When things go wrong

Volunteering can, and should, be an educational and rewarding experience. However, sometimes things go wrong and when they do, it's important to know what to do. Let's imagine you have chosen the organization you want to help out-because you believe in the program, you support the cause, you feel it would boost your resume, or one of countless other reasons. Then you find out they could really use someone to do a task you find tiresome, mindless, or in some way unappealing. What happened to saving the world, or working closely with the needy?

Perhaps no salaried person feels like doing the job, so they rely on the goodness of caring community individuals to do so. Please don't assume that this is always the case, but be aware that such things do happen. Not all staff in all organizations appreciate volunteers as much as they should.

Another reason could be behind an unsatisfactory job placement. Because of liability problems the organization may not be able to use people under a certain age or without a certain background or certification in the area you are interested in helping with. Or maybe with all the other program needs, the paid staff just doesn't have the time to complete some tasks, and counts on volunteers to do so.

Did you voice your wants and dislikes when you offered to volunteer? Do you know what you're looking for in a volunteer experience? If not, don't expect others to. (For help with figuring that out, see my June 13 article.) If you tell someone "I'm willing to help anyway I can," realize that they will assign you a job accordingly. A well-intentioned phrase or eager-to-please attitude can cause great dissatisfaction in the long run.

Two recommendations: do not jump to conclusions regarding the cause of an unsatisfactory placement, and do not continue with that placement if you find yourself dreading your volunteer time. Volunteering is (for the most part) something you choose to do with your free time. If you're getting nothing out of it, you are better off finding some other activity.

Before you make any decisions, talk to your supervisor or volunteer coordinator. Explain to them (politely) the reason behind your dissatisfaction, and explore alternative placements. It is in both your best interest, and in the organization's, that you be suitably placed. Hopefully you will be transferred to another assignment, or the importance of your current assignment will be explained to you and you will appreciate its value despite its tediousness.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic