Do you need volunteer experience to qualify for a college or university program?  Do not procrastinate!  It takes 6 months of volunteering 4 hours per week to accumulate 100 hours of experience!

Expect to apply for a volunteer position as you would apply for a job.

A common misconception about volunteer work is that because it is unpaid, an organization will welcome anyone with open arms — i.e. you can show up and expect to start the next day.   However, like any other company, non-profit organizations have application and interview processes.  Some organizations may have an ongoing intake of volunteers, while others only accept volunteers on a seasonal basis.   A lot of positions require a criminal record check, which can take up to 2 weeks to process (it’s free or charge for volunteers).  And if the volunteer work is specialized, training may be involved.  For example, volunteering at the  South Fraser Regional Crisis Line requires a 7 week training period before any work can be performed.  Add it all up and you may not have as much time as you thought!

Panicking? Don’t worry; we’re here to help!  Here’s how you can avoid the pitfalls with simple preparation:

1. If you have time in your schedule, consider volunteering at more than one organization. If you volunteer at two organizations simultaneously, that 6 months it takes to get 100 hours of experience can be slashed in half to only 3 months!
2. Consider the size of the organization and the program you want to volunteer. If you’re applying to a nursing school and you want to volunteer at Surrey Memorial Hospital, know that they have a very large volunteer program with many opportunities and many applicants.  Their volunteer procedures take longer than most and 6 months of volunteer work is requirement before a letter of reference is issued.  Smaller, lesser known organizations may be more flexible to your school/work schedule.
3. Think outside of the box in terms of  where you can get experience.  Are you looking for experience doing accounting or finance?  Revenue Canada isn’t the only place to attain this.  Volunteer with any organization that helps low-income families and inquire about assisting in preparing their tax returns.  Administrative and bookkeeping positions are also available with all types of non-profit organizations.   It never hurts to call and let them know what you have to offer, even if you’re unaware if a position is available.  Remember: the Canadian Cancer Society doesn’t limit its volunteer intake to med students, just as Habitat for Humanity doesn’t restrict its volunteers to experienced construction workers.   Non-profit organization have their goals, but the structure of the organization itself is built on a collaboration of different departments, one of which may suit your volunteer experience needs.
4. Network. Network, network, network.  Talk to everyone you know. If they have no direct connections, ask if they know someone who does.  Also, always send thank you cards to people who help you.  These people may turn into useful network resources in the future.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  OPTIONS: Surrey Community Services is always here to assist you in finding the right volunteer opportunity.  Call (604) 584-5811 to book a free consultation, or check out current volunteer opportunities at Volweb.