Why do NGOs seek more forms, SOPs, resumes? Is it for databases, background checks, just tradition?
Most NGOs do not show available opportunities for volunteering. Instead they often say we are flexible with time & can work out tasks according to skills. Won’t this cause lead to volunteers?
Managing & on-boarding volunteers is a lot more work than it might seem. Think of the time involved in emails/calls/coffees, and then reading information about a new volunteer to understand them, looking at the current availability for volunteers, and trying to find a fit that will be a positive experience for you while at the same time a benefit for the nonprofit.
A lot of the very easy ways to volunteer are very low skilled. It could be packing food into bags, or data-entry. When you have the opportunity for a volunteer to do more than this it gets exciting, but you need to cover your bases. You will have a background check done most of the time (if you can access data, money, or people just assume it will be a part of it), and then there are internal training programs you might need to go through to understand their systems, approaches, and how to handle several probable situations you’ll find yourself in. Part of the training is for your benefit, another is for liability of the nonprofit. Providing proper training ensures that anything malicious you might do would your responsibly, and not some oversight in the volunteer process.
These nonprofits are basically going through the hiring process with you (with some obvious steps removed). They want to ensure it is a good fit and that it’s the beginning of a long and beneficial relationship.
