Senior volunteers have the experience to work wonders!

 

Volunteer Opportunities

Contact RSVP at 319-356-5218 for more information about the volunteer opportunities listed below.

 

USE YOUR VOICE TO HELP THOSE WHO CANNOT SEE

We are looking for volunteers to serve as readers for IRIS (Iowa Radio Information Services) to read the newspaper to the blind and print handicapped through a special radio network. Working in pairs, volunteers prepare designated newspaper sections between 7:30am-8:00am, and then alternate reading between 8am-9am. Scheduling is flexible and training will be provided.

FRIENDLY VISITORS OR MEALS ON WHEELS DRIVERS FOR ISOLATED SENIORS

Meals on Wheels provides hot noon meals to those who are homebound. Weekly, biweekly, and substitute drivers are needed. 

Friendly visitors spend about an hour each week and help reduce the isolation of seniors by simply visiting and sharing time.

HELP 5TH GRADERS LEARN PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS WITH SPEAK UP!

SPEAK UP! is a program in which RSVP volunteers teach 5th grade students to write and present speeches. This program involves eight weekly 45 minute classroom sessions and helps participating students learn important public speaking skills. Volunteers are need for the upcoming fall session.

IOWA VALLEY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE

Volunteers are needed to serve as salespeople, cashiers, and warehouse clerks at ReStore, a retail store where new and gently used home improvement materials are available for sale to the general public. Proceeds from ReStore help Habitat for Humanity to build houses for area families.

SUPPORT NURSING HOME RESIDENTS BY BECOMING A RESIDENT ADVOCATE

A Resident Advocate is a trained volunteer who is assigned to one nursing home and spends a minimum of three hours each month visiting the residents there. Every three months the Resident Advocate Committee members meet with the nursing home Administrator and senior staff.

HELP STRENGTHEN STUDENTS' READING SKILLS BY BECOMING A READING TOGETHER TUTOR

Reading Together is a research based tutoring program that uses a literature based approach to help students improve their reading skills.  Tutors meet with the same student 30-45 minutes each week throughout the school year. Lessons are structured and focus on reading analysis skills. Training will be available in the fall at participating schools. 

HELP VETERANS ACCESS BENEFITS THROUGH THE IOWA VETERANS IDENTIFICATION PROJECT (IVIP)

This program helps to find veterans and assist them in applying for benefits. RSVP volunteers receive training on policies, procedures, and forms. Volunteers are needed immediately in Iowa and Muscatine counties.

HELP JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS IMPROVE THEIR READING SKILLS

Some 7th and 8th grade students in our community are currently reading below their grade level. Volunteers are need to provided one-on-one help with reading.  The time you spend with these students will not only improve these skills, but also strengthen their self-esteem and confidence in school.

PROVIDE CLERICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE JOHNSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

The Johnson County Sheriff's Office has an immediate need for volunteers to provide clerical assistance. Scheduling is flexible and training will be provided.

BECOME AN RSVP COURT HOUSE GUIDE

Court house guides provide information about government services and direct visitors to appropriate offices within the Johnson County court house. RSVP volunteers have helped to create a more positive atmosphere by helping these city and county offices become more responsive to community needs. We are looking for new volunteers to serve in this role and have an immediate needs for someone who can volunteer Thursday mornings.