Good practices of volunteering

I, volunteer

BEFORE STARTING VOLUNTEERING

I KNOW MY EXPECTATIONS

  • I look for information and read about volunteering.
  • I think about why I want to volunteer and what I want to accomplish.
  • I have thought about how volunteering fits in with my way of life.
  • I think about what conditions I would like to work in and what I want to get out of volunteering.

I CONSIDER MY SKILLS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR VOLUNTEERING

  • I think about what activities are within my abilities based on my skills and experiences and yet offer me development opportunities.
  • I draw up a plan: where, when and how much time I can devote to volunteering.
  • I discuss my plans with my loved ones.

I USE VARIOUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR FINDING A SUITABLE VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY

  • I look for volunteering postings on different sites.
  • I ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations.

DURING THE VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY

I FULFIL MY DUTIES DILIGENTLY AND ACCORDING TO MY ABILITIES

  • I don’t show up late or leave my work unfinished.
  • I will refuse to fulfil a duty if it poses a risk to my own life and health or that of others or if instructions are not lawful.
  • I take part in trainings that support my activity as a volunteer.

I TAKE INTO ACCOUNT OTHER TEAM MEMBERS

  • I familiarize myself with the NGO’s values, customs and rules and respect them.
  • I listen to other volunteers’ experiences and share my own.

I NOTIFY THE NGO’s REPRESENTATVE ABOUT KEY ASPECTS PERTAINING TO MY ACTIVITIES

  • I inform the NGO about my wishes and possibilities.
  • I contribute input in decisions that affect my work.
  • I make suggestions for better organizing volunteer activity.
  • I provide immediate notice about obstacles encountered or if I intend to quit volunteering.

WHEN ENDING VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY

I FORWARD INFORMATION ABOUT MY WORK TO THE NGO REPRESENTATIVE AND/OR OTHER VOLUNTEERS

  • I let them know how much progress I made compared to the plans.
  • I make suggestions as to how volunteer work can be organized better in future.

I SHARE MY EXPERIENCES WITH THE NGO AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS.

  • I take part in an NGO event where I talk about my activity, experiences and lessons learnt.
  • I write a story that the NGO can post on their website, printed matter and lists.
  • I share with the NGO photos I took during my activity as a volunteer.

IF THE OPPORTUNITY PRESENTS ITSELF AND I AM WILLING, I GET READY FOR NEW ACTIVITIES.

  • I share impressions with friends and acquaintances and hear their opinions and recommendations.
  • I start over from the beginning.