Giving Back to Your Community: 5 Tips for a First-Time Volunteer

*Collaborative Post

The experience of volunteering your time, energy, and talents to various philanthropic efforts is an enriching one that may not only leave a positive impact on your life, but on your community as well. Your initiative can go a long way in improving the quality of life of others—especially those who are in need. Moreover, giving back also lets you get to know the people who comprise your community, whether it be in your city, school district, or parish church. Wherever you decide to dedicate your volunteering efforts, you can be part of a solid support system that brings individuals together for a good cause.

As a first-timer, however, you may have some concerns regarding the what, where, and how of volunteering. Where should you start, and what should you do so that you and the other people involved can have a productive and enjoyable time? Some volunteering opportunities, for example, take extra prep; if you attend a coastal cleanup or spend a long day at an orphanage, you’ll need to come wearing comfy clothing like women’s leggings and sneakers or walking sandals.

Let’s take a look at some tips that will ensure that your first volunteer engagement goes well:

1) Find a Volunteer Opportunity That Aligns with Your Skills and Goals

Before diving into your first volunteer experience, take some time to reflect on what you hope to achieve through volunteering. This way, you can focus on looking for volunteer opportunities that align with your goals.

To make your search easier, consider what skills you can bring to the table. Do you consider yourself a very dependable home cook, and do you know for yourself just how humanizing and empowering a delicious hot meal can be? If so, then perhaps you’ll be great at volunteering your talents in the local soup kitchen. If you’re good with animals, try helping out at a no-kill shelter by cleaning the kennels and giving the dogs a walk. Again, find a volunteer opportunity that matches your skills so that your efforts benefit the organization and so that you know you’re making the most impact with your time.

2) Plan and Prepare for the Activity

Once you’ve picked a volunteer opportunity, the next thing you want to do is to prepare for it adequately. You’ll want to stay on top of the logistics to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of your volunteer work. Having a solid plan means you get to carry out your tasks without any unnecessary obstacles, allowing you to place more focus on making a positive impact in your community.

Start by communicating with the volunteer coordinator or organization. Gather any information you need about the volunteer role, schedule, and any specific requirements for the event. It’s also a good idea to ask if the organization provides training to help volunteers better understand their roles, responsibilities, and the organization’s mission and values. If so, take advantage of this training so that you can be laser-focused on doing a good job as a volunteer.

Finally, take some time to mentally prepare yourself for your volunteer experience. Reflect on why you decided to volunteer and what you hope to achieve. This can help you approach your volunteer work with a positive attitude and an open mind—truly ready to learn and make a difference.

3) Dress Appropriately

When volunteering for the first time, it’s important to dress appropriately for the tasks at hand and the environment you’ll be working in. While some volunteer opportunities may require specific attire, such as uniforms or safety gear, others may allow you to wear more comfortable clothing like T-shirts and leggings.

Before your first day of volunteering, ask the organization if they have a dress code. If they do, follow it to the letter. It’s also in your best interest to avoid wearing clothes with potentially offensive or overly attention-catching graphics or messages when volunteering. Remember that you’ll be representing the organization you’re volunteering with, which is why it’s important to maintain a professional appearance.

4) Follow the Rules of Volunteering Etiquette

Volunteering is a rewarding experience, but it’s important to remember that you’re entering a new environment with its own set of expectations. You’ll need to follow the rules of volunteering etiquette to ensure a positive experience for both you and the organization you’re volunteering with.

For instance, arriving on time for your volunteer shift shows respect for the organization and the other volunteers who are counting on you. It also displays your commitment to your responsibilities and that you’re serious about making a difference in the community.

You also have to stay adaptable and be willing to pitch in whenever help is needed, as volunteer work often involves unexpected challenges or changes in plans. Finally, you have to respect the privacy and confidentiality of the people you’re serving. There may be times when you’ll come into contact with sensitive information or personal stories during your shift, and it’s best to avoid sharing any confidential information to maintain the dignity of the people you’re helping.

5) Set Realistic Goals for Future Volunteering Opportunities

While it’s natural to want to make a significant impact right away, it’s essential to recognize that change takes time and that every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in its own. Set realistic goals for different stages of your experience to help you build your confidence and allow you to see the impact of your efforts more clearly.

Tackle tasks that are more manageable and achievable, and you’ll be able to make the most of your time and resources while also contributing steadily to positive change in your community. This mindset will also prevent you from being overwhelmed by your responsibilities, helping you stay committed to your volunteering goals.

You can do a lot of good things when you give back to your community, even if you’re volunteering for the very first time. Use these tips above to set a good precedent for your volunteering journey, and you can continue to do good things for the people you’ll be serving for the longest possible time.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.