Opportunities From: United Way of Dane County

Help brighten the season for young people in our community! Your donations from our Holiday Wish List provide essential items and special gifts for youth served through Briarpatch programs. Every contribution—big or small—helps make the holidays a little warmer and more hopeful.

TOYS                  

Diverse Babydolls

Fold up Dollhouse

Diverse Figurines for Dollhouse

Storage for Dollhouse and other Toys 

Bin Buckets

Toy Car Set

Toy Planes 

Tool Set

Travel Sand Tray Set

Doctor Set

Toy Treasure Chest

Toy Bugs and Animals

Capes

People Puppets

Superhero Figurines

Army Men

Finger Puppets

Food Kitchen Set

GAMES

Uno

Jenga

Mindful Conversation Cards

BOOKS

A Terrible Thing Happened

Invisible String

ART

Paint By Number

Scratch Art

Poster Board

A Dozen Different Sized Canvas Boards

Fabric Crayons and Black T-Shirts

SENSORY/PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL

Marble Maze Sensory Mats (Click on to follow link)

Spot of Feelings Set

FURNITURE

Lawn Chairs ( 6 chairs with solid colors:  yellow, purple, blue, red, green, orange)

Small Round Table with Adjustable Legs (34 inches in diameter preferred no bigger than 38-40 inches in diameter)

OTHER

Gift cards for our clients and support groups for the following:

Haircuts

Movies

Restaurants and Take-Out

Grocery Stores

Gas

At Access Community Health Centers, our mission is simple but powerful: Improving Health. Improving Lives. Each year, we serve more than 33,000 patients by providing compassionate medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy care to individuals and families who might otherwise go without. But good health is about more than medical visits—it’s about dignity, comfort, and the chance to thrive.

You can help close the gaps that create disparities in health and opportunity. We are seeking donations of essential items that bring warmth, stability, and hope to those we serve.

Picture and Chapter Books for and teens in multiple languages help nurture learning and literacy in our clinic waiting areas--but our collection is stronger based on your donation to keep our shelves full.   

Diapers and onesies can make a world of difference for our youngest patients. Through our Maternal Child Health services, we provide these essentials to families who need them most.

Bus passes provided by the Patient Services Team offer a lifeline, helping patients reach their important medical appointments and access critical community resources. 

Blankets, sweatshirts, and sweatpants for both adults and children offer warmth through the cold months, while new socks bring small but meaningful comfort and dignity.

Each of these items makes a profound difference. They help restore hope to someone facing difficult circumstances, improve quality of life for families, and remind our patients that their community cares deeply about their well-being.

Together, we can continue to build a healthier, more equitable community—one act of kindness at a time.

To arrange a donation for any of these items, please contact Emilie Schada at Access Community Health Centers, emilie.schada@accesshealthwi.org. 

Thank you. 

Sunny Side Development is seeking several new board members to fill anticipated vacancies on its Board of Directors for 2026. Please contact us if you are passionate about affordable, sustainable housing in Wisconsin and interested in serving on our board!

Computer Paper

Fax Toner - HP 26x Laser Jet

Lexmark C2326 Toner - Black, Magenta, Cyan, and Yellow

We would greatly appreciate donations of Cedar Chips from Menards for our gardens.  Here is link to make it easy for you to find just what we need.  https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/landscaping-materials/mulch/cedar-chips-2-0-cu-ft/1803008/p-1444444230769-c-1539779646023.htm

Our veggie garden feeds our residents, staff, volunteers, and through donation, the community!  We will greatly appreciate donations of the following items to support the growth of our vegetable garden:  

25 (or any) sturdy tomato cages
2 containers liquid garden fertilizer - any general, all purpose versions.
6 Bags of seed starting soil
All sizes seed starting containers/trays w clear humidity lids.
Plastic Plant markers

Crafts and art activities are a vital part of community.  We will greatly benefit from donations of the following items to keep the creativity flowing:  multi colored construction paper and cardstock, double sided tape, watercolor sets (here is a link to watercolor sets)

Monthly potlucks are a favorite community event.  All are invited!  Parties are essential to nurturing the soul and celebrating life.  We go through a lot of party supplies so if you are able, donations of the following items will keep the parties well stocked:  

small plastic cups
small and dinner sized paper plates
paper or plastic bowls
plastic forks

We serve over 1,500 children each month with a reliable source of diapers. In order to keep our commitments to families that depend on us, we need your help! 

Here are the items we need most:

- Size 4 diapers

- Size 5 diapers

- Size 6 diapers

- Size 7 diapers

- Training pants in all sizes (2T - 5T)

- Wipes

- Costco gift cards

To ship a donation directly to us, check out our Amazon wishlist here. 

Thank you for your support!

We're looking for volunteers to help us inventory, sort, and repackage diapers for families in need. Please visit https://volunteer.nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/opportunities/IHAWD8AonR to register for a timeslot. If you have any questions or would like to arrange a group volunteer session outside of our normal hours, please email hello@villagediaperbank.org.

As the need grows in our community, more and more individuals are utilizing our services here at The Beacon Day Homeless Resource Center!  A great way to help us support our mission of helping the unhoused community is to donate your time or make an in-kind donation! 

We are currently asking for the following:

You can access our Wishlist here!

Beacon Wish List

More volunteers are needed to help the newly merged Village Store & Gift Shop service for Independent Living at Oakwood Village University Woods.

Cashiers are needed to serve in the store/gift shop a few times a month Monday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  New volunteers will be trained about opening/closing, and using the computerized cash register.  Scheduling is flexible.

One or a couple Grocery Ordering Assistant volunteers are needed to help do simple online ordering of grocery items one or 2 days a week for Monday afternoon and Wednesday afternoons.  Training will be provided.  Interested volunteers need to have and bring their personal laptop or tablet to use to do the online ordering.

One or a couple Grocery Delivery volunteers are needed to help meet and get grocery items delivered to Oakwood to take to the Village Store & Gift Shop.  Volunteers are needed to help once a week Tuesday mornings, 9:45-10:45 a.m.  Training provided.  Volunteers will use a good-sized flatbed cart so physical ability to operate cart is necessary.

More of these volunteers are needed to ensure the Village Store & Gift Shop is open as scheduled to maintain as a beneficial Oakwood Village University Woods amenity for residents and other customers.

Interested persons for any of the Village Store & Gift Shop needs will need to get registered for placement set up.

Learn by doing! Freewheel's mission is bicycle education and transportation justice. We teach the community bicycle repair skills. Drop in at any open shop and learn how to fix your bike, or work on donated bikes. Visit www.freewheelbikes.org to view the current shop schedule. 

Freewheel is always accepting donations! We gratefully welcome donations of bikes, parts, and accessories in any condition, and may be able to pickup your donation in the Madison area.

Leave a voicemail or text (608) 698-9205 or email info@freewheelbikes.org

Food Rescue volunteer drivers will carefully drive WayForward vehicles to pick up food from local retail food partners and unload the food at WayForward. Some volunteers may prefer to use their own vehicle for smaller donations.

Because of volunteers, these critical donations become available to WayForward food pantry guests who need help keeping food on the table!

Our current need is for substitute drivers who can be contacted to see if they are available to help out when there are openings on the schedule.

For more information, check out the WayForward website or contact Pam Higham at pam@wayforwardresources.org or 608.826.3409.

You can help make it possible for WayForward to have an incoming supply of food and clothing for guests.

As a Donor Greeter you will:

Donations ebb and flow so this is a great volunteer assignment for someone who is flexible and willing to help sort food, complete other small tasks,  or who would like some quiet time to work on something of their own - read a book, bring a craft, work on your laptop, etc.

The ideal volunteer will be available for a minimum of one regular shift on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis for at least 3 months. Of course, this is with the understanding that a volunteer will likely need flexibility for vacations, sickness, appointments, etc.

If you're interested in this opportunity, please visit our website at www.wayforwardresources.org to fill out a volunteer inquiry form or simply contact Pam at pam@wayforwardresources.org or 608.826.3409.

The State of Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care Volunteer Ombudsman Programs are in need of volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of people 60 or older living in long-term care facilities throughout Wisconsin. Volunteers make visits to an assigned facility weekly for 2 to 3 hours.  They advocate for residents in making sure that their rights are being met. We provide the training - no special background needed.

Make that positive difference in someone’s life.  You can sign up onlinehttps://wi.accessgov.com/public/Forms/Page/boaltc/boaltc-volunteer-ombudsman-signup

Or call for more information: 1-800-815-0015

https://longtermcare.wi.gov/Pages/Volunteer.aspx

We are looking for volunteers to help staff our front desk, act as greeters, answer phones, and do light administrative tasks. We are looking to fill 2-3 volunteer shifts per day, with our needs being Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We could use cloth bags with handles to provide for newly released Jail Residents as well as community members that may need them.

Create a welcoming, friendly visitor experience at the Arboretum Visitor Center welcome & information desk volunteer.

As a volunteer in the Arboretum visitor center you will greet and welcome people from across Madison and around the world. You'll help people have a good visit by answering questions, suggesting tour routes, providing maps and other brochures. Welcome & information desk volunteers also answer phones and direct calls to appropriate staff people, and occasionally help with clerical tasks. This is a great position for outgoing people with good communication skills who want to foster a welcoming, inclusive experience for visitors of all identities.

We offer training as needed for potential volunteers. Staff and experienced volunteers provide the training. We also offer continuing education opportunities so volunteers can learn more about the Arboretum and the natural world. Volunteers are asked to make an initial commitment of two shifts (4 hours each) per month for six months following training. Good interpersonal skills are essential. Fluency in languages other than English is a big plus!

If interested in this opportunity, please respond to this post.

Currently in need of grounds help at the CMC Beld St location for Fall 2025!

Help make the Center a welcoming place for all! Keep the grounds well-maintained so the center can have a positive image for our neighborhood and be a dignified place for people to come and get services.

The CMC is in need of some extra help with the care and keeping of our grounds in the Spring through Fall months. We have many flowerbeds and a rain garden that need watering and tending too, so if you have a green thumb or just want to spend some extra time outside we would love to have your help! 

This opportunity takes place weekday mornings, preferably twice a month. Activities include pulling weeds, planting flowers, trimming plants and bushes, picking up litter, mowing the lawn, watering plants. Qualifications include enjoying working outside; ability to bend and do light to moderate lifting; comfortable working with basic yard tools; ability to work independently; basic knowledge of yard care or native plants is a plus.

Please contact sarah@cmcmadison.org for registration.

Physicians for Social Responsibility Wisconsin (PSR WI) is seeking ongoing volunteers to assist with the following:

-Planning and facilitating events such as movie nights that can be used to raise awareness for PSR's mission

-Tabling at events

-Event set up and takedown

-Volunteer recruitment

-Participating in a focus group for young adults

-Other opportunities as they become available

UNITED WAY OF DANE COUNTY - ACHIEVEMENT CONNECTIONS VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTION

VOLUNTEER POSITION TITLE: Math Coach + Tutor

REPORTS TO: AmeriCorps Member, Program Manager, Program Director

AVAILABLE SCHOOL PLACEMENTS: East HS, West HS, Memorial HS, La Follette HS

APPLY HERE: Volunteer Interest Form

Achievement Connections is an AmeriCorps program with four math tutoring centers at local MMSD high schools. Led by a team of AmeriCorps members and volunteers with support from program and school staff, these tutoring centers provide one-on-one support to a diverse set of students striving to improve in Algebra 1 and Geometry. Together with our partners, we aim to help students graduate, and in doing so, help close opportunity gaps to make Dane County a better place to live.

Achievement Connections believes in all staff and volunteers modeling and practicing the skills and habits we expect of our students. Our program strives for enjoyable, yet rigorous tutoring sessions based on a belief in students’ assets, rather than their deficits. The structure and expectations of our staff and volunteers detailed below is based on these beliefs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES ● Build relationships with students within an asset based, Positive Youth Development model ● Provide academic math coaching, tutoring, and support to students ● Provide essential support to program coordination, administration, resources, and capacity ● Attend and/or complete required volunteer coach training as well as required MMSD volunteer training ● Maintain timely communication with program staff and tutor coordinators ● Abide by school and program policies ● Maintain appropriate boundaries with students

INITIAL IMPACT ● Volunteer Math Coaches + Tutors often make an immediate impact on a student’s upcoming tests and assignments, as well as their in-class performance. Additionally, volunteers provide critical support of the overall capacity of the tutoring program by supporting the essential functions of coordinating tutors, supporting students in attending tutoring sessions, compiling resources, and supplementing administrative tasks.

SUSTAINED OUTCOMES ● Volunteer Math Coaches + Tutors often make long term impacts on students’ attitudes toward math and academics, their Social Emotional Learning skills, their confidence as a learner, and maintaining a stable GPA throughout the academic year. Furthermore, volunteers strengthen the ongoing school-program partnership by increasing tutoring capacity and contributing to the quantity and quality of available resources.

TRAINING ● Volunteers will participate in required MMSD district training, math curriculum and tutor manual training, as well as be offered opportunities to engage in ongoing training around a variety of relevant topics.

SUPPORT ● Volunteers will receive support from their AmeriCorps member tutor coordinator(s) as well as program staff through scheduled check-ins, on-site coaching, and one review each semester.

COMMITMENT ● Minimum 2 hours per week ● Minimum 1 academic year ● Tutoring occurs during school hours, typically between 8:30a - 4:30p. ● Volunteers may be expected or have the opportunity to attend a small number of training events. ● Volunteers will be able to identify which of the 4 available high schools they would like to support. ● Volunteers will be matched with 1 or more students at their chosen school.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS ● Ability to develop meaningful, appropriate relationships through an asset based, Positive Youth Development model. ● Some tutoring or high school age youth experience is preferred, but not required ● Familiarity with Algebra and Geometry and a positive attitude toward math is typically ideal ● Communication skills including timeliness and empathy ● Some technology skills preferred, but not required ● Willingness to learn and be of service

BENEFITS ● Volunteers will receive the benefits of spending quality time building meaningful relationships with students in their community ● Opportunities for networking and ongoing learning ● Connection to school and community

Be a part of a brand new opportunity!  RSVP’s Intergenerational Programs is piloting a new program this year called True Connections.  True Connections is a hybrid Computer Buddy/In-Person program that offers the opportunity to support student literacy skill development while also forging a meaningful intergenerational relationship.  Volunteers are paired with one fourth or fifth-grade student for the duration of the school year. The program provides both monthly in-person connections and weekly electronic pen pal-type writing through a blog platform to encourage a deep connection with the student throughout the school year. Program participants are asked to view a recorded training prior to the first Meetup.  Mileage reimbursement is available for the in-person Meetups.

The program kicks off with an In-Person Meetup on Monday, September 29, at 3:30 pm at Lake View Elementary.  Each monthly meetup will include an activity focused on an area of life connection. (ie: food, music, arts, literature, etc.) Weekly electronic pen pal communications continue to develop the relationship by co-creating ideas and deepening connections between in-person Meetups.  

We need help in our front office! You'll be answering phone calls, doing basic organizing tasks, directing guests, and assisting with our diaper bank. Sometimes there's downtime so feel free to bring a book or homework. 

Application processors work within an animal adoption software program.  The program provides detailed information about each cat adoption applicant. The processor uses this information to follow several steps in making a decision about whether the applicant meets criteria for adoption. 

The steps include checking for previous applications from the applicant, conducting a background check on all adults in the household, checking home ownership in online records or phoning/emailing landlords for apartment dwellers, calling vets for care history on current and past animals, and calling one to two personal references.

Once the steps are completed, the processor updates the software program on the status for that applicant. If approved the processor sends the application on to an adoption coordinator.

The steps can usually be completed for four applicants within 2-3 hours. If information is requested of applicants or calls are not completed to vets or landlords, more time during the day can be required. In addition to processing applications, the processor monitors a 9 Lives email account for messages from applicants as well as a chat conversation with other 9 Lives personnel. 

The organization holds periodic social gatherings.

Location:  Virtual volunteer job in your own home.  Computer or tablet recommended to do the job.  Phone required.

Time required:  1 and ½ day shift.  First day is following application processing steps for up to 4 applicants.  Second day is follow-up for those applicants if needed.  Volunteers usually work one to two shifts per week.  The days of the week for work can be arranged.

Requirements for the job:

Work independently.

Good verbal and written communication skills to communicate with applicants, vets, landlords, references and others in the 9 Lives organization.

Computer and phone skills.  Texting skills if choose to text instead of use phone for some contacts.

Willingness to receive phone calls from landlords, vets, and references. 

Good organization skills to keep up with overall status of applicants and with steps to complete application processing for each person.

Judgment to know how to make decisions about applicants and about when to ask for help (chat or email others in the organization).

Availability to work 1-2 hours during business hours for calling vets and landlords.

Willingness for calls from references or unreached landlords to come in outside work hours.

Interim Hospice is looking for Vigil Volunteers. Vigil Volunteers offer our patients and their family support during their final hours. 

Vigil Volunteering is an especially important and rewarding volunteer role. This role works closely with our on-call staff. Vigil Volunteering does require 11 hours of online training. Upon conclusion of training, Vigil Volunteers will receive a certificate of completion. 

If this opportunity is of interest to you, please connect with our Volunteer Coordinator.

Restore your connection with the natural world at an Arboretum restoration work party! We welcome community members to hands-on restoration work in prairies, woodlands, and wetlands.

Get outdoors this spring and restore the prairies, forests, and oak savannas of the U.W. Arboretum. Join other volunteers on the first through fourth Saturdays of each month from 9 a.m. to Noon.  Learn about these special places while removing invasive plants, preparing sites for prescribed burns, and sowing seeds. All tools, equipment, training, and refreshments are provided.  Participants should wear long pants, sturdy shoes, and be ready to get dirty. Dress for being outdoors. Work parties are canceled in case of inclement weather. Work locations vary from week to week, so check the Arboretum restoration work party page for current schedule and meeting sites.

No advance registration needed for individual, adult volunteers.

Groups are welcome with advance arrangements, and work days other than Saturdays can be scheduled.  Youths are welcome when accompanied by legal guardian/parent, with advance arrangements. Contact the volunteer program manager for more information.

For more information visit https://arboretum.wisc.edu/get-involved/volunteer/work-parties/

Whether you are available for regular volunteering or just occasionally, our Clean Team needs you! 

The dedicated volunteers who form the Clean Team meet every Thursday afternoon at the Way Forward distribution center to make the food pantry and clothing center shine for our guests and to maintain best practices for health and safety.

It's not high profile work, but as the Clean Team members say, "You make a difference in just 1.5 hours a week and you get to see the results of your work before you leave. It's a great team. Everyone works well together and we have a great time."

No experience is necessary and all training will be provided including ongoing support and training, as needed, from WayForward staff and experienced volunteers.

This volunteer assignment is fun, easy, and vital to our mission of serving our community!

The Clean Team is entrusted with the following tasks and responsibilities in our Distribution Center:

If you're interested in this opportunity, please visit our website at www.wayforwardresources.org to fill out a volunteer inquiry form or simply contact Pam at pam@wayforwardresources.org or 608.826.3409.

Join our volunteer team as a Volunteer Delivery Support and play a vital role in bringing nutritious food directly to Second Harvest partner food pantries across southwestern Wisconsin.

This is a hands-on opportunity to make a real impact, ensuring food reaches neighbors. No driving is required—just your energy, reliability, and passion for giving back. All deliveries are made using a Second Harvest vehicle.

What You'll Do:

What We're Looking For:

Commitment:

Requirements:

Why Volunteer With Us?

Ready to ride along and make a difference? You can complete our volunteer application linked here or email us for more information at volunteers@secondharvestsw.org.

Are you interested in being a driving force for change and delivering nourishing foods to neighboring organizations? Join our Volunteer Delivery Driver Team at Second Harvest Foodbank!

What You'll Do:

What We're Looking For:

Commitment:

Requirements:

Why Volunteer With Us?

Ready to be a driving force for change? You can complete our volunteer application linked here or email us for more information at volunteers@secondharvestsw.org.

Come help the Food Pantry share food and household items with Dane County families!

This shift includes 2 main roles- 1. Grocery Guide- Supporting customers as they shop and helping them take groceries out to their cars. 2. Registration/Intake-Helping Customers with paperwork and Check-in. 

Depending on which bilingual volunteer staff are present during a given shift, this role will float between being a Grocery Guide and being our Registration/Intake Volunteer. 

Bilingual volunteers should be comfortable engaging with customers and ensuring the pantry policies are being followed. This opportunity is specifically for Bilingual English/Spanish Volunteers. 

Our biggest need is Thursday, from 12:00-3:15.

We are looking for volunteers who can make a weekly commitment for at least three months. If you are interested in this opportunity please click the respond button and reach out to Abigail at abigail@goodmancenter.org or 608-204-8048.

Join our fundraising team to work on fundraising strategies and help plan events. Whether you have experience in fundraising or just want to help our chapter raise funds, we have opportunities for you. There are many skills and interests that can be involved in planning, outreach, and event planning or other skills that are part of putting together events that can be useful. Events are sometimes online as well as in person, and meetings are online. We have a general template that has worked well for us, but we are always open to new ideas and how to improve our efforts. Fundraising is a key element of helping our chapter succeed. 

Tired of trash and waste and want to help us do better? Our Four Lakes Sierra Club Recycling Away from Home (RAH) program is working to create a community culture of less waste. We're at several east side Madison festivals where we help with the trash and recycling to limit landfill trash and maximize recycling, which are also opportunities to bring more attention to our trashy habits. You also get to enjoy fun festivals with the great music, vendors, food and drink. And you'll receive a genuine Four Lakes t-shirt for volunteering.

This summer, we'll be at Atwoodfest on July 26 & 27, and Africafest on August 16. We'd love to have you join us, so please contact us to get involved.

We also have a longer term goal to enact stronger community standards and reduce waste, and we hope to hold some more discussions with the City of Madison to figure out how to reduce use of wasteful items. If you're interested reducing waste or have ideas of your own to share, we'd love to hear from you.

Do you like to drive? Enjoy meeting and helping people? RSVP’s Driver Services Program needs drivers to transport ambulatory, older adults and/or Veterans to medical appointments. The schedule is very flexible and drivers receive mileage reimbursement and extra insurance. Drivers who are Veterans can be matched with Veterans of all ages and their families needing rides. This is a program that truly makes a difference in people’s lives!

URGENT NEED FOR DRIVERS FOR MADISON AND MONONA

RSVP volunteers extend agency services in non-profit and public agencies throughout Dane County. RSVP matches a wide variety of volunteer opportunities with the skills and interests of volunteers.

Dane County schools need tutors and classroom helpers for students entering kindergarten through 12th grade. Volunteers, working under the direction of the school staff, assist students one-on-one or in small  or large groups. With your help the students will get the individualized attention they need to excel in the classroom. Schools are looking for volunteers to help with literacy, math, science, general classroom assistants, help in the library, art classes, music classes or in the lunchroom.  Tutor placement begins in late September or early October and occur throughout the year. Tutor training is provided. 

Foster Grandparent volunteers serve between 5 and 40 hours a week, providing one-on-one support for students, teachers, and classrooms in Dane Co. schools, Head Start sites, and afterschool programs. Income-eligible adults receive a tax-free stipend, meal, and travel reimbursement for their service. 

Would you enjoy corresponding with an elementary student throughout the school year? The Computer Buddies Program is offered to Dane County area elementary schools. RSVP volunteers are matched with a student and communicate in pen pal fashion weekly or biweekly via a secure blogging site. the correspondence provides the opportunity for students to practice their writing and computer keyboard skills, while fostering a positive relationship between generations. This is a fun way to volunteer without having to leave your home. the program does not involve a big time commitment, usually 30 minutes a week. 

RSVP is currently looking for Volunteer Bus Buddy-Ride Coordinators for the 2025 Bus Buddy Tours Season. 

Have fun coaching and training others to navigate the new Madison Metro Bus System using maps, schedules and the internet. 

The Bus Buddies program offers Dane County seniors who wish to utilize public transportation to community and senior centers, shopping, appointments, and places of interest,  the opportunity for help and companionship from experienced volunteers that are familiar with public transportation.

Bus Buddy Tours offers seniors age 60 and over an opportunity to go on a group trip by city bus to a designated location while learning how to navigate the Madison Metro Bus System. This program is designed to help ease the way for those who are not used to using the bus system while creating a fun social outing for those involved. 

Volunteers who offer to be Ride Coordinators must be able to meet the following requirement

BENEFITS

Madison Metro bus passes provided while on assignment

Satisfaction of helping others become more independent and mobile

Free excess accident and liability insurance while on assignment

Annual volunteer recognition and quarterly newsletter

Our Sierra Club Four Lakes Group produces a newsletter 3 times a year, we have a blog on our web site that can be contributed to on an ongoing basis, and we do a monthly Enews. We'd welcome your joining us if you have skills or interests in writing, editing, graphics or social media to help communicate our environmental activities and issues. Our newsletter comes out in early January, May and September each year. We collaborate as a group, but are flexible on content, and include information on our campaigns, activities and volunteers. Access to a computer is required, but you can work from wherever with whatever software you have.

We sometimes need to create information sheets or flyers about some of our campaign work or other activities, so there are intermittent opportunities to help with other communication.

Contact Don Ferber at d_ferber@sbcglobal.net for more information.

If you love the outdoors or have special places or activities you enjoy and would like to share your passion with others, becoming a Sierra Club outings leader provides the opportunity to do that with Sierra Club support and backing. You can choose the location(s) and the activity(s) you enjoy that are within our scope, which can include learning about nature, seeing a special destination, or doing some other special activity you enjoy. Help people explore, enjoy and protect the planet, and the places you love, and we'll promote the outings. It's a great way to share your love of nature and special destinations with others who want to enjoy the outdoors and protect our environment.

There are some minimal training requirements to understand Sierra Club procedures and policies that can be done online, and you have to take a first aid course we will provide or can pay for. Additional training is required if you are interested in longer, overnight outings. For more information, contact Don Ferber at d_ferber@sbcglobal.net.

Are you someone who loves writing thoughtful, upbeat letters? Want to volunteer from wherever you live, work, or play?

Turn your small talk into connection. A simple, sincere letter can brighten a senior’s day more than you know.

Join Letters Against Isolation, a volunteer-run project bringing joy to seniors in aged care homes and programs across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia. Since 2020, our volunteers have mailed over one million cheerful, one-of-a-kind handwritten letters in dozens of languages!

This is not a pen pal or greeting card program. Your words are what matter most!

Visit lettersagainstisolation.com and choose your option from the top of the page:

Check out our FAQ for details on mailing, group participation, service hours, and more.

Enthusiastic volunteers are vital to the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art; they complement, support, and expand our successful, wide-ranging programs and events.

Through its volunteer programs, MMoCA has an opportunity for every interest. The museum regularly seeks volunteers for a variety of positions related to event support, Art Fair on the Square, the Rooftop Sculpture Garden, and more. Volunteers greet guests at MMoCA Openings, relieve exhibiting artists and hand out programs at Art Fair on the Square, maintaining the garden on the rooftop, and provide invaluable support for countless other tasks throughout the year.

If you are interested in volunteering at MMoCA, please visit this link to review current tasks and self-register directly: mmoca.ivolunteer.com OR, complete a Volunteer Application Form. 

Please feel free to contact our Events team at events@mmoca.org

Volunteers are needed for Madison Museum of Contemporary Art's 64th annual Art Fair on the Square! We invite you to join us the weekend of July 12 & 13 at one of the biggest outdoor art fairs in the country, and assist us in our largest annual fundraiser for the Museum. Greet guests at the fair, provide short breaks for exhibiting artists, and MORE -- MMoCA Volunteers provide crucial support for exhibitions and educational programming.

If interested in this opportunity, please respond to this post or sign up at mmoca.ivolunteer.com.

Do you have a friendly, gentle, well-mannered dog who loves getting and giving attention?  You and your dog can light up the day of Agrace Patients! Volunteers and their dogs are needed to visit with Agrace patients living in long-term care facilities in the community, or at the Madison Inpatient Unit. Dogs must be registered therapy dogs through one of our partnering therapy dog organizations.  Volunteer must be at least 18 years old.

This is a perfect opportunity for people who work during the week or students over the aged of 16!

The Agrace Thrift Stores (East and West Madison, the Homestore, and Janesville) are looking for volunteers to help primarily with cashiering and providing customer service. The Thrift Stores are a very dynamic environment with a very strong sense of community. Volunteers are asked to make a commitment of volunteering at least once a week (M-F) or every other week for a 4-hour Saturday shift (shift times vary: M-Sat 9am-1pm or 1-5pm). Training is provided.

Volunteers must be 16 years old. Volunteers must complete a volunteer application, complete an online orientation and complete a background check.

Volunteers will provide companionship to patients living in Long-Term Care Facilities (i.e. Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities). Volunteers will help support our patients and families by providing companionship to patients, running errands, reading to patients, providing transportation, feeding patients, or providing a quiet caring presence. We serve patients all throughout south central Wisconsin, so volunteers can choose to visit patients who live in their own community.

The requirements for this volunteer position include the following: Completion of the application process, complete a 1-hour virtual orientation and a 1-hour virtual home care training. Volunteer must be at least 16 years of age and will require background checks, a 2-step TB test and yearly TB screening.

This is a great opportunity to provide support to Agrace patients and their caregivers. You will be able to visit with patients and provide much needed respite to caregivers. Volunteers may also assist by doing light housework or meal preparation, if requested.

The requirements for this volunteer position include the following;
Complete the volunteer application process and orientation session. Volunteers will complete a 1-hour virtual orientation training course and a 1-hour virtual home care training course, which is provided by Agrace to prepare you for your volunteer role. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and will be required to complete a 2-step TB test and background check.

Be part of the amazing team providing support to our patients! This is a great opportunity for volunteers who enjoy working directly with patients and like to do a variety of different things.

Inpatient and Residential Unit Direct Care Volunteers will provide companionship to patients by sitting bedside, assist patients with menu selections, deliver meals, assist with feeding patients and taking patients for walks around the Agrace building in Fitchburg. They will also help with other needs as they arise.

Requirements for this position include the following: completion of the volunteer application process and an orientation session. Volunteers will complete a 12-hour training course which is provided by Agrace. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and will require a 2-step TB test and yearly TB screening, which is paid for by Agrace.

Are you interested in helping create excellent food for Agrace patients, families, and staff? Volunteers assist our skilled & fun kitchen staff by preparing food, restocking the coffee and nutrition centers, and generally helping around the kitchen. The Agrace kitchen focuses on creating delicious and creative meals using fresh ingredients and local produce. We welcome volunteers who have food preparation experience, and those who are just starting to cook and want to learn more!

All volunteers must complete the application process, including 2 references and attendance at an orientation session. All volunteers must complete a 2-step TB test and annual TB screening and be at least 15 years of age.

Agrace has beautiful gardens thanks to the labor and love of gardening volunteers! The gardens provide a peaceful and renewing space for Agrace patients, visitors, and staff. Agrace is looking for volunteers to help care for the grounds and gardens at our facility in Fitchburg. Volunteers work weekly or every-other-week during the spring/summer/fall season. Duties include planting, watering, weeding, mulching and enjoying bringing joy to others. Volunteers should be comfortable digging, lifting, bending, etc. and enjoy being outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. 

Requirements for this position include the following; completion of the volunteer application, 2 references, 2-step TB test and attendance at an orientation session. Volunteers will be given general hospice gardening training prior to being assigned a particular gardening area.

Professional, licensed cosmetologists or barbers are needed to provide occasional haircuts or styling to Agrace patients in our patients' homes. Sometimes hospice patients are unable to leave their homes for haircuts or styling; in other circumstances, patients would like to have hair styled for an upcoming event (birthday/anniversary). Providing this volunteer service is a compassionate gesture that improves quality of life for our patients. The requirements for this volunteer position include the following: Complete the volunteer application process and a 12-hour training course, which is provided by Agrace . Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.

Love coffee and good food? Our Doc Rock Café is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to make coffee drinks, take food orders, use a computerized cash register, and provide excellent customer service. It's a great way to interact with visitors, staff, and other volunteers in a fun environment. Training is provided. This is an excellent opportunity for volunteers of all ages, but has been especially popular with some of our high school volunteers (plus great job experience!). Volunteers sign up for weekly or twice-per-month 3- or 4-hour shifts. 

Hospitality volunteers greet and serve as a resource for visitors to Agrace in Fitchburg. Hospitality volunteers answer questions, walk visitors to patient rooms, and provide a welcoming presence to our facility. Day and evening shifts are available on weekends (as well as days and evenings on weekdays) and can be very flexible. Volunteers are welcome to bring a book or small project to work on between assisting visitors, so it's a great opportunity for students, crafters, etc.

Requirements for this position include completion of the application process, orientation, and organizational training. Volunteer must be at least 15 years of age and will require a 2-step TB test and annual TB screening.

Do you enjoy puzzles, art projects and music from the 50's? We are looking for volunteers to provide companionship and lead activities for clients at our new Adult Day Center.

Volunteers get to sit and socialize with clients, help with activities and games, participate in group exercises and deliver meals. Our clients love spending time at the new Center and would love to spend time with you too!

Visit Agrace.org/volunteer or respond to this post to learn more about volunteering at Agrace or to complete an online application.

The Agrace Thrift Stores are wonderful places for individuals or small groups to get involved. We're looking for volunteers to help us with cashiering, pricing, sorting donations, and other small projects that may come up (organizing, cleaning, etc.). 

Volunteers should enjoy providing good customer service (to other volunteers, customers, donors, etc.) and be comfortable being on their feet throughout the shift. 

Contact us to schedule a shift that will work for you!

Proceeds from the Agrace Thrift Stores support the care of our patients and families. 

The Agrace Thrift Home Store sells gently used furniture and other home goods. Proceeds from the Home Store benefit Agrace programs and services.  

Volunteers opportunities include:

Volunteers make a weekly, 4-hour commitment (day, evening, and weekend shifts available) and complete an application process: application, phone interview, orientation (in-person or online), background check, and references.  

The Agrace Thrift Stores are wonderful places for individuals or small groups to get involved. We're looking for volunteers to help us with cashiering, pricing, sorting donations, and other small projects that may come up (organizing, cleaning, etc.). 

Volunteers should enjoy providing good customer service (to other volunteers, customers, donors, etc.) and be comfortable being on their feet throughout the shift. 

Contact us to schedule a shift that will work for you!

Proceeds from the Agrace Thrift Stores support the care of our patients and families. 

We are currently looking for help in the garden as we start the 2025 gardening season! Please contact us if you want to be on our volunteer list! 

Want to help solve hunger? Assist us in growing food for those in need! Through a partnership with Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens, the Catholic Multicultural Center has a .75 acre garden (Emmett Schulte Garden) to grow fresh produce to provide our food pantry guests with all the produce they can use as well as provide fresh, local ingredients for our meal program.

From May through October many volunteers are needed to help with planting, weeding, and maintaining the garden and harvest produce to be brought directly to the CMC. No experience necessary; a garden coordinator will always be on-site to show you what to do and how to do it. This is a great opportunity to learn more about large-scale gardening and growing produce. We provide all necessary tools and supplies.

The time commitment is flexible. Volunteer sessions are regularly scheduled for Monday 4-7 pm and Wednesday 5-7pm, though sessions are periodically scheduled at other times. While volunteers can come as often or as little as they want, we do ask that people sign up before showing up to a work session. Contact us to be put on the garden volunteer list and receive work session updates.

Volunteers are also needed at other locations through Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens. Learn more here: http://foodpantrygardens.org/

Being an Interim Hospice volunteer is an intensely rewarding experience.  Volunteers provide support to patients who are near the end of life, and their family and caregivers.  Help is provided wherever the patient considers home, which could be their own house or apartment or an assisted living or skilled nursing facility.  The goal is to help maximize quality of life when quantity of life is limited.  Typical volunteer activities include:

- Visiting and companionship

- Breading and taking walks

- Writing letters

- Visiting with pets

- Bringing in music

- Giving respite relief for caregivers

- Shopping and errands

- Meal preparation

Volunteers may also choose to help in the office with mailing, computer work, and administrative duties.  Some volunteers have special training to help provide grief support.

Volunteers are required to complete an interview and about 9 hours of training.  They also receive ongoing support and training from the hospice care team.  Hospice education covers philosophy of hospice care; services offered by hospice; physical, emotional, social, and spiritual issues encountered at the end of life; effective communication when speaking with patients and family members; comfort care; the dying process; and basic information about grief and loss.  

If you are interested in this opportunity, respond to this post! Time commitment is about 1-2 hours per week. Days and times are flexible.

The CMC has many Spanish speaking only clients, so in order to serve all our guests, bilingual volunteer speakers are needed!

Volunteers are needed in both the job search office and for as needed events/immigration assistance. Help is generally needed between the hours of 9am -5pm Monday through Friday. Volunteers can provide assistance for a minimum of 1 hour a week up to as many as is needed, whatever works with your schedule! 

Please email or call us if you are interested, thank you!

Currently in need of help for the Summer of 2025!

Looking for a fun, easy opportunity to help the community? Help serve the free daily meal at the Catholic Multicultural Center!

Groups or individuals are welcome to sign up to help serve the meal on a one-time basis as openings are available. Occasionally, opportunities to help once a month occur, if a group would like to help on a more regular basis. Volunteers help with setting the food out, serve food as people pass through the serving line, wash dishes, and help with clean-up at the end.

Open shifts occur on different weekdays, with a 3:30 to 5:30pm volunteer timeframe (the meal is served 4 to 5pm) with the meal cooked by volunteers at the CMC before 3pm. To help, a group can send 2 to 6 volunteers, or you can come as an individual. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, though for youth groups consisting of all youth or primarily youth, the age limit is 12 and up.

Contact Sarah by email or phone to find the next available date for you or your group to come serve a meal!

Step Up Tutoring is seeking volunteers to provide virtual 1-on-1 tutoring to 2nd-6th grade students from underserved communities to help build fundamental math and literacy skills and to provide support and encouragement. All tutoring will take place virtually! All you need is a computer and internet access. No prior tutoring experience is needed.

Responsibilities:

Tutor 1-on-1 twice a week via an online video platform; each session is 45 minutes

All training is done through online, self-paced modules. No prior tutoring experience is required.

Focus on building fundamental math and literacy skills using evidence-based online programs

NHCC Food Program Volunteers help stock, organize, and clean the food pantry, prep and serve community meals, and help manage the pantry and support clients while it is open.

Volunteers should be able to walk up and down stairs and lift up to 50 lbs over their head.

If interested in this opportunity, please complete the volunteer inquiry form here: https://forms.gle/Riz2bPFnR8YykEaN8

NHCC is looking for one volunteer to support our monthly free legal aid clinic. Volunteer will check clients in for their appointments, have them fill out waivers, and direct them to their appointments.

Ideal for a law student or potential lawyer!

If interested in this opportunity, please complete the volunteer inquiry form here: https://forms.gle/Riz2bPFnR8YykEaN8

NHCC is looking for 2-3 volunteers to support our social programs for older adults. Spend time playing games, leading service projects, and more!

If interested in this opportunity, please complete the volunteer inquiry form here: https://forms.gle/Riz2bPFnR8YykEaN8

NHCC is looking for a volunteer that is interested in working on a variety of projects and programs that include but are not limited to: cleaning and organizing the center, helping stock the food pantry, working with social programs, preparing and serving a community meal and more!

If interested in this opportunity, please complete the volunteer inquiry form here: https://forms.gle/Riz2bPFnR8YykEaN8

Volunteers needed to patch and paint walls and install/deinstall artwork on an occasional basis at the ARTS for ALL Wisconsin Gallery in Madison. Time commitment varies based on project.

Opportunities are available for volunteers who enjoy working with the public, assisting with setup, registration, greeting, and decorating.

Located on Madison’s Northside, ARTS for ALL Wisconsin’s Art Center conducts classes in visual art, music, movement, and more for people with disabilities ages 16 and up. Volunteers are needed to assist teaching artists for classes offered Monday through Thursday 5:30pm-7:30pm, and for occasional Saturday workshops. This is a five or 10 week commitment, two hours per class.

Volunteers assist with administrative tasks such as entering data, making labels, organizing, scanning forms. This is a flexible schedule for as need basis during office hours 10am-4 pm, Monday through Thursday at 1709 Aberg Avenue.

Help in our open technology lab. Tuesday and Thursdays from 11-1pm

Help with our New Beginnings Club for adults with disabilities!

Our weekly club meets from 10-12 on Wednesdays and Fridays. We play games, do art, listen to music and hang out.

Our monthly social meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6:30-8pm. We have karaoke, art nights, bingo, holiday parties and more!

If interested in this opportunity, please complete the volunteer inquiry form here: https://forms.gle/Riz2bPFnR8YykEaN8

The Rainbow Project is a nonprofit organization located at 831 E. Washington Ave., in Madison, Wisconsin.  As a non-profit organization, we depend on volunteers to provide valuable labor, skills, and time, which helps us to achieve our goals and serve the community.  We are currently in search of a volunteer who is “handy”.  Who is skilled at:

Duties/Responsibilities:

Requirements:

·         Some tasks may require the volunteer to lift & move heavy objects

·         Must be comfortable on ladders

·         Must be comfortable using an electric drill and other power tools as necessary

·         Use of personal vehicle to complete responsibilities may be required from time to time

·         Must follow safety protocols & wear required PPE while completing tasks for The Rainbow Project

·         Must track volunteer hours in Rainbow Project’s volunteer management software

If you are interested in volunteering with Rainbow, please email Debra Browne, dbrowne@therainbowproject.net

Smith's Crossing Community Garden is looking for volunteers to help plant and maintain our food pantry garden plot. We grow, harvest, and deliver fresh produce to share with our community.

If you are interested in lending a hand, please reach out! No experience necessary :)

We have flexible scheduling for those looking for community server hours.

The Dane County Farmers’ Market is proud to participate in the EBT/FoodShare program. Good nutrition is important for all of us, regardless of age, income level, or circumstance. And there is no better way to good nutrition and good health than through locally-grown and raised, natural products.

Every Saturday, the Dane County Farmers' Market (DCFM) relies on volunteers to help answer customer questions and process SNAP/EBT transactions. All volunteers are expected to: treat all customers with respect, be willing to learn the in's and out's of the farmers' market, and support the vendors and customers to the best of their ability.

The DCFM provides all the training necessary to be a successful volunteer, however an interest in working with the public and an attention to detail are required for volunteers.

This is an amazing volunteer opportunity where you can learn more about the market, meet new people and start off your weekend right!

If this sounds interesting- we want to meet you! Respond to this post or email info@dcfm.org for more information and our volunteer schedule. We're especially looking for volunteers who are interested in helping out multiple times a season for multiple seasons!

 Shifts are every Saturday from 8AM-10:30AM and 10:30AM-1PM

Currently in need of assistants for Spring/Summer 2025!

Change students' lives by helping educate individuals in English as a Second Language! The CMC offers free ESL classes open to all adults who want to attend, taught by volunteer teachers. Under the guidance of volunteer teachers, ESL Assistants work with students one-on-one or in small groups. No previous teaching or tutoring experience required, though prior experience is helpful.

Classes are Monday-Thursday (Beginner M,T, & W 11-12:30, Intermediate T & Th 10-11:30 at CMC Beld St location, Beginner class M & W 6-7:30pm at CMC Fitchburg location), volunteering a minimum of one day a week required. 

Responsibilities include going over workbook exercises, practicing conversation and spelling, and working on grammar. ESL assistants are crucial in making sure students are getting the attention that they need to succeed. ESL assistants work with people from many different language, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds, so volunteers learn new things in class too!

Requirements: Strong English skills are necessary. Prior educational/teaching experience is not required, but previous experience is helpful. A background check and online abuse-prevention training are required. 

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Are you ready to impact a young Girl Scout's life and prepare her for a dazzling future? Then we need you! We have so many volunteer opportunities to fit any schedule, any skill set!

You can choose your adventure to help lead our future leaders:

We are able to accommodate virtual and in-person volunteering. Check out all of our opportunities here!

Be a part of the Badgerland Girl Scout team!

Questions? Call or email the Partnership & Volunteer Manager, Crystal Hester
608.237.1163 hesterc@gsbadgerland.org

Interested in being the first friendly face that our clients see? Are you a people person? This might be the role for you! Greet our clients as they come through the pantry line and assess how many households they are picking up for. Relay information to car loaders by placing sticky notes and/or magnets onto the car. This is an outdoors position, so dressing according to weather conditions is required. Spanish speaking skills are a bonus!

To learn more, contact Zoe at zlavender@svdpmadison.org!

Volunteer would lead program, which includes setting up/picking up game, and provide game support and/or play as needed. 

This opportunity would have you working with resident(s) in our independent living. This could happen as often as weekly, biweekly, or monthly due to volunteer and resident(s) availability. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Patience with, interest in, and ability to relate well to older adults

2. Knowledge of Chinese Mahjong

3. Good social and organizational skills

4. Helpful to have understanding of low vision, hard of hearing, and memory loss. 

Volunteer would need to complete Oakwood's registration process including background check and 2-step TB testing. 

Looking for an opportunity to help those impacted by food insecurity? Please consider joining our volunteer team as a food loader with our outdoor contactless drive through food pantry. 

Your duties will be to:

Looking to get your steps in? Help us run carts to clients’ cars as they come through the pantry line. You will be responsible for grabbing carts out of the queued line and bringing them up to cars in the drive through. Once the food has been loaded into the car, you will also grab the empty cart and return it to the cart re-loaders. (Some shifts have two volunteers in this position.)

Is a fast paced and engaging environment your jam? Then this might be the job for you! Help us load shopping carts with food to pass out in the drive through. This would include lifting boxes and bags into carts and then placing the carts into a queue to be distributed. You will also help and replenish supply from the back by helping to grab milk and bring up miscellaneous carts of prepped groceries. The ability to lift up to 20lbs is required for this position. 

Help someone take the next step toward a brighter future! JustDane is looking for volunteers to conduct mock interviews with individuals in our Just Bakery program preparing to reenter the workforce. Your role will be simple but impactful - offering a supportive, low-stakes environment where participants can practice interview skills, gain confidence, and receive constructive feedback.

We ask that you have experience with hiring, interviewing, or coaching. By giving just a little of your time, you can make a big difference in someone’s journey toward employment and stability.

We are looking for volunteers, or groups of volunteers, who can conduct mock interviews on Monday or Wednesdays, anytime between 9:00am and 1:30pm. 

Sign up today and be part of real change in our community!

Reach out to Dani Crutcher at dani@justdane.org for more information and to apply! 

Looking for an opportunity to help those impacted by food insecurity? Please consider joining our volunteer team as a food box packager! Our pantry has evolved in response to the pandemic and have been operating a contactless drive through food pantry. This requires us to package food in a variety of ways. This position helps by packaging an assortment of dry and canned goods into boxes between 15-18 pounds.

Your duties will be to:

Other duties you may perform:

We would love to have you join our team of friendly and compassionate volunteers! Come make new friends and have a great time while giving back to those in need.

Help older adults remain in their homes by delivering hot, nutritious meals. Your visit may be the bright spot in their day! Drivers are needed in communities outside of Madison: Fitchburg, Middleton, NW Dane, Waunakee, DeForest, Sun Prairie, Verona, Belleville, Mt Horeb, Oregon, Stoughton and McFarland. Drivers receive mileage reimbursement and extra insurance. 

Volunteers at the Housing Search Clinic will provide essential technical support by assisting attendees with looking for available housing as well as preparing for and completing various housing applications. Services for attendees will be language accessible, so we welcome volunteers who have experience speaking English, Spanish, etc.

Volunteers at our Housing Search Clinic will provide essential technical support in assisting local community members in their search for housing. Volunteers will help look for available housing as well as prepare for and complete housing applications with attendees.

Volunteers will help facilitate programs for K-12 students. Tours and workshops are interactive and encourage exploration of architecture and design.

Feel free to complete the Volunteer Applications by clicking on the following link:

Volunteer Application

Girls on the Run is seeking a new or gently used conference table that can comfortably seat 6-8 people. Preferably 3-4'x6-8'. Our space cannot accommodate something larger. We are also seeking chairs but we are open to sourcing them separately.

Come support Neighborhood House's elementary afterschool program! Volunteers help with snack, free time, outdoor play, fun enrichment activities, and homework for kids ages 6-12!

Volunteers should have some experience working with kids.

Hours needed:

Mondays 1:15 - 6pm

Tuesdays - Fridays 2:30 -6pm

Minimum of 2 hours per shift.

If interested in this opportunity, please respond to this post.

We are looking for people who are passionate about supporting survivors of sexual violence to help staff our helpline. Helpline advocates are vital to RCC’s mission and play a crucial role in our ability to provide 24/7 immediate support to victims of sexual assault. Many times, all a survivor wants is a compassionate and nonjudgmental ear to talk to. As a helpline advocate, you will often be the first point of contact for survivors when they are reaching out for help. No experience is necessary, our 15+ hour training process will equip you with all the necessary skills including compassionate listening, crisis intervention, and trauma- informed practices.

We require a one year/1 shift per month commitment from all new volunteers. Once volunteers are approved to staff the helpline, they begin fulfilling their commitment by signing up for helpline shifts which run from 7pm-7am (every night of the week- volunteers are allowed to sleep during overnight shifts) as well as from 9-5 on Saturdays and Sundays. There will be downtime in between calls and so you are welcome to bring a book, laptop, crossword puzzle, etc. to keep yourself occupied. You have the option of staffing a volunteer shift alone or with another volunteer. There will always be an RCC staff member on call available to support you throughout your shift.

Qualifications

* Completion of RCC’s volunteer training program
* General understanding of, or interest in learning about, issues related to sexual violence
* Ability to respond to callers in a supportive manner
* Must be at least 18 years old

Duties & Responsibilities

* One-year commitment
* Check-ins with on-call advocate each shift, and with direct supervisor as needed
*Complete at least 1 helpline shift a month
* Provide support by phone to victim/survivors of sexual violence and/or childhood sexual abuse, their support people and concerned community members
* Provide accurate information about community resources to helpline callers. Make referrals when appropriate.
* Follow all RCC guidelines, policies and procedures for the helpline as well as those outlined in the volunteer handbook

Work Location:

The Rainbow Project Mission Statement

The Rainbow Project is a mental health counseling and resource clinic, providing psychotherapy and mental health treatment for children and families who have faced trauma and other sources of stress in their lives, including child abuse, neglect, witnessing domestic violence, community violence and other sources of stress. The rainbow project helps promote recovery from such adversities and restore optimal functioning for the child and family.

Volunteer Mission Statement

The Rainbow Project volunteers collaborate with the agency and community to contribute to a safe, healthy, and nurturing world for children and families.

Responsibilities and Duties

Qualifications

Commitment Expected

Training

Volunteers will receive general childcare orientation and training, along with an educational training on the impact of trauma on young children. Volunteers have access to clinical staff to receive supervision, consultation, and support.

Those interested in this opportunity must fill out a volunteer application and background check form. These documents can be found on our website at https://www.therainbowproject.net/volunteer. Please submit completed forms to Debra Browne at dbrowne@therainbowproject.net

Thank you!

TOYS                  

Lego Sets

Diverse Babydolls

Fold up Dollhouse

Diverse Figurines for Dollhouse

Storage for Dollhouse and other Toys (Click on to follow link)

GAMES

Board Games (for siblings and families)

Feelings & Dealings Game

Mad Dragon Game

Connect 4 (Click on to follow link)

ART

Paint By Number

Scratch Art

Poster Board

A Dozen Different Sized Canvas Boards

Fabric Crayons and Black T-Shirts

SENSORY/PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL

Marble Maze Sensory Mats (Click on to follow link)

Coping Skills Flip Chart (Click on to follow link)

FURNITURE

Lawn Chairs ( 6 chairs with solid colors:  yellow, purple, blue, red, green, orange)

Bean Bag

Small Round Table with Adjustable Legs (34 inches in diameter preferred no bigger than 38-40 inches in diameter)

PLANT

A Big Plant (Real – low/no light or a fake plant)

Want to make a difference in the Waunakee community? See what Waunakee Neighborhood Connection has to offer. Assist with stocking the community store; staff the welcome desk and assist community members; assist with collection drives and more. We offer flexible shifts. Have specific skills you'd like to share? Reach out so we can find ways to partner. Visit our website to learn more.

Fund drives allow Second Harvest to support more people, more efficiently. Every $10 donated to Second Harvest can provide up to $24 in groceries for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. The funds you raise help provide fresh, nutritious foods like produce, dairy, and protein that cannot be collected during a traditional food drive.

Fund drives are easy to set up and a fun way to give back.

Set up your fund drive today at: https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/campaign/fund-drive/c336178

Hunger doesn't end when the holidays do, so we need your help to continue making an impact in the new year. We encourage you to consider volunteering with us in January or February 2025 when we experience a decrease in volunteer support after the holiday season! Volunteers must be 12 years or older to volunteer, and volunteers between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of their shift. Sign-up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084ba8a72baaf49-second#/