Before You SERVE

Wanting to SERVE but not sure what is it you are looking to do? Below are some questions to think about before you start.

Time Considerations

• How much free time do you have available to do volunteer?
• How many hours a week would you like to be involved?
• How much of a commitment are you willing to make? How many months are you able to commit to a volunteer job?
• Can you follow through with your commitment?

Skills, Interests & Experience

• What are you passionate about? How do you feel you can make a contribution to the community and, very importantly, to yourself?
• Have you volunteered before? What did you like/dislike about it? Do you want to do something similar again?
• Do you have any hobbies, interests, or paid work experience that you could use in your job?
• Are there career skills or experience you would like to develop through volunteering?

Job Setting

• Do you have a geographic preference? How far are you willing to travel to do volunteer work? How would you get there? Do you have access to transportation?
• What kind of atmosphere would you like to work in? Quiet? Fast-paced?
• Do you want to work inside or outside?
• Do you want to work independently or with others in a team effort?

Focus

• What age group do you want to work with? Infants, children, teenagers, adults, the elderly?
• Do you want to work with a community action or social justice program, a school or educational program? Would you like to work with recent immigrants? Would you want to work in a program that addresses physical, mental or emotional disabilities?
• Do you want to work one-on-one or with a group of people?

Once you have taken these things into consideration, visit S.E.R.V.E. Connect to look for volunteer opportunities within the community. If you have questions or would like additional assistance, please contact Jayme Watkins, Coordinator of Co-Curricular Programs, at jaymewatkins@rmc.edu.   Jayme is also happy to meet with you or your organization to help you decide on the best way for you to SERVE!

Happy Volunteering!