What happens if bad weather affects my shift?
The organization decides whether a shift goes ahead and contacts you. Check your confirmation for its contact details. Volunnear does not decide weather cancellations.
Fictional policy for a demo non-profit. Last reviewed 2026-10-18.
Who this applies to
This applies mainly to outdoor shifts, such as park cleanups and gardening, in storms or extreme heat.
How it works
- Check the weather and your confirmation the day before.
- Look for a message from the organization with any change.
- If you are unsure, contact the organization using the details in your confirmation.
- If the shift is cancelled, ask the assistant for another opportunity.
- If you asked the assistant to record your sign-up, ask it to cancel that record.
What to know
- Outdoor shifts may be cancelled for storms or extreme heat.
- The organization makes the call and contacts you.
- If your shift is cancelled, you can sign up for another one.
- Reminders from Volunnear follow the listed shift time. They do not know about weather changes.
- If you give your volunteer code, the assistant skips opportunities it already showed you when it looks for another shift.
- Dress for the weather on outdoor shifts.
An example
Grace in Queens signs up for a Saturday park cleanup. A storm is forecast, so she checks her confirmation and calls the organization. It says the shift is cancelled. She asks the assistant for another outdoor option the next weekend.
What we cannot do
- Cancel or move an organization's shift.
- Tell you in advance whether a shift will run.
- Promise a makeup shift.
Need a person?
If you cannot reach the organization, ask for a coordinator. Say "My shift may be cancelled for weather and I cannot reach the organization."