How to Avoid Getting into a Bad Volunteering Position

There are some volunteer opportunities that do not end in the way people want them to. There are certain tips that volunteers should review before accepting a position either abroad or near your area.  Here are some tips that will help make your volunteering experience enjoyable. 

1. Double check that the webpage contains accurate information about what exactly you will be doing as a volunteer. Some of the information can be outdated or even intentionally misleading so it does not hurt to call up the person and talk to them about the opportunity. 

2. Once you talk to the person and everything is clear about what you will be doing try to get it in writing. This might be over the top but it will save you in the long run. 

3. When speaking to the volunteer host they should ask you a little about yourself to try and get to know you. Most volunteer hosts have volunteers fill out an application of questioner to make sure they are right for the job. If someone does not do these things then that should be a red-flag 

4.  When helping out with volunteer work either at a farm or in a school make sure to read chemical labels and warnings before using them. Certain chemicals in products can get someone severely ill. 

5. When using these chemicals on the farm make sure to protect your skin and face. Most of the times the volunteer host will inform you about what the job is and how to complete it. They should mention any dangerous chemicals or products that are being used. 

6. Although some volunteer jobs are different from one another try to have a back-up plan of what to do. Try and know where you can get transportation out, when and how much it costs to leave the area if you need to. Check out the area in which you will be performing your service and if there is anywhere you can go in case something happens. 

7. If you are going away for weeks and an extended amount of time make sure you leave the number and information of the place you will be going with someone from home, either a friend or a family member. 

8. When arriving to the place of volunteer work address the job that you will be doing and have a conversation about it with the person in charge. Some people do not have the same communication skills as you and will need to talk through things they are not aware of. 

9. Lastly, if you have a gut instinct that a place is wrong for you and you believe that it is not safe then do not go there. Stick to what you believe is right and safe and you can never go wrong.