Volunteer Work or a Volunteer Position?
Both terms are often used interchangeably—but there are differences.
We’ll explain exactly what they mean—and why that matters.
What is volunteer work?
Volunteering means:
- A voluntary activity
- Often within an organization
- Often tied to specific tasks and schedules
Examples: club board member, soccer coach, election volunteer
What is engagement?
Engagement is a broader concept:
- Any form of voluntary, unpaid participation
- Including informal forms—such as helping neighbors or activism
- Often flexible and self-organized
Why is this difference important?
When we talk about “engagement,” we include more people:
- including those who do not participate in traditional structures
- As well as new forms such as self-organization, protests, and digital participation
Our policy is:
Whether it's volunteering or community service—
what matters is helping others.
And that can take many different forms.
