I want to learn about volunteering

MAPLE RIDGE/PITT MEADOWS
COMMUNITY SERVICES

"Enabling individuals and families to realize their potential
and achieve a level of self-reliance."

I Want to Learn About Volunteering

Enriching Our Communities Through Volunteerism

Thank you for your interest in community volunteering. You will be a valuable person who offers much to a community in need. YOU’RE FANTASTIC!

1. Everyday Questions and Answers

Where do I volunteer?
All of our volunteer opportunities come from registered non-profit, charitable organizations. These member organizations provide a multitude of services including the arts, health, education, social services, sports and more.

What will I do as a volunteer?
There are many different opportunities for you to explore. A volunteer may assist an agency’s client directly or help with office or organizational duties (examples include – serving meals at a drop in centre, helping organize a special event, editing content for an agency newsletter). Volunteers do not replace paid staff.

How much time do I need to volunteer?
Volunteer positions vary in time commitment depending on the duties and responsibilities. There are positions where you can volunteer two hours per week or you can volunteer for shorter periods – once a month or once a year at special events. The choice is yours.

2. Getting Started

There are many volunteer positions that may fit your interests, needs and schedule.

To find a volunteer position that is right for you, you many want to consider:

How much time am I able to commit?

Would I like a long-term commitment or a short-term commitment?

What are the skills, interests and experience that I would like to share?

What experience am I looking to gain?

What issues in the community are important to me?

What location do I prefer – do I want to volunteer in my neighborhood or close to my workplace?

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you to go further in your search for a position.

Search for volunteer opportunities now.

3. Once you find a Volunteer Position

An individual from your chosen agency who recruits and works with volunteers will be the one to connect with regarding a volunteer opportunity.

Here’s what to expect when you’ve found a position that interests you.

First you contact the agency by email or telephone. You should expect a response within a day or two with more information about the agency and the next steps (interview or information session).

Next you attend an information session at a designated time to learn more about the agency and the volunteer opportunity. It is an opportunity for the agency to get to know you and your skills and experience.

	At the information session, you will probably complete an agency volunteer application form with details, like your name and contact information as well as your interests and skills. References and a police check may be requested as part of the screening process to ensure you are a good fit with the organization.
	Also at the information session, you may have an interview in order to get to know you a bit better and allow time for you to ask questions.

You should get a response within a week about the next steps – start date, training date, etc.

What is expected of you after you accept placement?

Once you’ve joined as a volunteer, the agency expects you to be:

Punctual and reliable – if you are going to be late or absent you will contact your supervisor in plenty of time to let them know.

Committed – that you will stay the required duration of time for the particular project or task you are involved with.

Professional – that you will keep information confidential about the clients at the agency, follow the rules of the agency and represent it appropriately.

Enthusiastic – that you are interested in the cause and that you share your skills and experience with the agency.

Willing to learn – that you will attend all training, ask for help, help others, discuss any problems you have with your supervisor.

Respectful – which you will respect differences in volunteers, staff and clients and work as a team player.

Volunteering Creates Community

MAPLE RIDGE/PITT MEADOWS COMMUNITY SERVICES

"Enabling individuals and families to realize their potential and achieve a level of self-reliance."