FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do RSVP volunteers only serve the nonprofit community?
RSVP is a nonprofit whose mission is to serve its volunteers and the county community. We offer our services to nonprofit organizations in fulfillment of our mission and our funding requirements.

What are the advantages of volunteering through RSVP rather than directly in my community. Either way it seems I am helping that organization!
By volunteering through RSVP you not only contribute directly to your organization, but also contribute to making your entire community a better place to live. By volunteering through RSVP you become part of the Senior Corp, a larger community of volunteers that has responded to the national mandate of volunteerism. We support special volunteer programs and provide listings of various job opportunities in the community. We contact the organization(s) for you, and we help you find a placement where you will be able to exercise your interests and use your skills - and we hope you will be happy there. We also provide additional insurance which is free to you, while you are in transit or at your volunteer site. You will also receive biannual newsletters from your local field coordinator, and our biannual magazine, the Ripple, where you can hear about volunteer efforts in your area. Additionally we plan social events such as the annual Volunteer recognition luncheon, a new volunteer Valentine's Orientation Tea, and invitations to other social events such as the RSVP Gala. By reporting your hours to RSVP you support our mission of promoting volunteerism throughout the local community, the county and the state.

Why is it so important to report my hours?
When you report your hours we, in turn gather them to document our volunteers' sizeable impact on the community that we serve. Your reported hours enable us to continue the RSVP mission to promote volunteerism in the community, and enable us to provide placements for our volunteers and provide volunteer services to other non-profits.

I don't like to drive at night, will this position require me to do so for either training or volunteering?
Most of our volunteer opportunities are during 9-5 weekdays. We try to match you with special training and workshop times according to your needs and availability.

How can my friend register to volunteer?
We welcome all word-of-mouth referrals! Just have them call our office (610-834-1040) and we will set up a time to meet with them to ascertain their interests and match their skills with a need in the community.

Are there social activities and get-togethers with other RSVP volunteers?
Some of the volunteer opportunities become social events in themselves - such as a mailing group or a knitting circle. You can also request to be placed with a friend

I want to give back to my community, but I sometimes travel or leave for an entire season or holiday. Can you help me find something that will accommodate my busy schedule?
We have many kinds of volunteer opportunities to chose from -- sporadic, seasonal, monthly, and weekly - depending on your needs. We also have a fun Project Team that gathers as needed with whoever is available to help on that occasion.

I belong to XWZ Senior Center. Do my hours volunteered there also count towards my contribution to RSVP hours?
Many of our volunteers also belong to local senior centers. If that center receives the same County funding as we do, then we are unable to count your volunteer hours reported at that center if the center is also reporting those hours to the County. However, an RSVP volunteer at a center who is doing an RSVP arranged project may report those hours to us.

I need to do community service as part of a court-related matter. Can you help me find a placement in order to fulfill my court-ordered requirement?
At RSVP will do our best to help you find a service opportunity that will help you meet your criteria.