Volunteering at [your organization]

1. Volunteering at [your organization] [your name] [position title] [date]

2. Checklist Get to know your supervisor / go-to person, [insert person�s name]. If possible establish a regular schedule for volunteering. If you will be late or can�t make it, [insert what person should do]. Make sure to trade contact information. Know applicable rules � especially those involving how to interact with other staff and those you�re serving.

3. Step 1Cross-cultural living

4. Common cross-cultural issues Need for order vs. Spontaneity Efficiency vs. Relational Egalitarianism vs. Respect for authority Reserved/indirect vs. Intense directness Introverted vs. Extroverted Resources vs. Underresourced Trauma is avoided vs. Trauma is common

5. Find cross-cultural mentors Advantages of mentors from your cultural background This person can be a bridge to the culture for you. Get advice on relating to the culture from a familiar perspective. Bring them frustrations or questions that you have. Advantages of mentors from the culture you�re serving Get advice on relating to the culture from an insider�s perspective. Bring them questions that you have. Both of these are necessary.

6. Step 3Consider your approach

7. Approach Whatever you do, stay faithful available teachable Do what you commit to, Do what you commit to,

8. Faithful Keep your commitments. Don�t think of yourself as �just� a volunteer. People are depending on you! If you need to miss a session or will be late, call. The depth of that comittment may vary, but remember that they are waiting for you. The depth of that comittment may vary, but remember that they are waiting for you.

9. Available To do what�s needed Expect to sacrifice time, strength, �rights�, desire for recognition, money, your assumptions about yourself and others, and your assumptions about how the world should work. time, strength, �rights�, desire for recognition, money, your assumptions about yourself and others, and your assumptions about how the world should work.

10. Teachable Ask what people (staff, clients, the community) need instead of assuming that you know Ask how you can be helpful instead of assuming you know Be flexible More on the theme of being teachable. When you enter a new community, you might feel like its obvious what people need. But chances are that they have a different idea of what they need. Be aware that this is a common issue and prioritize asking what is needed and giving that. Being flexible and ready to learn is so valuable in a volunteer. More on the theme of being teachable. When you enter a new community, you might feel like its obvious what people need. But chances are that they have a different idea of what they need. Be aware that this is a common issue and prioritize asking what is needed and giving that. Being flexible and ready to learn is so valuable in a volunteer.

11. Step 4Benefits of Volunteering

12. Make a positive difference in your community Learn new skills Improve your health Create more fun in your life Meet people with similar interests Share your skills and life experiences Meet people you wouldn�t have otherwise In one survey 28% of unemployed volunteers (and 16% of employed volunteers) said that their volunteering had helped them obtain a job in the past (www.givingandvolunteering.ca/pdf/factsheets/Benefits_of_Volunteering.pdf ) Benefits of volunteering

13. Step 5Recommended Resources

14. Resources [list suggested books] [list suggested movies] [list suggested websites] [list suggested articles] [list other trainings]

15. Summary Start with clear communication Stay FAT Consider cross-cultural aspects Put relationships first