Getting Started

There are literally hundreds of community organizations seeking volunteers to help with one-time projects, or with on-going commitments. We're excited that you want to continue your volunteerism and community involvement while you are at American University.

We also know that the first steps can be the hardest. The following list was designed to help you think about what you want to get out of your experience, and then offers other resources to support you along the way.

• What can you give? What do you hope to get?
• Finding out more about an organization
• Making the most out of your experience
• Transportation and safety
• Common requirements: background checks and TB tests
• A note about required service

Consider your needs and limitations:

• Do I want to volunteer with a group, a friend or by myself?
• How much time can I spend each week? Each month?
• Will final exams and paper deadlines cut into volunteer time?
• Do I need training or supervision?
• Am I content helping with data entry and office work?
• Do I want to work directly with service recipients or help with advocacy and research? Or both?
• Do I feel comfortable making a commitment to one-on-one with a particular person, or would I prefer to provide general assistance?

Find out about the organization.
Some factors may be more or less important to you depending upon your level of commitment.

• Check the binders in the Community Service Center in 273 Mary Graydon Center for literature.
• Use the internet to verify contact information, find volunteer applications and the most current opportunities.
• Call ahead and speak with the volunteer coordinator about current needs.
• What is the mission of the organization, who do they serve, how are they funded?
• What is the organizational structure? Who makes decisions?
• What is the role of the volunteer?
• Are there any safety issues you should be aware of?
• Is there a need for the unique skills you have to offer?
• Can they cover transportation costs or parking expenses? Are there volunteer benefits?
  

Make the most out of your volunteer experience:
Visit the Community Service Center for help with identifying the right match for you.

• The Community Service Learning Project is one way of earning credit for a project that reflects 40 hours of service during a semester with an approved class. Call xSERV, or stop by the Community Service Center.
• Federal Work-Study in Community Service placements are available to eligible students. Call the Career Center (x1807) to find out if this is an option for you!
• Reflect upon and evaluate your experience. Make an appointment with Community Service Center staff to talk about what works for you and what doesn’t in your volunteer site. Your comments can help us to identify the best volunteer sites. Also, the staff can help to identify post-graduate programs and scholarships that can help you further your commitment to public service.
• Report your volunteer activities with the Community Service Center - it helps the office to identify students for awards, scholarships and post-graduate opportunities.
• Thank the organization for letting you be a part of their work, keep in touch.

Transportation and safety:
The best way to find the bus/Metro route to get from AU to your service site is to use the on-line “ride guide” at www.wmata.com. You’ll need the street address for your destination. If you’re nervous, ask the volunteer coordinator if the directions sound correct!

Whenever you travel, you should exercise precaution. Stay alert. Look confident. Don’t flash your wallet or leave your bags unattended. It is perfectly OK to ask the volunteer coordinator about any unique safety concerns you should be aware of. If you feel uncomfortable, we recommend bringing your cell phone along or calling the organization as you leave the Metro to let them know you’re coming. They’ll know to look out for you! We’ve never had an AU student face a threat to his/her safety while volunteering.

Background checks and TB tests:
If you plan to work with children on a regular basis, you may be required to submit to a criminal background check. It may be easier for you to obtain this through your hometown police department. For information about obtaining clearance through the Metropolitan Police Department of DC, visit their website. You may request clearance in person or through the mail.

Some organizations (usually hospitals, clinics, schools and some shelters) may require you to produce negative TB test results within the past year. TB tests are available during walk-in hours at the Student Health Center for a nominal fee.

A note about required service:
We strongly recommend that you advise the volunteer coordinator of any service requirements that you have. This is especially considerate if you’ll be needing a letter of verification or a signed form.

If you’ve been referred by the courts or AU’s judicial system, don’t feel embarrassed, but do be sure to mention this when you first speak with the coordinator. Some organizations have policies that prohibit them from taking volunteers with violations of drug or alcohol policies.