Frequently Asked  Questions

1. Any helpful hints for successful volunteering?
Probably most important is to believe in the work you are doing and to feel that you are accomplishing something with your time. Choose to work in an area that you care about, visit the organizations in that area, ask questions, and find out exactly what they do and how you would be contributing to their goals. Next, do your best to make sure that you are needed and will be kept busy. This may not be possible until after the first volunteer session, but it is crucial. There is nothing more discouraging than to feel that your time is being wasted. Don't give up easily, look for alternative ways to help out, be enthusiastic and remember that you will get out of it what you put into it.                   Go back to top

2. What is the quickest and simplest way to volunteer or find out about volunteer opportunities?
Just dial 851-2610 and you will be connected to the Bogue Volunteer Center whose purpose is to connect organizations in need with those with the time and talent to help.

Check out the Volunteer Center homepage  where a link for several volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits are listed. These listings will give you an overview of the types of agencies needing volunteers, where they exist, and how to get in touch with the organizations. You can phone the organizations directly or call the Bogue Volunteer Center for more information about these organizations or for information from their extensive files about volunteer opportunities with other nonprofits.                   Go back to top

3. What are other sources of information about volunteering?
Newspapers are a good source. Most newspapers have a Calendar or Neighborhood section with a Volunteer heading listing specific needs (sometimes short term) of local organizations. Also, if you come across an article about the activities of a local group that interests you, give them a call - there is a good chance they could use volunteer help.

A place of work is often an excellent source. Many employers encourage their employees to volunteer in their communities, sometimes on company time, and have already established relationships with local nonprofits. Contact the human affairs or human resources office.

Local Churches are also a good resource for volunteer opportunities. 
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4. What happens when I call the Volunteer Center?
The Gig Harbor Volunteer Center  has volunteer staff agency referral specialists that can interview you by phone or set up an appointment for an interview. During the interviews, the center staff will match your interests and availability with current volunteer listings and will send or give you a description of the opportunities that best fit and whom to contact at the various organizations. If you request, we can also send you a computer printout of the selected organizations. It is important during the interview to be as specific as possible about your interests and requirements, to ask a lot of questions, and to get information about several alternative opportunities because it is possible that some will be filled, some will not be at all what you expected, and some will simply not work out for a variety of reasons. Some centers may send you a brochure or two citing the range of opportunities and perhaps a questionnaire asking about preferences. Others may send a list of specific opportunities with various organizations and the name and phone numbers of contact people at these organizations. Similarly, when you talk to someone at the organization, be inquisitive, explain your strengths, desires, and apprehensions.     Go back to top 

5. My schedule is uncertain. Are there many spur of the moment opportunities?
While many organizations need to know in advance how many volunteers to expect (to schedule transportation, work loads, etc.), many activities are not so particular. Food sorting at food banks, helping out at a fund raising event, trail restoration, etc., often work on "the more the merrier" basis. Don't hesitate to call at the last minute for most any volunteer project, you may be needed to take the place of someone who cancelled at the last moment.
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6. My job or other circumstances make it difficult for me to commit on a regular basis. Furthermore, I thrive on variety. What about short term or one time only opportunities?
No problem. Several organizations plan special events needing volunteers for only a day, evening, or weekend the Special Events volunteer calendar.  This calendar offers a diverse array of outings, some appropriate for children.
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7. I prefer working one-on-one with an individual and developing a relationship on a more personal level.  Any suggestions?
You might try calling a local organization that is dedicated to working with and helping children or Seniors. These organizations have several different programs and are looking for individuals or couples who have about four hours twice a month to share.

Or, how about helping someone learn to read? There are local literacy program sponsors.

Among the benefits of volunteering are the satisfying personal relationships that develop as a result of sustained interaction with nearly any project.
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8. I'm interested in working with animals.  Suggestions?
The Humane Society of Pierce County needs volunteers to help with animals in several areas including adoption, special events, kennel help, and care for young or sick animals.
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9. I'd like to volunteer to help out in preparation for local disasters (floods, earthquakes, etc.)  How do I go about this?
The effort has begun to train individuals, neighborhoods, and businesses to be prepared in the case of an emergency. The City of Gig Harbor contracts with Pierce County to training neighborhoods to be self-sufficient. If you live within city limits and are interested in training your neighborhood, contact the city at 851-8136.  If you live in the county and are interested in volunteering, Peninsulas Emergency Preparedness Committee (PEP-C) is working in concert with local agencies such as the City of Gig Harbor, Pierce County Fire Protection District #5, Pierce County Department of Emergency Management and many more community groups to develop a plan to prepare for and respond to emergencies. You can contact PEP-C at (253) 851-8306 or mailto:prepare@pep-c.org.

A great deal of this type of work is organized by the American Red Cross. Your local chapter can tell you about the programs and training they offer to help communities facing disasters on both local and national levels. Red Cross chapters offer a substantial number of health and safety courses (CPR, first aid, emergency response - around $35 each) and an array of disaster courses (damage assessment, mass care, emergency assistance to families, shelter workshops, communications, etc. - basically free). The safety courses are invaluable and the disaster courses prepare volunteers to help with emergency disaster situations. You can take a few courses, attend meetings, and sign up to be on call for local disasters. If you can commit for 3 to 4 week periods and take enough courses in your specialty you can sign up to be on call for national disasters throughout the country. Other information can be found at: Emergency Links
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