GettingReady

Are you excited about starting your volunteering journey but are not sure where to start? We have developed resources to help you work through the steps to take to get volunteer ready.

"Volunteering has helped me build up my confidence as well as communication skills with others along with making new friends"
- Cadet at Bunbury Volunteer Bushfire Brigade

Two youth volunteers wearing VWA Society t shirts designed by Oli

Free volunteer ready course

MODULE 1

Introduction to Volunteering

Learn what is volunteering, why do people volunteer and your rights and responsibilities when volunteering

MODULE 2

Types of Volunteering

Discover all the types of volunteering with examples and how to find your own reason to volunteer

MODULE 3

Finding volunteering opportunities

Searching, creating a volunteer profile and what checks and clearances you might need

MODULE 4

Job Readiness

Getting into volunteering is a way to build the skills, knowledge and confidence to become workplace ready

Still haveQuestions?

How do I start volunteering?

Check out yvolunteer.org.au opportunities and search by your interests to find experiences near you. See what volunteering roles are available, stories of how other youth volunteers got started and what you can do to get ready for volunteering.

How much time will I be expected to give?

Every volunteering opportunity is different and every organisation will have different requirements. In yvolunteer.org.au you can choose positions at the time commitment that suits you, for example once-off or ongoing. Some roles might be looking for a volunteer for an event, a couple hours a month, or whenever you have time. Roles can be in-person or online and may be flexible to fit around your other commitments.

Will there be support for me as a young volunteer?

Ask about any mentoring or support while you get used to the volunteer role and then build up responsibilities, as your confidence and skills develop. It is okay to make and talk about any mistakes, and to see this as a learning experience.

Volunteering is social! If you are nervous about starting a volunteer role, you can ask friends or family to join with you and share the experience. Volunteering can help with your personal and career development and also help develop transferrable skills like IT or communication skills, which are sought after in the workplace. Volunteering also helps you gain work experience, meet new people or contacts and can increase self-confidence. Volunteer organisations can provide recognition for service and also be referees for job applications.

What if I can't continue with the voluntary position?

Before you start, ask about a trial period to see if the role is a good fit for you and the organisation. Be open with the organisation you volunteer with - if you feel that you are no longer in a position to volunteer, give the organisation some notice to allow them to find a replacement. It's worth remembering too, that if a volunteering activity doesn't turn out as you'd expected, there are other opportunities you can try.

Does an organisation need to be incorporated to involve volunteers?

No. Informal volunteering groups are often established to fill a short term or emergency need, although some may continue to operate for a number of years. Informal groups are often effective at responding to issues in local communities and neighbourhoods.

It is important to understand that when you volunteer for an unincorporated organisation, you cannot access civil protections for volunteers under WA legislation, the organisations may lack policies and procedures and training, and almost certainly will not hold Personal Accident Insurance for volunteers. For this reason, they are not eligible for membership of Volunteering WA.

Have another question?

If you can't find the answer to your question, we'd be happy to help.