Etiquette Today: Volunteering
We take a look at how to be your best when volunteering.
Volunteering
Volunteers are the unsung heroes of our communities. When you volunteer your time, your resources, or your skills you’re helping to meet the needs of your community. You’re connecting with those in your community, and you’re participating in caring for your community. These are all such good benefits, but when we volunteer, we want to make sure that we are being and bringing our best to the people and organizations we are helping. We also want to do our best for the other volunteers and organizers. Here are five tips to aim for when you are volunteering.
Understand the opportunity. Have a clear understanding of what is expected of you if you commit to volunteer. Signing up for something thinking it’s a one-off when, in fact, you were committing to a month’s worth of service is not good for the organization or you.
Be realistic about your availability. Sometimes, our hearts are bigger than our capacity to help. It’s okay if you’re limited on time or resources to say so when you’re being asked to volunteer. “I’m sorry I can’t commit the time right now.” However, this doesn’t have to limit you from participating. You might not be able to drive weekly for Meals on Wheels, but you can always ask if other organizational tasks need support. Committing time or resources you don’t truly have can be worse than just saying no or asking if other opportunities are available.
Take your volunteering commitment seriously. It’s imperative that you show up for volunteering that you’re scheduled for or deliver resources you’ve committed to an organization in the appropriate time frame. Showing up on time is just as important as showing up. Being late disrespects the other volunteers and the people who benefit from the organization’s efforts. Communicate promptly about delays, if you have to cancel because you are sick or an emergency has come up, or about personal vacations or work events that could disrupt your volunteering schedule. Respect the rules of the organization or position, including dress codes, breaks, and guidelines for interacting with the people your organization assists. And, of course, give at least two weeks’ notice if you have to leave your volunteer position for good.
Take care with your feedback. You usually get results if you see things aren't working well and try to set them right in business situations. In a nonprofit, it's sometimes trickier. Don't get frustrated about how things are done or assume ineptness on the part of the organization's managers. The fact is that financial resources often constrain them, and even with a great group of volunteers, there is usually more work to do than hours in the day. While it's okay to have ideas and suggestions, bring them to the appropriate person and always levy them as a suggestion or observation rather than in the context of how the organization is failing or getting something wrong. (Any safety issues should be brought to management's attention immediately.) Just be sure not to push your suggestions too hard, and don't be hurt if nothing comes of your effort.
Focus on the good you are doing. Volunteer jobs can be simple, like answering calls and redirecting them or being a flagger for parking at your organization's big event. It can also be more sensitive in nature, such as when assisting someone with basic self-care like bathing, dressing, and eating. No matter the task, it can be easy to let boredom or fatigue wear you down. Remind yourself of the good you're doing, why you chose to become a volunteer, and that EVERY JOB is helpful to this organization and the people it serves.
Tell us about your volunteer experiences in the comments. We’d love to see the ways you’re supporting your community! If you can’t post here, please head over to Monday’s Podcast Post, where the comment thread is open to all, or consider signing up for a Community Membership to post on any Emily Post article.
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Until then,
Lizzie and Dan
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