THE BASICS:
-What is RSVP?
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) offers older adults (55+) a meaningful life through volunteer service that is responsive to community needs. It offers them opportunities to use their talents and experience in community service according to their individual skills and interests.
RSVP is part of the National Senior Service Corps of the Corporation for National and Community Service. There are over 760 RSVP projects around the country, 450,000 volunteers who contribute over 80,000,000 volunteer hours annually. Each RSVP project is sponsored locally. The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging is our local sponsor; therefore RSVP serves older adults in Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, Dodge, and Washington counties.
-Who is an RSVP volunteer?
Anyone age 55 or older is eligible to be an RSVP volunteer. Persons with disabilities are welcome to serve. RSVP volunteers may be retired and semi retired or still working on a full time basis. RSVP addresses a full spectrum of community needs. Volunteers often elect to continue in their professional fields, or they may pick an assignment for the new challenges it offers.
-Where do RSVP volunteers serve?
RSVP can match volunteers with jobs in the community where they are really needed. Community agencies regularly relay their current volunteer needs to RSVP. The non-profit organizations, agencies and institutions where RSVP volunteers serve are designated as volunteer stations. Stations include schools, libraries, courts, local police departments, hospital, and nursing homes, park and recreation areas, thrift stores, senior centers, museums and theaters.
-Training?
RSVP volunteers receive a brief orientation at the time they are enrolled in the program. They are given information regarding the program, it’s benefits and volunteers receive in-service training and supervision from the staff at the specific volunteer station.
-What are the benefits offered to RSVP volunteers?
RSVP volunteers serve without compensation, but RSVP does support them in their volunteer work by offering the following benefits:
1. Transportation Assistance
• If needed volunteers are reimbursed for mileage in their own car for the trip to and from the volunteer station at $.365 per mile up to 10 miles a day.
• Reimbursement for bus fares
• Cab tickets may be issued to volunteers if they have no other means to get to the volunteer station (with discretion of the RSVP Coordinator)
2. Insurance Coverage While Volunteering
• Excess automotive insurance
• Accident insurance
• Supplemental liability insurance
• Insurance coverage consists of: driving directly to volunteer’s residence and the work stations.
3. Volunteer Recognition
• RSVP honors volunteers in a variety of different ways with such things as: Certificates, special gifts, luncheons and other events
• Volunteers serving 100 hours plus during a year are eligible to attend an annual RSVP Volunteer Recognition event in their honor.
-RSVP meeting community needs
It is RSVP’s responsibility to be alert to community needs and then to develop partnerships with local agencies to create new projects that utilize older volunteers to meet these needs.
To enroll with RSVP, please call Deb Marquart. A short video with a brief orientation about the program can be scheduled by calling the office at 402-721-7780.
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