Getting
Started!
So you
want to volunteer? Great! But before you get started it’s important
you have an understanding of what you are getting into!
Know your schedule!
Volunteering takes time,
dedication, and commitment. So start by getting an idea of times you or
your organization are available to volunteer. Determine if you or your
organization are going to commit to serving on a regular basis (weekly)
or on a one-time basis (special projects). Please note that many
agencies prefer you come on a regular basis.
Do some research!
What are you or your organization interested in doing? Is there
anything you know that you don’t want to do? Once you have a feel for
the kind of service you’d like to do it will be easier to pick a
project.
There are multiple
means in which to search for opportunities. They are as follows:
- Attend the
Volunteer/Involvement Fair (Thursday, September 11th (2007) from 4-6
p.m., Brock Commons) to meet with agency representatives who are
interested in working with Longwood students.
- Request to be
placed on an email distribution list by emailing
rentschlerjc@longwood.edu so you will receive the most up to
date opportunities via email.
- Research what type
of agencies or organizations you may be interested
in by browsing our Agency Directory.
- If you have
difficulty finding something, make an appointment to meet with the
Volunteer & Service-Learning Office by calling x2930 if you need
assistance finding a project that suites you or your organization’s
needs and interests.
Make a connection!
Contact the top two (or more) agencies you or members of your
organization are interested in working with and let them know you are
considering serving there. Ask questions. (What exactly will I be
asked to do? Who will I report to? Will I have direct contact with
clients? Do you have enough work for the number of people that will be
joining me? etc.)
Make a Decision!
Decide which service site(s) best
suite you and or your organization’s interest(s)/schedule(s) based on
your findings. Be sure to let the agency(ies) that you decided not to
work with know so they are not expecting you.
Be Prepared!
Once you have decided on a site,
arrange a time to meet with the Agency Site Supervisor. Attend any
trainings/orientations and complete any paper work the agency requires
of its volunteers. Complete the
Service-Learning Agreement and
Experiential Learning
Letter of Understanding with your Agency Site Supervisor and return
to the appropriate individuals. Upon each visit, you are responsible
for maintaining hours you are serving on a Log Sheet.
Reflect!
We encourage you to reflect on your
experiences. Time spent in Reflection counts toward service hours
because doing is equally as important as reflecting! If you would
like to schedule a reflection session, please call x2930 and a staff
member will provide you with the materials you will need to facilitate
one on your own. Staff are also available to facilitate a reflection
session for your organization.
Evaluate!
Take a few moments to
evaluate your experience in order that we may improve the program.
We would love
for you to share your pictures, success stories, quotes, etc.! Email
Jen Rentschler at
rentschlerjc@longwood.edu if you’d like to share your experience! |
