WHAT EVERY VOLUNTEERSHOULD KNOW

Bullion GreyUniversity Of Self Education & World Awareness

Being a volunteer is as much a part of a full life as work, play and travel.Many opportunities are lost forever to those who never bother

To share a part of themselves.

Know as a volunteer you are number one with the organizationand important to the complete operations.

Volunteers have a history that goes back as far as humanity. Volunteers come in every shape, size, age and religion. As a volunteer you are esteemed as one of the foundational people of society. You are a valued, important and for the most part a rare individual. You can be proud to be a volunteer!

As a volunteer you have many things to look forward to. Some are recognition in your community, letters of recommendation, increased responsibility and higher self esteem not to mention possibilities of paid positions and excellent references.

Volunteer for jobs that you know you can do and will enjoyIt is important that you put yourself in a position that lets you use your talents and skills. That allows you the chances to develop those talents & skills and gives you a sense of satisfaction. Pick positions that you understand for the most part and are willing to grow with and expand. Seldom is it wise to take on a position that is not going to use your skill and that you are not going to have a sense of satisfaction in performing.

Try to learn the history, if only recent, of the organizationIt helps a great deal if you will take the time to read some of the literature of the organization you will be working with. This will give you an overview of what is being accomplished and where you fit in. Sometimes the history of the group you are working for will say allot about the dedication and vision of the charity.

It takes time to adjustJust as in any paid job the time it takes to adjust varies on the individual. The new surroundings, people and circumstances will seem strange and foreign. The smells maybe new to you and the schedule may take time to get use to. But give it your best shot. Give yourself time to adjust and let your supervisor know how you are feeling on the first few assignments. They will be interested in helping you to adjust and may have some ideas to help you.

Some clients will like you better than othersNot all people like all people. But this should not be a problem for you. You are volunteering to help, not make friends, at least not with the clients. If a client seems to dislike you don't be alarmed. Many clients have other points of view and will express them to you. Just be kind and let them know you are here to help by doing your specific job.

Put yourself in the client’s shoesEmpathy is a large part of volunteering. Empathy is putting you in the shoes of another. Many of the clients served will be dealing with complex and troubling problems. This is why they come to the charity for help. Try and be understanding with each client. Some may act rude but you must remember that they are in a very different situation and may have considerably less education than yourself. Their being rude maybe the only way they know of to become recognized and heard. If you can respond in all situations with love then you will find they will warm up to you sooner than you think.

Learn the emergency proceduresIt is important that you learn what emergencies could arise and what you are to do in the event of such a situation. It is helpful to have these procedures written down in large type in front of your work space.

Know that your work makes a differenceKnow that what you are doing is making a difference. It is contribution to a cause, helping a group of people and in the process giving to yourself in the form of self esteem and skill enhancement.

Be honest about your contribution be it small or grandKeep a level perspective about what you are doing. Never try to aggrandize your importance. Every addition to the truth takes away from it. Remember there are no small parts. Every part is vital to the whole. From the little toe to the tiny colon, it all counts and is important.

Keep your area clean and organizedThe best allocation of time and resources are always on the side of order and cleanliness. If you inherit a messy work space then take the time to organize it so it best serves the clients and the organization.

Keep your appearance clean and presentableYour appearance is the way people ascertain your abilities and education among other things. It isn't always fair but it is the truth. If you appear unkempt in your personal hygiene then most people will assume you to be incompetent in other areas. A smart, clean & fresh look will inspire confidence. It also contributes to your self esteem, the way you feel about yourself.

Be punctual & respect the schedule you have agreed toYou want to be recognized for your positive qualities rather than for tardiness and unreliability. Especially if you plan to take on more responsibility or even receive a paid position then punctuality is a must. Even if you don't plan to be promoted, your reliable volunteer service will always be a good reference for you if you should ever need it.

Look out for each otherIn some cases it maybe required that you be observant and stay alert to some clients and their games. Most are harmless and will be only trying to get attention. However there are times when a client will have other intentions and the difference between a real catastrophe and peace will be what you do and how fast you take appropriate action.

Use courtesyAll people respond well to friendly guidance rather than rude admonitions. Speak with a pleasant tone and always try and give the benefit of the doubt rather than try develop a problem.

Be caringOften a person who is unruly or mean just wants to know that someone cares. In one case a man got into a woman's car and wanted to rob her. She responded with telling the thief "I love you, its okay." The thief then said he was sorry and left without taking anything. Caring and genuine concern for others can make the difference. As a volunteer you may have experiences that prove this out.

Listen to clientsListen actively. Listening is a skill that can be developed by anyone willing to learn. Here are some key ideas to help:

1. Let the person know you are paying attention by looking into their eyes periodically.1. 2. Acknowledge the conversation by nodding your head, saying things like "Oh" &

"Aha".2. If the time is not right because other pressing needs then tell the person that you

are interested but must talk at another time. Then set that time on the spot.3. Ask questions that allow the individual to express more clearly what it is they are

trying to communicate, like; "Could you tell me more?" or "How do you mean exactly?"

Don't tell stories and things you don't knowThis is worth mentioning because it can cause quit a bit of trouble for you and your organization. Never tell a half truth or exaggeration. Don't pass on rumors. How do you know if it is a rumor? If you do not have first hand knowledge of the thing in question, know for sure it is a fact, then it should be considered suspect. Rumors never help the situation and often cause needless pain. If you should receive a suspect story or rumor, stop it in its tracks.

Don't Be UntrueFalse accusations or lies can cause stupid mistakes and harm to others. Lies are eventually found out and can mean a ruined reputation even among organizations. Lying is risky business that is not needed or useful. Lies told to clients can even have greater negative effects. People can be drawn to acts of desperation and even death through a careless remark or direct lie. Often even the truth as you know it can hurt another person. Sometimes it is best to say nothing. When in doubt, speak privately with your supervisor.

Don't be afraid to say 'I don't know'Isn't it refreshing to hear another person admit when they don't know? Many times we can offer to find out the facts in a few hours or days. This builds trust and trust is the foundation to good human relations & a successful volunteer assignment.

Do not have or develop personal relationships with clientsMany people who seek out help in one form or another are involved with many different types of problems as well. For example it is in your interest as well as the clients not to accept or initiate an intimate relationship. There are occasions when two single people meet and it is meant to be. These occasions are rare and not to be sought through a volunteer position. If it should happen then excuse yourself from the position and seek counseling. Many times it may seem like romance but in fact is a psychological case. It is common for a client to admire and even have feelings for a volunteer who has been instrumental in solving pressing problems.

Never argue with staff or clientsAn argumentative person is soon avoided and even dismissed. When caught in a discussion that has potential to anger you always ask for a little time out before things escalate into a full argument. Many times the discussion can have a happy conclusionwhen monitored by a supervisor or other mature person. Maybe even another volunteer can have a calming effect on the situation. Focus on the result you are trying to achieve rather than on who is right. Remember it is not who is right but what is right.

Never shout or scream at anyone, or do not use foul or inappropriate languageFriendly communications leads to growth and harmony. Never raise your voice to another. The results can only be returned anger and continuing frustration. The use of foul language is always inappropriate and can be destructive to what otherwise was a sound relationship. When tempted to shout do the opposite, lower your voice. Replace foul words with funny or strange words. Example: Instead of saying "That shit!!" say "That feces!!" This can often cause a pattern interrupt and even lead to laughter, the best medicine.

Contribute to the well being of the organizationAs a volunteer you are contributing to the well being of the organization. If you keep this in mind as you do your tasks this will help you keep focused in this direction. The happier the people are the easier it will be for everyone to do their task. Be a grower of good will and harmony. This will always result in a harvest of good will and harmony for you and your position.

Know the rulesIn each situation there are rules and guidelines to follow. Make it your business, as a volunteer, to know these rules. It is at the critical times that you will need to know what to do, and if you have these in memory you will be less likely to make the wrong decision.

Be willing to learn new thingsPart of the enjoyment of being a volunteer is learning new ways of doing things and new ideas. Keep open to new learning. Even if you studied the position for thirty years you stillwould not know all there is to know about it. New situations arise constantly and require that you be ready when the time comes. Never say 'I know enough’. Those who stop learning stop growing and become stagnant and bored. Avoid growing old by always feeding your mind with new fresh information and ideas. This is the surest way to a full and interesting life. And a great volunteer experience!

Ask questionsQuestions precede new understanding and new experiences. Ask questions and learn the answers. Become interested in your position by always seeking out new and better ways to serve. Asking pertinent questions is a sign of higher intelligence. Be sure when asking that you ask someone who knows.

Follow instructions as best as you canNo one is perfect and no one expects you to be. But you can seldom go wrong by following the instructions given to you. If the instructions are not clear then let your supervisor know. It is better to hear them again, even three times, than to do the job incorrectly.

Increase in your abilitiesAs you work in your position you will notice that your abilities are expanding. You can delegate better or type better or even organize more efficiently with a little practice. These expanded skills you acquire while volunteering will follow you the rest of your life. They will provide you with the foundation to greater achievement and success. Look for ways to increase your abilities. One way is to take night classes on the subjects that interest you. Many times you can use your new learning in practice at your volunteer position.

Know your responsibilities and dutiesKnow what you should do, when you should do it. Don't guess. Follow the routine as it was explained to you. Know what is expected of you and how you are to complete each assignment. If you want to try a new method first speak to your supervisor. Then both of you can make the needed adjustments or improvements.

Attend all the volunteer training classes you canThis is vital for your success as a volunteer. Training is offered because it is needed. Don't miss out on the important facts you will need to know. This can help you be more effective and avoid making painful errors. Go to the training programs offered. It is also a great way to get acquainted with your counterparts and make new friends.

Listen to and learn from other successful volunteersOne of the most powerful ways to learn is from modeling. Find someone getting the results you want, and find out what they have done, and what they are currently doing. Then do the same things and achieve the same results. This works in life and it works in volunteering as well. Learn from the experts. Learn what the volunteers who have been there longer than most do and follow their example. Listen to war stories of other long time volunteers. They contain valuable insights and lessons for you.

Accept graciously removal from your position, reassignment, retraining, and referral to another center or agency, retirement from the organization If you are asked to leave know it has been chosen from a selection of options. It is not that you are not appreciated or welcome but that it has been determined by your supervisor that your services could be put to better use in some other way. Think of it as a promotion of sorts. Many times being replaced can mean finding a more suitable volunteer work experience. If you are asked to go back to training it is not an attack on you. It is in your interest to return to the training to enhance your skills as a competent volunteer. Remember you are volunteering to help others and this is the price we all pay as volunteers. If you are reassigned then look forward to the new and interesting challenge, don't look back. If you are waiting for a promotion but it never seems to come then know that your time will come when you are ready. The immutable law of cause & effect is working in your life as everybody else's. It takes a little more time for some than for others. Be willing, be patient, be open to new possibilities.

Your rewards are in direct proportion to your serviceThe idea of sowing and reaping applies to volunteering as in all other areas of life. If you want more rewards then you must do more. If you want to have more then you must serve more. The way to get more rewards, recognition, and prestige is to be of more service. Your rewards in life and in the organization are in direct proportion to your service you render. To get more you must give more.

If you finish your assignment early find something productive to doYour time you volunteer to give is valuable and shouldn't be wasted in useless waiting or socializing. If your position requires you to wait then wait. But if you complete your assignment then go to your supervisor and ask if there is anything more you could do. Most of the time there are many things that need doing and your request for additional responsibility will not go unnoticed.

Ask about volunteer promotion opportunitiesMany times the supervisor you work with will have allot of things to do. Sometimes this will detract from the idea of promotions. If you feel the need to move to another position or want to be reviewed for promotion just ask. Often this is all that is needed.

Alert your manager to other skills/talents you have If you are a computer whiz at home or know of some really neat games for the clients then share this with your supervisor. If you can teach a class or maintain a machine, and that would be helpful to the organization, then tell your supervisor. Many of us have much more to give if we will only make other aware of it.

Socialize with the staff and other volunteersOne of the benefits of being a volunteer is that you get to meet others with similar values and beliefs. Building friendship is a part of being in any organization and you should do your part to let others know you want and need friends. It is best to look for friends among the staff and other volunteers. Avoid befriending too closely with clients for reasons already mentioned.

Make suggestions or complaints in writing and follow policyIt is good to receive suggestions and complaints so that adjustments and improvements can be made. The organization grows with input form the staff and volunteers. Try and think through the idea you want to convey, the best way to do this is by writing it down. Identifying problem areas along with creative thinking is fundamental to the overall effectiveness of the organization.

Be flexibleBend don't break. Flexibility is a key to growth and success in your volunteer experience. We all make mistakes and bad calls. It is being able to come back and fix it that gives us courage and optimism. It is the flexible people who have the greatest chance of having a positive and rewarding experience as a volunteer.

Reasons why people volunteer & benefits of volunteering-leadership skills, delegation skills, scheduling, managing etc.Section on how to find a volunteer position that works for you

Human relations is the keyPeople respond to you the way you treat them. Every person is a mirror. If you smile at them (First) they will most likely smile at you. To have a friend you must first be a friend. Treat every person you meet as a million dollar customer, a valuable person. Everyone likes to be recognized, praised honestly, spoken to clearly, and treated with respect and dignity. Don't be needlessly stingy or rude. Sharing is a hallmark of friendly people and friendly people are liked, trusted and promoted. Sometimes the time and efforts you give will not be recognized by the staff. If so don't be worried. The reasons for being a volunteer are mostly personal. Many of the rewards you will get won't be measured by others, but by yourself. Often your rewards will come at a time you least expect them in the form of letters, promotions, new opportunities from those you work with and even just in a simple thank you at just the right time. Don't get in to much of a hurry while helping out. Take your time to do a good job. Be thorough, thoughtful and pleasing while volunteering. Giving of yourself and time should be a pleasant and happy event in your life.

You can increase the joy, help reduce the suffering and grow as a person by volunteering. It is something that every person should have the experience doing at least once in their lifetime. Talk to the staff, be open and friendly. Don't try to just do your thing and go home. Others want your friendship too. Share a little about yourself with other volunteers and staff. If you open up to others, others will open up to you.

Be careful about telling clients where you live or workEven telling small bits of information about your personal life is not a good idea, unless you have extensive experience with this kind of person. It can be dangerous to you and your family. Keep personal lives out of your service with clients. It is best to stay focused on the job you have volunteered to do. If a client starts to ask you personal questions you may want to ask them to speak with your supervisor or the director of the program, or tell them it is against policy to discuss personal information.

Learn from other volunteers

→ Ask them questions about how to get your job done better; use the ideas and suggestion of staff and supervisors.

→Remember responsibility goes to the responsible person. Show your maturity by being flexible, punctual and reliable.

→Enjoy your job and you will enjoy your time at the job. This is why it is vital that you pick the right volunteer position, with the right schedule and organization. Don't try to do too much when first starting out at a new position. Step by step is always better than trying to do too much at once.

→Volunteering helps you become a better person by placing you in challenging positions that cause you to grow.

By following these ideas you can become the volunteer you want to be

Thank you,Bullion GreyUniversity of Self Education & World AwarenessBullion Grey is a life long volunteer. He has been a volunteer for 20 years.He has worked as a volunteer for the homeless, drug/alcohol recovery programs, small business owners, foreign students, people with disabilities, artists, social services and the mentally disabled. He has been a member in good standing of the Los Angeles Social Services volunteer staff. He currently, at the time of this writing, is serving as a volunteer online as a Facilitator of Brainstorming. He welcomes your comments and suggestions. D. B. Grey volunteered to write this guide. . . .6/23/2009