Is Volunteering the Right Way to Enter the Development Sector?
I’m going to say yes, but also briefly explain why, when and how so that you don’t leave with a jaded heart and less faith in change.
Many careers in the development sector, including mine, began in volunteering. Volunteer opportunities in civil society organizations, whether large non-profits, community-based organizations, or even non-registered collectives and initiatives, allow people to gain an understanding of the dynamics of the sector, learn about existing roles and types of jobs, network, and make more informed decisions about their future.
My early volunteering experiences were in education and cultural work. I was a university student at a time of great geopolitical changes (when wasn't it the case in the Middle East/West Asia?). Those experiences helped me bridge my studies in corporate marketing to civil society work. I got first-hand exposure to teamwork, the ethics of working with communities, the power of cultural differences in practice, and negotiation with conditions I didn't always relate to.
Through these experiences, I connected with people who became mentors to me. It bonded me with people and stories outside mine. It took me from the country's north to the south. It helped me land my first job in the sector. I became a better, more informed advocate for causes that mattered to me.
That said, this is a bumpy ride too. It wasn't always the kind of rewarding people imagine. In my early visits to underserved schools and camps, I felt the grave injustice of social and political conditions imposed on people: child marriage, domestic violence with little recourse, women having their income taken away while providing for their families, years of education loss, poverty, and child labor. It's hard not to ask why.
And yet, volunteer work is needed. Organizations are often strained. Funding fluctuates and is generally likely to experience scarcity of all sorts, with the rise of right-wing politics, wars and crises, and the dynamics of local versus international organizations (who gets what, how much, and under which conditions). Communities are often in need of people they can trust, rely on, and build meaningful connections with. You might be the reason someone learns about a scholarship, gets their next meal, is informed of a law, is warm for the night, makes an important life choice, or builds a lasting bridge.
With the right opportunity, volunteering can also help you land your first or next job in the sector, especially if you're passionate about a specific area and want to strengthen your leadership track in it, enter a new field, switch the type of organizations you work with, or simply learn something new.
What many aspiring professionals don't know is that choosing a volunteer opportunity can, at many times, be like choosing a job, and the sector is not short of bad and extractive volunteer openings. Here's what to look for and what to pay attention to for a truly meaningful, memorable, and impactful experience.
Before You Volunteer
Research the organization.What kind of work does it do? How does it present itself? What kind of communities does it serve, and through which means? How long has it been around? Where does its funding come from?
Look up the team.Who are the faces of the organization? What do they do? Where are they in their careers? Do you find things in common with them, whether existing things or things you hope to gain?
Understand the volunteering conditions. What is the time commitment? What are the skills required? What does the organization provide in exchange for your time (a certificate, a letter of experience, letters of recommendation upon successful completion, transport coverage, meal coverage, internet coverage)? What will you have to invest from your end?
Check your existing commitments.Is volunteering something that would be great to do, but your current work or study schedule doesn't really allow it? Is the work online or offline, and what does that mean for you? Do you need to relocate? Is there training in advance?
And, what's in it for you? Let's be realistic: you're coming with good intentions, but volunteering takes your time, skills, emotional labor, and at times, expenditure too. Is the cause of particular meaning for you? Does it seem meaningful, intellectually stimulating, exciting, and aligned with your values? What does it mean for your career and/or studies? What does your gut tell you?
Green Flags
You're able to find or easily request sufficient information about the organization (website, social media, location, registration, team, previous projects).
The organization lists the areas where volunteers are needed (social media, community engagement, field work, research, fundraising, delivering packages, etc).
The team shows interest in your background and motivation. They want to know who is going to work with their team and communities.
The organization, however small, has an ethics statement and/or rules, for example on collecting information, photography, harassment, and safeguarding.
Many organizations do not offer a stipend, but offer transportation and/or meal coverage. This is likely a bright green flag.
The organization is able to tell you what you gain from working with them (experience, skills, mentorship, etc).
Red Flags
The organization is well-funded, but relies significantly on unpaid labor.
The organization asks you to pay them.
The volunteer application asks personal questions at initial stages, such as photos of your passport or ID.
The organization doesn't pay attention to the community's sense of privacy and dignity in their writing and photography.
The time, tasks, and line of communication requested from you are not clear.
You're expected to travel long distances at your own expense (unless you have the means and capacity to do so).
Communication is off, responses are very slow, and you're expected to know what to do without any onboarding.
You're taking risks related to your wellbeing and safety, for example working in places that don't offer disability accessibility.
Where to Find Volunteer Opportunities
Community centers, schools, university clubs, and charitable associations are a good place to start. You can follow them on social media or give them a call to ask about available volunteer positions. Joining a specific event first can give you a feel for the team dynamics and nature of the work.
LinkedIn is where more professional opportunities tend to be posted, often geared towards specific areas like communications, education, humanitarian work, or research. Look up organizations of interest, follow them, and follow profiles relevant to you as they're likely to share helpful content and opportunities.
Dedicated sites like UN Volunteers (which includes both online and offline opportunities), Idealist, and ReliefWeb are also worth bookmarking.
How to Make the Most of It
Research the communities, cause, and organization in advance. You don't need to become an expert, but familiarize yourself with the histories, key debates, news, and cultural considerations. News articles, op-eds, and books can help. Organizations can often send you resources in advance too.
Think strategically: how is this opportunity meaningful to you? What do you hope to experience? What attracts you to this work?
Don't forget that you can negotiate time commitments, transportation, and the online/offline balance. Do so through a professional, kind approach that shows your interest and rationale. This ensures that both you and the organization make the right, most sustainable choice.
Don't neglect your wellbeing and health. Ask about accommodations that can be made for a health condition you might have, field support, safety procedures (depending on the context), and training available.
Ask about the possibility of getting a certificate and/or recommendations. Many organizations are willing to provide letters stating things like the number of hours or length of your volunteering, skills you've used, and their contact information.
Remember that you can opt out if something feels wrong. Don't give in to emotional manipulation or extractive methods of getting you to do what doesn't align with your values.
Ask questions. It's ok not to know. Are you uncertain about terms to avoid or use while working with others? Do you feel there are situations you need support with? Is the line of communication unclear to you? Don't worry, we've all been there. Ask professionally and try to get things in writing so you can come back to them when needed.
Pro Tip
One last thing: don't talk down your volunteer work. Future employers and others cannot value what you do, and encourage you to keep doing it, if you don't talk about it with appreciation and candor. Don't treat your work as a hobby, something you fill time with, or a sign of lacking direction. Practice talking about it. You might inspire others to give back to their communities, show leadership, and have some really profound conversations.
