3. If you are not sure…
…what is volunteering?
…what is Volunteer Centre and how can it help you?
…if you can volunteer in Ireland?
…why volunteering is good for you?
…what can you do as volunteer in Ireland?
…where to find interesting opportunities?
…how to apply for them?
…how to start volunteering?
You are in the right place!
?
6. Volunteers in Dublin in 2013
1,028
120
18%
2%
Ireland
14,871
Volunteers
in Ireland
56%
254
4,5%
5,697
765
Asia
15
0,26%
13,4%
Dublin 279
5%
44%
5,7%
Europe
3,193
N America
324
Africa
Australia
S America
Unknown
of volunteers newly
registered in Dublin were
migrants
29%
of volunteers newly
registered in Ireland were
migrants
8. What is volunteering?
Volunteering is giving your time and
energy for the benefit of…
people outside your family
society
the environment
Volunteering is done…
of your own free will
without payment
except for the reimbursement of out
of pocket expenses such as lunch or
travel
9. Who can volunteer in Ireland?
Everyone! People of any:
Nationality
Gender
Race
Age
Immigration status (international Family status (single parent etc.)
student, refugee, asylum seeker,
Martial status (single/ married/
migrant worker etc.)
divorced etc.)
Employment status (working/
Sexual orientation
unemployed/ retired etc.)
(Dis)ability
Religion
…CAN volunteer in Ireland!
11. Who are we?
We are your local
Volunteer Centre.
We help people like you find
meaningful opportunities
to volunteer in local charities
and not-for-profit
organisations.
We work with volunteers
and organisations in
Dublin City.
12. What do we do?
I need
volunteers
I want to
volunteer
VOLUNTEER
CENTRE
VOLUNTEERS
ORGANISATIONS
We match people wishing to volunteer with organisations seeking to involve
volunteers. You will volunteer with those organisations, not with us.
13. How can we help you?
Registration for Volunteering
We can help you register with our service.
Information
We can help you understand what
volunteering is, how, why, when and where
to volunteer.
Access to volunteering opportunities
We can show you how to access our online
database, search and apply for volunteering.
15. Volunteer…to GIVE!
Your time for something you care
about and enjoy.
Your skills and expertise to help
other people or your environment.
Your energy to make a positive
difference/contribution in the society.
Something back to your local
community.
Inspiration to others with your
enthusiasm and commitment.
16. To GET even more…
An opportunity to do something you love
New friends and professional connections
Self-confidence and sense of fulfilment
Knowledge of Irish and other cultures
New skills and work experience
References from Irish organisations
English language practice
Some fun and positive energy!
25. What to think about before you start?
Your Motivation
WHY
WHO
WHAT
WHEN
WHERE
you want
to
volunteer;
your goal.
you want
to
support
and
you
would
like to
do; your
interests.
are you
available;
how much
time you
have to
volunteer;
how long
you stay in
Ireland.
the role is
based – are you
willing to travel
to get there?
Check on
?
volunteer
with.
Google Maps
how far the role
is based from
your home.
26. What to think about before you start?
Your English
You need
basics
You will need at least
basic English to
volunteer.
Don’t worry if your
English is not perfect you can still volunteer!
Volunteer!
Our website has
volunteering
opportunities for
people with various
levels of English – from
basic (i.e. local area
clean ups, gardening) to
proficient (i.e. teaching,
administration;
communications).
Improve
Once you start
volunteering your
English will only get
better!
Don’t be afraid to talk to
the staff and other
volunteers.
Attend English classes or
conversational groups.
Ask us for advice and the list of your local English classes.
27. What to think about before you start?
Your Culture
Be aware
Your culture is
different from Irish
and other
volunteers.
Depending on our
culture, we all may
have different ideas
what is appropriate
or normal.
Observe
Be positive
Cultural differences can
be observed in:
- Eye contact, facial
expression, gestures
and posture, distance
between people,
touch etc.
- Time perception
- Gender roles
- Power distance
- Relationships
When you don’t
understand something or
want to know why
someone has behaved in a
certain way – simply ask.
Be open and say if you
feel uncomfortable doing
something.
Ask Irish people and other
volunteers about their
culture and tell them
about yours.
(Individualistic or collective)
Be patient and learn!
28. What to think about before you start?
Garda Vetting
What is
that?
It’s a police
check of
person’s
criminal
record.
Currently this
process take
8 weeks.
8
weeks
Who needs
it?
Who can
apply?
How to
apply?
All people, Irish
and non-Irish,
who work or
volunteer with
children, older
or vulnerable
adults
(disabled,
homeless etc.)
People who
have lived in
Ireland at least
6 months.
The organisation
applies for you.
They give you a
form to complete,
which must be
returned to the
organisation.
You will not have
any direct contact
with the police.
29. The good news!
There are many
volunteer roles
that DO NOT require
Garda Vetting!
Check frequently updated
‘Quick start’ volunteering
list on our
website
Examples:
Festivals & events
Practical work
Some charity shops
Social media
Environment &
conservation
… and
more
31. 4 steps to start volunteering
STEP 1: Register with us
To register visit our website www.volunteerdublincity.ie or call to
make an appointment to tell us what you would like to do.
STEP 2: Apply for volunteering
Go to ‘Find an opportunity’ and look for categories to find an
area that interests you. Apply for chosen volunteer role(s).
STEP 3: Screening
Wait for organisation(s) to contact you.
32. STEP 1: Register
1 Go to: www.volunteerdublincity.ie
2
3
1. Visit our WEBSITE
2. Go to
VOLUNTEERS
section on our
homepage
3. Click REGISTER
TO VOLUNTEER
4. Complete the
registration form
Once you register, you can start applying for volunteering immediately.
Our Placement Team will be in contact shortly.
Check your email (including junk mail/SPAM box) for our response.
33. STEP 2: Apply
Click FIND AN OPPORTUNITY on our website.
Pick your search criteria.
SEARCH BY KEYWORD
Use it only to search for a
specific keyword i.e. name
of the organisation or your
interest. Otherwise leave it
empty as search results will
show volunteering from all
over Ireland.
TOWN/COUNTY
CAUSE: Leave it empty or
always write
down DUBLIN.
choose from the list who/what
you would like to support. (i.e.
older people, arts, animals etc.)
ACTIVITY: choose from
the list what exactly you
would like to do (i.e.
administration, catering etc.)
34. How to apply for volunteering?
Browse for opportunities and apply
ROLE DESCRIPTION
SEARCH RESULTS
Show list of opportunities matching
your search. Click VIEW to see the role
description and to apply.
Check time commitment, screening details
(i.e. Garda Vetting, interview), supports
provided (i.e. cover of your expenses ,
training). Press APPLY at the bottom of the
page if you think that’s something for you.
35. STEP 3: Screening
How long will it take before I can start?
After applying organisation should
contact you within 1 week. If they
don’t - let us know or contact them
directly. Check your email for
response (including spam/ junk mail).
The screening may take various time
– from an immediate start (check our
‘Quick start’ volunteering list) to a
few months.
36. STEP 3: Screening
What is involved?
Depending on role organisations may ask you to
provide references, fill application form, apply
for Garda Vetting, have an informal interview or
undergo a training.
Referees should not be your relatives; think of
someone who knows you through a more formal
relationship (employer, doctor, solicitor, teacher,
course tutor, social worker, religious leader,
volunteer coordinator, sport coach,
student’s union leader etc.).
39. Is GIVE Project for you?
Do you come from outside of the European Union?
Are you planning to stay in Ireland for 1 year or
more?
If answer for BOTH questions is YES contact:
Aga, GIVE Project Officer
Email: aga@volunteer.ie
Mobile: 087 7386929
40. All other volunteers can contact:
Dublin City Volunteer Centre
76 Thomas Street, Dublin 8
Email: info@volunteerdublin.ie
Tel: 01 4737482
www.volunteerdublincity.ie
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/volunteerdublincity
