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Volunteering
…..So
you want to Volunteer
If you want to volunteer with the Surrey Association for Community
Living, you will want to know about the process by which you will
be placed, supported, and evaluated. Volunteers are always needed
and are greatly appreciated participants in our programs and services.
We do all that we can to make your volunteer experience with us
enjoyable and valuable.
Orientation
Your first step will be to attend one of our orientation meetings.
These meetings, generally held once per month, are where you will
learn about the Association, the services it offers, and the programs
it provides. You will learn about Association policies and procedures,
and will be informed of available volunteer positions.
To schedule a time to attend a volunteer orientation meeting,
call 604.574.7481 and tell the receptionist that you're interesting
in attending the next volunteer orientation meeting.
Interviews
Once you have attended one of our orientation meetings, you will
bring your completed application and resume to an interview with
our Liaison for Volunteer Services. These interviews, which are
fairly casual, will discuss your experience, education and interests
in order to find a suitable placement for you.
Please remember that there may not be a position available right
away that would suit both your needs and ours. If this is the
case, we will contact you as soon as an opportunity arises.
Initial Training
Once a position had been found to suit you, you will be introduced
to the supervisor of the program. S/he will discuss with you the
specific duties of the position, the time commitment and details
about the person or people you will be assisting.
Volunteer Workshops
Training workshops are held twice a year. You will have an opportunity
to meet other volunteers, learn more about the Association and
get updates on the volunteer program. Each workshop requires a
sense of humor, an open mind and an eagerness to participate.
Also, every two years, the Association offers volunteers an opportunity
to obtain a Level C First Aid and CPR Certificate at a significantly
reduced cost. Volunteers will be notified by letter approximately
one month prior to any volunteer workshops.
Trial Period and Evaluation
Every program volunteer in every position will have a one-month
trial period, at the end of which the volunteer receives an evaluation.
Both you [the volunteer] and the program supervisor discuss and
evaluate the program and your performance. This is an opportunity
for you to comment on your feelings about the program and to express
any ideas you may have. Follow-up evaluations are done every six
months.
Recognition and Letters of Recommendation
Without the dedication and commitment we receive from volunteers,
we would be unable to offer the services and programs that we
do. In order to recognize this effort, certificates and ribbons
are given out at each volunteer workshop. Other rewards are presented
at our annual volunteer appreciation dinner for volunteers who
have been with us for more than one year.
Letters of recommendation are available at any time after your
first evaluation. To obtain such a letter, please contact the
Liaison for Volunteer Services at 604.574.7481.
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