Why are so many people choosing to spend their limited free hours in volunteer pursuits? The motivation varies:
Whatever the motivation, choosing a volunteer position requires some time and thought. Duncan Ledsham, in his article "Scratching the Niche - Helping Volunteers Find the Right Volunteer Experience" writes that volunteers must do their homework before starting a new position. "What should I be doing?" When should I volunteer? Where should I volunteer? These are questions that must be considered. Building on this theme, students looking for a career-related experience should consider the following points:
Since spare time is limited, students should strive to find a program that is well-organized. Here is a brief checklist of points to consider when choosing a program:
Once you start your volunteer work, remember to treat it as you would any other job. Work hard. This is your chance to shine - help others, learn new skills and make contacts. Make the best of it!
As an active volunteer for the last six years, my experiences have taught me about the benefits of devoting my time and energy to different causes. My volunteer career started in high school, where I learned about everything from student government to graduation planning. After starting university, I realized that employers would be looking at my resume wanting to know about my community involvement. This thought made me want to gain experience in my field and develop my skills for a successful job search.
However, a successful job search was not my only reason for volunteering my time. Why have I dedicated my time for the past 6 years? I have worked in different organizations and the people have made me want to continue this learning experience. The populations I have worked with include children, youth-at-risk, immigrant families, special needs individuals, victims of crime in the city, and board members. A diverse group indeed!
Training is another benefit I have derived from volunteering. I have been through courses of up to six months in length that were offered for FREE! It has been great to receive current certificates recognized by outside agencies and employers. Training presenters also have great ideas for entering a career field and contact names for information.
Volunteering has provided me with the foundation to develop skills for the working world. I have learned to use new computer programs, enhanced my interpersonal skills and learned to deal with the special needs of the public, just to name a few. The best advice is to enjoy what you are doing and your experience will be a positive one!
I come from a small community located in southwestern Manitoba. Throughout my life, I have been actively involved in volunteering my time at different community and school events. Upon graduation from high school, I moved to the city in order to attend the U. of Manitoba.
In class, my professors would often promote volunteerism as a wonderful way to gain relevant work experience. I decided that this was good advice and was eager to get started. Why? Firstly, I want a good job after I graduate and I needed an edge over other applicants. Secondly, I wanted something besides school - a way to meet new people, network and participate in activities that I enjoy.
Once the volunteering seed was planted, the search began. I was interested in many different areas, but I felt I needed a contact or a sign that said 'come join our team'. I kept the door open to many opportunities and ideas but nothing jumped out at me.
I knew that I wanted something on or close to campus as well as a position that I could fit in between classes.
It was just after Christmas when I decided to come up to Student Employment Services to begin my job search. I was looking through the employment binders when I saw an advertisement asking for volunteers to help out with the Grand Opening of the Career Resource Centre. This was perfect - just what I was hoping to find.
Since then, I have been involved in many different volunteer placements, each a little different. What are the benefits? I feel that I have increased my employability skills by learning to work within a team-oriented atmosphere and to communicate effectively with other employees as well as the general public.
I have also made contacts and expanded my personal network, and have received training in many different areas and on different issues.
I believe that I have added value to my degree by volunteering and by expanding my employability skills. I am hopeful that I will someday be seen as a valuable addition to an organization and worthy of being placed in the ranks of the employed.
Manitoba has long been recognized as having one of the largest and most active volunteer sectors in Canada. Volunteers, like other employees, require leadership and organization in order to get a job done. This is where the Volunteer Administrator comes into play.
Typical Day
According to Colleen, there is really no "typical day" for a Volunteer Manager. Not only can the job change from day-to-day, but each Volunteer Manager may have different job duties. Some skills are common to many positions. These skills include:
Enthusiasm about volunteering is a fundamental aspect of the job and highly necessary in order to motivate and provide recognition of the accomplishments of volunteers. When treated with respect, a volunteer is more willing to put his or her best foot forward.
Career Opportunities
Managers, Directors, Coordinators, Administrators and Executive Directors - these are a few of the job titles for those who provide direction, coordination, and consultation for volunteers services and programs. Wherever there are volunteers, there is room for a Volunteer Coordinator. They work in hospitals, schools, social service agencies, cultural, recreational and health promotion organizations, government, and non-profit organizations. The current job outlook for this field is favourable. Over the past few years, many position vacancies have been listed.
Training
Colleen indicated that many Volunteer Administrators have degrees in Human Ecology, Social Work, or Recreational Studies. However, a baccalaureate degree in a behavioural science, human resource management, business management, or communications could also be beneficial. The Volunteer Centre of Winnipeg offers a course called "Introduction to Volunteer Management." This course is a pre-requisite to the new Volunteer Management Certificate program offered by Red River College. The professional organization of volunteer managers, Manitoba Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA), provides for on-going professional training through meetings, newsletters and conferences. Colleen touts membership in this professional association as a valuable way to meet people in the field, develop ideas and gain access to resources on volunteerism.
Pros and Cons
A definite pro is the chance to work with a diverse group of wonderful people who are committed to the same organization and similar issues. Valuable working relationships are formed and a lot of satisfaction can be derived from seeing your volunteers, many who start with wonderful skills, grow even more. Volunteers are motivated people, appreciative of the experience and training received.
The job itself demands a person who is very flexible. This can be a con, because the hours required to work may vary due to activities planned outside of regular working hours. Volunteer Administrators are typically not paid a high wage, but the satisfaction comes from what you put into the job, the people that you meet and the relations that are formed.
Tips! Tips! Tips!
If you are interested in this field of work, Colleen suggests that you first become a volunteer yourself. Try volunteering to help a Volunteer Administrator. Enrolling in a practicum course can also help you gain adminstrative experience. Secondly, Colleen suggests that you complete a communications course since communication skills are of paramount importance. Finally, it would be a good idea to take the Introduction to Volunteer Management course offered at the Volunteer Centre of Winnipeg and to join the Manitoba Association for Volunteer Administration.
Want to learn more about the Manitoba Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA)? Contact MAVA at Box 3099, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 4E5. An interest package will be sent out to you!
Looking for a Volunteer Position? Check Out:
The Volunteer Centre of Winnipeg
3rd Floor, 5 Donald Street
477-5180
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