If you have never volunteered, here are a few tips on how to get started:
Ask yourself the following questions:

• What am I interested in doing as a volunteer?

• Do I want to do something I am good at? What do I want to learn about? Do I want to learn a new skill? Do I want to volunteer in something that is related to my job?

• How much time can I dedicate to volunteering? Do I want to volunteer on a daily, weekly, monthly, or episodic basis?

• Do I have an area of expertise that would benefit an organization?

• Would I volunteer in person, or be a volunteer online (cyber-volunteer)? Can I volunteer from home or work? How can I get to the volunteer location?

Once you have answered these questions:

• Contact the Volunteer Center of Burlington County to find a listing of volunteer opportunities and to learn about organizations needing volunteers.

• Call organizations that match your volunteer interest, abilities, and availability.

• Schedule an appointment to meet with the organization’s manager of volunteers.

• Ensure that you have a good match between the organization and yourself before you begin to volunteer.

• Complete any paperwork (application, background check, etc.) needed in order to volunteer.

• Does the organization have a volunteer job description clearly defining what you will be doing? If not, is the organization’s contact person able to explain to you what you will be doing?

• What kind of training/orientation does the organization provide?

• Who will be your supervisor? Will that person be easily accessible to you?

• Is there enough for you to do?

• Will you be working by yourself or with other volunteers?

• Where will you work? Does the organization have a workplace for you?

• How does the paid staff respond to volunteers?

• What time commitment is required? How does this coincide with how you see yourself volunteering – is it too much or too little?