Thursday, August 25, 2016

Factors To Consider Before Joining A Non Profit Volunteer Organization

By Janet Wood


The society faces some challenges that cannot be solved through profitable ventures. For instance, disaster response teams are often volunteers from different areas of specialization. Before anyone can join any non profit volunteer organization, they must be committed to the complete the agreed term of service with the institution. This is because when people quit before their term is over, the operations of the organization are affected and can also demoralize other volunteers.

You will need to do research and find out what are the core values of the organization. This is very important because if the values do not match your personal beliefs, then it will be very difficult to work with the institution. Working on a cause you believe in makes the burden lighter and gives you a sense of satisfaction.

Many times when people apply for positions in organizations, the motivation is how they will benefit from the institution. Very few people think about what they will give out to the employer. Perhaps this is the reason why many employees hop from one company to another in search for better pay. Unfortunately, when volunteering, you will need to know upfront what value you can add to the organization. This will help you know when your volunteer time is over as you will have finished your mission.

For those who are in their early years of their careers, it is good to work with organizations that support causes related to your career. This has many advantages especially to those who have graduated recently. You will be exposed to real life challenges and gain firsthand experience in tackling problems. This will propel you in your career and give you a hedge over your peers who have not volunteered to similar causes.

In some cases, you will need to consider your suitability for the position offered. For instance, organizations involved in search and rescue usually recruit physically fit volunteers. This selection criteria disqualifies many who have the passion for this noble duty. It thus important to confirm whether you meet the minimum requirements for you to be accepted as a volunteer.

Do not neglect your family and career commitments. You will need to strike a balance and make sure none of the three suffer. This is a tough job and requires someone who is strictly disciplined. It is like having two jobs and taking care of a family at the same time. Sometimes you will be required to make very difficult choices between your family and the call to rescue lives. Cultivating effective communication with your family will help you overcome such difficult times as you soldier on with this noble service to humanity.

Proximity to the operations center of the organization is very important. Choose a cause that does not require you to relocate from our current home. This will cause little disruption to your schedule. On the other side, if you are required to relocate, you will need to do a lot of planning as this will affect your family. Your children may have to change schools. This is a huge change which needs to be managed carefully.

Sometimes volunteering may not be possible due to commitments or other factors. This does not mean that you cannot support the cause of your choice. There are always opportunities to donate money, drugs and equipment used in the daily operations of these organizations. This can be a way to get you involved.




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