Volunteering means making a commitment to do something for your community and/or your chosen field of endeavour and carrying it through. To ensure a successful volunteer placement, we advise you to ask yourself the following questions: 

• What are your particular skills and interests?
• What do you really enjoy doing?
• If you prefer working with people, is this on a one to one basis, or in groups?
• Have you ever spent the day with difficult children, young truants, or any other groups? If so, how did you feel at the end of the day?
• Do you enjoy doing the things you can do easily, or do you prefer the challenge of something new?
• Do you enjoy handling crisis, or do you end up in a panic yourself?
• How much time can you spare - one day a week, one day a month, or more?
• What day(s) and time(s) of day are you free?
• How long can you commit yourself for?
• Do you have your own transport? If not is it easy for you to use public transport?
• Are your circumstances likely to change in the near future?
• Are you being pushed/encouraged/forced to volunteer, or are you doing it of your own free will?

Remember, volunteering is exactly what it says.

Rights as a volunteer

As a volunteer you have certain rights: 

• You should have a clear idea of the Volunteer Task/s you are being asked to perform and the level of responsibility you are being expected to take.
• Expect Induction and Training, appropriate to the level of work you will be doing.
• Receive appropriate Supervision and Support.
• Opportunity to access and play a part in the decision-making process of the organisation for which you are volunteering.
• Equal Opportunities - Everyone has the right to volunteer regardless of marital status, age, background, race, nationality or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, employment status, language, caring commitments, sex, gender, political or religious persuasion, unrelated criminal conviction, payment.
• Expect to be protected against exploitation both as volunteers and individuals.
• Be covered for Insurance, Health and Safety - Volunteers should be protected against any risk with volunteering.
• Reimbursed for all out of pocket expenses. Those not wishing to claim are free to donate the money back to the volunteer agency. They should also be provided with appropriate clothing and equipment.
• Join a Trade Union
• Continue to claim Benefits, providing you inform your local Benefits Office.

Your responsibilities

Even though you are offering your time and skills to volunteer, there are certain rules and guidelines you will have to adhere to: 

Punctuality and Reliability
You must inform your placement if you cannot make an appointment, and you should always aim to arrive on time. 

Confidentiality
If you are entrusted with information, you must not betray confidences, this could undo months of trust and work 

Guidelines
Make sure that you have read and understood the guidelines of the organisation you have chosen to work for. 

This is for your benefit as much as theirs.

Volunteering problems

One of the most important things about volunteering is the enjoyment and reward. If you find yourself receiving neither of these then : 

• Don’t just give up
• Try to sort out any problems with someone in the organisation

Contact Medrwn Môn to help you resolve the situation or advise you on other volunteering opportunities available.