For Volunteers
Resources and Guides for Volunteers
Do you have a talent or skill that you want to share with others?
Do you want to help a cause that you are passionate about?
Do you want to meet others and get involved in the community?
1. Answer these questions to help you decide what opportunities will be right for you
How much time do I have to volunteer?
What time commitment do I want to make to an organization (week, month, year, one-time)?
What am I interested in?
What skills do I want to use and/or learn?
Do I want to work directly with people, in an office, or on a committee?
Where would I like to volunteer? 
What atmosphere would I be most comfortable in?
Who would I like to help (youth, seniors, animals, disabled)?
Do I have any physical or mental limitations?
Step 2. Review the opportunities.
Use the "Find Volunteer Opportunities" feature on this website. Create an Account and use it to start your search. Everyone has skills that can benefit others and help make a difference in our community. This site is to help you learn about the various non-profit organizations in the Fox Valley Region and to be connected with volunteer opportunities.
As you review the opportunities, select two or three opportunities that sound interesting.
If you prefer to Browse the Organizations first click here
Step 3. Contact the agency directly.
You can reach the agency by either by calling the agency directly or by using the "Express Interest" feature on the website.
Step 4. Become acclimated to the culture of the agency
Participate in the agency's screening process. Most, if not all, agencies will have an application for you to fill out prior to volunteering. Be prepared that some will ask for personal references and will do a criminal background check. Processing the application and doing the screening and reference check make take several days. Ask the agency contact when you can expect to hear back from them.
Attend an orientation/training session. Most meaningful volunteer opportunities will require that you attend a full training or at least an orientation. You may want to ask about the upcoming training dates to pencil them in on your calendar.
Step 5. Start volunteering!
Make sure you communicate clearly your availabity to the agency. It is important that you find a good balance between you volunteer job and your other activities.
Make sure you ask questions and are very clear on the expectations. If you are unsure of how to do a task, ask if you can shadow another volunteer until you feel confident.
Need More Direction?
Choosing which agency to volunteer at can be a difficult decision. If you would like more assistance in choosing an agency, The Volunteer Center would like to help. Please feel free to contact us if you are not finding what you are looking for or have special circumstances that make it difficult for you to find the right opportunity.
Your Rights as a Volunteer
To be informed of the duties, time commitment, and responsibilities before you commit to volunteer.
To receive information and assistance to carry out your responsibilities.
To be provided appropriate orientation, training, and supervision.
To be treated with the respect due any paid employee.
To receive feedback about the effectiveness of your work.
Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer
To accept only the assignments you can commit to.
To realistically outline your time and energy limitations.
To ask questions when you do not understand a responsibility, goal, activity, or guideline.
To communicate concerns and suggestions to the appropriate people.
To be properly prepared to handle your responsibilities, and to seek assistance when you are not.
For more assistance in finding the right opportunity to meet your needs, call (920) 832-9360 or email us. We are here to help.