Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

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Volunteer for your community with RSVP

Since 1973, the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Washtenaw County has matched older adults who are willing to help local organizations on the front lines of meeting community needs.

Today, RSVP Washtenaw has 300+ volunteers placed at partner organizations contributing 50,000 hours of service annually—equivalent to investing $1,207,000 into the community. The strength of our program is three-fold:

1
Volunteers
We provide life-changing opportunities for volunteers ages 55 and over.
2
Communities
We help meet the critical needs of communities by mobilizing tens of thousands of hours of volunteer service.
3
Agencies
We strengthen public and nonprofit agencies by matching skilled volunteers with vital programs and services.

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Benefits of RSVP

RSVP volunteers will forge new relationships with people in their community and make a significant difference in the lives of others.
RSVP provides tangible benefits for volunteers: Volunteers do not receive any monetary incentive or stipend, but the program does reimburse volunteers for certain out-of-pocket costs associated with their service activities. In addition, volunteers receive accident, personal liability, and excess automobile liability insurance, connection to a broader network of peers, newsletters, as well as community recognition.
RSVP volunteers themselves report better health and longevity having served their community.

300

300+ volunteers placed at partner organizations

50,000

50,000 hours of volunteer service contributed annually

$1,207,000

Equivalent of $1,207,000 invested into our communities each year

RSVP Administrative Team

Amber Fellows
RSVP Director
[email protected]
(734) 971-9781 x 364

Emma Beltowski
RSVP Volunteer Coordinator
[email protected]
(734) 971-9781 x 377

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Take the Next Step

RSVP is looking for volunteers! If you're at least 55 years of age and interested in volunteering in Washtenaw County, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected], or fill out our RSVP Volunteer Interest Form below:

Volunteer Interest Form

Through a personalized, one-on-one interview, we work with individuals to determine their skills, interests, and the right opportunity. Once a match is found, volunteers begin to serve for as many hours as their schedule allows. For more information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions below.

For Volunteers: We offer a wide range of engaging volunteer assignments throughout Washtenaw County. Get started by exploring some of our current volunteer opportunities on VolunteerWashtenaw.org.

For Agencies: RSVP volunteers bring a lifetime of experience. Find out how RSVP can help you plan, train, and recruit for successful volunteer placements that strengthen your organization and help you achieve your mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RSVP?

Since 1971, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP, one of the largest volunteer efforts in the nation for people 55 and over, has matched older adults who are willing to help with local organizations on the front lines of meeting community needs. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP projects link the skills of the volunteers with the identified needs of the community. There are 750 RSVPs nationally and 20 sites in 18 countries internationally.

What are the requirements for becoming an RSVP volunteer?

You need to be at least 55 years of age and be willing to volunteer in Washtenaw County.

What if I want to volunteer outside of Washtenaw County?

RSVP is a national program. Please visit www.seniorcorps.gov/about/programs/rsvp.asp to find the RSVP nearest you.

What if I am under age 55?

Please go to www.volunteermatch.org for volunteer opportunities for people of all ages.

What are the benefits of being an RSVP volunteer?

First, you will make a significant difference in the lives of others. Second, you will be working with dedicated staff and within a broader network of peers. All RSVP volunteers receive recognition, supplemental accident insurance coverage, and most are also eligible for partial travel reimbursement.

What do RSVP volunteers do at nonprofit agencies and licensed health care facilities?

RSVP has 50 partnering organizations ready to engage volunteers. RSVP members serve in many ways such as mentoring, tax assistance, tutoring children in after-school programs, conducting friendly visits to homebound senior citizens, delivering meals, and so much more!

How do I become an RSVP volunteer?

You will go through a comprehensive one-on-one interview to help you connect with volunteer opportunities that suit their skills and interests. To schedule an interview, contact our RSVP Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] or (734) 971-9781 x377 or fill out our RSVP volunteer interest form.

I don’t know what type of volunteer work I’d like to do. Can RSVP help me figure it out?

Yes! When you contact RSVP you will be scheduled for a one-on-one interview with a placement expert who will work with you on finding the right opportunity that fits your skills and interests.

Is there training for volunteer opportunities through RSVP?

Yes. All opportunities have training from our partner organizations. The length and nature of the training depends on the position.

I do not want to do the same thing I did in my career. Can I try something new?

Of course! RSVP strongly believes in finding a volunteer role that suits what you want. Volunteering can be a fantastic way to discover new skills and interests that you never knew you had.