Working With VolunTEENS |
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| FAQ | Student Activity Report | Volunteer Coordinators |
VolunTEENS is a program for teens/students ages 13 - 19, who want to make a difference in their community. Each year hundreds of Kalamazoo County students actively participate in volunteer programs that benefit both charitable causes and the volunteers! Some have to do community service in order to graduate, while others are completing scholarship volunteer service requirements, or exploring career options to make contacts throughout the community. Still others have a deep desire to serve and are looking for ways to keep busy during their summer vacation.
Young people bring skills to workplaces that were unheard of ten years ago. Even the youngest may be computer-literate and many are skilled in publishing design. They can answer telephones, be greeters, do light office work or help with special events. Many teens love working with children or seniors and can be of great help with childcare or working as activity assistants. Some like being outdoors during the summer and they can help you tidy your landscape or plant and tend flowers. Others are interested in sports and like to combine their interest with recreation programs.
Here are a few examples of the types of volunteer jobs that VolunTEENS are doing:
- Office Skills - Answering phones, data entry, clerical tasks, bulk mailing.
- Communications - Interacting with people with disabilities; working as community ambassadors, processing newsletters.
- Animal Assistant - Cleaning, animal care, speaking with the public, and assisting disabled persons participate in contact with animals.
- Children & Youth - Teacher's assistant, childcare, summer reading programs, helping with crafts, activities, games and demonstrations.
- Gardening - Planting, soil preparation, maintenance, weeding, perennial garden care and shrubbery trimming.
- Education - Assist with lesson plan creation, tutoring, reading assistants, and computer support.
- Healthcare - Assist with patient transfer, meals, passing water, reading, activities, and chart assembly.
- Computer Assistant/Tutor - Supervise and help users with computer games, using emails, researching the Internet, and basic program applications.
If you'd like more information about how to work with teens at your office call the Volunteer Center at 269-382-8350 or contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions about the VolunTEENS program
Q. What is the minimum amount of time that a VolunTEEN can work?
A. There is no minimum requirement however teens are encouraged to volunteer 40 hours over the summer. We encourage you to work closely with them to make the best arrangements for both of you.
Q. What if they want to go on vacation and cannot work their scheduled hours?
A. It is up to the volunteer coordinator to approve and arrange work schedule changes, as needed.
Q. What about time sheets?
A. Student Activity Reports are available online. Students are asked to complete this form, which requires a signature from the volunteer coordinator at the location where they volunteer, and then return it to the Volunteer Center. We recommend keeping a copy for your records.
Q. Do we need to keep accurate hours for VolunTEENS?
A. Yes, it is very important to keep track of hours so students can include their work as community service to be credited at their school.
Q. What if a VolunTEEN placement does not work out?
A. If there is a problem that you are unable to solve, please call the Volunteer Center and we will find another placement for the volunteen and find another teen for you.
Q. How long does the program last?
A. This varies. Most placements begin the second week in June and end just before school starts, the third week in August. If you have a volunteen who would like to continue volunteering, you may be able to coordinate a schedule that works for both of you.
Q. Will I have a chance to evaluate the VolunTEENS Program?
A. Yes. A survey is sent to all participating organizations at the end of the summer.
Q. How can I be included in next year's catalog?
A. Simply contact us to request that you be added to our mailing list. A letter will be sent to you early next year inviting you to participate.
Information for VolunTEENS Coordinators
The following information will provide a few ideas about how to make your participation in Volunteens a rewarding and pleasant experience for both the people at your organization, and the VolunTEENS that work with you. If you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact us or call 269-382-8350.
Orientation - This may be one of the most beneficial use of your time. Student volunteers are curious about your organization. Be sure to involve them in ways that will allow them to learn about your mission. Share your passion for your work and you'll inspire teens to join your cause. If you have a large group starting at the same time, you may want to schedule a group rather than individual orientations.
We suggest that your orientation program include:
- A tour of facilities and introductions to your staff and other volunteers.
- A review of designated lunch and break periods.
- A look at the space where they will work.
- A manual if available, that informs them about dress codes, personal phone calls, confidentiality issues, who to call if they can’t work, and other work specific expectations.
Training - You will find that teens possess varying levels of skill. Some may need extra help at the beginning of their assignment and others will need minimal supervision.
Provide them with:
- A job description that clearly explains the work they will be doing.
- A training manual or source of reference if it is available.
- Be open to questions and let them know who to turn to for help if you are not there.
Supervision - When referrals are made to your organization, we try to make the best matches possible based upon skills and interests. Sometimes, despite our best efforts the referral will not work out. If VolunTEENS are assigned to other paid staff, please check in with them periodically to see how they are doing. If there is a problem with them not showing up or they are obviously unhappy in their job, please try to work with them to resolve the problem. If you can't find a solution please contact the Volunteer Center. We will help you find another volunteer and reassign the teen to another organization. Please don't wait too long to make this decision for your sake and theirs.
Recognition - The VolunTEENS program is organized to give teens an opportunity to serve their community, experience working in a nonprofit environment, and gain recognition for their service. At the end of summer, each participating teen receives a letter acknowledging their service, a Certificate of Recognition and a token gift.
Personal Recognition - Like any volunteer or staff person, teens appreciate ongoing recognition. You may want to have a small recognition event at the end of the summer for your VolunTEENS.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.