Volunteering Initiative, Essay Example

Our Company has close ties to the local community, and we believe that our message would be enhanced by allowing each of our staff members to participate in one paid hour of community service for every 40 hours they work, provided that essential company business is achieved during normal business hours. Employees will occasionally be permitted to complete the one hour of volunteer service during the normal work week, but they will be asked to determine the acceptability of this timing with their immediate supervisor at least two weeks prior to this service. Our Company strongly encourages all employees to take advantage of this opportunity, and is pleased to provide all members of staff with additional information regarding the volunteer projects that are currently occurring nearby, and would be deemed as appropriate by the company. Although the suggestions below cite company preferences, a wide range of additional volunteer opportunities are available, which Our Company believes will give back to the community in a manner that will allow us to receive the community’s support in our business ventures. Since you are all integral parts of Our Company, we hope that you will share in our positive attitude and message and contribute to the community on the behalf of all of us, making our town a better place. We plan on reporting your good will and success in the monthly company newsletter.

Volunteering Schedule

Your schedule for volunteering is as follows:

• once hour per week
• two hours every other week
• one-half a day each month

The ability to follow this schedule will depend in part on full-time or part-time employment status on the basis of the number of hours worked per week

Volunteering Opportunities

Below, you will be informed of some of the volunteering opportunities that currently exist within our community. While you may bring the attention of additional volunteering efforts to your supervisor, we believe that the provided list provides you with an excellent opportunity to begin thinking about what organization you would like to participate in.

The American Cancer Society:

The American Cancer Society raises money to fund cancer research and educational programs to spread disease awareness. Educational programs include providing health screenings to individuals in addition to teaching them how to recognize symptoms for various types of cancer. Volunteers typically work at event tables, recruiting other volunteers and raising money through small sales. They also partake in larger scale events, such as Relay for Life, which would require dedication of one night in an attempt to raise awareness and honor cancer survivors.

Children’s Zone Tutoring Center:

Some tutors are paid, while others are simply volunteers. The goal of this organization is to provide students from low income communities with additional assistance in completing their school work so that they are able to perform better academically. Target students are typically in high school to ensure that they are eligible for colleges, although some branches of the program reach out to elementary and middle school students as well. The subject areas that are in high demand include English and mathematics, although there is a general need for assistance in all subjects. The organization requests that all volunteers commit to at least 5 hours per month in order to ensure consistency.

Big Brother and Big Sister Program:

The Big Brother and Big Sister Program aims to find adult mentors for children in need. Their volunteer roles could involve either helping their little brother or sister with homework, playing sports with them, or just providing them with the support and time that they cannot receive from their parents. This program would prefer a commitment of at least 5 hours per month.

Local Homeless Shelters:

There are many local homeless shelters in need of individuals to help them raise funds and to keep the facilities maintained. Volunteer activities could include cleaning common areas, preparing food, fundraising from members of the local community, and leading fundraising activities. Furthermore, individuals within the shelter are typically in need of emotional support, and volunteers may be simply asked to spend time with them to cheer them up.

Local Food Pantries:

Since there are many poor individuals that are able to house themselves but not feed themselves, in the local community, food pantries have become more and more important. The food pantries do not discriminate against anyone who wishes to obtain food from this service, so there is a need to keep the shelves of the facility well-maintained. To improve the service provided, volunteers are needed during open hours or possibly during additional hours to expand the extent of the services offered. Volunteers are also needed to organize the shelves and to keep track of the food that is being distributed. Additionally, there is always a need for more food, so volunteers are needed to collect the food donations that are occurring at various supermarkets and to bring them to the facility.

Elderly Shoveling Service:

During the winter months, the elderly of the community require help in ensuring that the front of their homes and apartments are kept clear of snow. Therefore, they are seeking well-bodied individuals to clear the snow for them and to keep them and others safe from slipping. This volunteer opportunity is on an as-needed basis.

Red Cross Volunteer:

The Red Cross is always looking for ground volunteers to help with various disaster recovery efforts. Currently, the Red Cross is looking to assist individuals that have been harmed by Hurricane Sandy and Katrina. Help is needed to fundraise for this organization, in addition to providing service on ground to feed and clothe the needy. In our community, we can help by raising the money that is needed to accomplish these tasks. There is no limit or minimum to participate in this organization.

Animal Shelter Volunteer:

Local animal shelters are currently overcrowded and there is a great need for volunteers to assist with animal care and adoption. The dogs must be walked and provided with exercise, cages must be kept clean, and there is a need for continuous community outreach to ensure that adoption levels are maintained. All volunteers will be provided with the training necessary to participate in this program and they will be working closely with veterinary and additional volunteer staff. The animal shelter prefers a commitment of at least 10 hours a month due to the effort they put into training each volunteer, although they are willing to accept a minimum of 5 hours per month.