Looking for a way to volunteer in your own neighborhood? A way to make a simple difference in someone else’s day-to-day world? It is easy to become a Village volunteer: sign-up, attend a two hour orientation, and then choose when and how you can participate.
An active group of volunteers is the heart of our Village and allows us to meet the individual needs of our neighbors in their homes. Vital social connections develop that enrich your life as a volunteer and the well-being of our community.
Help a member one-on-one, join members for social outings, or contribute your skills and ideas to running the Village. Volunteer opportunities are varied and flexible, tailored to your personal interests and your available time.
What do volunteers do to assist members?
Village volunteers respond to Volunteer Opportunities that are posted by email every Monday and Wednesday. Volunteers offer their help by a return email or call to the office. Volunteers assist with:
Help with small household and yard tasks
Social visits
Computer, and cell phone and other technical assistance
Rides to doctors, shopping, and other destinations
Participation in social outings and activities, meeting neighbors and making new friends
Information and referral to a wide variety of services
What are the commitments for volunteers?
As a volunteer you decide when you are available (example: Wednesday morning for 2 hours) and the kind of assistance you can provide (example: transportation, home repairs, light garden work, etc.). We encourage volunteers to volunteer at least one hour every two weeks.
All volunteers attend a two hour training session that focuses on best practices and ways to assist our members, and all volunteers must pass a background check.
We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. Each potential volunteer is interviewed to discuss availability and specific skills so you help us find the best way for you to make a meaningful contribution of your time.
Will I work with the same member each time I volunteer?
Volunteers can choose to work primarily with one or two members or can choose to work with a variety of members over time. The Village assists some members with tasks on a regular basis. For example we have volunteers who are paired with a member for bi-weekly shopping, a monthly visit to the barber and weekly visits for Scrabble or card games. Some volunteers like the regularity of the schedule and particularly enjoy building a deeper relationship through regular contact with one member.
Who manages the volunteers, and how?
Volunteers who serve on the Village Volunteer Committee guide the policies and practices of the Village volunteers. Volunteers and Village staff coordinate the interviews with prospective volunteers, the Volunteer Orientation, the assignments, and logging of volunteer services. The Village regularly evaluates volunteer services to ensure their quality and responsiveness to the needs of the members.
What can I do as a volunteer to help run the Village?
Volunteers assist with every aspect of the day-to-day operation of the Village. We use volunteers in the office for a variety of tasks and volunteers work together on these committees: Communications and Outreach, Finance/Administration, Fundraising, Membership, and Volunteers. Volunteers can contribute their skills or learn a new skill through committee work. Call us to help determine where you can make your best contribution and connection.
If you would like to sign up as a volunteer, please click here to fill out the sign-up form.
If you would like to review the Volunteer Handbook, please click here to access the PDF.
If you have questions, please call us at 202-615-5853 or send us an email at. We will get back to you promptly.
