There are only three weeks left in the semester, not including Thanksgiving break. This is a busy time when juggling our responsibilities can be overwhelming. When overwhelmed, we tend to seek ways to lighten our loads. Because volunteering often isn't a requirement, it might be one of the areas you want to adjust. It is important to keep in mind that your scheduling decisions also impact the community partner, so communication and planning is important as you head into a busy time.
Agencies depend on the work of volunteers to advance their missions. When students suddenly ghost their responsibilities, it causes disruptions. Agencies understand that your first priority is being a student, but they don't know your schedule constraints. Communication is crucial, and by communicating your changes in the schedule, you allow the relationship to continue. In addition, how you enter, engage, and exit a space also can have a positive or negative ripple impact on how the agency may decide to engage with students in the future.
Things to consider when wrapping up your volunteering:
- Give as much advance notice to your coordinator if you know you'll be missing or ending your service with their agency.
- Don't make promises you can't keep when communicating with former clients or students you're tutoring once your service engagement has ended. For example, don't say, "I'll see you later!" when your engagement ends after this semester unless you are 100% certain you will be at that agency again.
- Consider how to say goodbye to children or clients you work with. If possible, start to prepare them a few visits ahead of time. Check with your coordinator if there are any policies or procedures around ending your engagement.
- Keep in mind your personal boundaries and agency's procedures when communicating with students/clients beyond your volunteer role. It's okay not to share your personal information when you are leaving.
Don't delay in reaching out to your volunteer coordinator about any Thanksgiving or exam season plans to ensure a smoother end of the year for everyone.
