Volunteer > Is Volunteering For Me

How would volunteering fit into my life?

Firstly, it is important to decide how much free time you can devote to volunteering. Keep in mind - volunteering commitments can start off as little as a few hours a week or may even be a just once a year for an annual project or event. Volunteering is about putting that spare time to good use by contributing to the health and wellbeing of the community.

Who can volunteer?

Fremantle Volunteer Service believes that everyone, from all backgrounds, abilities and work histories, has something valuable that they can contribute to volunteering. If a position cannot be found to match your interests / skills / abilities, then Fremantle Volunteer Service will liaise with agencies on your behalf to try and get a position custom-designed to suit your unique abilities!

We also offer programs that assist people with disabilities to participate in volunteering.

And for people on the move, we offer a ‘Visiting Volunteers’ program where holiday makers can link into volunteering whilst visiting rural WA towns.

What’s in it for me?

Volunteering has many other benefits too:

• Getting involved, participating and making a difference in the community where you live.
• Learning new skills.
• Sharing life experiences.
• Making contacts in the community.
• Socialising and gaining new friends.
• Building self confidence / self worth.
• Staying active.

Perhaps you can relate to the following comments by other people who have become volunteers:

• Wanted to use my skills and talents
• Wanted to learn new skills
• I was bored, lonely - wanted to meet new people
• Needed to feel useful
• Retrenchment meant that I suddenly had a lot of time on my hands
• Wanted to experience something different
• Wanted to gain the experience, contacts and references to help find a paid job
• Wanted to put something back into the community and feel part of that community

Volunteers’ RIGHTS and RESPONSIBILITIES

Volunteers have the RIGHT to:

• Worthwhile and stimulating activities, using any special skills they may have.
• Choice regarding the activities they participate in – to be able to say NO if they are uncomfortable with the task assigned.
• Be provided with orientation which will help them understand the agency and type of work they will do.
• Receive adequate training, support and supervision, to enable them to do their job effectively.
• Be given feedback.
• Be recognized for their contribution.
• Be protected by adequate insurance.
• Work in a healthy and safe environment.
• Have authorized out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed.

Volunteers have the RESPONSIBILITY to:

• Be dependable – notify the agency if unable to attend.
• Be willing to undertake relevant orientation, training, support and supervision.
• Maintain confidentiality, and be non-judgmental.
• Work in accordance with health and safety regulations.
• Work in accordance with instructions and rules.
• Say no when you cannot commit to a task.
• Respect the rights, privacy and dignity of clients and colleagues.