Who to ask for second reference

[carrotsandmushrooms]

I am applying for a volunteering position/internship. It's in an organisation I've never been involved in before. I need two referees, the only requirements being that they've known me for a minimum of two years and could provide information about my character and skills.

For one of the two referees I have a leader in another organisation I've been volunteering in for 5 years. He knows me really well. But I'm not sure who I could ask for the second one - I can't ask any recent employers because I moved around quite a bit and had only short periods of employment with each of them.

Could I ask a good friend? I wouldn't normally but it's a voluntary role, not paid employment, and I already have one reference from someone of "good standing" who isn't going to risk their credibility by lying. Any other ideas? I can't think of many people who have known me for 2+ years and who know me well enough to be able to write a representative reference

I have applied for several voluntary positions and used a friend each time for my second reference. It’s never been a problem

I have used a friend to provide a reference in a similar position. In my voluntary job, I often see the references that the potential new volunteers submit. Sometimes they are from employers or ex employers, sometimes from church personnel and very often two from friends and neighbours.

I think a friend who knows you well is perfectly fine for this situation.