Volunteering Q&A

Q1: What are the benefits of volunteering?

A1: These are extremely varied and individual in nature; often influenced by the volunteers' background and goals regarding community work, as well as of course, the organization where the person chooses to volunteer. The traditional benefits are often given as:
• The opportunity to help a cause or an organization you support strongly; and the chance to "give something back" to the community.

In practice, other benefits can include opportunities to:
• Improve, use and keep up to date your current skills.
• Learn new skills that interest you - from writing & editing, to cooking, counseling, training or even public speaking. Some organizations are willing to teach you new skills in exchange for your time and, even without training, new skills are often acquired just from the nature of the volunteer work undertaken.
• Gain a greater understanding of the Japanese culture and society.
• Get to know people from different cultures and backgrounds, and make new friends.
• Gain experience and knowledge in a field that you want to enter but have not worked in previously.

Q2: Do I need to speak Japanese?

A2: Whether or not you need Japanese language skills depends on the organization you are interested in. Many groups need native English speakers to help with telephone calls, writing, proofreading, letter writing, teaching and counseling. However, do not be discouraged if the organization you want to volunteer for lists Japanese as a requirement; perhaps you can find a way to help regardless of your Japanese ability. If you have your heart set on a particular group, ask someone who speaks Japanese to go with you on your first visit. Have your friend explain that you would like to find a way to contribute - maybe doing something where language is not a requirement.

Q3: What might I be asked to do?

A3: Depending on the organization, your skill-set and/or your interests there are any number of things that you may be asked to do. These include rewriting, editing, translating, answering the telephone, research, PR, cleaning, teaching, fundraising, animal care, counseling, training, public speaking, organizing events - the list is unlimited! Remember that you are never going to be forced to do something so if you are nervous about any of these areas, tell someone at the organization.

Q4: How can I bring my specific skills to an organization?

A4: The FEW Volunteering Directory (Nadine, please put link here!!!!) gives an index specifically designed to help you match your skills to specific organizations. However, if your skills are not shown, or if the organization you are interested in does not list your skills as being needed, don't give up. If you believe that any specific organization can use your skills, why not call them up and arrange to meet with them? Perhaps your proposal can help them see that they could in fact use your skills - or perhaps they can recommend you to an affiliated organization where your skills would be in demand.

Q5: What should I do before visiting the charity?

A5: It is always a good idea to arrange a time in advance to visit. If you are not familiar with the area you can ask them to fax you a map.

Q6: How should I organize my volunteer time?

A6: Many of the organizations in the FEW Volunteering Directory have listed their desired time commitments, but it is important to make sure there is a match! First, decide how much time you have to offer. Choose what works for you. Consider short or long term and ask about a test run just to make sure. It is better to start out slow and commit wisely. The sky is the limit!

Q7: I am very busy, how else can I help?

A7: Perhaps your schedule does not allow you any free time to give on a regular basis, but do not despair - there are other ways to contribute. Although each organization's needs are different, some alternate ways of helping include becoming a member, monetary donations, purchasing products the group produces and/or sells, donating clothes, food, office supplies, etc., as they are needed or assisting with annual events. Be creative - maybe you can organize a food drive at your office.

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