Volunteer Workforce

These resources are intended to help both individuals looking for volunteer opportunities and organizations interested in recruiting volunteers. Many of the sites offer advice and guidance to groups interested in starting a volunteer program. Additionally, although many organizations whose volunteers require some training have their own programs, there are also a few training programs listed that are specifically designed for volunteers. Note that all of the online volunteer matching organizations listed below offer services for both individuals interested in volunteering and as services for organizations to recruit volunteers.

Community Toolbox
Chapter 11 of the Community Toolbox is a guide targeted to organizations considering or interested in establishing a volunteer program. It outlines overall merits of volunteer programs and helps organizations to create strong, effective programs. The guide addresses issues such as background checks, orientation, and volunteer training. [url; Community Toolbox]

Habitat for Humanity
This page provides information about volunteer programs and local opportunities to support Habitat’s home building and repair programs. [url; Habitat for Humanity]

Rebuilding Together
This page provides access to volunteer opportunities with Rebuilding Together affiliate programs across the country. Volunteers are an important part of Rebuilding Together’s workforce, helping to make healthy home repairs for seniors and low-income families. [url; Rebuilding Together]

Points of Light
This service connects individual and corporate volunteers to nonprofit service projects across the globe. The projects include hands-on housing repair and construction, especially in distressed communities or after natural disasters. [url; Points of Light]

Hands On Network 
The Hands On Network, a Point of Light member, offers individual volunteer opportunities as well as resources for nonprofits and corporations to create strong volunteer programs. This resource features trainings and tools to help nonprofits, government agencies, and corporations create and improve volunteer programs. [url; Hands On Network]

Idealist Volunteer Resource Center 
Idealist helps to link volunteers to projects targeted to their interests. They feature long-term opportunities, such as joining a volunteer board, or opportunities to volunteer for specific events and/or organizations. Volunteers can search for specific opportunities. Organizations can post a call for volunteers. [url; Idealist]