Opportunities From: United Way of Dane County

Volunteers at our front desk and our resource advocates play an integral role in supporting our program and community. They assist in connecting individuals to needed resources, monitor computer access times in the SJC resource area, and take part in relevant trainings.

Tasks

Assist individuals in identifying resources related to specific needs Help navigate and make connections to available resources Assist with helping fill out paperwork, make phone calls, connect with case managers Assist in ensuring equitable access to workspaces and computers Assist with community resource hub coordination and communication Support new volunteers with assignments and trainings

Skills

Has good oral and written communication skills Has basic computer literacy, including the ability to type, read, and respond to e-mail, search the internet, and learn SJC-specific software such as Discord, TeamUp, Google Drive, BaseCamp and Slab Has the ability to communicate in the case of emergencies in a timely and effective manner Has patience, is nonjudgmental, and treats visitors of all walks of life with respect Is punctual and reliable Is willing to learn and retain new information to be of best service to SJC clients Can consistently and successfully manage emotions and stress Is self-motivated to work productively without intense supervision

Setting

This role will primarily take place at the community space area of the SJC, with occasional trips to other parts of the building (if mobility is an issue, accommodations can be made). The work environment can be lively, with other people working nearby. Volunteers are welcome to bring food/snacks to eat and other activities to work on when there is downtime.

Schedule

At this time, our weekly Resource Advocacy sessions are Wednesday and Friday afternoons, but there are many times throughout the week where Resource Advocates can be on-hand to assist walk-ins or calls.  These hours range from 9am-3pm on weekdays in 2 to 3 hour shifts.  There is no minimum number of shifts required. Volunteers will be shown how to sign up for available shifts on a weekly or monthly basis.

Training and supervision

All volunteers will be provided with written and on-line informational materials regarding the SJC and its member organizations, building layout and operations, community resources, and SJC-dedicated software including Discord, TeamUp, SLAB, BaseCamp and Google Drive.  There is a core curriculum of training modules on local social services and resources that volunteers are required to complete to become a resource advocate. Training on trauma-informed practices and de-escalation will be provided to resource advocacy volunteers, with additional training opportunities available for those looking to build their skills.

Screening

After being referred to SJC by another organization such as the University or RSVP of Dane County, an informal interview will occur to ensure a good fit for all parties. Volunteering as part of an outside/third-party program, (such as earning hours for credit or fulfilling a community service requirement), should be discussed during the interview process or before beginning volunteer hours. Volunteers participating in these kinds of programs are always welcome when the following information is provided:

Name of program (deferred prosecution, RSVP, Badger Volunteers National Honor Society etc.)  Program contact person Any relevant informational materials from the program (forms, program requirements, agreements etc.) Clear understanding of what you and the program need from SJC, such as  documentation procedures and any other requirements

Position overview

Our lead pantry volunteer is needed to keep our free pantry running smoothly by doing everything from stocking, organizing and inventory to interacting with community members to get them the essential items they need. Pantry hours are a more social atmosphere with lots of personal interaction. You will be coordinating pantry duties with other volunteers. Volunteers that have transportation and don’t mind driving may help with retrieving items for the pantry from other community resource locations, but is not a necessity.

Tasks

Tasks may include the following:

Overseeing pantry operations on Mondays and Fridays from 1-3pm.
Stocking the pantry shelves inside SJC as well as our free pantry, outside the building. Assisting community members in the pantry area to secure food and essential items they are in need of. Pick up food and essential items from other community resources, such as the Diaper Bank and Second Harvest and donation sites when needed...not a necessity. Keeping the pantry area clean and organized. Record any items that we are in need of.Record distributions.

Skills

Ability to communicate with SJC staff, other volunteers and community members. Able to lift light to moderately heavy objects. Stock pantry inside SJC and the Willy Street Pantry on Few Street Organizational skills Self-motivated to work productively without intense supervision Navigate Madison in order to retrieve donated items from various agencies

Setting

The main pantry is located on the lower level of the Social Justice Center. This is where the majority of the inventory of food and essential items are located. Items will be received, sorted and organized here. The Willy Street Pantry is outside on the Few Street terrace. There are wagons and dollies available to assist in moving the products to the desired location. 

Schedule

Pantry hours are 1-3pm on Mondays and Fridays. It is crucial for our lead pantry volunteer to be present during these shifts.

Training and supervision 

New volunteers will attend a 1-2 hour orientation and shadow staff or another volunteer a few shifts, depending on the new volunteer’s comfort level. We will work with volunteers to ensure their understanding of the tasks at hand and location of needed supplies. If needed we are happy to train volunteers on how to use Discord (a chat application) but this is not a technology intensive role.

Screening

We will do an informal interview to make sure all parties think it’s a good fit. If you are interested in volunteering as part of an outside/third-party program, such as earning hours for credit or fulfilling a community service requirement, prospective volunteers should bring this up during the informal interview or before beginning volunteer hours. We’re more than happy to have volunteers join our team who are participating in these kinds of programs as long as we have the following:

Name of program (deferred prosecution, RSVP, National Honor Society etc.)  Program contact person Any relevant informational materials from the program (forms, program requirements, agreements etc.) Clear understanding of what you and the program need from SJC, such as  documentation procedures and any other requirements

Want to help those in need by donating items or hosting a donation drive? Maybe you love to shop and bargain hunt but want to shop for someone else? Well we need your help! Our essentials pantry is having a supply and demand issue: demand is increasing and our supply can't keep up! Help us provide free essential items like personal hygiene products, toiletries, underwear and socks, cleaning/home goods, phone chargers and more - see below for our most-needed items:

PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS - TOP PRIORITY!
Menstrual products (tampons preferred), deodorant, dental hygiene (toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash), shaving and grooming supplies (razors, shaving cream, tweezers, nail clippers), body wash, facial cleanser

TOILETRIES
Both travel and regular size, bath and body products, skincare, haircare 

PACKS OF UNDERWEAR
UNOPENED, UNUSED underwear, men and women’s, variety of sizes and styles for all genders and body types. Preferences: Men’s = boxer briefs, preferred women’s = anything with medium coverage, both in dark or neutral colors (not white)

HOME ESSENTIALS
Laundry detergent, cleaning spray, dish soap, sponges, wipes, garbage bags, toilet paper etc.

HEALTH & WELLNESS
First aid supplies (band-aids, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic spray), chapstick, tissues, cotton swabs, OTC meds for fever, heartburn, nausea etc., condoms

 

OTHER KINDS OF IMPORTANT ITEMS: 

TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT - Bus passes, Uber/Lyft gift cards, bike locks PHONE CHARGERS - USB-C, Micro USB and Apple lightning cables, wall plug-ins LUGGAGE & STORAGE - Tote bags, wallets, backpacks, duffle bags (we don't have room for huge suitcases, but definitely need more reuseable shopping bags and tote bags!, We also need packaging materials to make supply kits, like small zip bags and sandwich bags) PET FOOD & SUPPLIES - Cat and dog UNOPENED wet or dry food, cat litter OUTDOORS & SURVIVAL GEAR - Rain ponchos, water bottles, bug spray, umbrellas, flashlights, AA or AAA batteries, socks

 

If you want to go the quick and easy route, click here's to order from our amazon wishlist. We are always happy to receive substitutes and encourage community members to support local, small businesses and purchase environmentally-friendly, ethically-made products as much as possible. Supplies can be dropped off Wednesday afternoons during our pantry hours, or anytime during business hours (just drop them off at the front desk!)