By volunteering, you can:

• acquire new skills – these can also be useful in your working life (e.g., teamwork, communication, leadership) and broaden your worldview;
• create change – your contribution can help improve people's quality of life and solve social problems;
• meet like-minded people – volunteers are often motivated and friendly people with whom you can form lifelong friendships;
• try out different fields – especially if you are unsure about which career path to choose, volunteering can be helpful.

Volunteers have the right to receive clear instructions, guidance, and support when carrying out their duties, as well as the right to a safe working environment. They are responsible for performing the agreed tasks on time and to a satisfactory standard, notifying the organisation if they are unable to participate, and following the organisation's work procedures and values.

If you are considering becoming a volunteer, it is worth thinking through several important aspects before making a decision.

• What are the skills that you want to develop? Volunteering offers an excellent opportunity to complement your knowledge and skills. Think about whether you want to develop your communication skills, teamwork, crisis management, leadership skills, or some other professional competence that you can later apply in your work.
• How could volunteering support your career? Volunteering can be a stepping stone to starting a professional career in a specific field. If you see it as the first step on your career ladder, think about the role that would bring you closest to your desired goal.
• Do you have the necessary qualifications or are you willing to acquire them? Some volunteer positions require professional preparation or prior training. Assess whether you meet the requirements or are willing to prepare yourself through training.
• What schedule fits your lifestyle? Some roles require regular and planned contributions, such as on specific days of the week. Others require a willingness to act quickly and unexpectedly when a crisis arises. Think about which option fits your lifestyle better.

Opportunities for volunteering can be found on job portals for volunteers, such as vabatahtlikud.ee, or by searching for opportunities on the websites of organisations that interest you. If you are interested in contributing to the field of internal security, however, this information is compiled on the Eesti.ee website.

To start volunteering, you will usually need to fill out a registration form or contact the volunteer coordinator. This may be followed by an interview and, if necessary, training.