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Mautner Project is committed to improving the health of women who partner with women including lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals, through direct and support service, education and advocacy. |
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Direct Services Volunteering FAQ
- Why should I volunteer with Mautner Project? What will I gain? What will I be accomplishing?
- Would I be a good volunteer for Direct Services? Are there age or other types of restrictions?
- I work full time, can I still volunteer?
- How much time do I need to give each month?
- When / what times can I volunteer?
- What volunteering opportunities are there for students with Mautner Project?
- How do I contact Mautner Project to tell them I'm interested in volunteering?
- What kinds of questions are on the volunteer application form?
- What is the background check for?
- When Mautner Project contacts me, what will we talk about?
- I've got specific skills and experience – can Mautner Project use them?
- Are there certain skills I need to be a Mautner Project volunteer?
- Do you provide training?
- Do you always need volunteers?
- What support will I get as a Mautner Project volunteer?
- Will I get my expenses paid?
- When can I start?
1. What do Direct Services volunteers do?
Just about everything! Volunteers are involved with every aspect of the program, especially providing practical and emotional support to our clients and their families. In addition to working with clients, volunteers have many opportunities to take on leadership roles, learn new skills, and provide input for improvements to our program.
2. Why should I volunteer at Mautner Project?
Direct Services volunteering is a satisfying and challenging experience. Whether you drive a client to her chemotherapy appointment every Friday, rake leaves in her yard once a month, help to reach out to the community at health fairs, or donate your services as a certified massage therapist, you’ll know that you are making a direct, positive impact on the life of someone in our community.
Other benefits include valuable work experience, developing new and existing skills, using your professional skills to help someone who would not otherwise have access to a service, being involved with your community, and making new friends.
If you have personally been touched by cancer, caregiving, or bereavement, Mautner Project may be a unique opportunity to support your peers who are struggling with similar issues.
3. Who is eligible to volunteer with Mautner Project?
We welcome volunteers of any age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or family status. Anyone who provides transportation to clients must have a good driving record and be at least 21 years of age. All volunteers must submit to a background check and sign a confidentiality statement.
4. What kind of time commitment is required?
Volunteers must be able to commit an average of four hours per month to our program, though many volunteers do that much every week! Four hours per month allows volunteers to make a meaningful, regular contribution to our organization and offers our clients some consistency. Some volunteers spend an hour with a client each week, others spend an afternoon a month or even a whole day every other month. How and when you spend your time with us depends on your schedule and the needs of the client you work with. You should discuss with the Director of Client Services the time you have available, your interests, and skills, and how you might fit into our program.
5. I am moving out of town in six months. Can I still volunteer?
Many community health organizations require volunteers to dedicate at least six months to a year to their programs. While Mautner Project has no such requirement, we strongly recommend that you plan to make volunteering a part of your life for at least three months. It can take a while to build rapport and trust with a client who is living with cancer, and we want to provide both clients and volunteers with the opportunity to form supportive relationships.
6. I work full time, can I still volunteer?
There are many opportunities to volunteer during evenings and weekends! Friendly phone calls, transportation to support groups, and yard work are all great ways to connect with clients outside of business hours. While most of our Direct Services are needed during the weekday, we are happy to place anyone who can consistently offer weekend or evening hours on a Care Team.
7. Are there certain skills I need to be a Mautner Project volunteer?
No, although useful, you do not need any previous qualifications, skills or experience. The ideal volunteer is someone who is open-minded, a great listener, and comfortable working one-on-one with people who have cancer. We will work with you to make sure that volunteering at Mautner Project makes the most out of your strengths and abilities while learning new skills.
8. I am a licensed hairdresser (or massage therapist or lawyer or notary, etc.). How could I contribute to the program?
Our clients are very appreciative of pro-bono services from local professionals, especially if you are able to provide the service in their home or hospital room. We are very proud of the diverse range of backgrounds, skills and experiences our volunteers bring to their roles. We have over fifty volunteers in the Mautner Project direct service program providing a variety of services to clients and their families. Naturally, Mautner Project’s clients all have different needs. Volunteer opportunities vary according to our clients needs.
9. How does Mautner Project support volunteers?
Our application process is designed to help new volunteers understand the potential emotional demands of participating in the program, and learn about the many resources available to ensure that volunteering is a positive experience. Mautner Project staff and volunteer Team Leaders are always available to answer questions, help you prepare for your volunteer activities, and offer emotional support during challenging experiences with clients.
10. I would like to become a volunteer. How do I get started?
Contact Mautner Project Direct Services staff at 202.332.5536 or directservices@mautnerproject.org. One of us will be in touch with you to provide information about the next Volunteer Orientation meeting, and schedule a brief interview, which can be completed over the telephone. Direct Services volunteers are required to complete an application form, a background check, and sign a confidentiality statement. This paperwork is mandatory and must be submitted before participating in our program.
10. When / what times can I volunteer?
Mautner Project volunteer hours vary. If you work full-time, some clients do request services on evening and weekends. You'll need to discuss the details with Client Services when they contact you.
Please contact us at info@mautnerproject.org via email, or give us a call at 202.332.5536. |
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