Every time I speak with a staff member at a non profit that uses volunteer labor, I make sure to ask him or her to describe characteristics and behavior of a “good volunteer.” This is because I am working to be a better volunteer, but also because well, frankly, I’ve met some crappy ones who could use pointers. Don’t worry too much, every staff member and Americorp participant I’ve talked to stresses the fact that there is no bad volunteer. They love and appreciate your help no matter how disagreeable you are while giving it. Some people may want to do a little better, however. There are most certainly attitude adjustments I need to make myself.
Here are my guidelines, I’m sure they’re not comprehensive. Consider it an evolving list.
The answer should be, “yes” whenever possible.
If at any time while volunteering someone asks you to do something and it seems safe and legal, do it. You came to help out, no? Go organize David Currier’s truck and then help Brittany and Forest lift 300-pound trusses up the side of the house. If a guest at the Harry Tompson Center needs another 10 minutes on the phone because he’s on hold, say, “yes.” It is totally weird and arbitrary that you have any say over how long he talks on the phone in the first place.
It’s not about you.
My first day in New Orleans, Amanda Davis, former Homeowner Coordinator for the Episcopal Diocese’s rebuild program told me this and it has been my mantra since. This is partly because of the paradox: if it isn’t about me, then why am I here? Volunteering is, of course, in some way about volunteers, but they really shouldn’t act like it.
Always remember where I am and why I’m here.
To tell a story, yes, but primarily to help out. Respect people’s space, privacy, and experiences. Do not expect or require some demonstration of gratitude.
No intrusive photographs, no unwanted personal questions, no insistence that I get to “meet the homeowner.” If it happens, it happens and it’ll be great. If not, will you have hammered any fewer nails?
Within reason and as far as it’s feasible, help people the way they want to be helped, not the way I think they need to be helped.
I understand the lawn is overgrown and dingy, but probably walls are more useful than freshly mowed grass. Especially since the family you’re rebuilding for won’t be back in New Orleans for another five months.
Do not make assumptions about what individuals and communities deserve.
So what if the home I’m working on rebuilding is nicer than my own house. People should not have to act poor in order to get assistance; if they need assistance, they deserve it, even if they have iPhones and nice clothes. Of course, ‘need’ is complicated, I get that. I can amend and say, don’t be a sucker and volunteer for a non that is going to waste your time.
Trust staff members
Trust that the organization I am volunteering with knows what it’s doing and if a crew chief tells me to mud the drywall until none of the tape is visible, mud the drywall until none of the tape is visible. Do not use the phrase, “I’ve been doing this for 40 years…” in an argument with a non profit staff member.
Be pleasant and agreeable
Remember people’s names.
Tell everyone you know about problems with housing and homelessness in New Orleans, or violence against women, or food shortages, etc.
There is good a chance that as a construction worker, I’m not that helpful to an organization. However, as a loudmouth with a keen sense of injustice and a large network of people across the country—I can make myself invaluable.
