7 Volunteer Etiquette Rules

So you're a volunteer. You're giving up your time and energy to help out an organization, a cause, or a charity. And you're doing it without monetary pay. They owe you, right? Organizations that rely on volunteers are already appreciative and know the value of volunteerism. They may feel like they "owe" you, and can only repay you with words of appreciation, school credit, a letter of reference, or a thank you card. This feeling of "owe" doesn't give the volunteer the right to take advantage of an organization and its workers. Sometimes, volunteers forget to put their best foot forward. Here are seven etiquette rules for volunteers to follow.

Show up on time

Just as you'd sacrifice what you want to do to get to work on time, do the same for the organization you're volunteering at. They need your help. They rely on you. Prove your dependability and strong work ethic by showing up on time. If an emergency prevents you from showing up on time, call ahead or ask someone to call for you if you're unable to do so yourself.

Show up ready to work

Wear the proper attire, if any. Be free of drugs and alcohol influences. Don't show up sick. Be ready to work to the best of your abilities. You may be volunteering, but treat it as you would a job. Just because the organization isn't paying you, doesn't mean they don't deserve your best effort.

Have the right attitude

If you're volunteering as a bodyguard, then tough and intimidating is the attitude you want. Most volunteer opportunities, however, require a kinder attitude and a service mentality. Being a volunteer (or a worker) doesn't give us the right to treat others with disrespect. It doesn't elevate us on a pedestal either. If you're having a bad day, step to the side to compose yourself. Your attitude reflects on the organization you volunteer for, on yourself, and even on your parents. Represent them and yourself in the right light.

Follow protocol and procedures

Always follow the proper protocol and procedures. Some volunteer opportunities handle more sensitive issues. Volunteers may have a bleeding heart and want to help someone as much as they can. Be careful. Although that heart is in the right place, it may not be following the proper protocol and procedures. Those rules are in place to protect all parties involved: the organization, its workers, its volunteers, and the people receiving help. Breach of protocol can lead to trouble for the organization and the volunteer.

Take initiative

Organizations that rely on volunteers have a lot of work that needs to be done with only a few volunteers to do them. You may have volunteered to do a specific task, but if you finished your responsibilities early, offer to help with something else.

Smile

Not all volunteers volunteer out of the kindness of their hearts. A lot of volunteers are fulfilling a school requirement. If you're volunteering but are not happy about it, put a smile on your face. Think of something you like and smile. A smile can make your shift go by faster. A smile can make the work atmosphere light and fun. A smile can brighten the day of someone else. For example, if you volunteer at a soup kitchen, a smiling face can lift the spirits of those you serve.

Give ample notice before leaving or taking a break

If you didn't establish an end date for your volunteer service with the organization, give them ample time before you leave. Provide a two weeks notice, like you would a job. If you're going on vacation or need a break, also provide a notice. Don't leave the organization short-staffed.

If you're a volunteer, thank you. Thank you on behalf of whatever organization you're volunteering at, and please volunteer by these etiquette rules to make your experience trouble free and memorable.