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Using
Our Volunteer Opportunities Guide
On the following
pages, you will get an idea of how much good is being done in
Westmoreland County, and how much still needs to be done. Every
day the organizations listed in this guide struggle to make the
area a better place to live. They are able to help their clients
only because people like you, hardworking, thoughtful and caring,
take the time to volunteer their energy, intelligence, compassion
to lift one person at a time.
Please take
a few minutes to look at the "Tips for the Volunteer"
section before you select an organization. It contains very helpful
information and may assist you in making the right choice.
You will
find the organizations (listed in alphabetical order) and the
needs they meet. A brief description and the listing of opportunities
are included. Such things as location, minimum age of volunteers
and other pertinent information are mentioned.
A new addition
this year is the Internship Available category. If you are a
student who is interested in working directly with an organization
many you may find one that fits your learning needs.
Thank you
for taking the time to use the Volunteer Opportunities Guidebook.
We hope that it leads to a rewarding, long term volunteer experience.
And please mention to the organization that you found them in
the WAVA
Volunteer Opportunities Guide.
Volunteering
Tips.
Before
You Call.
Know what
you want to do.
Take some time to think about how you want to help. Start with
the basics: What do you like to do? What are you good at? What
issues concern you? Are there limits to where you want to volunteer?
Write down your thoughts and use them to help you find the right
volunteer opportunity. If the organization has a web site and
you have online access you may find it helpful to look at their
website to learn more about the organization.
When You
Call.
Ask questions.
It's
best to ask any questions you have when you first call an organization.
You and the organization can then determine if you are a good
match.
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Be understanding. Organizations cannot always take
you on as a volunteer, even though you are willing to help. If
an organization can't use you at this time, don't be discouraged.
Just call back at a later date or find another organization that
needs you now.
Be
honest.
If
the organization needs someone with skills you don't have, or
they require a longer commitment than you are willing to give,
be honest with them. They will try to find an activity that matches
your abilities if at all possible.
Be
persistent.
If
someone doesn't call you back immediately don't assume they don't
need you. Most organizations have small budgets and staffs to
handle overwhelming demands and they usually are very busy. Simply
call back. |
When You
Volunteer.
Be responsible.
Make
sure to dress and act appropriately. Show up on time. If you
have to be late or absent, call the volunteer coordinator as
soon as possible. Help them find someone to fill in for you.
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Be realistic. You may not always
see the impact your efforts are making. Volunteering is hard
work, the problems are often profound, and the victories usually
small. Never doubt that you're making a significant difference.
YOU ARE!
Be
humble.
Most
people will thank you for your efforts, but some may not. Remember
that people appreciate your efforts even if they don't say it.
Be
creative.
Volunteer
your skills and ideas will come with time. Think about all the
ways you can use your special talents to make a difference. Talk
about your ideas with everyone. Work to make your new ideas solve
old problems. |
Group
Volunteering
Be prepared.
Before
you call, figure out what type of organization you'd like to
volunteer for, how many people will be in your group and when
you can help.
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Be understanding. Some organizations
do not need groups to help, and most only need them at certain
times. Don't be discouraged if an organization cannot use your
group. There are others that can.
Be
flexible.
Don't
tell an organization when you will come to help. Instead, ask
when they need you.
Be
reliable. Show
up on time with the number of people you promised. Be prepared
to work hard. The harder you work the greater impact you will
make.
Finish
what you start.
If
your project runs longer than you expected, work until it is
completed. You have volunteered to do a job so don't leave it
unfinished.
Think
past one time.
Most
organizations that use volunteer groups would love to have them
return on a regular basis. Working regularly with an organization
is rewarding for the volunteers and helps the organization meet
the needs of their clients. |
Daytime
Volunteering
Try to
be flexible with your time. Because of work or school, you may
only be able to volunteer in the evening or on weekends. If you
have free time during weekdays, however, many organizations would
be happy to have you help.
Special
Needs
Talk with
the organization.
Most organizations will make every effort to accommodate volunteers
with special physical needs. If you have such needs, talk with
the volunteer coordinator about them during your first call.
In-Kind
Help
Help in
other ways.
Organizations can always use help in the form of equipment, supplies
or gifts. Look around your home or place of work for quality
items you no longer use but an organization might need. Also
consider donating new items to an organization.
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Give
what is needed.
When
determining where to make your donation, call the organization
and ask for their "wish list".
Be
helpful.
Because
many organizations do not have the means to pick up your donation,
be prepared to drop off the item yourself.
Be
creative.
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Use your coupons
for free items that you may not need for things that can be used
by the organizations listed. |
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Free items from rebate
coupons are also greatly appreciated. |
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Ask birthday or anniversary
party guests to bring a donation for your favorite charity. |
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Include a charity
in your will or call them about planned giving programs. |
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Request donations
to an organization instead of flowers for a loved one's funeral. |
Fundraising
Call first.
Although
most organizations welcome office, group or family fundraisers
on their behalf, contact the organization you wish to fundraise
for in advance. That way you will be sure that what you plan
to do does not conflict with something that is already planned
and is conducive with their policies.
Internships
Each of the
colleges in Westmoreland County offer internship programs. Internship
programs place students with an agency or business for a set
amount of time to learn about the business, get hands-on experience
and assist the agency. Depending upon the situation the intern
may work on day to day tasks and other times a single project.
In turn the agency will be helping the student learn more about
their chosen field and have something to add to their resume.
Having young people working for your agency can be a wonderful
experience. They often have new ideas, great energy and abilities
that can be channeled into improving your agency. Some internships
are done at no cost to the agency, others are paid a stipend
and some are paid at an hourly rate.
If you have a need in your organization that might be filled
by an intern call the college office and talk to them about your
expectations.
Saint Vincent's College
Office of Career Services
724-805-2070 |
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Seton Hill University
CareerWorks
724-838-4286 |
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University of Pittsburgh
at Greensburg
Career Services
724-836-7182 |
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Westmoreland County
Community College
Placement Cooperative Education
724-925-4058 |
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