Contacting an Agency

Make a call to an agency

A Sample Conversation:

• Hello, my name is _______________.
• Is the volunteer co-ordinator (or name of contact person) available?
• If yes: "Hi, I am a Bellarmine student interested in learning about volunteer positions at your agency. Can you help me?"
• Where are you located?
• What day is it happening?
• When is it that the volunteer work starts and ends?
• If you arrange an appointment beforehand: (It is recommended that you do this) "Thanks, I'll see you. Goodbye."

If the contact person is not available:
Ask the person who answered the phone if you can leave a message. "I'm ___(your name)___ , from Bellarmine, and I am interested in volunteer opportunities at your agency. I can be reached at 555-4433 after 3:00 P.M. Thank you."

Visit an agency

You'll want to find out all you can about what you might do if you volunteer there. Here are some questions to ask (you may want to bring a list):

• What does your agency do?
• What kinds of services do you provide?
• What sorts of things do you want volunteers to do?
• Are there job descriptions for the available positions?
• What type of training is provided?
• When (which days, hours) do you need volunteers?
• Do you require volunteers to commit for a certain length of time? (one time, 3 months, 1 year or more)

Make your decision. If you think you'd like to work for the agency, let them know. Set up a date and time when you will begin work. If you are not sure if you'd like to volunteer there, ask if you can think about it and get back to them. Be sure to let them know either way as soon as you have made your decision.