Questions to ask of Volunteering Organizations

Here are a few topics that should be researched with any organization you’re considering supporting through volunteering:

About the Agency

• What are the goals of the organization? Its philosophy?
• How long has the agency been operating?
• Who does the agency serve?
• How many volunteers serve the organization?
• What is the structure of the agency?
• How does the agency interact with the surrounding community?
• How is it funded?

About Volunteering

• What expectations does the organization have of its volunteers?
• What is an average volunteer’s day like?
• What type of service does the agency need? (direct work with clients, behind-the-scenes work, etc.)
• Are there specific skills or qualities the agency is looking for in its volunteers?
• Are there age/education requirements?
• What type of orientations and on-going training do volunteers receive?
• What type of resources are available to volunteers?
• Who supervises volunteers?
• Are there opportunities for regular interaction with the supervisor?
• What kind of feedback or evaluation do volunteers receive?

About Your Involvement

• Must volunteers agree to a minimum commitment?
• How many hours per week are needed?
• Are the work times flexible or fixed?
• Is public transportation available to the site? Is there parking?
• Is there additional assistance required at certain times of the year? (holidays, etc.)
• What skills or qualities can volunteers develop as a result of working with the agency?
• Will meals be provided? (e.g. an all-day event)
• Are there any monetary costs I’ll be expected to cover?
• What will I need to bring/wear? (tools, sun screen, tennis shoes, etc.)
• Will you provide me with contact info for other current/past volunteers so I can talk to them about their experiences?
• Will I be able to choose where I am placed in the organization?