The Volunteer Center of the United Way and RSVP work in partnership to connect community members of all different ages, backgrounds, interests and skill sets with local non-profit organizations. This effort increases the capacity of the community to effectively meet local needs. Using channels such as local newspapers, volunteer websites, social media, printed materials and outreach, The Volunteer Center & RSVP invite community members to learn about these local needs and become involved. Together, they manage hundreds of different types of opportunities and continuously provide new offerings.
Community members connect with the Volunteer Center & RSVP in many ways. They inquire via host websites, email, calls, one-on-one appointments and drop-in visits. Sometimes individuals and groups are responding to a particular request, such as helping prepare food for a community meal, or becoming a reading mentor for a student, and they are eager to get started. Other times, they are looking to learn about and explore different options, in hopes of finding just the right fit.
Once placed, volunteers play a vital role. The time, effort, skills and expertise they bring to an organization (cooking, teaching, bookkeeping, writing, painting, etc.), helps increase the capacity of an organization to achieve their mission. Volunteers benefit in numerous ways, including providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment, building relationships, learning new skills, staying active, reducing stress-related illness, and just plain having fun!
Depending on their goals, people may be looking for a short-term or long-term volunteer opportunity. For those looking for an inspiring, short-term experience, the Volunteer Center and RSVP encourages participation in the Days of Caring. Days of Caring, is a two-day volunteer event every September that mobilizes hundreds of students, sports teams, service groups, community members, non-profit and business groups to complete projects at organizations throughout the county. If you’re interested in joining our team and volunteering for any type of opportunity, follow the steps below.
Steps to becoming a volunteer:
1. Call 388-7189, email [email protected] or [email protected] or visit our office at 48 Court St. in Middlebury to have a conversation with a volunteer coordinator about your interests, skills, and availability.
2. Visit unitedwayaddisoncounty.galaxydigital.com or www.volunteermatch.com to browse volunteer opportunities and brainstorm about what you might like to do.
3. Be matched with a volunteer opportunity.
4. Try it out!
The United Way of Addison County and RSVP each have their own mission, support a number of community initiatives and lead some of their own. These programs are always in need of volunteer support.