On Day of Caring…

q      Make sure your entire staff knows about Day of Caring and what is happening at your site that day—who is coming there to volunteer, what they’ll be doing, and why they’re there.

q      Allow time for event set up and clean up. Make sure that your organization will be ready when the volunteers arrive.

q      Register your Day of Caring volunteers when they arrive at your site by having them sign the Volunteer Release Form.

q      Give each volunteer a name tag and thank them for participating.

q      Give your volunteers a brief orientation and tour of your organization. Please keep this as brief as possible. Your volunteers will be excited and ready to work.

o        Introduce your staff to Day of Caring volunteers.

o        Describe your organization’s clients and services.

o        If you serve a particularly difficult or sensitive client population and they are not directly involved in the project, help the volunteers understand why.

o        Explain any necessary confidentiality issues.

o        Explain how your partnership with United Way benefits your organization and your clients.

o        Give volunteers a brief tour of your organization.

q      Review project details with your volunteer team:

o        Introduce the organization coordinator.

o        Explain what needs to be done.

o        Explain why it is needed and how it connects to your mission.

o        Explain who the volunteers will be serving/helping.

o        Explain how the volunteers’ efforts will help the organization make a difference in someone’s life or enhance the organization.

o        Review expected results.

o        Review any necessary time restraints and limitations.

o        Inform them where the bathrooms and refreshments are located and when lunch will be, if applicable.

o        Provide any necessary training or orientation.

q      Be accessible to volunteers and answer questions as necessary throughout the day.

q      Arrange for a break and eating area for volunteers.

q      If possible and appropriate, invite volunteers to eat lunch or have a snack break with staff and/or clients. Talk with them about the project and thank them for being there.

q      Have cold refreshments (including cups) available throughout the day, especially if you have an outdoor event.

q      Have trash facilities available.

q      Have extras of things you will need the most of (hammers, scissors, masking tape, etc.).

q      Have a first aid kit on site.

q      As in past years, United Way staff and/or leadership volunteers will visit as many project sites as possible to thank volunteers, so don’t be surprised when someone stops by. A photographer may also visit your site.

HAVE FUN!

If you have any further questions, please email Day of Caring project manager Libby Richardson or call (860) 493-1109.