Why should I volunteer?

There are many reasons to volunteer:

1. Volunteering provides an opportunity to make a difference in your local community and it can be an extremely rewarding experience.
2. Volunteering offers new ways to develop your skills and increase your experience. For example, research shows that volunteering can help with developing communication skills and improving an individual’s ability to adapt to different environments and balance competing priorities.
3. Importantly, volunteering can contribute to your overall well-being and helps to instill an attitude of care and responsibility for the wider community.
4. Volunteering brings all walks of life together and no matter your personality, interests, or background, you’re bound to make new friends.  

Please consider:

• Your skill level: GoodCompany is targeted at professionals who have a University degree and/or several years of work experience. Undergraduate students should not be applying for volunteer projects unless the professional level specified is appropriate.
• While it’s important not to apply for projects above your skill level, people tend to undervalue their skills. When you take a moment to think about it, you may be surprised to think of all the skills you have acquired working as a professional. Your core skills may include leadership, mentoring, public speaking, training, project management, and communications. For example, if you have good written communication skills, you don’t necessarily have to work in the media unit to apply for a volunteer project looking for a writer or editor.
• Your volunteer project application: We recommend you include a summary of your work experience to help the charity make its decision. You can also include a Personal Summary as part of the application to the charity
• One application at a time: Whilst you can apply for more than one volunteer project at a time, we recommend you allow reasonable time for the charity to review and reply to your application (unless you have lots of time to volunteer!) as the chances of the charity wanting to meet you and discuss the project are very high.
• Your commitment: Once you meet with your charity and you agree to fulfill the volunteer project, there is an understanding that you will do your best to complete the project. If your circumstances change and you are unable to fulfill the volunteer project, please let the charity know ASAP. An unsuccessful volunteer project costs a charity valuable time and resources.