses related to the programs they run.

Volunteers are absolutely vital to nonprofit organizations. Payroll expenses typically are the largest part of an organization’s budget. In order to keep costs down, organizations depend on volunteers to help with the work load and therefore eliminate large staff expenses. By using volunteers, nonprofits are able to allocate more of their budget for increased services and programs for their clients. Volunteers enable nonprofits to offer more services, buy more food for their clients, provide more shelter for their clients and reach more clients. If nonprofit agencies had to pay people to do the jobs that their volunteers do, they wouldn’t have much left over to help their clients.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has."

~ Margaret Mead

Volunteers are regular people who donate their time to help individuals, organizations and causes by personal choice and without pay. Volunteering is an expression of concern about someone or something other than you. It's about going the distance to help your fellow citizens or working with others who share a common goal…it's about putting your values and beliefs into action, sometimes quietly and sometimes boldly…it's about being an active citizen and building a stronger community.

What makes a good volunteer?

• Enthusiasm -- attitude is everything!

• Common Sense -- Volunteers need to know good from bad and right from wrong.

• Personal Interest -- Volunteering should not be a chore; make it something you enjoy.

• Ingenuity - Problem solving is often a component of volunteer work.  

• Compassion - The disadvantaged do not want to feel that they owe you a debt of gratitude. 

Volunteering is a great way to gain some professional experience. It can help you out when interviewing for a job especially when you don’t have previous work experience.  If you volunteer in a thrift store for example, you could use that experience on an application for a retail position. Sometimes, agencies are impressed with the volunteer work you do for them and may offer part-time employment if positions are available. Volunteering is also a great way to learn new skills and put your own talents to good use. 

Did you know that volunteering is an excellent way to explore career options? Nonprofit organizations have the same job opportunities as corporations. Nonprofits have business managers, accountants, computer technicians, public relations and communications employees as well as many others. If they have a thrift store they have retail managers. If they have food services they need nutrition specialists.  If you think you would like to work with children for a career, volunteer with an agency that has children’s programs. If you are interested in a medical career, volunteer at an agency that deals with health issues. People who work for nonprofits do so because they are passionate and dedicated about the cause that agency serves. They will be excited to share their experiences and knowledge with you.

Volunteer experience is becoming more important when you apply for college.  In fact, your volunteer experience can help put you ahead of other candidates.  Admissions boards now look not only at your grades but they also look for information about your interests and what you are involved in outside of school. Volunteering shows that you are a well-rounded person who cares about making a difference in your community. Did you know that there are scholarships available for outstanding volunteers? 

Volunteering allows you to meet new people and form friendships with others that you may never have met otherwise. It is also a great way to network with adults who may have connections that will get you great opportunities. These individuals can also serve as an excellent reference for jobs and college.

Most importantly, by volunteering you are helping meet real community needs. Whatever cause you choose to volunteer for, whether it is mentoring a student, serving food at a homeless shelter, planting trees or countless others, the community benefits and so do you! 

Volunteering is good for you. It reduces stress, gives hope, boosts your self-esteem and just makes you feel good about making a difference. Besides, volunteering is fun! 

• If you have required service hours – don’t wait until you have a limited amount of time before your hours are due. Agencies may have to work you into their schedules.
• Make a good impression. Be polite and respectful. Your first phone call will set the tone for your experience.
• Be on time. Volunteering is a commitment, like a job. The agencies depend on the volunteers to work their shifts or work won’t get done. If an emergency comes up, call and let the supervisor know you won’t be in or you are running late. That way they can cover your shift or make other plans.
• Have a positive attitude. People will treat you the way you treat them. Having a good attitude makes even the work seem better.
• Follow agency guidelines and rules. They have rules for your protection and the protection of their staff and clients.
• Treat clients and staff with respect. The staff works very hard to have successful programs for their clients and deserve your respect. The clients may be very different from the people you are used to being around, but they are people and should be treated the way you would like to be treated.
• Talk to the supervisor if you have any problems with staff, other volunteers or clients. It is their job to take care of problems. Remember, they are there to help you.
• Pay attention during orientation and training. You can’t do a good job if you don’t know what is expected.
• Ask questions if you don’t understand or remember something. It’s better to ask a lot of questions than to do something you weren’t supposed to do.

• An assignment within your range of skills while still offering challenges.
• A job description that provides a clear sense of what you are supposed to do and realistic goals.
• Opportunities to learn new skills.
• Information about the organization and the clients it serves.
• Orientation and ongoing support throughout the volunteering experience.
• Guidance, direction, fair treatment, respect and earned trust.
• Appropriate training.
• Open communication.
• Appropriate and safe working conditions.
• Information on liability issues.
• Recognition for work well done, including promotions and letters of recommendation.

As a volunteer, it is your responsibility to:

• Accept an assignment you are capable of doing with a time commitment that works for you.
• Do the job to the best of your ability.
• Make sure you understand what you are supposed to do.
• Work as part of the team.
• Follow the organization’s rules, including the dress code.
• Show good judgment through your actions and choices.
• Accept guidance and direction.
• Participate fully in any training offered or required.
• Respect the privacy of the clients, staff and other volunteers.
• Show up and leave on time.
• Notify the agency when you will be absent or plan to leave the volunteer position.
• Treat staff members, other volunteers and clients with respect.

1)     Visit our Web site at www.powercrew.org and click on Search Opportunities.

2)   Look in Who Cares? You Can.™ available in libraries or online at www.powercrew.org

3)     Look for special events and group volunteer projects for ideas and places that need you.

4)     Call (214) 818-9846 to speak to a member of the Volunteer Center team.

It is  also important to qualify a volunteer opportunity by its location…you want to be able to get to it. For more information about specific volunteer opportunities call and make an appointment with the agency’s volunteer manager.  Make sure you set a time you know you will be able to keep.  Check to make sure you have reliable transportation to the agency or that you know the bus route.  REMEMBER….if you don’t like where you are volunteering or it is just not working out, you can go somewhere else.  Just let the volunteer manager know you won’t be coming back.

• Attitude makes the difference!
• Be responsible and reliable.
• Look for places that match your interests.
• Don’t wait until the last minute if you have required volunteer hours.
• Keep track of your time and make copies.