Volunteering
Volunteer work provides much-needed assistance to local non-profit community organizations offering crucial services to residents and can also result in positive outcomes for volunteers. Volunteer work can show you how to use and hone skills you already have, enable you to develop new ones and discover abilities you didn’t know you possessed. Volunteer work builds skill sets, increases confidence, and provides a sense of satisfaction.
Skills you acquire through volunteer work are transferable to the workplace and can increase your level of employability in today’s competitive job market. Increasingly employers demand that potential new hires be well-rounded, community-minded workers with ample volunteer experience. Volunteer experiences can result in references from supervisors, helpful contacts, pertinent work experience, and sometimes even offers of employment.
Here are some ways to start your search for meaningful volunteer opportunities. Begin with where you are now. Some questions to consider are:
- What do you like to do?
- What things do you enjoy?
- What are your current interests?
- Is there something new you would like to participate in?
- What are your skills?
- What abilities do you already have?
- What did you learn in school or in the workplace that would be useful in helping others?
- Do you have specific training or experience?
- Are you interested in expanding your skill set?
- What would you like to learn?
- How much time do you have to offer?
- Are you available weekdays, weekends, after work/after school?
- What transportation options are available to you?
Examine your answers to see if they have areas in common, or lead you in a particular direction.
You can then visit Volunteer West Island’s website (www.cabvwi.org) to look at some of the volunteer positions that are available in the West Island Community Sector. You are encouraged to complete the online volunteer application form whether you have a particular volunteer opportunity in mind, or are open to a variety of options.A Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to discuss possibilities to help you find a match!
You can also contact local organizations directly to see what volunteer opportunities they have to offer. Consult the CRC’s list of organizations here. (link to the non-profit page)