I’ve never volunteered before. Where should I start?
You’re already reading this, so that’s a great start. If you’re looking to volunteer for a particular type of position (working with youth, administrative, financial, etc.), you’ll find one at Volweb, a website that Options: SCSS updates on a regular basis. You can also book an appointment at our volunteer centre and our experienced staff can answer questions you have about volunteering, and also guide you in finding the volunteer position you’re looking for.

There’s one particular organization I want to work with, but I don’t see any volunteer positions open. Should I apply anyway?
Yes, yes and yes. Not all volunteer positions are advertised externally, so it never hurts to call and inquire.

Do I need to submit a resume and go through an interview?
The application form and interview are a two-way process. It enables the organization to get to know you and decide where you skills and experience fit in, and also helps you decide if the organization meets your own needs and interests.

Do I need a criminal record check?
In most cases, yes. For volunteers the criminal record check is free.

I only have x amount of time to get my volunteer hours in for school. What can I do to get it done quickly?
One way of getting your volunteer hours in quickly is to volunteer at more than one organization at a time. However, note that with any volunteer position you must go through an application process, just as you would for a job. Click here for more information on volunteering as a prerequisite for entering a program at school.

How soon will I get a letter of reference?
The amount of volunteer hours required for a letter of reference varies. Contact the organization with which you’d like to volunteer.

What’s the point of volunteering if I won’t be paid for it?
Volunteer work is often misconstrued as a useless frill in the workforce. Some believe that:

* a “volunteer opportunity” is just a money-saving tactic to displace paid workers
* volunteer work only takes away from job-hunting time
* volunteer work doesn’t count as “real” (i.e. paid) work.

Click here for an article debunking the misconceptions of volunteerism.