Want to get involved? Looking to enhance your résumé?
Heard you should volunteer but don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place!
Start by thinking about your current interests. Do you like people, animals, technology, books?
What types of organizations might need a volunteer with your interests?
For starters, let’s look at:
Animals – animal rescue societies, therapeutic riding stables,
People – Health services, homes for the elderly, shelters and soup kitchens, family centres,
Technology – most organizations use it, and most need someone to help – from social media to understanding html and search engine optimization – there’s no end to the possibilities of this topic!
Books – libraries, tutoring at school, tutoring English as a Second Language, reading programs
Start by searching local organizations that might need your help. You can go online to search, or you can call the Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau with your interests and we will help match you. Once you have some names of organizations you’d like to check out, get on the phone! This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and get more information about the organization and how they might be able to work with you. Some good questions to ask include:
- Information about the kind of work to be done
- Skills and experience needed to do the work
- Skills and experience that will be gained on the job
- Outline of time commitments and duration of the commitment
- Description of the training to be provided
- Overview of the organization, its program goals, mission, and objectives
- Information about the application, interview and screening processes.
Remember, volunteering is a commitment. People are relying on you. That’s why it is important to get as much information up front, so you know whether or not this is going to be a good fit for you. Think of the interview process as a two-way communication. They want to learn about you, and you want to learn about them.
Not sure what you can do? Here’s a quick list of ideas to get you started!
Share your abilities
- Help someone you know
- Help a group of people
- Help an organization
Help other kids
- Peer tutor
- Peer counsellor
Experience and exploration
- Scouts Canada
- Girl Guides of Canada
- Boys and Girls Clubs
- 4-H Clubs
- Service and leadership clubs (i.e. Interact)
Recreation
- Coach
- Lead nature hikes
- Activity coordinator at summer camps
The Arts
- Music
- Arts & crafts
- Theatre
- Museums
- Photography
- Videography & Film Production
Make your voice heard
- Youth based political groups
- World issues
Environment
- Get involved in local or world issues
- Create your own green movement
“Volunteering is a challenge, a privilege, and an opportunity, not only for the individuals who volunteer, but also for the organization supporting them.”