Confirm the essentials
Check the date, location, contact person, dress code, supplies, and arrival instructions. Ask whether training or orientation is required.
Arrive informed, prepared, and ready to help.
Preparing to Volunteer
A little preparation makes volunteering more useful for everyone. Before your first shift, confirm what the organization expects and whether the role is a good match for your abilities and schedule.
Explore learning resourcesVolunteer interest formExplore the essentials
Respect boundaries and privacy
Follow the organization’s rules for photographs, personal information, and interactions with the people it serves. Never assume you may share someone’s story publicly.
Reflect afterward
Write down one thing you learned and one way you could improve next time. Consider whether you can make a sustainable commitment.
Put learning into action: Choose one practical idea from this page, try it this week, and reflect on what you learned.