Why Volunteer?
Volunteering is about connection, community, and contribution.
What is Volunteering?
From picking up a shovel and planting trees in te taiao (nature) to lending your strategic brain at the governance table - there is huge variety in how you can volunteer.
We have opportunities of all kinds, from welding the ship in Wellington’s harbour back together to shifts cuddling babies at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Volunteering means people choose to give their time to help others without getting paid. This could be helping a person, a group or an organisation.
Volunteering can be formal or informal. It can be a long term commitment, a regular shift, a project, or a one-off thing. You can volunteer remotely, you can volunteer in teams. You'll find the formal kind here on the Volunteer Wellington website, the need defined by our community, but you can also offer your unique skills or invent an opportunity together with a cause you care about.
Why Do People Volunteer?
Volunteering is fun! It provides purpose and belonging within the community, and a feeling of connection. People volunteer for many reasons – to stay motivated while looking for work, or to use their skills and spare time to help others. You might volunteer to learn English or to give back in line with your values. Volunteering is great for career progress and may lead to paid work.
Studies show that giving just 1 to 2 hours a week can boost your health, found in studies including "Does volunteering reduce epigenetic age acceleration among retired and working older adults? Results from the Health and Retirement Study."
How to Get Started
These are some important questions and will help guide your choice of volunteering opportunities. By considering your values, skills, location, and free time, you can find a role that not only benefits your community but also enriches your own life.
Whether you’re seeking to give back, learn something new, or connect with others, there’s a volunteer opportunity that’s perfect for you!
Why?
What would you like to achieve through volunteering? Is it to learn skills, spend time in your community, or to commit to a personal passion?
When?
What would you like to achieve through volunteering? Is it to learn skills, spend time in your community, or to commit to a personal passion?
Where?
How far are you able to travel? Over 300 community organisation members the Greater Wellington region list opportunities on our website.
Who?
What kind of organisation are you interested in getting involved in? If you'd like to connect to a specific cause, please check out our Connect to a Cause page.
Things to Know
Time Commitment
Volunteering can take as little as one hour per week. Different opportunities require different amounts of time and commitment.
Availability Options
You can volunteer on weekdays or evenings and weekends – it’s up to you. Some volunteer opportunities can only be performed at certain times, but there is something suitable for everyone.
Skills & Training
You don’t need to have specific skills or experience to volunteer. Many opportunities involve training so it can be a great opportunity to try something new!
Accessibility
Unpaid doesn't mean your basic expenses aren't covered. If transport to and from the volunteer opportunity are a barrier - chat to your Volunteer Manager.
