It's free.

RSVP provides its volunteers with free insurance that covers them on their way to/at/on their way home from a volunteer activity.

RSVP is involved with several signature programs, in addition to meeting community needs in partnership with other local organizations. The RSVP coordinator does the "legwork" for you -- by knowing community needs RSVP helps match your skills and interests so you find the right volunteer opportunity.

You choose your assignment -- but if it turns out not to be your cup of tea, the coordinator can help you find another activity or organization more to your liking.

If travel costs are a burden to the volunteer, RSVP can sometimes assist with part of the mileage costs, or part of the bus fare. We also have free bus passes available through some of the senior centers with which we work.

Some volunteers enjoy the recognition that comes with being an RSVP member -- whether it's the free quarterly newsletter or the annual recognition celebration. Other volunteers get satisfaction from watching their hours "grow".

For other volunteers, the opportunity to serve "silently" without glory or fuss, is most welcome.

RSVP is changing. Nationally, we are beginning to focus the time of the volunteers and staff on activities which would not happen without us. We would be happy to sign you up if you're interested in some of our signature projects, or other activities in addition to what you're doing.

Sure. Currently, some volunteers are involved in a "telephone reassurance" program, calling and checking in with homebound seniors.

The RSVP Needleworkers use yarn and materials donated to the group to knit up hats, mittens, and lap robes as well as to sew walker bags, and wheelchair bags. These items are given to area organizations and schools to distribute to those in need.

Another volunteer does special clerical and computer projects at home. For example, if you have a computer at home, you could help layout a newsletter.

The coordinators are more than happy to make arrangements to pick up and deliver projects.

Yes! There's something for everyone. Many homemakers are modest about their skills and abilities but everyone has something to offer.

For some, assisting at a day care, school or Headstart may be the chance to spend more time with children.

For others, volunteering in an office or for a hotline is an opportunity to learn new skills.

Some volunteer activities offer a chance to meet people, have fun, and help the community at the same time.

Yes. As always, the RSVP coordinator will try to match your interests and skills with the needs and opportunities in the community.

We are all differently abled. Some of our volunteers have visual or hearing impairments, others use wheelchairs, all are welcome to volunteer.

Many of the skills you have acquired as a professional in one field are generally transferable to other activities, especially if you have the interest, willingness to try new things, and a positive attitude.

Training is available.

There are many requests that are on an "on-call" basis -- helping with the blood drives, transportation, mailings, speaking to school children or Scouts, being a substitute for home delivered meals drivers or runners, etc.

RSVP is also involved with some short term signature projects which may be 2-10 hours a week for 5-10 weeks.

Many of the RSVP volunteers spend the winters in warmer climes, and just keep us informed of their availability.

It is helpful for the coordinator to have a list of possible volunteers from which to draw. When the coordinator calls, he or she realizes you may have other commitments, but if you're free and interested, your help will be appreciated.

No problem. Keep in touch. And if you don't mind, we may call and check in with you especially if we have a volunteer opportunity that we think you might enjoy.

Anyone aged 55 and over is welcome to be an RSVP volunteer.

Yes -- though you will find that different organizations require different levels of screening and training.

While the RSVP coordinator can provide a brief introduction to an agency, the agency staff at the non-profit provide direct supervision to the volunteer.

RSVP follows and supports volunteers to make sure they're satisfied, and bridges gasp if they're not.

The RSVP coordinator will check in with you occasionally, and you are always welcome to call on the coordinator or director if you have a concern, a question, or just want to share some of the highlights about your volunteering.

RSVP is making an impact by meeting compelling community needs. The RSVP coordinator will be happy to meet with a representative from any non-profit organization, governmental agency, or proprietary healthcare facility to discuss the organization's needs for volunteers, and how RSVP and the organization will support the volunteers. This agreement will be confirmed in writing, and reviewed periodically. We will also work together to measure the impact of volunteer activities.