"Being a volunteer has been a
really enriching experience; a two-
directional link is created: you
bring your knowledge to help
others and at the same time you
re-learn and receive training in
other areas "

- Paulina Arce Casillas

With over 20 organisations working for the LA community, there’s sure to be something of interest to you!

Most of the organisations registered on this site are looking for people to volunteer in these areas:

• Interpreting (courts, welfare offices, jobseekers appointments)
• Home visits to the elderly
• Counselling in Spanish or Portuguese
• Project management
• Advice and Information
• Fundraising
• Marketing and Publicity
• Administration
• Arts
• Education and workshops
• Mentoring & Befriending
• Trustees

But if you can’t decide what appeals most, then why not read more about an individual organisation for inspiration. You can always volunteer your time to do something not already on offer – you might be just what they’ve been looking for!

How to apply

Once you’ve decided which role you want to apply for, follow the organisation’s procedures for applying to volunteer. Make sure you’ve filled in any forms completely, let them know when you’re available and explain to them briefly why you want to volunteer.

Most organisations will want to have a chat or informal interview with you before you start – use this to try and find out more about what you will get out of volunteering.

Help - I’ve never volunteered before!

Remember these golden rules and you won’t go far wrong:

• Treat it just like a paid job – make a serious commitment and be on time when you say you’re going to be there. If you can’t make it in on your arranged day, call. You expect them to be there when you make the journey in, and they expect the same of you.

• Be honest with yourself and with the organization about your own expectations of them. Sometimes it’s better to wait for something you really want to do, than start something which later won’t really satisfy you.

• Most organisations should give you a reference when you finish. Remember that this is a reflection of your conduct as a volunteer, so if you haven’t always been punctual, honest, or worked that hard, it won’t look good for your next employer.

• Find out if they have a minimum commitment period.  No-one can force you to stay, but if you already know you can’t really be available for that amount of time, look around for a short-term project instead.

• If you take on a short-term volunteer placement, make sure that you deliver on time – no-one likes a project to drag on.

• At the end of the day, your time is your own, so you can always leave if you don’t like it. In fact it’s probably better for both of you if you do, you’ll not be helping them or yourself if you’ve got a long face every time you go in!

• Make sure you know who your supervisor, or the person to go to if you’re having problems, is. Talk to them at the earliest sign of things not going to plan – nipping it in the bud is much better than letting things snowball out of control. They’re probably also able to smooth things out without anyone noticing.