"I find volunteering a window to developing and maintaining friendships, renewal of self- worth and fulfillment of a service to others. There is something different for everyone, so give it a try."  —RSVP volunteer Judy L., Costa Mesa

RSVP is an invitation to serve for adults 55 and above. Formerly known as the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, RSVP-Orange County, CA has over three decades of experience in  matching volunteers with opportunities to meet community needs.

 About RSVP

RSVP is a free, members-only national service association for people 55 years and better. RSVP responds to local community needs through meaningful use of our volunteer's skills and talents, and offers benefits to RSVP members to support and enhance their volunteer career.

Download RSVP Flier

MEETING LOCAL NEEDS:

While a variety of volunteer opportunities are available, our primary goal is to respond to clearly defined local needs. Based on community assessment and the skills and interests of our volunteers, through 2010 we have chosen two focus areas:

• Public Safety

• Nutrition Programs

Fifty percent of our volunteers are making an impact in these two areas by volunteering at police departments, home-delivered meal programs, meal sites at senior centers, food distribution programs, etc.

SPONSOR:

RSVP of Orange County is funded and supported by the Corporation for National and Community Service and Volunteer Center Orange County.

VOLUNTEERS:

There are currently 1,500 active RSVP volunteers in Orange County.  They offer over 200,000 hours of service each year. No one talent, experience or education is required - just a willingness to participate. Volunteers commit to serving in one or more ongoing assignments. The number of hours served is flexible, the average being four hours served each week. Volunteers find opportunities to make new friends, share their hobbies and interests and use their skills, talents and wisdom for the betterment of their communities.

2009 ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Orange County RSVP members
made a difference in 2009!

1,351 members
220,336 volunteer hours served
$4.8 million in value of hours served*
226 members volunteered to serve those at risk of hunger
501 members served in community policing/community patrol
56 partner agencies served
18 law enforcement agencies served
83% of law enforcement agencies with RSVP volunteers agreed in a recent survey that they are “better able to meet critical public safety needs due to the services provided by RSVP volunteers”


*The 2008 value of every hour of volunteer service in California is calculated to be $23.29.

Download Fact Sheet - 2009
 

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Benefits & Requirements

WHAT BENEFITS ARE PROVIDED?

Your free enrollment in RSVP entitles you to benefits that support and enhance your volunteer career:

Personalized matching — we work to find the right opportunity for your passions, skills, interests, and schedule.
Volunteer insurance — supplemental accident medical, personal and automobile liability coverage to provide additional security while volunteering.
Transportation reimbursement — to help defray the cost of service.
Recognition — members are eligible for Presidential Volunteer Service Awards & more.
Educational events — gather with like-minded, civically-engaged citizens while developing your skills as a volunteer.
RSVP communications — through our newsletter and blog we keep in touch and make you aware of new opportunities, events and information.
 

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS OF VOLUNTEERING THROUGH RSVP?

Anyone 55 years of age or over and willing to offer volunteer service hours at any of the 50+ designated RSVP volunteer sites is eligible. Completion of an RSVP Registration Form is required. Benefits are effective only for active volunteers. Adherence to RSVP policies and procedures are required, as spelled out in the RSVP handbook supplied to all new volunteers.

WHERE MAY I VOLUNTEER AND WHAT KIND OF VOLUNTEER WORK IS AVAILABLE?

Member volunteers serve at any of our designated 50+ volunteer sites. RSVP volunteers work in a variety of community assignments: tutoring children, serving meals, sorting and packing food for distribution, promoting adult literacy, providing health education, serving as museum docent, providing vital administrative support, and more. Tell us what YOU enjoy doing as a volunteer, and we'll find you the best assignment.

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Volunteer at one of more than 50 designated RSVP partner agencies such as: Ocean Institute, Community SeniorServ, 18+ local Police Departments, American Red Cross, Superior Court of Orange County, Early Literacy Program, various Senior Centers in Orange County and many more! How will you serve?

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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

I'm restricted to my home because of health, transportation, etc. Would there be meaningful community service for me?

Sure, we have some folks involved in a "telephone reassurance" program, calling and checking in with homebound seniors. Several volunteers do special clerical and computer projects at home, or make phone calls for the RSVP program. We are also always searching for additional projects. Contact us to discuss your choices.

I've never worked outside the home, or volunteered before. Would I be able to be an RSVP volunteer?

Yes, there's something for everyone. Many homemakers are modest about their skills and abilities, but we know everyone has something to offer. We have opportunities that don’t require an office or workplace background. And our staff is available to help new volunteers feel comfortable and answer any questions they may have about starting up as a volunteer.

I've just moved here, lost my spouse, retired, etc. and I'm not sure I want to make a commitment right now.

If you try a regular activity and it doesn't work out, just let the organization and the RSVP staff know that you'd like to change your schedule, or perhaps take a break from volunteering. You can always continue again at a later date.

I'm not retired yet. Can I still be an RSVP volunteer?

YES! Anyone 55 and over is welcome to be an RSVP volunteer.

How does a nonprofit organization become one of the RSVP partner sites?

The RSVP Program staff are happy to speak with a representative from any nonprofit organization, government agency, or health care facility to discuss the requirements and application process. As the number of stations we can work with are limited by our grant, we will only accept into the program those organizations that can help us meet our current needs. We are especially interested in working with organizations that address our two primary service areas, Public Safety and Nutrition Programs, those located in South County and any agency that has meaningful and quality volunteer opportunities.

Where does your funding come from?

Currently, seventy percent of our funding comes from a federal agency called the Corporation for National and Community Service. The remaining thirty percent of our funding is from Volunteer Center Orange County, and is money raised from a variety of sources including grants, corporate sponsors, and even individual donors who wish to support the efforts of RSVP volunteers who are making an important contribution to the Orange County community.

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SIGN UP

Yes I want to be an RSVP member!

1. Download Registration Form. Fill out and send by mail or via fax (714) 834-0585.

2. Within one week of receiving your completed Registration Form, you will be mailed a "Welcome Packet" of information to help you get started.

   Download RSVP Handbook 2010

3. Contact us for one-on-one assistance with choosing the volunteer assignment that best suits your needs and interests.

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