RSVP PHILOSOPHY AND PURPOSE

There are many unmet needs in our communities that can best be filled by the older adult volunteer who may have skills, interests, and experiences that many of the younger generations have not yet acquired. These Seniors have something valuable and unique to share--themselves.

RSVP serves two purposes: enriching the lives of Seniors who volunteer and helping to better the communities in which they live.

OVERVIEW

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is a nation-wide volunteer development and management program that encourages and enables thousands of people over the age of 55 throughout the United States to participate in useful volunteer service to their communities. As one of the National Senior Service Corps programs, administered by the Corporation for National Service, RSVP joins the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs, the AmeriCorp, Vista, and Learn and Serve America Programs to involve Americans of all ages in serving others.

Otter Tail - Wadena Community Action Council, Inc. /RSVP serves Seniors and nonprofit agencies using Senior volunteers in Todd, Wadena, Otter Tail and Wilkin counties. We currently have an enrollment of over 750 active volunteers serving in over 75 nonprofits in those counties. We are funded through grants from The Corporation for National Service, Minnesota Board on Aging, United Way of Richland-Wilkin, Wadena Area United Way, United Way of Otter Tail County, and the Todd County Council on Aging. 

Staff

The office of  RSVP - Todd, Wadena, Otter Tail & Wilkin is located in at the Otter Tail - Wadena Community Action Council, Inc. office, 109 South Walker Avenue , New York Mills, MN. The staff consists of Katie Baril-Quittschreiber, RSVP Director. Contact made be made by calling 800-450-2900 Ext 114 or e-mail at katieq@otwcac.org

BENEFITS

RSVP assists volunteers with placement, provides "on the job" accident and liability insurance, may provide reimbursement for mileage, and honors and thanks the volunteers through recognition each year. It costs the volunteer nothing to become an RSVP member. RSVP works through local nonprofit agencies and organizations that are enrolled as volunteer stations through a Memorandum of Understanding with us. Benefits for these agencies include assistance with recruitment of volunteers, insurance coverage, mileage reimbursement, and recognition of the volunteers, which smaller agencies and programs frequently are unable to provide. In addition, RSVP is supportive of these agencies through technical assistance and networking opportunities.

 RSVP Enrollment Form (Click Here for Form)

What does RSVP require me to do? RSVP does not require you to do any volunteer work that you do not wish to do. We may sometimes offer you additional volunteer assignments, but you decide whether to accept or not. RSVP needs to receive a report of your volunteer activities preferably each month, but each quarter at a minimum. In most cases, these reports will be sent directly to the RSVP office by the volunteer coordinator at the station at which you volunteer.

Must I serve a minimum number of hours to be eligible? RSVP does not require a minimum number of volunteer hours to be served for you to be a member. Locally, however, we do ask that volunteers consider donating an average of four (4) hours per month.  You are considered an active volunteer if you document some volunteer time in each quarter. RSVP provides maximum flexibility for its volunteers, allowing "time off" to travel, vacation, or take care of medical problems. We ask that you or the volunteer coordinator at your station let us know when you will be absent for an extended period of time.

What is a volunteer station? A volunteer station is a place where RSVP volunteers are assigned to work. Most public agencies or private non-profit organizations can be an RSVP stations, such as schools, museums, hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, and food shelves.

Where are the volunteer stations? Volunteer stations are located throughout the four counties of Todd, Wadena, Otter Tail and Wilkin.  New volunteers will be matched with a station (s) close to their home for easier transportation, but may volunteer outside their own community, but the location must be within the four county service area.  .

What do volunteers do at these stations? RSVP volunteers perform a wide range of duties. Assignments are made according to skills and enjoyment. "On-the-job" training is provided, with opportunities to learn new skills. Volunteers receive direct supervision from the staff of the station to which they are assigned.

Do I have to leave home to volunteer? You may not need to leave your home to do volunteer work. There are some agencies that need work done that you can do in your own home as an RSVP volunteer, such as sewing, telephoning, typing, etc.  Other items are needed are knitted or quilted items, which may be completed at home. 

What if I am already volunteering? Volunteers who are not enrolled with RSVP are not covered by the RSVP insurance and are not eligible for reimbursement or RSVP recognition. Volunteers need not be new volunteers to be enrolled with RSVP. If the station at which you volunteer is an RSVP station, you my join RSVP at anytime, providing we have not reached maximum enrollment. Call the RSVP office at 800-450-2900, and an appointment can be set up to have you fill out an enrollment form.

What if I want to volunteer at a station that is not part of RSVP? If you want to volunteer at a nonprofit agency that is not currently an RSVP station, we will do our best to reach an agreement with that agency so that you will be eligible for RSVP benefits when you volunteer there. We are always interested in opening new opportunities to our volunteers.

What if I don't know where I want to volunteer? There are many different places to serve and things to do. You don't have to have a specific job in mind to become an RSVP volunteer. During the initial enrollment process, we will explore your skills, past experience, and personal interests to help you decide where you want to serve.

What kinds of insurance coverage are provided? RSVP provides three types of insurance free of charge for its volunteers.

1. Accident Insurance: This covers you for a personal injury arising from your volunteer activities while you are on assignment in an activity sponsored by RSVP, and while on assignment at your RSVP volunteer station.

2. Personal Liability Insurance: This coverage protects you from a personal injury or property damage liability claim arising out of your performance as an enrolled volunteer.

3. Excess Automobile Liability Insurance: This protects you from a bodily injury or property damage claim arising while using your own automobile in connection with your program related volunteer work.

RSVP Volunteer Insurance is "supplemental" coverage. This means that if you have an accident that results in an injury for you for which you seek medical attention, you own Medicare and Supplemental Insurance coverage claims are processed first, and if there is any unpaid balance, RSVP insurance will pay the remainder.

CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

RSVP works with over 75 nonprofit agencies and organizations that use the services of Senior volunteers. Below is a short list of current needs.

• Volunteer drivers are needed in all four counties to transport frail and vulnerable clients to medical and other appointments both locally and out of the area. Mileage reimbursement is paid to the drivers.
• One to one visitors and small group leaders are needed at nearly every nursing home in the four county service area of Todd, Wadena, Otter Tail & Wilkin counties.
• Help a child improve his or her reading skills and cultivate a love of reading. Read to children and listen to a child read at your local elementary school.
• Be a classroom assistant in your local Head Start classroom and read to small children, encouraging self-esteem, independence, large and small muscle development.
• Sort, display, and sell clothing and household items at a local thrift store operated by the Salvation Army - Fergus Falls, MN.  Volunteers are especially needed for the afternoons.  Call Jay Barnett 218-739-3448.
• Habitat for Humanity, needs volunteers to serve on their Board of Directors.  Other areas include, but are not limited to, fund raising, day care providers, construction, landscaping, sheet rocking, interior design, all with unlimited possibilities.    
• RSVP Advisory Council.  Advisory Council members do not need to be seniors, or current volunteers, but should have an interest in their community and current issues.  Members are needed from all four counties.  The purpose of the Advisory Council is to serve in an advisory capacity to the RSVP Director.  Meetings are held quarterly.   

To volunteer, or to find out more about these or other volunteer opportunities in your community, call RSVP at 800-450-2900 and ask for Katie. 

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LINKS

The Corporation for National Service

The Minnesota Board on Aging

Jason

Senior Corps taps the skills, talents, and experience of more than half a million Americans age 55 and older to meet community needs in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security, and other areas. Senior Corps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which also oversees AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America.