Frequently Asked Questions
What is Volunteer Washington County?
Volunteer Washington County is the one-stop source for volunteer information in Washington County, Maryland. We embrace the inspirational words of Gandhi who once said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Volunteer Washington County invites you to connect to your community through volunteering to "be the change!"
As a clearinghouse for all aspects of volunteerism in Washington County, we will assist nonprofits, businesses and government agencies with all their volunteer needs. Executive Directors, if you need assistance in recruiting, training or recognizing volunteers, contact us and we will be there to support you. Volunteer Washington County recognizes the important work of nonprofits and wants to help you fulfill your missions.
How is Volunteer Washington County structured?
Volunteer Washington County is an independent 501(c)(3) organization governed by a board of directors. The President and the Treasurer of the organization are Sam Cool and Jim Miller, respectively. Roxanne Ober and Bernadette Wagner are the Founding Directors.
How will Volunteer Washington County enrich our community?
As the value of volunteer service is recognized, communities appreciate and celebrate the contributions of their volunteers more fully. Independent Sector calculates the value of volunteer service at $20.25 per/hour. If Volunteer Washington County recruits 1000 volunteers who each volunteer one hour/per week (52 hours/per year) the economic benefit would be $1,053,000. But economic contribution is only one way in which volunteers would enrich our community. When engaged in civic projects, volunteers feel appreciated, valued and purposeful. They feel fulfilled as they work to meet the diverse needs of their community and develop an enhanced sense of ownership as they strive to improve the quality of life around them. They are individually enriched while enriching the lives of others.
How will Volunteer Washington County partner with nonprofits, businesses and government agencies?
Volunteer Washington County will support existing nonprofits, businesses and government agencies by assisting them with all aspects of volunteerism. We will recruit and recognize volunteers for nonprofits, freeing them to focus their human and financial resources on their stated missions. We will facilitate collaboration among agencies to enhance grant procurement in Washington County. We will assist employers to find volunteer opportunities for employees wishing to volunteer and we will support local governments by participating in strategic initiatives such as recruiting and training volunteers to meet their Emergency Preparedness Plans.
Why establish Volunteer Washington County?
- We have a passion to serve our community, positively impacting the quality of life in Washington County.
- We embrace the inspirational words of Gandhi who said, "Be the change you want to see in the world."
- According to the Points of Light Foundation, more than half of the American population lives in communities served by a Volunteer Center, why not Washington County?
- Communities across the state of Maryland and nationally have benefited from Volunteer Centers. 22 of Maryland's 24 counties have had Volunteer Centers. Washington County deserves no less.
- Connect people with opportunities to serve.
- Build capacity for effective local volunteering.
- Participate in strategic initiatives to mobilize volunteers to address community needs.
- Support existing nonprofits, helping to recruit, train and recognize volunteers, freeing nonprofits to focus their human and financial resources on their stated mission.
- Maintain a centralized database of volunteer opportunities and interested volunteers as well as civic groups and service organizations.
- Facilitate collaboration among agencies to enhance grant procurements.
- Develop and direct human resources where needed so as to strengthen the fabric of our community and solve its problems.
- Provide invaluable work experience in supportive environments to volunteers, developing their skills while increasing their marketability.
- Calculate the value of volunteer service rendered in our community. Independent Sector calculates the value of volunteer service at $20.25/per hour. Knowing the value of volunteer service could be used strategically as a tool for economic development and serve as a basis to re-envision and celebrate Washington County.
Why should I volunteer?
Volunteer to:
- Make a difference
- Inspire others
- Realize your own personal value
- Explore new interests
- Engage your mind
- Sharpen existing skills
- Discover hidden talents
- Connect your beliefs with action
- Network with employers
- Learn new techniques, strategies and information
- Build your resume
- Help strengthen your community
- Challenge yourself
- Meet interesting people
- Develop leadership skills
- Broaden your horizons
- Demonstrate your potential
- Create new friendships
- Solve community concerns
