Volunteering the Right Way: What to Do and What to Avoid

Volunteering is a powerful way to give your time and energy to help others. Whether you're serving meals, mentoring youth, cleaning up a park, or raising funds for a cause, your effort can make a big difference. However, to truly have a positive impact, it's essential to understand the right approach to volunteering. Knowing the dos and don’ts of volunteering helps you work well with others, stay respectful, and support the mission of the organization you’re helping.

Many people begin volunteering with good intentions, but without proper guidance, they may make mistakes that can negatively impact the overall experience. That’s why learning the best practices of volunteering—and what actions to avoid—is key to becoming a strong and practical helper. In this article, we’ll explore how you can volunteer responsibly, respectfully, and with lasting impact.

Do: Commit to Your Role with Care

One of the most important things a volunteer can do is commit to the role they’ve accepted. This means understanding the responsibilities ahead of time, agreeing to a realistic schedule, and doing your best to honor your word. If you commit to a shift, arrive on time, and stay for the full duration. If something changes and you can’t make it, let someone know as soon as possible.

Organizations often rely on volunteers to complete key tasks. If a volunteer doesn’t show up or leaves early without notice, the rest of the team may struggle to continue. Being dependable builds trust and shows you respect the time and effort of everyone involved.

Volunteering doesn’t require perfection, but it does require consistency. Doing what you say you will do—every time—makes you a valued member of any volunteer team.

Don’t: Treat Volunteering Like a Favor

Volunteering is generous, but it’s not a favor to those receiving your help. It’s a shared partnership between you and the organization or community you’re supporting. If you show up expecting praise, special treatment, or constant thanks, you may find yourself disappointed.

Volunteering should come from a place of kindness, not ego. While recognition is nice, the valid reward lies in knowing you’re helping others. It’s also essential to avoid looking down on people you’re serving. No matter their background, everyone deserves dignity and respect.

If you’re volunteering to boost a resume or complete required hours, that’s okay, but still take the role seriously. Your attitude can shape the entire experience, not just for you, but for those you’re helping.

Do: Respect the Rules and Follow Instructions

Each organization has its own set of rules and systems. As a volunteer, it’s your job to respect those rules, even if they seem unfamiliar or unnecessary. Following instructions helps keep things safe, fair, and efficient. It also demonstrates that you trust the staff or leaders guiding the event or program.

Sometimes, tasks may seem minor or repetitive. But every job has value—whether it’s packing bags, sorting donations, or handing out flyers. Try to complete each task with focus and pride. If you’re unsure how to do something, ask questions. Most groups would rather guide you than see a mistake happen.

Being coachable and willing to learn makes you an asset to any team. It also helps you grow your skills in communication, leadership, and time management.

Do: Bring Empathy, Patience, and Positivity

Volunteering often means working with people in difficult situations—those experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, illness, or trauma. In those settings, your attitude matters as much as your actions. Approaching each person with empathy and patience helps create a safe and supportive environment.

Even when tasks are challenging or progress feels slow, try to stay positive. A smile, a kind word, or just being present can go a long way. The people you're helping may be facing personal struggles, and your calm and friendly presence may be more valuable than you realize.

Avoid making judgments or assumptions. Instead, focus on being a source of kindness and encouragement. Compassion is one of the strongest qualities a volunteer can bring.

Don’t: Use Your Time to Push Opinions or Beliefs

Volunteering is not the time to share strong personal opinions, religious beliefs, or political views. While you may be passionate about specific topics, it's important to remember that the space you're in is meant for service, not debate.

The people you work with or serve may have different backgrounds, cultures, or beliefs. For the sake of unity and respect, keep your focus on the tasks at hand. Sharing personal opinions during volunteer work can make others uncomfortable or feel excluded.

If conversations arise naturally and respectfully, that’s fine—but never force your views on others or use the experience to promote your ideas. The primary goal is to collaborate and assist others, rather than trying to convince anyone of your perspective.

Do: Look for Ways to Grow and Improve

Every volunteer experience offers something to learn. You could develop stronger communication skills, learn how to stay calm under pressure, or become more effective at managing your time. Paying attention to these lessons helps you grow as a person and makes each future volunteer effort even more effective.

Ask for feedback if you're unsure about your performance. Leaders and team members can often share tips on how to improve. Don’t be afraid to try new tasks or step outside your comfort zone. Taking initiative and staying curious helps you build confidence and deepen your impact.

Even if you make a mistake, use it as a chance to learn. Everyone starts somewhere, and growth happens when you stay open to learning.

Don’t: Assume You Know Everything

No matter how experienced you are, it’s essential to stay humble. Each organization has its unique approach to doing things, and each situation presents new challenges. Being overconfident or acting like an expert can come off as arrogant or disrespectful to staff and fellow volunteers.

Instead, approach every task as if you were a student. Ask questions, accept guidance, and be willing to learn from others. Even if you've volunteered for years, there’s always something new to understand about people, communities, and how to serve with care.

Listening more than you speak, and supporting rather than leading every time, helps build stronger teamwork and trust.

Volunteering Is a Responsibility and a Privilege

Volunteering is more than just an act of kindness—it’s a responsibility. It takes thought, patience, and a strong desire to serve. By following the dos and don’ts of volunteering, you help make the experience smoother for everyone involved—from the people you're helping to the team around you.

Please arrive on time, listen attentively, follow instructions, remain respectful, and give your full effort. Don’t ignore guidance, act without asking, bring a negative attitude, or use the opportunity for personal gain.

When done the right way, volunteering builds strong communities and changes lives—including your own. So step into every role with care, humility, and a willing heart. That’s when the true power of volunteering shines through.