What are some of the common myths or misconceptions about non-profit volunteering?

One common myth about non-profit volunteering is that it's only for people with lots of free time. In reality, many organizations offer flexible opportunities that fit various schedules. Another misconception is that volunteering doesn't require specific skills. However, non-profits often seek individuals with diverse talents, from graphic design to accounting, to support their operations effectively. Additionally, some may think volunteering is solely about giving, but it's a two-way street; volunteers gain valuable experience, connections, and a sense of fulfillment. Overall, dispelling these myths can encourage more people to engage in meaningful volunteer work and benefit both individuals and the organizations they support.

A charity trustee role in the UK on average requires 30 hours of volunteering each year - less than one hour a week - and also less than 3% of the average annual viewing hours of a UK Netflix subscriber which tops +1,150 hours! So time to give up on season 5 and 6 of The Crown (not missing out on much there…) and give that time to a non-profit instead.

From the point of view of volunteering on a school governing board, one of the big myths is that governors have to be parents. They absolutely don't! Another myth is that to sit on a school governing board, volunteers need to have decades of career experience, when actually boards really value having younger volunteers involved. It's vital to have volunteers with different-lived experience sat around the table so that they can share their experiences, perspectives and skills.

When one does volunteering, one can feel that NGOs are using them for their benefit, and this might be true to some extent. But as an individual, I feel that at some point in time, we have been involved in contributing to a problem like wasting food, polluting the earth etc. So, isn't it our duty to compensate for it and resolve issues that might have been created by others?

We tend to make up stories and then believe them whether they are true or not, based on facts or make believe. These “myth’s”, specifically the idea that you need a lot of time and commitment to volunteer means people can dismiss the idea because no one has a lot of time to commit. In reality, there are many options and opportunities if you’re motivated to find a solution. For example, I’m a dog advocate. You can; - Join a FB group and give tips to people who need help with their dogs. - Walk a shelter dog 30 minutes per week. - Update social media or post events for a dog rescue / charity. - Volunteer at the annual fundraiser or monthly adoption event. There is always an option if you are open to it.

In my charity we recruit volunteers to mentor young people and the advice of someone just a few years ahead of them in their career can be just as valuable as that of someone fully established and highly successful. The most important skills are empathy, and willingness to listen respectfully and share honestly and anyone of any age can demonstrate these.

I’ve spent most of my volunteer time in the disaster field, Red Cross & Team Rubicon. One of the reasons I chose them and stayed was the variety of training opportunities. Many Volunteer organizations offer training for their members.

After available time the most common reason people don’t volunteer is a personal perception they aren’t adequately experienced or skilled to support a charity, school or community group. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Very often with small charities you will have just a few employees and trustees who are covering all aspects of the strategic and day to day running of the non-profit. So whether it’s technical skills you can bring from your professional life (eg legal, finance, HR, marketing, operations - the list goes on!) or broader business skills (eg strategy, negotiation, communication, chairing meetings) or just as important is sharing relevant lived experience (eg you or a family member have been a recipient of charity)

Another common myth is that you need extra skills and qualifications to volunteer. While expertise can be helpful, your enthusiasm and willingness to learn are often more valuable. Being involved and eager to contribute is highly valued by nonprofits. So, don't let lack of specific skills hold you back; your zeal can make a real difference in helping others.

One myth about non-profit volunteering is that you need special skills to be useful. While some roles do require specific expertise, many don't. You can volunteer as a mentor, tutor, driver, gardener, photographer, or social media assistant. Volunteering can also help you learn new skills, as organizations often provide training and support.

You very likely won't get paid, as in dollars, but I promise when you find the right nonprofit fit, you will get invaluable enrichment from the work. Recognition and gratitude for your time and efforts are at the top of the list, as is personal satisfaction, which is likely the reason you started exploring volunteerism to start. What you may not realize is all the other benefits they are giving you that assist in everyday life or your career, such as, a better understanding of your community and its needs, opportunities to network and meet new people supporting a similar cause, practice listening to different perspectives from those people, leadership skills, budgeting, and even public speaking. You will get out what you put in, then some.

believing you won't get paid or recognized. It's not just about the money or accolades; volunteering offers invaluable lessons, experiences, and personal growth. The recognition might not come in monetary form, but the fulfillment and skills gained are priceless. Volunteering enriches our lives in ways money can't measure, making it a rewarding endeavor regardless of financial compensation.

The myth that non-profit volunteers won't get paid or recognized can be discouraging, but there are many rewards beyond monetary compensation. While most non-profit volunteering is unpaid, you can still receive benefits such as certificates, letters of recommendation, references, or thank-you gifts from the organization. Additionally, volunteering can provide personal satisfaction, fulfillment, gratitude, and joy from helping others or being part of a community. It can also offer networking opportunities, new friendships, and the chance to discover new possibilities. Volunteering is a valuable way to contribute and be appreciated, even without financial compensation.

El pago en el voluntariado no se mide solo en términos económicos, sino más bien con el reconocimiento de aportar a una construcción social y comunitaria, y más en países como Colombia, donde juntos somos más. Entonces, el reconocimiento proviene no solo de la comunidad, sino también de la satisfacción interna que sentimos al saber que estamos cambiando realidades y promoviendo el desarrollo social. Además, el voluntariado puede ser certificado, lo que expande tus habilidades y fortalece tu red de contactos. Esta certificación es una forma tangible de reconocimiento que puede abrir nuevas oportunidades y, al final del día, se convierte en una retribución valiosa tanto personal como profesionalmente.

Volunteers are essential for the success of any non-profit. To begin with, every non-profit is required to have a board of a minimum size in order to be recognized as a tax exempt organization. Board members of non-profit organizations are volunteers. They are not paid. In my organization, our volunteers provided more than $2m worth of work. That is $2m in staff that my organization did not have to pay for and were able to devote resources to support our programs. Volunteers are capable, dedicated, passionate individuals who give their time, talent and, often, treasure to the organization(s) they love. If you are a volunteer that doesn't feel like you are making a difference, talk to the CEO/ED of your organization.

The notion that you can't make a difference is simply untrue. Countless individuals have started as volunteers and achieved remarkable success through their dedication and commitment. Small actions can lead to significant change, and volunteering provides an avenue to positively impact communities and society at large. So, don't underestimate the power of your contribution; every effort counts towards making a difference.

When starting out as a volunteer I strongly recommend selecting a small charity (or a local branch of a larger charity) as this often makes it much easier to see and experience the difference that you are making to their end users. I also recommend being patient as the amount you can contribute and the difference you can make often increases significantly over time as you better understand the non-profit you are supporting and how you can best support them to achieve their objectives. But I promise you its worth the wait!

The myth that your contribution as a non-profit volunteer is insignificant is discouraging, but untrue. While some issues are complex, your actions matter. You can make a difference by raising awareness, educating others, advocating for change, providing support or services, inspiring others, and creating a ripple effect. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to positive change. Don't underestimate the impact you can have as a volunteer!

Absolutely! Recognition should come from genuine contributions and hard work, not from being a puppet or blindly following orders. It's essential to maintain integrity, decency, and decorum in all actions. Shine through your dedication and meaningful work, rather than seeking attention through superficial means. Make informed choices and align yourself with causes and organizations that resonate with your values and principles.

As a non-profit volunteer, you might feel uncomfortable or conflicted by the myth that you have to agree with everything. While it's crucial to respect the organization's mission and values, you can still have your own opinions and beliefs. You can volunteer with an organization that aligns with your goals but also challenge ideas or suggest improvements. You can even volunteer with different organizations representing various aspects of a cause. Your voice and perspective are valuable, contributing to a diverse and inclusive nonprofit community.

This is 100% a myth - in fact the best functioning charity or school governing boards have a sufficiently diverse range of members sitting on them that you will inevitably have differing opinions or views - and will hence challenge one another to drive the best outcomes for the non-profit and their end users. Its very important in these volunteer roles on boards to be brave and make your opinion heard. It can be easier at the time to go with the collective view for a quiet life but this risks 'group think' and weak decision making. If you are nervous about challenging in such public forums consider speaking on a 1:1 basis with the non-profit Chair / CEO before or after the meeting to voice you thoughts or concerns directly.

Volunteering doesn't mean you have to do it alone. Many nonprofits encourage teamwork and collaboration among volunteers to achieve common goals effectively. You'll often find a supportive community ready to work alongside you, share experiences, and offer guidance. Together, you can make a greater impact than you ever could alone. So, don't hesitate to reach out and work together with others towards a shared purpose.

You do not have to work alone. Especially if you work on a non-profit board, you will be working with other board members and executive director.

Volunteering does not have to be a solo endeavor. In many cases, nonprofits look for multiple volunteers to help at a particular event or to boost their daily operations. In those instances, you can sign up with a friend, family member, classmate, or colleague. Or, you can make new friends when you arrive! Additionally, there are often opportunities to collaborate with or work alongside nonprofit staff. This provides the opportunity to learn more about the nonprofit's mission, vision, and values and the impact of your volunteer work. It's also a chance to form a new connection. Some volunteer opportunities will have you work directly with clients, students, or patients, which can be an incredibly meaningful connection as well.

Non-profit volunteering is surrounded by myths that can deter potential volunteers. People often overlook the personal growth and networking opportunities volunteering offers. It's a chance to develop new skills, gain experience & build connections with like-minded individuals. It also provides a sense of purpose and belonging, enhancing mental well-being and resilience. It's not just about giving back; it's about being part of something bigger and growing through the process. Non-profit organizations thrive on the diverse strengths and insights volunteers bring, proving that anyone can contribute meaningfully, regardless of their background or expertise and as a someone who is volunteering for a beautiful organisation I can vouch for it