How Can I Volunteer?
How You Can Volunteer
There are many ways to find information about volunteering and get involved. Many people will just contact local branches of organisations and ask if they can help. However, other people may be unsure what they want to do and if you are new to the area you probably don’t know all the local organisations that use volunteers. Go to one of your local voluntary organisations and just ask them if you can help.
Do you have access to the internet?
Then access the UK national database of volunteer opportunities at www.do-it.org.uk. This is an easy to use website. You can specify the kind of volunteer work you want to do and where you want to do it. The database will show you what is available and how to make contacts.
Or in the UK contact Volunteering England I want to volunteer: http://www.volunteering.org.uk/IWantToVolunteer
There are also international groups you can contact International groups, like:
IVS http://ivsgb.org/info/home.html
Service Civil International (SCI): http://www.sciint.org/
Visit a volunteer centre or meet an outreach team member in your area
VCD have details of hundreds of organisations and thousands of volunteer positions and details are constantly updated so they can offer accurate information to potential volunteers. We can put you in contact with the right person and can often provide background information on the organisation and the kind of work you might do. This can save you time and you will be more sure that the volunteering opportunity is the right one.
Look out for posters and notices in libraries and community centres
Many organisations put up notices to advertise their volunteering vacancies especially for new projects or events. There are many local festivals, concerts, shows and events which rely on volunteers with a wide range of skills.
Remember; volunteering is just that! No-one will ask you to sign a contract or commit yourself to work or time that doesn’t suit you and you are free to stop volunteering if you wish to. On the other hand organisations will be very grateful for whatever help you are able to give. It is our community and we all contribute to it in whichever way we want.
If you would like to volunteer in the Dorset area, please contact us here.
