Monday 29 August 2016

Factors To Consider Before Joining A Non Profit Volunteer Organization

By Janet Wood


The society faces some challenges that cannot be solved through profitable ventures. For instance, disaster response teams are often volunteers from different areas of specialization. Before anyone can join any non profit volunteer organization, they must be committed to the complete the agreed term of service with the institution. This is because when people quit before their term is over, the operations of the organization are affected and can also demoralize other volunteers.

You will need to do research and find out what are the core values of the organization. This is very important because if the values do not match your personal beliefs, then it will be very difficult to work with the institution. Working on a cause you believe in makes the burden lighter and gives you a sense of satisfaction.

Many times when people apply for positions in organizations, the motivation is how they will benefit from the institution. Very few people think about what they will give out to the employer. Perhaps this is the reason why many employees hop from one company to another in search for better pay. Unfortunately, when volunteering, you will need to know upfront what value you can add to the organization. This will help you know when your volunteer time is over as you will have finished your mission.

If you are a young person, it is wise to sign up with an organization where you can gain work experience and training related to your career path. This way, none of your volunteer days will be wasted as you will be building on your career experience.

In some cases, you will need to consider your suitability for the position offered. For instance, organizations involved in search and rescue usually recruit physically fit volunteers. This selection criteria disqualifies many who have the passion for this noble duty. It thus important to confirm whether you meet the minimum requirements for you to be accepted as a volunteer.

Work and family commitments keep people busy until they miss important opportunities to touch lives of others. Volunteers must confirm that they are available for the tasks before them. This commitment calls for volunteers to work extra hours and often sacrifice important events so that they can help others. However, this does not translate to neglecting your duties. So, only sign up with a non profit institution if you are sure that neither your family nor career are at risk.

Proximity to the operations center of the organization is very important. Choose a cause that does not require you to relocate from our current home. This will cause little disruption to your schedule. On the other side, if you are required to relocate, you will need to do a lot of planning as this will affect your family. Your children may have to change schools. This is a huge change which needs to be managed carefully.

Sometimes volunteering may not be possible due to commitments or other factors. This does not mean that you cannot support the cause of your choice. There are always opportunities to donate money, drugs and equipment used in the daily operations of these organizations. This can be a way to get you involved.




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