Volunteering means donating your time and skills to another person or association without expecting any monetary compensation. When writing to an association to offer yourself as a volunteer, you must explain the reasons why you would like to do so, express interest in the position of volunteer you would like to fill and explain how your skills and experience you have can be of help to others. Here are the steps to write a letter and volunteer.
Steps
Method 1 of 1: Write your letter
Step 1. Choose a position you want to fill
Search the Internet to find associations that need volunteers. Some of these report volunteer opportunities on their site; others don't, but that doesn't mean they're unwilling to consider recruiting new volunteers.
Step 2. Address your letter to the volunteer recruiting manager
If possible, try to find the name of the person or department in charge of it. Avoid using a generic greeting, such as "to whom you are responsible".
Step 3. Begin the letter by expressing interest in the association
To this end, you should spend some time getting information or talking to the people involved to understand what the association's aims, objectives and activities are.
Enter a comment on an aspect of the association's activity that you find interesting. For example, you may be interested in feeding and helping the poor and this could be one of the main activities of the association
Step 4. Express interest in a specific volunteer role you would like to fill
If the jobs you are supposed to fill have been posted, check which ones are in advance to make sure you are qualified. Explain in detail why you are interested in holding this position.
Explain why your skills and qualifications match the requirements for the volunteer position. Do not go beyond a single paragraph in giving this explanation. Highlight all your relevant skills, such as interpersonal skills, fundraising experience, and administrative skills
Step 5. Add your resume
If you have extensive experience, this may prove useful for the association. Make sure you list all of your relevant skills on a single page resume.
- Include a list of your previous experiences. The association may want to contact others for whom you have volunteered to get an idea of how you work and your reliability.
- Provide them with references. Mention the names, titles, association names and contact information of at least two references from professionals. Make sure you contact these people in advance to ask for permission to use their names.
Step 6. Ask them to give you an appointment to discuss the volunteer job opportunity
When closing the letter, provide them with your contact information, such as your mobile number and email address, so that a representative of the association can contact you easily.
Step 7. Close the letter formally
Use phrases like "Sincerely" or "Sincerely" in closing.
Step 8. Sign the letter
Write your name on the computer and leave a space above to sign the letter by hand as well.
Step 9. Make the next move
If you don't get a response within two weeks, call the association or send them a short note to check that they have received your letter. Some associations are inundated with requests to volunteer and may ask you not to contact them again if they don't respond right away. In any case, proceed as requested by them.
