From being inspired to being the change.

You wonder...Why Volunteer?

TEN REASONS

10.        It beats being a couch potato

9.         College admissions love it!

8.         Explore a career field that interests you while building your resume 

7.         Volunteering = scholarships

6.         Have fun and feel great while fulfilling community service requirements

5.         Meet people and make friends who share an interest in helping others

4.         Develop valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership and problem-solving

3.         Strengthen your community and enrich the lives of others 

2.         Learn new things about yourself

1.         Help create a better world: Be the Change!

Need to verify service hours for school? 

Once you know where you want to volunteer, just check with your school - they should have a regular way of handling requirements, such as time sheets or evaluation forms. 

Under 18?  

All you need to do is bring a copy of Hands On Sacramento’s children’s waiver signed by a parent or guardian to the project, and you are good to go!

 First...Know What You Want!

REGISTER with Hands On Sacramento.  You can create your own personal profile to track your favorite projects and get connected with a cause you love. 

Note: You must be 14 or older to register yourself on the website, but younger volunteers can have their parent or guardian register, find them exciting projects, and sign them up.  In some cases, projects require a minimum age for volunteers or an accompanying parent or guardian at the project.  The Project Leader or the project description should tell you this, but if you are unsure, ask directly or email the agency. 

With so many opportunities available, it’s easy to find a project you’re passionate about...as long as you know what you’re looking for.  Answer the fundamentals.   

With these answers, you can easily search or browse the list of on-going projects to find something just right for you.  Here are some more HINTS AND TIPS for choosing your volunteer project and making the most out of your experience.  Also, check out your Rights and Responsibilities as a volunteer. 

Then...Find a Project!

Now that you know what you want, you’re ready to find your project - and the Hands On Sacramento database is a great place to start.   

On our basic “Search Projects” page, you can filter projects based on when they happen, where they happen, and who or what they impact.  Want to promote recycling in downtown Sacramento?  Tell stories at Fairy Tale Town on the weekends?  Help an annual walk to defeat ALS?  You can find these and more. 

Our “Advanced Search” lets you get more specific, even down to what skills you might use and what activities you might be doing.  At the bottom of the page, just tell us how old you are to find a project ideal for someone your age.

Feel free to "Browse Projects"  listings to get a feel for what’s going on in the Sacramento area. Click on “Show Me Ongoing Projects” at the bottom to get connected with agencies who are constantly running projects and will try to work around your schedule.  It’s easy – you tell us you’re interested, we’ll tell them you’re interested, and they’ll get a hold of you as soon as they can. 

Our "Searchable Calendar" is a great resource to plan out your week and see when things are happening. 

And check back often – we add new projects every week!

Now...Make a Difference!

Once you’ve decided on a project, just hit “Sign Me Up” at bottom of the project page.  For ongoing projects, click on “Have Agency Contact Me” and they’ll get in touch with you.   Then, have a blast helping the community.

Things to Remember:

·         You must register with Hands On Sacramento in order to take advantage of our website and sign up online! 

·         You must be 14 or older to sign up.  If you are not, a parent or guardian can do it for you.

·         If you are under 18, you must bring a copy of the children’s waiver signed by a parent or guardian

If you want more information about a project, feel free to call or email the agency’s contact person.  Learning as much as you can about different projects will help you find ones you will most enjoy. 

Finally...Learn

Make sure to reflect on your experience.  James Levin, a famous American education professor, wisely said, “Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.”

Think about how volunteering has changed the way you think about social issues and what you think you can do about them.

·         What have you learned about the people you served?  Were your initial thoughts or expectations accurate? 

·         What was your favorite part of the project?  What was the most challenging? 

·         Do you think you will volunteer again?  Why or why not?

·         What skills did you learn while volunteering?  How might you use these in your everyday life?

These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself to make your community service the most meaningful and rewarding. 

So...What are you waiting for?

Register with Hands On Sacramento!

Other Possibilities

City of Sacramento:  www.cityofsacramento.org/volunteers

The City of Sacramento city-wide volunteer program provides a broad source of expertise, talent and manpower for City programs.  As citizens engage their communities through various volunteer projects, they can develop a greater understanding and appreciation of their local government.  For information about short-term and on-going volunteer opportunities for youth and teens with the City of Sacramento and its non-profit partners contact Mary Lynn Perry, Volunteer Coordinator 808-8317 or email: mperry@cityofsacramento.org.  Or visit their web site: http://www.cityofsacramento.org/volunteers. 

            Create Your Own Project

While its great to volunteer with existing projects, don’t forget to consider new possibilities.  Put that creativity to use!  Design a new project with a non-profit you admire or develop an opportunity for yourself and your friends.  Here are some helpful ideas and suggestions. 

         For more information, contact Hands On Sacramento:  info@handsonsacto.org

Be the Change.  Volunteer.