Do I need experience or training?
Most opportunities need no experience. Some require a short orientation, which the listing mentions, and a few need a license or certificate.
Fictional policy for a demo non-profit. Last reviewed 2026-10-18.
Who this applies to
This applies to first-time volunteers and to anyone wondering whether a role fits their skills.
How it works
- Read the listing for any orientation, license, or certificate line.
- If you have a skill such as Spanish, tutoring, or cooking, tell the assistant.
- Plan for an orientation before your first shift if the listing mentions one.
- Sign up on the organization's page.
What to know
- Most roles need no experience.
- Orientations are usually 30 to 60 minutes and happen before your first shift.
- Skills such as Spanish, tutoring, cooking, or driving are listed when they help.
- Roles needing a license or certificate say so.
- If the listing is silent about training, the assistant does not know.
- You can search by a skill you have, but you do not need one to volunteer.
An example
Kevin in Queens has never volunteered before. He asks for animals, and the assistant shows a shelter role with a 45 minute orientation. He attends it the week before his first shift.
What we cannot do
- Provide training itself.
- Promise that a role needs no experience if the listing does not say.
- Waive a required license or certificate.
Need a person?
Ask for a coordinator if a listing does not say what training it needs. Say "Can someone check what training this role needs?"