Stay safe when you volunteer for causes that you find on Facebook

Here are some safety tips to bear in mind when volunteering for a cause or organisation you found on Facebook. You're always the best judge of your own safety, and these guidelines aren't meant to be a substitute for your own judgment:
  • Research the event and event host: If their Facebook Page is verified, we've made sure that the organisation and event host are who they say they are. You can also research any place or organisation that you want to volunteer with to make sure that it's a trusted volunteering resource. Bear in mind that even if an organisation or event host is trustworthy, that doesn't mean everyone who works with them or attends is.
  • Report anything suspicious: Read the event page and host information to make sure that both of them are real. If you think an event is fake or an event host is pretending to be someone else, you can report them to Facebook.
  • Check if the location is safe: Research the volunteering event's meeting location to see if it's a safe, public place. If the event location isn't a public place, use your best judgment on whether to attend the event.
  • Know the risks: Know your limits and only do volunteer work that matches your skill level. Read the event description to get a better idea of what is required and contact the event host if you have any questions about the volunteer work.
  • Practise physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic: To stay safe, wear a mask and avoid close physical contact with others. Learn more about best practices for staying protected at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • Protect your privacy: Depending on the organisation, you may be asked to share basic contact information (e.g. mobile phone number, email address). Remember to always be cautious when sharing personal information with others and never share financial information.
  • Tell someone where you're going: Tell someone you trust about your plans before volunteering, as well as when you expect to be back home. Consider asking another adult to volunteer with you.
  • Don't forget your mobile phone: Keep your mobile phone fully charged and with you in case of an emergency.
  • Leave if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe: You don't have to stay at a volunteering event if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe and can leave at any time. If you or someone you know is the victim of a crime or is in immediate danger, contact your local law enforcement for help.
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