There’s been a lot of exciting dialogue lately on the blog about how to get started on an altruistic adventure in Latin America. I’d like to take a step back in the process, suggesting a few key questions for volunteers to answer before getting in contact with nonprofit organizations:
What are the skills and abilities that I can offer an organization?
Volunteer candidates often express their enthusiasm about a nonprofit by stating that they are willing to do absolutely anything that is needed, from sweeping floors to leading board meetings. While this offer is honest and admirable, these are not the applications that usually stand out to me. As someone who places volunteers, I appreciate when an applicant is able to clearly identify a few skills that are potential matches with our programmatic or structural needs. The more specifically an applicant can describe his or her skill set, the better we’ll be able to determine the feasibility of a placement. Particularly applicable skills at nonprofits include:
- Translation and interpretation between languages
- Advanced computer skills, including web and database design
- Grant writing or other donor relations skills
- Direct service experience, especially in medicine
- Teaching experience
- Knowledge of carpentry and/or building maintenance
What issues am I most passionate about?
In whichever capacity they’re working, I think volunteers are most fulfilled when they contribute to a mission that they truly believe can produce meaningful changes in a community. If you feel like microfinance is the best angle from which to attack poverty, you can target organizations offering microloans or capacity-building workshops. If you’re passionate about the environment, you might consider supporting a sustainable tourism outfit or a rain forest preservation campaign. Perhaps my point seems obvious, but I receive applications where the candidate appears to be applying just on a positive reference from a friend, or to have a resume-building experience, without considering whether they feel a personal connection to our mission. I look for collaborators who can fully immerse themselves in our work and become zealous spokespeople for our projects.
What do I expect from the organization in return for my contributions?
The most obvious consideration here is economic, ranging from paying an organization to work for them to expecting remuneration for your services. It’s important to figure out what type of arrangement can realistically meet the constraints of your budget and the length of your time commitment. Many organizations can offer you support that will decrease the financial burden of the experience, such as providing reduced-cost housing or access to a group health insurance plan. You might also consider other expectations about the experience, such as the extent of orientation and supervision that you hope to receive.
Latest posts by Lisa Hetzel
- Evaluating Our Impact - December 23rd, 2009
- Educational Exchange with New Hope Teachers - December 15th, 2009
- How to Get Your Home-Culture Fix - December 4th, 2009
- What Are You Thankful For? - November 26th, 2009
- Nonprofit Network Launches Website - November 20th, 2009
- Graduation Season - November 13th, 2009
- Milking Your Tax Dollars from Afar - November 6th, 2009
- Going Green(er) in Guatemala - October 16th, 2009
- The Hidden Benefits of Volunteering - October 9th, 2009
- Secrets to Landing a Volunteer Position - October 2nd, 2009
