Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 13, 1993 TAG: 9305130404
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-11 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ALMENA HUGHES STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The volunteers seemed so enthusiastic. They said their giving makes them feel worthwhile. It adds to their work or school experience, enhances their health, helps them make friends, feels good. They made you want to do it, too.
You've never volunteered before. But you've got time, talent, energy, and you'd like to give something back to society. Caught up in the fervor, you've decided to call somewhere and offer your services.
But wait a minute before you dial that phone.
"Deciding where you'd like to volunteer is the same as deciding where you'd like to work," says Jennie Sue Murdock, director of the Voluntary Action Center, Council of Community Services.
She says there are probably more than 250 groups needing volunteers in the valley, in addition to religious institutions, civic groups, fraternal organizations and private commitments. That means first you've got to narrow the field.
Oscar M. Williams, director of the Institute for Leadership and Volunteer Development at Virginia Tech, says, "Ideally, a volunteer organization would have a job description stating its mission, showing who reports to whom and clarifying how the volunteer would fit in in terms of skills and interests."
In the real world, though, volunteer efforts seldom are so structured and well-organized. That means you've also got to determine what you'll do and how and when you'll do it.
Understanding yourself and the organization before you commit are the keys to successful volunteering, Murdock and Williams say. Here's what they suggest:\ Ask Yourself:
Why do you want to volunteer?
Where would you like to make a difference?
Would you like something different from your usual job or activities?
What are your special skills and interests?
How much time and energy can you give?
Do you have access to reliable transportation?
Do you want to work in a specific geographic area?
Do you want to work in front of or behind the scene?
Do you have a preference as to age, health or capabilities in the people with whom you will work?
Do you prefer one-on-one or group involvement?
Would you prefer a large or small organization, formal or informal structure?
Will your commitment be long- or short-term?
Will you be involved with the recipient's family?
Will you find the volunteer environment stressful?
How much responsibility do you want to take on?
\ Ask the organization:
What is its mission and whom does it serve?
What volunteer opportunities does it have?
What type of orientation, training, support and supervision will you receive?
How much time and energy are you expected to commit?
Will you be required to lay out any money? If so, how much and for what reason.
What exactly will you do?
To whom will you report and how often?
Will your reports be written or verbal?
How long a term will you be expected to serve?
Is there a probationary period and how long does it last?
What will your evaluation be based on and what form will it take?
Williams and Murdock said that potential volunteers also might want to check with an accountant about tax implications and deductions and with their insurers about coverage in case of an accident while doing volunteer work.
Murdock warns that a good volunteer is always in demand. Learn to say no sometimes, she cautions, or you could end up becoming overcommitted or overextended.
There also are wrong reasons to volunteer, she says, including to get a job, to gain recognition, because someone is forcing you to do it or because everyone else is doing it.
If you don't find the exact opportunity you're looking for, you might be able to create your own agenda.
"We're seeing more people who want to do a specific thing on a specific day, like help feed the homeless on Christmas," Murdock says. "We're seeing more people volunteering within their homes, particularly among the disabled, they're making phone calls and doing bulk mailings.
"We're also seeing more families volunteering as a unit. And more people are looking for short-term commitments - things they can do in one or two days."
Libraries have books on volunteering. Voluntary Action Centers are listed in the telephone book and they or social services agencies can help you focus your talents and find opportunities.
But perhaps the best place to search is within yourself.
"Do what you're interested in," Williams says. "Get caught up in a cause larger than yourself. Search your own mind for a way to help make society better, find the best vehicle by which to accomplish that aim and attach yourself to it."
by CNB