Things to consider before volunteering
Volunteering is a very fulfilling thing to do. It enriches you in terms of knowledge and make you grateful for the blessings in your life. Volunteering also helps you feel good about yourself, improves self-confidence, lowers feelings of depression and even keeps you physically healthy!
However, before anyone embarks on the journey to becoming a volunteer, there are a few things you need to consider in order to help you find the right role for you.
Check out our useful Step by Step Guide to getting started as a volunteer.
Before Committing
Key questions to ask yourself:
Everyone has their own reasons for volunteering. Whether you are new to an area and volunteer in order to meet new people or whether you are retired and looking for meaningful ways to spend time – There are no wrong reasons to volunteer!
When you identify why you want to volunteer, then you will be able to set your volunteering goals.
Setting goals for volunteering will help you narrow down which volunteer opportunities you want to pursue.
Some examples of goals can include: making new friends, learning a language or developing new and desired skills. Target your volunteer search around opportunities which can help move you towards your goals.
Do you enjoy working with other people? Or are you more of a solo player?
Understanding your own personality is important when deciding which volunteer opportunities to apply for.
An extravert might be great at front out house roles, giving information and greeting guests, while an introvert might be more suited for organising and setting up venues.
At the same time, volunteering is a great way for you to build confidence and step out of your comfort zones.
Volunteering often provides a low-stress environment to improve on your personal weaknesses. Take advantage of these opportunities!
What causes do you care about? Knowing this can make your quest to volunteering a lot simpler.
Think about what you are passionate about. What are some community problems that concern you? If your choices include broad issues like health or environment, you may want to narrow it down to specific parts of the problem (e.g., cancer or litter pollution).
When your volunteering role actively contributes to a cause that you are passionate about, it will make the task seem a lot more rewarding (and enjoyable).
Over 65% of all volunteers who volunteer do so because they were asked.
One of the most important considerations you should think about before volunteering are your needs.
If you are under 18 you will need to let the volunteer co-ordinator know your age; some agencies have set age limits for their volunteers
For many people, the biggest barrier to volunteering is a busy schedule. However, most of us really can fit volunteering into our lives.
There is no minimum time requirement – you can put in an hour a day, an hour a month, or an hour a year. Look for gaps in your schedule or combine volunteering with other important activities like family time, or combine it with a hobby (e.g. photography, playing the piano, etc.).
For those of you more strapped for time, consider volunteering for specific events which don’t require commitment after the event’s conclusion.
Remember to pick a convenient location – sticking with a volunteer opportunity will be hard if getting there is part of the problem
- Do you have your own transport? If not, is it easy for you to use public transport to get to your place of volunteering?
- In what ways do you feel you can best contribute?
- What are your particular skills and interests? What do you really enjoy doing?
- Do you prefer to do something practical i.e. with your hands?
- If you want to work with people, have you identified a particular group of people with whom you would like to work?
- Would you prefer to do something you have already done, utilising skills you have already acquired, or would you prefer the challenge of doing something new?
- What skills and interests do you already possess?
- Many everyday skills are useful when volunteering. Make sure you don’t overlook skills such as writing letters, decorating, talking, listening, DIY, driving, reading, shopping, sport, leisure and outdoor activities, entertainment, gardening etc.
Remember that you should enjoy your volunteering experience. Pick something that you think will be fun, fulfilling and enjoyable.
Volunteer FAQ's
Some of the most frequent questions asked by volunteers
To register simply click the “Register to Volunteer” button on our homepage.
When you have registered with us a member of our team will contact you within 2-3 working days.
Yes, but you will need to check the role description you wish to apply for, as some organisations are unable to accommodate persons under the age of 18.
Of course! But you will need to contact the organisation you wish to volunteer with and check if they can accommodate your individual needs.
Yes, volunteering can be a great way to up-skill and show potential employers your abilities and willingness to work.
However please notify your Deciding Officer in the DEASP if you do begin volunteering.
Of course. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, make new friends and integrate into a new community.
Please note, some roles will however require a minimum level of English
Yes, most organisations will do an interview for long-term roles.
Volunteering roles are very similar to employment roles, the organisation need to ensure you are the right candidate for the role. Interviews are also an opportunity for you to find out more about the role and organisation.
Most organisations are happy to supply you a reference if you volunteer with them.
However, some organisations are less inclined to give references for once-off events and will only provide references for regular volunteers.
It is important to ask the organisation before starting.
Some organisations will reimburse expenses, such as, travel etc
However, each organisation is different and some may not reimburse expenses, so please ensure that you discuss this with the organisation before starting.
You will only need to be Garda Vetted if your volunteering role involves regular access to children or vulnerable adults.
The organisation where you volunteer will look after Garda Vetting for you if it is required.
- Know the Facts
Volunteering while Jobseeking
THE FACTS
- You are allowed to volunteer while receiving Jobseekers Benefit and Jobseekers Allowance, in fact the Department encourage it – but there are a few conditions.
- You need to be available for and genuinely seeking employment. The amount of hours you volunteer for is not necessarily a barrier.
- Your volunteering activities need to be really voluntary i.e. unpaid, and the organisation you volunteer with has to be not-for-profit.
- You should inform your deciding officer that you’re volunteering.
- They will give you a form to bring to the organisation you’re volunteering with (it’s called a VW1 form). The organisation fills in the form and return it to DSP.
- The Deciding Officer decides if the person can volunteer or not based on the type of volunteering involved; the aims and standing of the voluntary body; the weekly hours volunteered; and the amount of any payment received by way of out-of-pocket expenses. Note: there are no set weekly hours, and even people who contribute lots of voluntary hours may not be affected.
DISABILITY PAYMENTS
If you are in receipt of Disability Allowance, Illness benefit or Invalidity Pension, you must get permission to volunteer before you begin.
If you are getting Invalidity Pension you cannot do more than 19.5 hours per week voluntary work (no limits for those in receipt of Illness benefit or Disability Allowance)
If you are in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, you can do a maximum of 15 hours per week voluntary work. You must get permission from Department of Social Protection before commencing Volunteer Work