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First-time volunteers

So, you want to volunteer!  But... where do you start?  Here's a checklist to get you started.

LIVE Centre volunteer helping student

Volunteering in three easy steps:

Ask yourself:
  • What do I expect from a volunteering experience?
  • What are my personal goals?
  • What are the talents, abilities and skills I want to share or develop?
  • When am I available?
  • How long of a commitment am I willing to make? (regular activity, short-term commitment, one-day event?)
  • What type of cause do I want to contribute to?  Do I want to support a specific clientele?   (If you had all the resources necessary, what problem would you want to solve? What would you do with your time? Your answers may point to a cause that matters to you.)
  • How far am I willing to travel? Do I want to volunteer close to home, close to work or school? What are my transportation needs?
  • What kind of environment do I prefer to work in? (indoors? outdoors?)

Virtual drop-ins are available via zoom to discuss opportunities that meet your goals and interests with a Volunteer Ambassador. Most students find the opportunity they are looking for at this stage!

Contact us at volunteer@concordia.ca to set up a consultation.

Finding the right volunteer opportunity for you is not unlike finding a job. While volunteer listings are great to get you started, nothing stops you from being more pro-active.

If you know what cause you want to work for, research local organizations that work for this cause. Most non-profits have a website which lists volunteer opportunities. Don’t be afraid to contact the Volunteer Coordinator to offer assistance or propose a project!

Online resources such as the Volunteer Bureau of Montreal's database can facilitate your search.

 

Benefits of volunteering

Top ten most-cited benefits of volunteering

Students say that volunteering has allowed them to:

  1. Explore career options
  2. Develop interpersonal skills
  3. Improve career-related skills
  4. Gain experience which enhances their resume
  5. Gain self-confidence by tackling new challenges in a supportive environment
  6. Empower themselves by taking action to improve the world they live in
  7. Contribute to a cause they care about (environment, literacy, human rights, integration of new immigrants, a specific health-related issue, etc.)
  8. Enrich their lives by balancing their activities and connecting to their community
  9. Network and meet new friends
  10. Have fun!

LIVE Centre

Location
Location

Sir George Williams Campus
LIVE Volunteer Resource Centre   
H-608.2 (see map)
1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.

Location

Mailing address
Concordia University
Dean of Students Office
Att: LIVE Centre 
1455 de Maisonneuve West # H-508.2
Montreal, Québec H3G 1M8

Drop-in times
Opening hours

Hours change on a weekly basis for the Volunteer Resource Centre.
Find out this week's schedule.
 

 

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