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How to get the most from your volunteer experience

by Karen Sieczka

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A short guide of do's for those considering volunteer work. Thinking about doing some volunteer work in your community? Great! Not only is volunteering good for the heart, it also benefits local organizations and agencies that need your help to augment their staff and services. Working as a volunteer is not quite like working a regular nine-to-five job but the non-monetary gains are many. When searching for a volunteer opportunity that best suits you remember these simple tips:
Find an organization or cause you find interesting. Many local service and social organizations, hospitals, school volunteer programs, the local library, local non-profits, and even local police and fire departments are in need of volunteers to help stretch their ever-shrinking budgets. Think about what gets you excited and involved. Use this as the starting point for your search.
Be realistic when trying to determine how much time you have to devote to volunteer service. Include your time getting to and from the site. You are preparing to make a commitment even if it is only for a couple of hours per week. If you can't commit to a regular schedule consider working during special events or on an as-needed basis.
Make an appointment to see the organization's volunteer coordinator or supervisor to get more information on the types of volunteer jobs available and an overview of the volunteer program. Check if there are any special requirements such as background checks.
Don't be shy. Discuss your likes and dislikes with the volunteer coordinator. His or her job is to find a match for your talents within the organization. Expound on your talents and achievements. Talk about special projects you've worked on and what elements about them were most enjoyable to you. The organization may have a need for something you already enjoy doing.
Be professional. Dress appropriately for the type of office or area you will be working in. Be on time. Call your volunteer supervisor if you can't come to work. People are depending on you.
Remember it takes a little time to get used to a new working situation but if you feel that what you have been assigned to do isn't a good fit, ask to move to a different area of the organization. Sometimes a small adjustment is all it takes to find the volunteer position you're looking for.
Don't forget to smile! You are making an important contribution to your community and its residents as well as making new friends, learning new skills and making future business contacts.
About the Author
Karen S. Sieczka considers herself a renaissance woman, one with many interests. Her background includes working as a community educator, an entrepreneur, a researcher, a website content developer, a budding photographer, an advocate for seniors, literacy and early education, as well as a desktop publisher. Underlying her myriad pursuits is an enduring love of the written word and a need to express her unique view of the world with humor and wit. Karen is available for freelance writing and publications development. Contact her at spatarok@hotmail.com for further information.