Tips from the team of experts.

Alf Darb, Alf Khair’s core initiative, is a training curriculum aimed at individuals who want to join the workforce or improve their engagement and productivity levels at work, with a focus on values and attitudes for excellence.

The Alf Khair team recently finished training nearly 100 individuals from numerous backgrounds. Some of the organizations that collaborated with Alf Darb include LV, Carrefour and Princess Nourah University.

Here are some volunteering tips from Alf Khair to help you get started:

ORGANIZATIONS

1. Identify:

• Purpose and benefits of having volunteers on board.
• Main roles and responsibilities for volunteers.
• Volunteer profiles (i.e. age, gender, background, etc.)
• Where to find your potential volunteers.

2. Outreach:

• Make an announcement calling for volunteers and why (leverage your social media platforms).
• Reach out to organizations, universities, and/or schools.
• Ensure there is a main contact person from your organization, to attend to all volunteer requests.

3. Meeting Time:

• Meet with potential volunteers and give them a general briefing about your organization, why you are scouting volunteers, and benefits of helping your organization. This step is essential in screening and knowing your volunteers.
• Introduce the various roles, and if possible, designate volunteers to roles that highlight their strengths.
• Inform volunteers of the next few steps, mention follow-up trainings.

4. Follow Up Training:

• Task-specific training.
• Designate team leaders, and inform all volunteers of the sequence and chain of volunteers.
• Practice-runs.
• All ambiguity should be addressed at this time. Provide FAQ sheet for volunteers to review and refer to.
• Rehearse at the venue.

5. Appreciation:

• Certificates for volunteering, post event.
• Maintain a fruitful relationship.
• Involve them in other activities, and call for further support in other occasions.

VOLUNTEERS

Identify:

• How much spare time do you have?
• Why do you want to volunteer? What can you contribute?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What companies are aligned with your values?

Outreach:

• Reach out!
• Drop the company a call or an email. Be proactive, not passive.
• Meeting Time/Follow Up Trainings:
• Make a good first impression.
• Attend all volunteer meetings and trainings.
• BE ON TIME, always. Volunteering your time is not an excuse for being late.

Appreciation:

• Don’t just provide the bare minimum. Go the extra mile. You might land a work opportunity if you prove to be an effective volunteer.
• Remain in contact with the companies you volunteer for, and build a good business network.

During the demanding and stressful hours of volunteering, remember:

• You are all giving back to society.
• You are learning valuable skills.
• Volunteering connects you with others in your community.
• It brings fun and fulfillment to everyone’s life.