When asked why s/he has chosen to pursue volunteering many potential volunteers find this hard to express.

There are many reasons why someone decides to make time to volunteer. The catalysts can be personal, professional, community or society driven. Motivation trends change and evolve over time.

It is important for individuals, non-profit organizations and volunteer centres to understand what motivates volunteers because this affects the success of the future mutual experience. Motivations determine how, why, when and where volunteers are most fulfilled, and are therefore most effective in their chosen voluntary positions. A positive volunteer experience in turn leads to the success of community services and programs.

Individuals (and groups) volunteer to:

• Experience personal growth, learning and satisfaction.
  
• Pursue professional growth and development.
  
• Create employment skills.
  
• Expand his/her professional network.
  
• Enjoy social interaction / meet new people.
  
• Master a new language.
  
• Learn about a new society, country or community.
  
• Fulfill a sense of empathy / connection with a "cause".
  
• Be a part of positive change in their community.
  
• Have fun.
  
• Build personal empowerment and self-esteem.
  
• Instill a value of giving and caring.
  
• Complete education or work experience requirements.

1. Ask yourself "What do I want or expect from a volunteering experience?" and "How much am I willing to give of myself?"

• What are my talents, abilities and skills?
  
• What do I want to achieve? Why am I volunteering?
  
• What kind of work would I be good at and/or willing to learn?
  
• What type of organization or "cause" would I like to contribute to?
  
• How much time do I have to give? When am I available?
  
• How long a commitment am I willing to make?
  
• How far am I willing to travel? What are my transportation needs?
  
• What kind of environment would I prefer to work in? Indoors? Outdoors? Physical work? With other people or alone?

3. Contact your local Volunteer Centre.

• Volunteer Centres provide a "catalogue" of volunteer positions. Most Volunteer Centres offer telephone referrals or in-house appointments to receive information about current volunteering opportunities in the community.
  
• Volunteer Centres educate volunteers about their rights, their responsibilities and what to expect in a quality volunteering experience.
  
• Volunteer Centres help make volunteering possible for all! The skills, abilities and needs of each volunteer are considered in providing access to volunteering.
  
• Volunteer Centres educate organizations about the importance of quality volunteer management in providing positive work environments for volunteers.

4. Surf the Volunteer Opportunities Exchange. Use our link to visit the VOE.

The Volunteer Opportunities Exchange is a tool for volunteers to view current volunteer positions and for organizations to list their volunteer needs. VOE creates your profile — asking skills, interests and location questions — then matches you with the needs of organizations across Canada.

5. Ask at a school.

Many secondary school and post-secondary education institutions have programs in place offering assistance to find suitable volunteer opportunities. Teachers, counselors and leadership classes may offer advice and even provide group volunteering opportunities. Many colleges and universities offer volunteer matching programs within Student Services.

6. Contact local organizations directly.

If you know where your interest lies or you want to help a particular group — contact them directly. Some organizations advertise using local print and broadcast media. Many local, provincial, national or international non-profit organizations have their own websites or try your local newspapers for more information.

What Organizations Expect from Effective Volunteers

An organization can expect a volunteer to:

1. Choose an organization the volunteer can respect. The volunteer's values need to match the organization's mandate.

2. Accept a volunteer position the volunteer believes in and feels will meet his / her skills, interests and available time.

3. Ensure the volunteer understands and adheres to the organization's mission, policies and procedures.

4. Know that the volunteer will ask for additional information and / or training as needed. To be effective the volunteer needs to fulfill work assignments using policy and procedure guidelines.

5. Give and take constructive feedback. Cooperate with organization staff to improve the success / effectiveness of the service / program provided.

6. Work as a team member within the boundaries of the volunteer position. Understand the function of paid staff. Treat staff and volunteers with respect.

7. Respect the confidentiality of client records and the personal information of volunteers, staff and service recipients.

8. Provide service to the public with care, dignity and respect.

9. To be dependable, prompt, honest, patient and flexible.

10. To be an invaluable source of caring, compassion and motivation!

Resources Available From B.C. Volunteer Centres

• "Introduction to volunteering" group orientation sessions.
  
• Brochures, books and videos about volunteering.
  
• Websites featuring articles for volunteers.
  
• Programs offering support to specific volunteers (i.e., youth).
  
• Current information regarding available volunteer opportunities (on the Internet, by email, phone, fax and in-person).
  
• Promote (and sometimes coordinate) volunteering opportunities for groups.
  
• Provides copies of the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement.

Want to know more about how you recognize a good volunteer program/volunteer experience?

1. Get a copy of the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement.
2. Learn more about how a healthy organization values its volunteers.