Why Volunteer http www getinvolved cagivideoszacvine Why Volunteer

Why Volunteer? http: //www. getinvolved. ca/givideos/zac-vine/

Why Volunteer? Valuable work experience (yes, unpaid work is still valuable!) Career exploration (likes/dislikes) Meet people, become part of the community Travel Help someone Health Benefits!

Health Benefits Volunteering has been linked with: Lower levels of stress and anxiety Lower levels of depression Better physical health/less trips to the doctor Increased happiness

Finding the Right Fit What are my skills and strengths? How much time do I want to commit? What am I passionate about? Do I want to lead others or do I prefer to be assigned a role or task(s)? What type of organization do I want to volunteer with (non-profit, government, corporation)? What can the organization offer me in terms of a volunteer experience (training, skill-building) Do I want to travel or stay near home to volunteer? Do I want a structured opportunity or one with more flexibility?

Getting Started Career Services Centre – 4 th floor Student Union Bldg Drop in or book Career Advising for resume writing, job search, etc. Help with volunteer search (My. Dal, My. Career) Workshops Interview Skills Resume and cover letter writing Skill Identification Effective Job Search Techniques http: //www. dal. ca/campus_life/student_services/studentcareers-and-leadership-development/job-and-careersearch/winter-programming. html

Getting Started http: //www. halifax. ca/volunteerservices/ http: //www. halifax. ca/hrmyouth/volunteer/ http: //volunteer. ca/ http: //www. fusionhalifax. ca/en/home/ourcity/volunt eerinhalifax/default. aspx http: //getvolunteering. ca/ http: //www. getinvolved. ca/

Other Resources for Getting Started Online Resources: http: //www. dal. ca/campus_life/student_services/stude nt-careers-and-leadership-development/job-and-careersearch/resources-and-career-tools. html Volunteer Fair at Dal each Spring (check with Career Services Centre for date)

How to Approach an Organization Be professional (resume, cover letter) Demonstrate that you’ve researched the organization Explain your goals and what you have to offer Be realistic with your time commitment and expectations Ask whethere is a formal process (application) Follow up, phone or in person if you can

Get the most out of your experience Pick something you’re passionate about Don’t overcommit Treat volunteering like a job (show up on time, be professional, etc. ) Be a good ambassador for your organization Keep track of your new learning, skills, and accomplishments Network and get references Stick with one organization long term Have fun!

Keep Track of Your Accomplishments Update your resume with your volunteer work Keep current volunteer references Dalhousie’s Co-Curricular Record

Co-curricular record Dalhousie’s Co-Curricular Record (CCR) is an official document from Dalhousie that will recognize your accomplishments and the experiential learning that occurs outside of the classroom, including campuslife and community engagement, volunteer and service leadership, and awards for exemplary contributions.

Watch the Co-curricular record video (click on the CCR logo below):

CCR Categories CCR will recognize: Leadership (Student Held Positions) Campus and Community Engagement Course-Related Service Learning or Experiential Learning Awards and Recognition Training and Development

How to start a CCR You can gain access to the CCR platform through my. Career: Login to My. Dal. Click the 'Services' tab. Click the 'Open my. Career' button.

DALConnects program Co-curricular certificate program Leadership and community engagement Interactive Workshops: http: //www. dal. ca/campus_life/student_services/studentcareers-and-leadershipdevelopment/DALead/dalconnectsworkshops. html Recognized on CCR and in certificate form

Get Out There!!!

References Fernandez, S. , James, R. , & Mentally Healthy, W. A. (2007). Volunteering for Happiness and Health. Newsletter of the Australian Health Promotion Association, Update 3. Retrieved from: http: //www. trenchhealth. com. au/articles/Volunteer. For. Happiness. pdf Librett, J. , Yore, M. M. , Buchner, D. M. , Schmidt, T. L. (2005). Take Pride in America’s Health: Volunteering as a Gateway to Physical Activity. American Journal of Health Education, Jan/Feb, 32 (1). Retrieved from: http: //www. funoutdoors. com/files/Volunteer. Health. pdf Kellicker, P. , Randall, B. (2013). Volunteering Vacations: The Health Benefits of Helping Others. Retrieved from: http: //www. winchesterhospital. org/health-library/article? id=78992

Interested in learning more about the benefits of volunteering? http: //www. winchesterhospital. org/health- library/article? id=78992 (Link includes additional research sources and information on international volunteering)