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FAQ

More than ever before, there is a tremendous need for volunteers in  nonprofit and government agencies throughout Walworth County. Our community needs volunteers to share their experience, time, and talents with others. By volunteering, you are sharing a precious gift – YOURSELF!

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​Volunteer Connection exists to serve YOU, its volunteers. Through your volunteer activities, you are joining other caring individuals throughout Walworth County. Together we can work to build a better life for our community.  It is important that you are comfortable with your volunteer assignment.  We are flexible and can make changes to accommodate your needs as a volunteer. Please contact the Volunteer Director for assistance. Your satisfaction is very important to us.  Volunteer Connection exists to help you as you help others in your community.​

​This FAQ will help prepare you to begin your volunteer assignment. Please feel free to share any hesitations or concerns with us so we can respond to you in a helpful manner. Thank you for choosing Volunteer Connection.

WHAT IS VOLUNTEER CONNECTION, INC.?
​Volunteer Connection is your invitation to serve.  We strive to have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities with flexible times available to match your particular skills and interests with needs in the community.
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Volunteer Connection is a nonprofit agency whose mission is to enrich lives by actively participating in the community through volunteer service.
WHAT DOES VOLUNTEER CONNECTION DO FOR YOU?
  • Provide accident, liability and excess automobile insurance while you volunteer and while traveling to and from your volunteer station. There is no cost to you for this insurance. Some limitations apply.
  • Individual preference assignment referral
  • Changes in your volunteer activities whenever you choose
  • Quarterly newsletters
  • Social interaction and a chance to meet new people
  • An opportunity to learn new skills
  • An opportunity to improve the quality of life for others in your community, thereby improving your own​
WHAT IS A VOLUNTEER STATION or SITE?
​A VOLUNTEER STATION or SITE is the nonprofit or governmental organization that has a written agreement with Volunteer Connection, Inc. Each Volunteer Station/Site has a Volunteer Coordinator who will provide you with orientation and training for your particular assignment, and will be our regular contact person at that station/site.
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​The relationship that develops between you and the station/site coordinator is an ongoing process of understanding and caring that will allow you to grow and work together. They will depend on you to:
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  • Phone if you cannot work when scheduled.
  • Keep all information confidential
  • Be honest with them about your satisfaction with the assignment.
WHY DO WE NEED TO RECORD OUR TIME?
It is very important that Volunteer Connection knows how much time you spend volunteering at your station/site because:
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  • It indicates that you are an active volunteer.
  • It provides proof that you were volunteering in case of an insurance claim.
  • We require submission of your hours to keep track of your time as a means of assessing Volunteer Connection's performance.
  • The Independent Sector places the value of volunteer time in Wisconsin.   They value our volunteers contribution as an amazing $9,018,398 to Walworth County communities!
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A VOLUNTEER
CONNECTION, INC. VOLUNTEER
  • ​Identify yourself as a Volunteer Connection volunteer
  • Cooperate with your volunteer station/site coordinator
  • Respect and follow confidentiality laws
  • Conduct yourself in a courteous, professional manner
  • Avoid unsafe tasks, such as heavy lifting
  • Advise your coordinator of unsafe conditions
  • Report all incidents regarding personal injury to your station/site  coordinator and to the Volunteer Connection director promptly
  • Notify the Volunteer Connection office of changes in address, phone numbers or volunteer assignments.
  • Notify the Volunteer Connection director if there are problems not able to be resolved with your station coordinator (see GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES)
  • Notify your volunteer site if you are unable to volunteer at your usual time
  • Sign in when at your site  so your time is recorded
STATION/SITE RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provide safe working conditions for volunteers
  • Provide orientation and training
  • Collect and submit volunteer hours to Volunteer Connection
  • Recognize the achievements of volunteers and identify them as VOLUNTEER CONNECTION, INC. volunteers.
  • Volunteers are not to displace a paid worker.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
Volunteer Connection recognizes that not all volunteer assignments are without problems. In the unlikely event a problem arises that cannot be resolved by talking it out, the grievance procedure provides a volunteer with the means of presenting the grievance to the Volunteer Connection director. 
 
If, after discussing the problem with the station/site coordinator, the problem is not resolved, you can request a grievance meeting with the Volunteer Connection director. If needed, the director will meet with the station/site coordinator to help settle the grievance for the benefit of all concerned.
Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received - only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.

​St. Francis of Assisi​

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