Getting Started
How can UB-inVolved?
This is a bit like the question "How long is a piece of string?" There are so many opportunities for volunteers that you need to think about what YOU want to do, and what YOU want to get out of it. Remember, volunteering is essentially about offering your services, skills and time in order to benefit someone else, the environment or the community in general. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't also benefit, so it's worth giving serious consideration to a number of points and answering a few simple questions before you start looking. Use your answers to help you narrow the field a bit.
Step 1 - Before you start volunteering
Consider the following:-
Skills and Interests
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Why am I volunteering? [BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF!]
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What skills do I already have?
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What skills and experience do I want to gain?
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What do I enjoy doing? (Are there things I REALLY don't want to do?)
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Should I try something different?
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Who do I want to volunteer with? (e.g. Young people, Adults, People with learning difficulties etc)
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Are there certain activities that could help me in my future career?
Time available
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What other commitments do I have on my time?
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Can I make a regular commitment - say one evening a week?
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Can I volunteer at weekends?
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Can I still volunteer during the holidays?
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How will volunteering affect my studies / home life?
Long or short term
Some volunteering projects are very short term such as a day spent litter-picking, helping out at a charity event, fundraising day etc, and you may be able to get involved at short notice or with as many or as few different one-off events as you like.
Other projects / placements may require just one or two hours a week but over a minimum of six-twelve months. If you are volunteering during the holidays or through a gap year, it may be 'full-time' for anything from two weeks to a year.
Location
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How will I get there? (Public Transport, use of car etc)
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How far am I willing to travel?
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Are travelling expenses likely to be re-paid?
These are just a sample of things you should consider before volunteering. You can also look at the Frequently Asked Questions|, many of your concerns may already be addressed there.
Step 2 - Register
Although you do not have to register with the UB-inVolved scheme in order to volunteer, there are a number of benefits to doing so. Read the About Us |section.
Why not make a note of any points that spring to mind and discuss them with the Volunteering Co-ordinator who will be very happy to help you find a volunteering opportunity that suits you.
Step 3 - Browse for opportunities
There are a number of ways to find a volunteering opportunity for yourself.
Online Searches: as well as the volunteering web pages you can also find a number of volunteering schemes advertised within the Opportunities| section. Some agencies may be listed under more than one heading as they offer a number of different opportunities.
Notice Boards & Bulletins: You can also look on the UB-inVolved Information Board situated in Chancellor's Mall where you will find regular updates of events and projects from local voluntary groups, charities and other not-for-profit organisations.
Ask! You can ask fellow students or tutors for suggestions, especially if you want something connected to your course. You can speak to the Volunteering Co-ordinator|, one of the Volunteering Champions| or come along to one of the Peer Support Group |meetings to speak to students who are already involved in volunteering in a range of different areas.
Step 4 - Found something interesting
The next step is to contact the organisation, charity or community group you want to volunteer with. Contact details are usually available on their website but if you have any problem you should speak to the Volunteering Co-ordinator for assistance.
When you contact the organisation there are a number of questions you should consider, such as:
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What hours / days you can volunteer
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What volunteer role you will be doing
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If you will need to use any specific equipment
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Whether training will be provided
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What you need to wear
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Whether you need to complete an application form and/or attend an interview
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If you need a CRB check
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Whether there is a volunteers' waiting list
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How long it will be before you hear back from the organisation
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How long it will be before you can get started
Your Volunteering Co-ordinator |is available to offer help and guidance through this process if required.
Step 5 - Making the most of it!
Volunteering may be about doing something for others but that doesn't mean you don't get anything back! Enjoy the experience, make new friends and gain skills that can help when seeking employment in the future. Look at the Volunteering Stories |page to see what other students have been involved with and what they feel they gained through volunteering.
Keep your Volunteering Co-ordinator informed of what you are doing as you should be entitled to a certificate in recognition of your contribution which you can add to your CV.
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