Guards! Guards! starting volunteer's effects
From the rules posted on the Z-Man Games website (Page 3):


  Each player begins the games with the following items: ...
  • 5 - Ankh-Morpork Dollars
  • 1 - Lords &amp; Ladies Volunteer Card
  • 1- Man &amp; Beast Volunteer Card
  Players should collect any items/scrolls or attribute
  bonuses marked on the above cards.


This is a slightly older version of the rules released with the original version of the game. In the 2012 revision, it does not explicitly state that you get the attributes. Looking at the rulebook differences, my guess is the publisher wanted to optimize space in the 2012 rulebook and they figured people would just assume they gain the attribute increases.

Based on the original version of the rules, you do get the attribute bonuses for any volunteers you start the game with.