How do you evaluate a volunteer opportunity – not only regarding linkage to your personal interests and passions but also in terms of the actual need for service, or – and this is the touchy one – does the organization actually do what they claim to do, provide the service they claim to provide, and furthermore, are volunteers treated with respect and gratitude rather than being taken for granted?

Whoa – now that I’ve opened the can of worms  …

In working with numerous organizations and volunteers, I’ve discovered some trends in the “volunteer business.”

(1) In general people like to volunteer yet oftentimes can’t find a match to their interest or time commitment constraints. (2) Organizations (sorry) often don’t have a clear picture regarding how to both recruit and to utilize volunteers. (3)  Organizations oftentimes resist “supervising” volunteers out of fear of losing them, therefore lack direction and accountability. (4) Quite often volunteers leave because they are bored rather than being overworked, or because they feel unappreciated for their efforts (a warning to the organization)!

In considering volunteer opportunities potential volunteers should look for: a match between their passion and the opportunity; a match to the passions of other family members that might additionally be involved; a convenient travel distance and a convenient volunteer schedule; the want or desire for potential training, either formal or on the job; an understanding for potential emotional strain (often in health care); the ability to take time off without guilt; the overall length or term of commitment (months versus shifts) and most certainly – the working environment, including supervision and/or direction provided by the organization’s professional staff.

Additionally, (some think this is unfair) inquiry should be made regarding the volunteer opportunity to ensure that it actually does what it claims to do; that it has a history of successful implementation of defined services; that it is managed well; that its cadre of volunteers seem enthusiastic and focused – and ever increasingly important to funds raising efforts – do they manage their funds well? I would add to this litany, do they manage their professional staff well?

Volunteering is very rewarding and greatly needed – but one must also be careful to hold the organization itself accountable for vision and mission and overall effectiveness.

Let us not forget, as well, that the volunteer needs to be accountable, to do what they agree to or say that they will do, and be responsible in their efforts.

Check out the following opportunities, just suggestions:

• www.americacorps.gov – VISTA, local opportunities, varieties of opportunities and challenges

• www.KCTS.org – Public Television

• www.kidsquestmuseum.org – Creates learning through the power of play and exploration connecting children to their communities and the world.

Bill LaMarche is a 36-year Kirkland resident, retired, and active community, national and international volunteer.  Bill’s prior career focused upon coaching and mentoring profit and nonprofit executives and company/organizational participants in professional development, leadership, organizational alignment and performance management – including planning for volunteer service as part of existing company/organizational culture. Bill can be reached through the Kirkland Reporter at: letters@kirklandreporter.com.