What to expect from Volunteering

tim123456789

There isn't really a right place for this so I thought that I'd try here.

Having been credit crunched out of work I have started to investigate using some of my spare time volunteering.

Not having business skills which are overly useful in the volunteer sector I am looking at general work. So, as well as helping causes that I am interested in, I have been looking at volunteering at events. I had the idea that it would be possible to get volunteer roles that were somehow close to the actual event and that it would be a fun day out. But all that I am being offered is tasks such as car park marshal or clearing tables in the catering concession.

This isn't what I was expecting as it just seems to be ME giving. I was expecting something back from the process, especially at events where the punters are charged to attend. Am I being unreasonable here in expecting users of volunteers to be 'giving something back'? (Note that I was never expecting that something to be money)

Tim

Jarndyce

I think that given that you are in a position where you don't have to do this at all, then you can pick and choose your events with clear conscience. However, thinking that you might get free entry to festivals etc is probably a bit naive - most of the work is going to be behind the scenes. Most should give you some time off to enjoy things though. If not, then maybe something like National Trust or English Heritage is more your bag?

There are lots of websites out there with much more info about the different types of volunteering you can do.

getmore4less

http://www.do-it.org/

Look for local stuff

eg hospitals get in to the workings makes you more suitable for paid jobs.

some of our local charities operate ebay sites so you can get some experience doing that which could give you potential experience of what sells etc for setting up on your own

tim123456789

Some of the events do give free tickets but even where they don't I don't think it's naive to expect that as a reward, we're not talking national events where tickets are at a premium, but small local events which never sell out. But I wasn't really expecting that either. I was expecting something more along the lines of the tasks available to volunteers being the interesting ones, rather than the dregs that no-one else wants to do, even when paid.

I was thinking that the NT was the way to go, they at least pay travelling expenses. Unfortunately, I'm not able to make the length of commitment that they require in case a 'real' job comes up.

I use 'do-it' and have come up with some interesting possibilities, but few of them reply, so obvioulsy they get filled quickly. I have no need for a job to get me 'ready for work'. I have a 30 year track record of working for that.

Thanks for the replies

Tim

kingfisherblue

It is often the 'dregs' that are the jobs left over simply because other people don't want them. If you volunteer regularly and become known as a reliable hard worker, you may find that you get the chance of more exciting roles. Have you actually asked for a different role? have you specified the type of experience you want, or did you just say 'general'?

bristol_pilot

If you have recent work history, your time might be better spent job seeking. 'Volunteering' doesn't carry as much weight with employers as some people on these boards might like to think. It is really only a useful CV-enhancing strategy for those who have been out of work for ages, have no qualifications or otherwise have a 'problem' CV. Exceptions are hospitals, schools and media jobs where it seems the thing that you are expected to work for nothing for a while to get your foot in the door. But too much volunteering on your CV just makes it look like you aren't that bothered about paid work.

tim123456789

It's a bit difficult to get a reputation for a once a year event. There are different events almost every weekend within around 30 miles from where I live, but I don't think that the event organisers talk to each other. I'm quite prepared to take the long view with a continuous opportunity, but not for a one off, especially as the travelling distance/time/cost is much greater.

I put my 'specialist' skills down on the form, but don't expect them to be useful so I leave them to decide for themselves what they can offer.

I have no intention of using this as a filler on my CV. I am a degree qualified professional engineer and, except in very minor instances, they are of no value

tim

smileylondongal

I think that unless you're prepared to undertake a regular voluntary role rather than 'one off's' the likelihood of taking on a role with more variety will be slim. Often volunteers fill the gaps and undertake activities that full time staff or regular volunteers can't do for whatever reason. I still think there are things you can get out of it, but I'm thinking more on an altruistic and social basis rather than freebies, etc.

ferien_uk2011

One of the reasons why they give volunteers these sort of jobs is that anyone can do them with very little training. Often they won't have time to train you on something more complicated. This is especially the case if it just a weekend event, they are not going to spend time showing the ropes of something you'll only be doing for a couple of days.

What sort of thing would you expect to be doing? Car marshalling/ clearing away tables (or just clearing up in general) is exactly the sort of thing I would expect to do if I was volunteering at an event.

Hammyman

tim123456789 wrote: »

I had the idea that it would be possible to get volunteer roles that were somehow close to the actual event and that it would be a fun day out. But all that I am being offered is tasks such as car park marshal or clearing tables in the catering concession.

This isn't what I was expecting as it just seems to be ME giving. I was expecting something back from the process, especially at events where the punters are charged to attend. Am I being unreasonable here in expecting users of volunteers to be 'giving something back'? (Note that I was never expecting that something to be money)

Tim

Sorry, but your version isn't voluntary work. You are wanting someone to pay for a day out with minimal effort from you doing what you want in the spotlight getting the glory. If everyone just did what they wanted, these events would not happen.

What is wrong with carpark marshalling? I've done it at car shows and had a great time doing it - you just have to have a short chat with people as they come in. You won't be marshalling for the entire event and you'll get time to wander round and enjoy what is going on. I had such a laugh doing it the first year that I specifically volunteer for car park duty.

Hammyman

tim123456789 wrote: »

I was expecting something more along the lines of the tasks available to volunteers being the interesting ones, rather than the dregs that no-one else wants to do, even when paid.

How naive you are. The reality is a complete 180 from your view.