Why should I volunteer?

• To invest in your community
• To increase personal sense of self-worth and general well-being
• To gain personal satisfaction and leadership experience
• These are just a few of the many reasons people choose to volunteer.
• Volunteers of all ages and walks of life agree that by giving, they receive a great deal more.
• However, finding a volunteer position can seem as intimidating, overwhelming and confusing as seeking paid employment. And, just like a job search, the search for a fulfilling volunteer position consists of many steps. The Volunteer Center acts as a "clearing house" for volunteers and can assist you with finding the right match.

Will I get paid for my volunteer work?
Not monetarily. Volunteering pays in other ways, such as experience and the feeling you get when helping others.

Do volunteers have to come to the Volunteer Center to be referred to a volunteer opportunity or nonprofit agency?
All referrals can be done either over the phone or via email. People can also visit our web site www.volunteerwaukesha.com to find a complete listing of volunteer opportunities. There is no “holding room” where we place interested volunteers waiting for an assignment. We serve, in effect, as a clearinghouse through which volunteer interests are matched with community needs.

How do I start?
It's easy to sign up online for opportunities that meet your interests, schedule, and skills. Or give the Volunteer Center a call at (262) 547-8459.

Do I need any special skills to volunteer?
While some volunteer opportunities might require prior skills or knowledge, most are open to everyone who wants to help. When viewing volunteer opportunities online, any requirements on the part of the volunteer will be listed in the detailed description of the opportunity.

How soon can I start?
That depends on the individual and the volunteer position. Some positions require training or orientation by the agency and these are usually offered monthly or quarterly. Other agencies will want you to start as soon as you get off the phone with them. It usually takes us about 1 to 2 business days to respond to each volunteer application we receive, so you could be volunteering as soon as a few days from now.

How many hours per week do I have to volunteer?
You can volunteer as few or as many hours as you like. There are many nonprofit and community agencies to choose from, and we're sure that you'll be able to find at least one with a volunteer position that fits into your schedule. Whether you volunteer 20 hours a week or 5 hours a year, your help will be greatly appreciated.

If I learn of a particular volunteer opportunity that really interests me, can I sign up to volunteer on the same day?
On rare occasions you will you be able to pick up the phone or send an email to sign up to volunteer the same or even the next day, particularly if the volunteer opportunity is at a special event being held that day, such as a golf tournament, a walk-a-thon, or a festival. However, most volunteer jobs require some level of orientation prior to beginning. If the job entails working with vulnerable clients, comprehensive training may be mandatory. Approval to conduct a criminal background check may also be required.

What if I can’t commit to something on a regular basis?
We have plenty of one-time or “episodic”, as well as short-term volunteer opportunities. Special events – golf tournaments, carnivals, fundraisers -- are ideal for people who have limited time or just want to "try on" volunteering.

I want to help, but can't commit to regular volunteer work. What can I do?
There are special events and projects each month that need volunteers for a few hours or a day. Examples are events like golf tournaments, community festivals, and special event fundraisers.

What's the best opportunity for my group?
You can start by visit our website, www.volunteerwaukesha.com, and search for opportunities by “Group” to determine the best opportunity. If you are unable to find a match, please call us at (262) 547-8459. Large group projects can be designed for you based on how many people you need to engage, in what kind of setting you would like to volunteer, and what the group's goals may be (such as team building skills).

Who do I contact at the Volunteer Center if I have a problem with a volunteer activity?

You are always welcome to contact the Volunteer Center to let them know how your volunteer experience worked out. If you are a youth or youth group leader please contact Niki Blemberg at niki@unitedwaywaukesha.org or call (262) 547-8459.

Please know that the Volunteer Center does not manage volunteer programs at nonprofit agencies - we only make the connection between the volunteer and the project. Once you arrive at a project/program site, check in with the project/program manager to be sure you understand your role. The Volunteer Center encourages you to communicate with this person, or whoever is in charge at the site, if there is a problem. If you feel uncomfortable with how the situation is being handled, notify the manager that you can no longer continue to work on the project. If you feel you have been treated poorly, by all means please notify the Volunteer Center so that we may note this experience for future program referrals.