Volunteer-First-Policy
CHV employs a “volunteer-first” policy, finding a qualified volunteer to fulfill
a request before contacting a commercial vendor. At the time of its founding, CHV
was pleased to discover that many residents of Capitol Hill (members and non-members,
young and old) were eager to donate their time, talent, and expertise to help their neighbors.
About 85 percent of the services delivered by Capitol Hill Village on a monthly basis are provided by volunteers, and most volunteers find their work interesting and rewarding. Volunteer service at Capitol Hill Village should not become a burden. Volunteers may serve on a regular or periodic basis. Volunteers should feel free to accept or decline particular assignments, depending on their preferences, schedules, and commitments. If a volunteer task is not right for you, “just say no.” We’ll thank you and turn to another volunteer for help.
Please review the list below, and the “Services We Provide” page on this website, to see if you would like to become a Capitol Hill Village volunteer. Then call the office (202.543.1778) to talk with the Executive Director about the Volunteer Program.
Goals of the Volunteer Program
* To support the mission of Capitol Hill Village by providing effective and quality services;
* To ensure volunteers have a pleasant and rewarding service experience;
* To nurture and build community by developing ties to other Capitol Hill Village members and volunteers;
* To provide opportunities for new friendships to develop among volunteers and members as they participate in social programs, share experiences, and discover mutual interests.
Areas Where Your Skills and Abilities Are Needed
* Transportation
* In-home Assistance
* In-home Convenience Services
* Light Home Maintenance
* Electronic Assistance
* Gardening Advice and Help
* Medical Advocacy
* Social Events Planning
* Educational Programs
* Writing and Editing
* Office Support
General Expectations
Volunteers should adhere to the rules and policies of the volunteer handbook. Working closely with the Executive Director and the Director of Volunteer and Social Services, volunteers are expected to:
* decline any gifts or tips that may be offered
* attend orientation and training sessions
* consult with the coordinator or office staff before assuming new responsibilities
* be prompt and reliable in reporting for duty
* notify the Village office as soon as possible when unable to report for a scheduled assignment
* complete time sheets and other records
* protect confidential information
* exercise good judgment
* treat members and other volunteers with respect
Privacy and Confidentiality
Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information to which they are exposed while serving as a volunteer, whether this information involves a CHV member or another volunteer. Such information should not be shared outside the organization during informal conversations with friends. Volunteers are required to comply with the “Privacy Policy for Capitol Hill Village,” located on the CHV website.
Eligibility
Capitol Hill Village invites all adult residents of the Capitol Hill community who share our belief in the mission of this nonprofit, aging-in-place organization to serve as volunteers. Many CHV members are also volunteers, but it is not necessary to become a member in order to serve, and we are very happy to have a number of young people among our volunteers. Interested persons are encouraged to call the office to discuss the program with the Executive Director. Volunteer applicants should complete an application form, available from the CHV office, and must be officially accepted and enrolled by the volunteer coordinator before performing tasks. The Director of Volunteers will interview applicants to determine their qualifications, interests, and availability, and answer any questions they may have about the program.
Background Checks
All CHV Board members, staff, and volunteers must pass an official “background check.” CHV currently uses Intellicorp for this purpose. Drivers will be asked to give permission for a check of motor vehicle records, and volunteers who refuse permission for these checks will not be asked to provide transportation services to members. The resulting reports are maintained at the CHV office, with social security numbers purged. All volunteers (and former volunteers) may request a copy of the Intellicorp report on themselves. Records of persons not accepted as volunteers are also maintained.
Volunteer Drivers
Volunteer drivers use their own insurance coverage when driving their own automobiles. A copy of the driver’s license, automobile registration, and auto insurance card must be on file in the CHV office. Gas and mileage are deductible charitable contributions for income tax purposes. Parking fees that may be incurred should be paid by the member.
Volunteer Support and Recognition
Expressions of volunteer recognition will be conducted annually to highlight and reward the contributions of volunteers to the organization’s programs. Every year, one volunteer will be awarded the Geoff Lewis Award for outstanding volunteer service. An ad hoc committee of Board members will make recommendations for the award to the full Board of Directors. Members of the Board are not eligible to receive the award.
