1. I work full-time and have a family. How could I possibly volunteer?
   
   
2. Don’t you have to be a teacher to volunteer in the schools?
   
   
3. What kinds of volunteer jobs are available?
   
   
4. What happens if I am going to be gone for an extended period of time, i.e., snow birds, illness, etc.
   
   
5. What do I do if the weather is bad or I am sick and can’t go at my scheduled time? My time is precious.
   
   
6. How can I be sure that volunteering is going to be worth my time?
   
   
7. I am looking to learn a new skill through volunteering. How can I find the right volunteer opportunity for me?
   
   
8. What kind of leadership positions does volunteering offer?
   
   
9. Can I try multiple volunteer jobs to see which one I prefer?
   
   
10. Can I volunteer around my schedule?
    
    
11. How can I be sure as a volunteer that I am making a difference?
    
    
12. How many hours per week must I commit?
    
    
13. Can I volunteer with a friend or family member?

 

1. I work full-time and have a family.  How could I possibly volunteer?
• Ask your employer if he/she will support your volunteer efforts by giving you paid time off.
• Family volunteering is becoming popular; ask the non-profit you are working with about involving your family, too.
  
2. Don’t you have to be a teacher to volunteer in the schools?
   • Absolutely not! But, it does help if you like children and believe in education!
     
3. What kinds of volunteer jobs are available?
   • Check out the volunteer opportunities page of this website!
   • Here are just 2 examples:
     • Instill the love of reading- Be a Reading Coach! - As a Reading Coach, you become a mentor who brings a positive influence in the life of a middle-school student while improving their reading skills and instilling confidence.
     • Tutor for Success as an Academic Coach! You will have the opportunity to serve Waldorf College students enrolled in the Academic Achievement Center for Excellence who have recognized learning disabilities.  By assisting these eager-to-learn students, you will make a positive impact in their academic success as well as form a meaningful relationship.
       
4. What happens if I am going to be gone for an extended period of time, i.e., snow birds, illness, etc.
   • Speak with your contact at the non-profit agency and explain your desire to continue volunteering, although you will be absent for a period.
   • Some non-profits will allow you to serve as a substitute.
     
5. What do I do if the weather is bad or I am sick and can’t go at my scheduled time? My time is precious. 
   • All non-profits care about their volunteers’ safety, so please call your contact.
     
6. How can I be sure that volunteering is going to be worth my time?
   • Check out the volunteer testimonials on the volunteer stories page of this website!
   • Talk with other people who are volunteering for their reflections
   • Here is one example from a volunteer; “ It is a privilege to work with the students, and with a well managed and well led program. This was an opportunity to give back some of the things that have been given to me and to use my abilities in a meaningful way. It’s nice to be around young people and the students are appreciative and easy to work with.” - John Laflen Ph.D.
     
7. I am looking to learn a new skill through volunteering. How can I find the right volunteer opportunity for me?
   • Check out the volunteer opportunities page of this website.
   • Talk to the contacts at the non-profits to explore your interests, abilities, and opportunities.
     
8. What kind of leadership positions does volunteering offer?
   • Non-profits are looking for volunteers with leadership skills for leading projects task forces. In addition non-profits need skilled trainers and volunteers to serve on governance boards, advisory councils and ad hoc committees.
     
9. Can I try multiple volunteer jobs to see which one I prefer?
   • Certainly. Serving as a volunteer (or a substitute) in different settings will help you make that decision about what volunteer opportunity is right for you.
     
10. Can I volunteer around my schedule?
    • Certainly! Non-profits are flexible!
      
11. How can I be sure as a volunteer that I am making a difference?
    • Check out the volunteer stories page of this website.
    • Dialogue with the contact at the non-profit. Here is one example from a school administrator:
    • “We got the idea and inspiration for a ‘paid’ Reading Specialist when we observed how much the struggling readers improved with the help of RSVP Coaches in the Reading Coaches program. The RSVP Reading Coaches are, of course, still a valuable asset to our school. This is a great program for our kids. I hope it is a positive experience for all the coaches, too.” - Tim Kuehl, Forest City Middle School Principal
      
12. How many hours per week must I commit?
    • This depends on several factors including; the time required to complete the project, the expectations of the non-profit and meeting the commitment you made.
      
13. Can I volunteer with a friend or family member?
    • Check with your contact at the non-profit.
    • Volunteers are the best recruiters of volunteers! Encourage friends and family to serve by volunteering!