FAQs for Volunteers

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Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions we hear from volunteers. They include some general questions about volunteering, as well as questions pertaining to use of the VCRI website. For any questions not answered in the following FAQ, call VCRI at (401) 421-6547, 1-800-VOLUNTEER, or email us at info@vcri.org. If you represent an agency, visit the Agency Frequently Asked Questions page.

General Questions about Volunteering

Why should I volunteer?
There are many BENEFITS TO YOU through volunteering. They may include some or all of the following unexpected, but rather typical, experiences individuals glean through volunteering:

• Feeling healthier and happier
• Increased self-esteem
• Opportunity for reflection
• A greater sense of balance.
• Volunteers of all ages and all walks of life agree that by giving, they receive a great deal.

However, finding a volunteer position can seem as intimidating, overwhelming and confusing as seeking paid employment. And, just like a job search, the search for a fulfilling volunteer position consists of many steps. The Volunteer Center of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization which acts as a statewide "clearing house" for volunteers provides these opportunities.

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What should I consider if I want to volunteer?
In conjunction with our Helpful Tips & Hints list you may want to consider this basic 5 step guide:

Step 1 - Explore your motivations. Identify your personal goals.
Knowing your motivations will help you better choose a volunteer position that's right for you. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to volunteer? What are my goals? Do I want to make a difference in my career, my social life, my community, or something else?" Your goals will direct your search.

Step 2 - Do a personal inventory. Assess your skills and interests.
What are you good at? What do you enjoy? What skills would you like to improve? If you have volunteered in the past, you can think about the things you liked the most and least about your experience. Be specific. Do you like working indoors or outdoors? Independently or with others? Would you choose to work in a behind-the -scenes position, such as a clerical assistant in the office of a food bank, or in a position that provides direct service, such as a court advocate for abused children?

Step 3 - Focus! Choose an Issue!
What are you interested in? The environment, animals, the arts, consumer advocacy? If you want to work in human services, consider the issues that move you most, for example, hunger, homelessness, domestic violence, literacy or disability rights. Think about how you can apply your skills and interests to your chosen issues.

Step 4 - Evaluate Your Schedule.
Be realistic. After completing the above steps, you may feel anxious to get started. Before you do, try making a chart of the number of hours you spend on daily activities--job, family, friends, hobbies, chores, etc.--and see how much time is left. Then decide how many of these hours you are willing to donate to your cause. Don't be dismayed by a limited schedule; many volunteer positions are available in the evenings and weekends, with time commitments of as little as 2-3 hours per month.

Step 5 - Use a Volunteer Center.
The nationwide network of volunteer centers helps connect thousands of people to thousands of volunteer jobs. The Volunteer Center of Rhode Island is the local referral source for volunteers. Through our comprehensive online database and our professional staff, you can match your skills, interests and schedule to positions at agencies that really need your help. In addition to referral services, VCRI runs special programs for youth, seniors, families, working people and corporate employees. Be aware that volunteer centers refer you; they do not place you. You will receive a list of referrals, and you must decide which you want to contact for further information or interviews.

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Helpful Tips & Hints for Volunteering
Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind as you begin to explore the wonderful world of volunteering. Remember our staff is available to help you at any step along the way!

• Be realistic and clear about the amount of time you can commit. It is easier to start small and increase your commitment than to have to back out because your schedule is overwhelming you.
• Visit the organization you are interested in before committing yourself. Get a sense of the staff and clients you will be working with and an overall feel for the environment.
• Find out about the agency's purpose and how your role as a volunteer fits into that mission. Sometimes what may seem an insignificant contribution to you makes all the difference to the people you are assisting.
• Ask for a job description of your volunteer work. It helps you decide if the work is an appropriate fit for you, and it provides a set of standards or expectations when you do volunteer. You don't want to set aside time to work at an agency only to arrive and find there's nothing to do.
• Ask about training and supervision. If an organization is asking you to perform a task, will they provide the support necessary for you to be successful?
• Volunteering is an opportunity for personal growth. Don't be reluctant to request an evaluation of the work that you perform or a letter of recommendation, should you decide to list your volunteer service on a school or job application.
• Enthusiasm is key! If you are not excited about the program, the chances are that you are not going to be thrilled with giving up time in your day to go there.
• Go for it! You get out of your volunteer work what you put into it. Volunteering requires no special degree or prior experience; it's simply a willingness to help.

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Do I have rights and responsibilities as a volunteer?
Yes you certainly do and they are as follows:

Responsibilities: Be Honest about Goals, Skills, Limitations and Motivations Fulfill Your Commitment Maintain Confidentiality Cooperate With Staff Be Flexible and Open-Minded Stay Informed Participate in Personal Development Ask for Help - its OK! Understand Your Role as a Volunteer

Rights: Receive a Clear, Appropriate Assignment Fulfilling Work Orientation and Training Informed Involvement with Agency Supervision and Support Development of Individual Potential Recognition of Service Respect as a Special Person Time put to Best Use Safe, Healthy Working Conditions

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How do I know what is the best opportunity for me and how do I find it?
It depends on what you are interested in. Our website is a great tool and gives you a variety of ways that you can search for opportunities. You can enter your zip code to find opportunities closest to you, click on a social issue that interests you or you can do a full search and decide if you want to volunteer as a teen, family or group. You can also do more than one search if you have many volunteer interests. The best thing to do to really find a good fit in an opportunity is to register on our site and complete a “volunteer profile.” The volunteer profile is beneficial in finding what interests you the most. Be sure to then do an Opportunity Search to find opportunities that interest you. The best part is that it is completely FREE & EASY for you.

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Once I find something, how should I prepare for an interview?
Act as if you are applying for a paid position. Keep your goals and skills in mind, and have references. Both you and your interviewer need to be selective and honest and have the right to say, "No, thanks."

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What if I want to change my position?
Over time, goals, interests and schedules change. Be honest with yourself and your agency about these changes. The position that seemed a perfect fit a year ago might not be so today. It's perfectly acceptable to ask for more or less work, or different responsibilities. If you are ready to move on, that's fine too. Remember that a volunteer position is like a paid job; it can be a valuable addition to your resume and a source of references.

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What if I have schedule limitations?
Do you have a busy schedule which limits your ability to volunteer? There are many volunteer opportunities that can be done remotely as a work-at-home volunteer, and many others that offer flexible, evening or weekend opportunities. Perform an Opportunity Search to find the opportunity that best fits your schedule! You may also be interested in viewing one-time volunteer opportunities on our Calendar.

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How can my whole family volunteer together?
Easy. click on Opportunity Search and do a "full search." Respond to the first statement about being "...interested in opportunities available to" by checking the box for “Families” then click "GO."

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General Questions about Using VCRI Website

What if I have trouble logging in?
Make sure you have “cookies” enabled on your browser. Go to Volunteer Login. Click on “need help logging in?” Scroll down to the cookies area and click on “test your browser.” This will let you know if you have cookies enabled or not. If you do not have cookies, you need to follow the instructions to have them set up on your browser.

Does it cost me anything to use VCRI’s website to search for opportunities?
No, it is completely free. Our mission is to connect people and opportunities for effective volunteer community service. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to help us continue our operations, click here. 

Do I have to register in order to use the “Opportunity Search” function?
No, you do not have to register to use the search function. However, registering with VCRI gives you an opportunity to find out about new volunteer opportunities that match your profile when they are entered into the website via email, so that you don't have to come back to our site all the time. In addition, VCRI offers special promotions for our registered users (discount/free admission to local attractions) as the items become available. Finally, the information you provide allows us to tell our funders how many people are using our site and what opportunities they are interested in. So register today and help VCRI help you make a difference in our community!

What if no one responds to my request as a volunteer?
If more than a week has passed and no one responds to your request, email VCRI at info@vcri.org or call us at VCRI (401) 421-6547. VCRI encourages agencies to respond to all volunteers in a timely manner. Please tell us specifics of your situation (dates, person called, etc.) and VCRI will also attempt to follow up with the agency for you. You might also want to consider volunteering with another organization.

Can I search for a specific agency by name?
Yes, click on Opportunity Search and then click on “Agencies” on the second navigation bar above the search area. Type in the specific agency that you are looking for or a portion of their name and the system will find them for you. Be sure to also click on “View Opps” to see their current volunteer needs.

What's the best opportunity for my group?
Use our online search to determine the best opportunity for your group. If you are unable to find a match, please call VCRI at 421-6547 and speak with a volunteer interviewer or send an email to info@vcri.org. For a fee, large group projects can be designed for you based on how many people you need to engage, in what kind of setting you would like to volunteer, and what the group's goals may be (such as team building skills).

Who do I contact at VCRI if I have a problem while volunteering?
VCRI does not manage volunteer programs at nonprofit agencies - we only make the connection between you and the project. Once you arrive at an agency project/program site, check in with the project/program manager to be sure you understand your role. VCRI encourages you to communicate with this person, or whoever is in charge at the site, if there is a problem. If you feel uncomfortable with how the situation is being handled, notify the manager that you can no longer continue to work on the project. If you feel you have been treated poorly, we do encourage you to notify VCRI so that we may note this experience for future program referrals. To notify VCRI of any problems, you may call us at 401.421.6547 or email info@vcri.org.

How is VCRI funded?
Foundations 16%
Special Events 32%
Government 24%
General Donations 8%
Corporate Giving 3%
Other Agency Revenue 17%
Funding for our agency comes from a variety of sources, including foundations, government agencies, consulting contracts, and private donations. Total annual budget is $500,000.
Please contact Lynne Harper at lharper@vcri.org or visit our secure online donation page to make a donation.

Who can post volunteer opportunities on this website?
Nonprofits that qualify as a 501(c) 3 organization under the IRS tax code can post their volunteer needs on this database. Governmental agencies and proprietary health agencies may also post their volunteer needs. If you have more questions, please feel free to contact VCRI at 401.421.6547 or info@vcri.org and ask for the Program Director.