Volunteer Application Form

Are volunteer application forms complex documents?

Volunteer forms tend to be simple documents that span no more than a single page. Recruiters will usually only need to know an applicant’s basic personal details, their availability, and any particular skills that will be of benefit to the project. In most cases, volunteer application forms are not legally-important documents. 

Application forms designed for volunteers expected to work with children are one exception to this general rule. In these cases, the organization taking on volunteers will likely need to perform background checks. As such, more detailed personal information will be required, along with information about any past criminal convictions or activity. A signature will also be necessary. 

Is a volunteer application form the same as a signup form or registration form?

Often, the terms “application form”, “registration form”, and “signup form” are used interchangeably, and it is important to be aware of this. That said, they can also be used in specific ways. 

Here is a quick overview of the main terms and the ways they are typically used: 

• Generic application form – Application forms, which may be short or long and tailored to a wide range of situations, enable individuals to “apply” to a particular position. They usually signify the first stage of a broader evaluation process. 
• Registration form – Registration forms tend to be used for the sole purpose of collecting information. An evaluation does not usually follow their submission. “Registering” for something assumes acceptance, whereas “applying” for something tends to entail further assessment. 
• Signup form – Signup forms are short, straightforward documents for collecting basic data. Email signup forms are a common example. 

What are the different types of volunteer application forms?

Irrespective of their intended use, volunteer application forms tend to follow a standard structure and usually contain the same general sections and entry fields. 

 Here is a brief overview of the main types of volunteer application forms: 

• Organizational volunteer application forms – Forms issued by organizations such as charities and organizers of ongoing events are among the most common. They will usually require only basic information about applicant skills and availability. 
• Community event volunteer or festival application forms – Forms for one-off events are similar to general organizational forms. Because events tend to have a wide range of roles, applicants may be asked how they would like to help, for example, as a cleaner, medic, stagehand, and so on. 
• Election volunteer application forms – Many election activities, such as canvassing, voter outreach, and vote-taking, rely on volunteers. These forms tend to be similar to volunteer application forms for events. 
• Volunteer application forms for working with children or young adults – Volunteer application forms for organizations, events, or initiatives that involve working with children or young adults will be longer than other types. This is because checks need to be conducted to ensure that volunteers don’t represent a risk to vulnerable groups. Sometimes, it may be legally necessary, and not optional, to perform background checks. 

What should be included in a volunteer application form?

Because they are straightforward documents, usually with no legal relevance, volunteer application forms tend to be uncomplicated and follow a similar format. 

Application forms usually include the following sections:

• Description of the organization and potential responsibilities – Volunteer-based organizations will often include a brief “About Us” section and an outline of volunteers’ responsibilities. 
• Personal details and contact information – Applicants will be asked for various personal details like their name, home phone number, physical address, date of birth, social security number, emergency contacts, driver’s license, and email address. 
• Availability – Applicants will usually be required to stipulate which days and hours they are available. One of the primary purposes of volunteer application forms is to collect this data so that it can be entered into a database and volunteers can be assigned to tasks based on their availability. 
• Skills – Volunteers with specific skillsets that are of benefit to the enlisting organization will be prioritized. It is good practice to format this section as a series of checkboxes next to relevant skills, rather than an open comment field, so redundant information isn’t provided.
• Background details – If volunteers will be working with vulnerable groups (such as children), it may be necessary to conduct background checks. In these cases, more detailed histories may be required. Questions such as “Do you have any criminal convictions?” and “Have you ever been accused of neglect or inappropriate behavior with a minor?” may be included. 
• Additional comments – It is common practice to include a section for any additional comments at the end of the form. 
• Signature – Signatures are not always necessary. They will usually only be requested from applicants that will be working with children. In such cases, a signature protects the organization. It also reduces the likelihood that false information will be provided because of the legal ramifications of falsifying a document. Electronic signatures can be used for online forms.