About Us
Our Mission:
Through this network of 16 Volunteer Centers, anyone in Washington can get connected to the nearest Center and find volunteer opportunities that fit their interest and skills. We can train you to become a volunteer leader, or you can use your professional skills to help expand the capacity of any local nonprofit. With all the opportunities available for any age, interest, or skill set, the possibilities are endless! Most Volunteer Centers use powerful online databases with listings from hundreds of agencies, so finding a volunteer opportunity is as easy as surfing the Internet!
If you're a nonprofit or public agency, a student looking to letter in volunteerism, a retiree who wants to give back to the community, or a professional looking to meet people and network, then find your nearest Volunteer Center and get connected to the people who can help you fulfill these goals!
FAQ:
Why should I use the Volunteer Center?
The Volunteer Center specializes in meeting people where they are in terms of their volunteer needs: Regardless if you are a student, retiree, young professional, or any other occupation, the Volunteer Center can match you up with a community service project that suits your interests, schedule, and abilities. We can also help keep track of your volunteer hours and give you proper documentation. Everyone can find event-oriented opportunities as well as ongoing volunteer work with their peers, as a family, or with multiple generations. If you're a volunteer manager, or director of a nonprofit or public agency, Volunteer Centers offer classes and workshops on volunteer management topics for managers at any level of experience.
How do the agencies that work with the Volunteer Center choose who will
volunteer for them?
It differs from agency to agency. Some agencies will have age limits or ask for specific qualifications (such as a driver's license,) while others simply need willing individuals who'd like to help out. Read the volunteer opportunity carefully and do not be afraid to ask the organization questions about what your volunteer experience will be like. The most successful "volunteer matches" happen when both the volunteer and the agency they work for communicate with each other and ask plenty of questions.
I'm a Volunteer Coordinator for a nonprofit or public agency. How long does it take to get volunteers?
The more lead time the better. Highly-skilled positions such as board member or grant writer will take longer for your to recruit and screen. Event volunteers doing relatively simple tasks can usually be recruited in a shorter time, especially if you only need one or two people.
Contact your nearest individual Volunteer Center for questions about your specific recruitment needs.