Tips to Create Impact through Volunteering

By Amaka Ekeh

What is Volunteering?

Volunteering is the act of willingly giving time and service to help others and the community. It is one of the most powerful ways to effect change in the community and enhance our well-being. It is also one of the most valuable resources available to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to function optimally and achieve their objectives and goals.

Roles of Volunteers

Volunteers are the lifeline of charitable organisations, assisting the organisations in several ways including giving of their time, expertise, contacts, and networks. They can be involved in strategic or operational tasks, getting hands-on in delivering services to the target beneficiaries of the causes that they support, and carrying out various activities to support the causes – the opportunities for volunteering are endless.

Volunteers play a major role in fundraising. From designing fundraising activities to monitoring correspondence, and organising and attending fundraising events – volunteering is invaluable.

One of the things that make volunteering interesting is its two-way benefits: for the organisation or cause that is being supported and the volunteer.

Volunteers and NGOs also get to network, gain new insights, acquire knowledge about different people and cultures, impact the lives of others, and enjoy a personal feeling of selflessness, psychological enrichment, and achievement.

How to become a Volunteer?

1. Identify the Causes you wish to Volunteer for and what you can offer them

There are many great causes around but you should find the ones that resonate with you – a cause that you feel enthusiastic about and can deeply connect with. Also identify the areas in which you would like to function.

Take an introspective look at your skillset, knowledge, and interests to see how they fit into the cause that you are considering, and how you can make them work productively for your chosen cause.

2. Decide Your Volunteering Commitment

You will need to decide how much time you want to commit to volunteering for your chosen cause. Be realistic about your availability so that you do not over-promise. Also decide on the number of hours you can commit to those causes you care about. Having a clear understanding of your availability helps when applying for a volunteer position.

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3. Search for Volunteering Opportunities & Apply

Having identified the cause(s) that you are interested in, the amount of time you want to commit, and the skillset you can offer, you can start looking for volunteer opportunities.

In assessing an opportunity, check that the expected time commitment fits into your schedule, and that the tasks suit your expectations, and the organisation suits your preferences. The more you know about the role and the organisation, the better you are prepared to add value. Apply for the opportunity after you have dotted the ‘I’s and crossed the T’s.

4. Begin Your Volunteering Journey

After securing a volunteer position, complete all required training. Start with a limited time commitment to help you see if you enjoy the position and fit into the organisation. Be professional in all your dealings at the organisation, treat everyone with respect, be punctual, and deliver efficiently and effectively on tasks. Assess yourself every few months to be sure that you are enjoying the volunteer position.

Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to society and should be taken seriously.

Have you volunteered for a cause before? Let us know in the comment section.

Visit www.fundacause.net to easily raise funds for any campaign that matters to you.