What is volunteering, and why does it matter?
Let’s Begin
This guide is another puzzle piece in your job readiness journey—and it's all about giving your time and talents to help others, while growing your own superpowers along the way!
When you volunteer, you’re not just doing something good for your community—you’re building skills, making connections, and discovering what matters to you.
So… what is volunteering, really?
Imagine this:
Volunteering is kind of like being a superhero without the cape (unless your role includes one—then cool!). It’s when you offer your time, energy, and skills to support a cause, organization, or community, without expecting to get paid.
Whether it’s helping out at a food bank, coaching a kids' sports team, or organizing a community clean-up, volunteering shows initiative, leadership, and heart—and those are things schools, scholarships, and employers love to see.
And here’s a bonus: volunteering can help you figure out what you care about and who you want to become.
Learning Goals
By the end of this guide, you will be able to:
🎯 Understand what volunteering is and why it matters.
🎯 Explore the personal and professional benefits of volunteering.
🎯 Identify ways to find volunteer opportunities that match your interests.
Let’s Learn
🧠💬 Why should I volunteer?
Volunteering is a win-win. You give—and you grow.
Here’s what volunteering can help you do:
✅ Build skills
You’ll develop communication, teamwork, leadership, and time management skills. Plus, you might learn specific skills like using a cash register, coaching kids, or planning events!
✅ Meet people
You’ll connect with others who share your interests—friends, mentors, and even future job references.
✅ Explore careers
Volunteering is a smart way to test out a field you’re curious about. Thinking about a healthcare career? Try volunteering at a hospital. Want to work with animals? Volunteer at a shelter!
✅ Boost your resume & applications
Volunteer experience shows you’re responsible, motivated, and community-minded. It looks great on scholarship apps and post-secondary applications, too.
✅ Make a difference
Helping others feels good—it’s that simple. Volunteering can boost your confidence, sense of purpose, and even your mental health.
🌱🔍 What kinds of volunteer opportunities are out there?
There are tons of ways to get involved. Here are just a few ideas:
🌱 Animal shelters or wildlife centres
⚽ Sports teams or events
🛐 Places of worship
📚 Libraries or literacy programs
🏡 Nursing homes or senior centres
👶 Youth organizations or tutoring
🎉 Charity fundraisers and community events
You don’t need to do it all. Just start with what sparks your interest.
✅🔎 How do I find the right volunteer opportunities?
Start by learning more about yourself.
➡️ Ask yourself:
🕒 How much time can I give? (An hour a week? A weekend a month?)
🧍♀️ Do I prefer working solo or in a group?
💡 What skills do I already have—and what do I want to develop?
❤ ️ What matters to me? (Animals, the environment, youth, seniors?)
🔍👀Where can I look to find volunteer opportunities?
Here are some great places to search for opportunities—just type in your location and explore!
🔗 Canada-Wide Youth Volunteering 🔗 British Columbia - GoVolunteer 🔗 British Columbia Volunteer Opportunities Through the Vancouver Public Library
💭⏭️ What did I learn and what will I do next?
Think about how volunteering fits into your goals:
✨ What causes or activities light you up inside?
✨ What would you love to learn through volunteering?
✨ Could volunteering help you grow your resume or prepare for your dream job?
Even helping a neighbor shovel snow or organizing your school’s lost-and-found counts as volunteering. Start small—you’re already making a difference.
I Can Statements
✅ Use the following "I can" statements to check your progress and recognize the skills you're gaining as you develop your knowledge of how you can build your pathway.
I can explain what volunteering is.
I can list at least three benefits of volunteering.
I can name a few places where I might want to volunteer.
I can reflect on how volunteering connects to my goals.
Digging Deeper
💡Want to learn more about volunteering and how it can help students like you explore their futures?
Check out this guide for more tips and examples:
