The Importance of Volunteering

This year I started a new seasonal part-time job. In the last month I have:

• Interviewed and hired staff.
• Developed and coordinated a training/mentorship program.
• Created a training manual for staff.
• Scheduled staff for work.

Along with these tasks, over the next few months I will also be:

• Managing invoices
• Supervising staff
• Dealing with any complaints/issues.

Now what if I told you that this job was unpaid and that I was actually volunteering? Those tasks above? They are the job requirements of a Volunteer Soccer Referee Coordinator.

I love soccer, and have been involved with our local program for over 7 years. Up to this point I have been the:

• Mini Soccer Coordinator
• Soccer President
• Coach

This year I am moving over to the position of Soccer Referee Coordinator. My 13 year also happens to want a job so that was part of the reason( great example of getting hired through a connection!!!).

If a business had posted a job similar to this, it would have been considered a supervisor role or higher. Not an entry level position.

People complain all the time that you can’t get experience without a job, but you can’t get a job without experience. Well guess what?

Volunteering is free education and experience.

Why Canadian Newcomers Should Volunteer

• Increase your English skills
  • The more experiences you have using your English, the better it’s going to get.

• Create a larger network that can connect you to paid positions
  • Volunteering introduces you to people you might not normally meet. They get to see how you work. These people might be able to introduce you to other opportunities.

• Make new friends
  • If you are new to Canada it’s a great way to meet others.

• Gain skills to put on your resume
  • Refer to the top of the page. All those skills could be put on a resume.

• Gives you a chance to explore different jobs/opportunities
  • Unsure of the type of training/work that you would like to pursue in the future? Volunteering gives you opportunities to “try out” different jobs before you go and pay for years of schooling.

• It will give you Canadian references you can use for applying to paid positions.
  • It might not be fair, but many Canadian employers still want Canadian references. Here’s a chance to get those.

• You want more training but can’t afford it.
  • Not everyone can afford university or college (and not everyone needs it).
  • Some volunteer places even offer free training/workshops for their volunteers.

• Some high schools have a volunteer credit
  • Many high schools have a credit where if you volunteer a certain amount of hours, you get a high school credit. One less class you have to take!

• It can give you specific experience in an area that you need.
  • Is there a specific job that you are trying to get more experience in but struggling? Find a volunteer position that is similar.

Options for Volunteering

There are unlimited options for volunteering. Some places that I would recommend are:

• Kid Activities
  • Do you have a child in an activity (soccer, dance, 4-H, etc)? Most activities are always looking for volunteers.
  • Also, if you can’t afford a certain activity for your child, ask if you can volunteer in return for your child being able to attend!

• Schools
  • Schools are always looking for parents to help with:
    • Parent Groups
    • Coaching

• Adult Activities
  • Is there a group or program that you enjoy attending as an adult? Do they need some extra help?
  • Another option start your own activity and get others to join!

• Religious Groups
  • Are you connected with a religious group? Much of the behind the scenes activities are run by volunteers. See where your skills can make a difference!

Another resource if you are in Manitoba is:

Volunteer Manitoba

Regardless of where you are in Canada there are volunteer positions. All you need to do is ask!