Event volunteering can be a rewarding way to gain new skills, network with professionals, and contribute to a cause you care about. But how do you find and apply for event volunteering opportunities that match your interests and goals? Here are some tips to help you get started.
Before you start looking for event volunteering opportunities, ask yourself why you want to volunteer and what you hope to gain from it. Do you want to learn more about a specific industry, topic, or organization? Do you want to develop your event management skills, such as planning, communication, or problem-solving? Do you want to make a positive impact on your community, environment, or society? Your purpose will help you narrow down your options and focus on the ones that align with your values and aspirations.
Consider whether you want to build a network of like-minded professionals or enthusiasts, connecting with individuals who share your passion for community service or a particular cause. Volunteering can be a powerful way to forge meaningful relationships and expand your social and professional circles, potentially opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
I identify my interests, personal and professional goals, and the areas and activities that interest me. I look for volunteer opportunities through associations or volunteer teams or through social media or I contact local bodies that organize events and show them what I can do in the event. I prepare a short CV that highlights my skills and experiences and write a motivational letter that highlights why this opportunity interests me and how I can contribute to the event. During volunteering, I must be active and participate in the event effectively and enthusiastically. I build good relationships with organizers and colleagues as this may open doors to more opportunities. After the volunteer experience, I evaluate what I learned.
Usually I can do that through networking events by providing my value and showing people how I can be an asset to their team. Job boards are full of AI and fake ad's so better to network in person to show what impact you can make.
One of the easiest ways to find event volunteering opportunities is to use online platforms that connect volunteers with organizers. Some examples are VolunteerMatch, Idealist, Eventbrite, and DoSomething. These platforms allow you to search by location, date, category, and keywords, and see the details, requirements, and benefits of each opportunity. You can also create a profile, upload your resume, and apply directly through the platform. Some platforms also offer reviews, ratings, and feedback from previous volunteers and organizers, which can help you evaluate the quality and credibility of the opportunities.
I’ve found VolunteerMatch a great way to find board member opportunities and a great way to use my skills and expertise in ways I wasn’t in my work place.
Our local United Way has awesome opportunities listed on their website, or we can call 211 for live assistance with finding a great match.
Another way to find event volunteering opportunities is to network with your contacts, such as friends, family, colleagues, mentors, or alumni. They may know of events that need volunteers, or have connections with organizers or agencies that can refer you. You can also use social media, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter, to follow or join groups, pages, or hashtags related to event management or your areas of interest. You can then engage with the posts, ask questions, share your skills, and express your interest in volunteering. Networking can help you discover hidden or exclusive opportunities, and also build relationships that can lead to more opportunities in the future.
One effective way to find event volunteering opportunities is to reach out to your contacts and offer your help in an area where you already have experience. Let them know you're open to assisting wherever they need, but also mention the specific sectors you're looking to break into. For example, I’m passionate about transitioning into the world of sports events, so I’ve started volunteering with a football club on weekends. I’m working in team support and logistics coordination—areas where I have a lot of experience. This way, I’m learning about the sports industry while contributing my skills to something I’m already good at. It’s a great way to gain new insights and build a bridge to the sector I’m eager to explore.
Once you have found some event volunteering opportunities that match your interests and goals, you need to prepare your application. This may include filling out an online form, sending an email, or submitting a resume and cover letter. Depending on the type and level of the opportunity, you may also need to provide references, samples of your work, or proof of your qualifications. Your application should highlight your skills, experience, and motivation for volunteering, and show how you can add value to the event and the organization. You should also customize your application for each opportunity, and follow the instructions and deadlines given by the organizers.
Once you've identified a volunteering opportunity that aligns with your interests, it's crucial to prepare a strong application. This may involve completing a form, sending an email, or submitting a resume and cover letter. You might also be required to provide references or samples of your work. When I applied for a weekend volunteer position with a football club, I highlighted my skills in team support and logistics coordination, tailoring my application to demonstrate how I could contribute positively. Customizing your application for each opportunity is vital; it's what helped me land the position and gain experience in the sports events field that I'm passionate about.
After you have applied for event volunteering opportunities, you should follow up and confirm your status and availability. You can send a polite email or call the organizers to thank them for considering your application, and ask if they need any additional information or documents from you. You can also restate your interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity, and confirm the date, time, location, and role of the event. Following up and confirming can show your professionalism and reliability, and also help you avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts that may arise.
The final tip is to enjoy and learn from your event volunteering experience. Volunteering can be fun, challenging, and rewarding, but it can also be stressful, demanding, and unpredictable. You should be prepared to adapt to different situations, work with diverse people, and handle any issues that may occur. You should also be respectful, responsible, and proactive, and follow the guidelines and expectations of the organizers. At the same time, you should take advantage of the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and explore new possibilities. You should also ask for feedback, recognition, and referrals from the organizers and other volunteers, and reflect on your achievements and areas for improvement.
Para muchos el voluntariado es uno de los primeros pasos en el mundo de la producción de eventos, por esto es común comenzar sin un objetivo en cuanto al area funcional o tareas a desarrollar. Sin embargo considero de vital importancia enfocar nuestra experiencia previa, y nuestras ganas en lo que queremos hacer. Teniendolas alineadas con una búsqueda específica en relación al tipo de tarea profesional que nos gustaria desarrollar a posteriori. Algunos lugares donde buscar oportunidades son los sitios web de los propios eventos, agencias de voluntariado, por supuesto Linkedin.
Finding and applying for event volunteering opportunities is all about networking and putting yourself out there. Once you've built relationships in your desired area or with a specific group, express your interest in volunteering. Many organizations are often in need of extra help and would be happy to have you on board. Even if they can't accommodate you immediately, they might have connections elsewhere or future opportunities in mind. Remember, you'll never know until you ask!
Another important tip is to be clear about your availability and any additional skills you have that might not be directly requested but could be beneficial. For instance, if you have experience with social media, you can mention your willingness to help promote the event online, even if it's not a specific requirement for the role you're applying for. This shows initiative and can help you stand out as a more versatile candidate.