I want to volunteer FAQs

	How do I volunteer in Windsor or Essex County?
	What is the average number of hours a person may volunteer?
	What is the average length of time that an agency will request of you?
	What kinds of volunteer positions are available?
	Will I be required to get a Police Records Check?
	Will volunteering lead to employment?
	Can I receive a letter of reference from the organization in which I volunteer?

How do I volunteer in Windsor or Essex County? If you are interested in volunteering for a group or organization, you may approach them directly or you can use the services provided by the United Way/Centraide Volunteer Centre.

Click here to see a directory of all community organizations in Windsor and Essex County. You may use this directory as a means of contacting the organizations in which you are interested in volunteering.

Click here to search all open volunteer positions in Windsor and Essex County. This online program will provide you with a quick and easy means of viewing all open volunteer positions that are posted on the Voluntary Sector Connector.

Click here for more information about the United Way/Centraide of Windsor-Essex County Volunteer Centre. Contact the Volunteer Centre for assistance in pursuing a volunteer position in Windsor and Essex County.
 

What is the average number of hours a person may volunteer? On average, most volunteer positions require 3-4 hours per week. There are some one time volunteer opportunities, specifically in the area of fundraising or special events, where more hours are required over a short time frame.

What is the average length of time that an agency will request of you? Most community organizations are looking for volunteers for projects or assignments for a period of approximately 3 months. Some positions may require a longer time commitment of six months to a year. Longer-term commitments are especially important when the volunteer is establishing relationships with clients or groups.

What kinds of volunteer positions are available? There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available across Windsor and Essex County. Some positions require the volunteer to provide a direct service to the sponsoring organization or the clients it serves. For example, the volunteer may provide transportation or deliver meals to a person with limited mobility. Volunteers also provide administrative support functions like reception, word processing and filing for voluntary sector organizations. Volunteers play an important role in serving on various community boards and committees. These types of positions are often referred to as board volunteer positions.

Click here (add link to gateway page) to search all open volunteer positions in Windsor and Essex County.

Click here if you are interested in learning more about how you can participate as a board member with a local voluntary sector organization.
 

Will I be required to get a Police Records Check? Depending on the volunteer position that you are applying for, the sponsoring organization may require you to obtain a Police Records Check. You can obtain a Police Record Check at any local Police Station.

Click here for more information on Police Records Checks.
 

Will volunteering lead to employment? There are no guarantees that volunteering will lead to employment, however, volunteer experience is a very marketable asset in your search for employment. Many people list their responsibilities and achievements as a volunteer on their resumes.

Can I receive a letter of reference from the organization in which I volunteer? We suggest that you ask the Volunteer Manager or Coordinator for a letter of reference or to provide a phone reference for potential employers.