People who volunteer in Nevada understand the importance of their job. The primary motivations for volunteering may be one’s values or community concern. Other reasons are personal development, learning about cultures, and boosting one’s esteem.
Unfortunately, many don’t know the process of volunteering in the state. It’s not as simple as showing up and starting the job. There are extra steps to take.
In 2015, only 19.6 percent of Nevada residents volunteered. Together, they provided 56.86 million hours of service.
There is room for more people to join and make a difference. Read on to learn how to volunteer in Nevada.
Steps to Help You Volunteer in Nevada
Serving others provides benefits such as increased chances of employment. It helps people grow and develop new professional networks. Moreover, it allows people to make a difference in their communities.
Here’s how to become a volunteer in Nevada:
1. Find an Organization to Volunteer
First, you must find an organization where you can volunteer that is a good fit for your beliefs and feelings. Look for causes you support such as environmental protection, social, economic or animal welfare. It could even be something to do with politics, disaster relief, or even park service. Do your research on the different organizations you feel you can represent well and make sure to do your due diligence on the organization. We like to use Charity Navigator when looking into non-profits to volunteer and/or donate. Look at how much of their funds actually go toward the cause. Organizations you may want to consider avoiding supply less than 51% of funds to the cause. High Administrative fees should be a red flag.
Consider the compliance guidelines from the U.S. Department of Labor. The Wages and Fair Labor Act (FLSA) prevents for-profit companies from having volunteers. The law also outlines how public employers should work with volunteers.
These rules prevent employers from taking advantage of volunteers. If you can’t find an organization through search engines, try going to a volunteer website. These sites list all the available opportunities in your area.
2. Apply for a Role
Many companies provide a volunteer application form on their websites. Fill out your profile and honestly list your skills. Make sure you have enough time to volunteer or find a group that can accommodate a busy schedule. If you commit to a volunteer date, plan on your calendar to be at that event from start to finish. This prevents signing up then leaving the organizations before their project ends.
Look for long-term or short-term jobs depending on your availability.
With some organizations, the process of joining the project takes time. They will want to do an interview beforehand. Thus, make sure you list your job references.
3. Submit to a Background Check
Though volunteering is altruistic, companies must still confirm you are a good person. Some volunteers turn out to be petty criminals.
As such, some organizations ask volunteers to submit to a background check. This prevents criminals from infiltrating these organizations in order to protect vulnerable populations.
There are different types of background checks. From name and date of birth to fingerprint background checks, it is important to know the difference.
It may seem inconvenient and you may have to pay out of pocket the initial signing services to volunteer. Fingerprinting Express offers fast services and discounted fees for volunteers. We do not want compliance to deter you from getting involved in the community. Since 2003, we have discounted more than $800,000.00 through our Culture To Care®.
4. Go for Training
Once the interviews and the background checks are complete, register for the orientation. Attend the function and familiarize yourself with the project site. Take part in any training required for your role.
Remember, some training may involve money. Thus, ask whether there are any unexpected costs before signing up.
5. Schedule your Hours
Discuss with the project leaders how much time you’ll be committing to the work. Schedule the time and follow it to the letter. If possible, start slow to understand how everything works. Dedicate more time when possible.
Learn More About Background Checks
If you follow the tips above, the volunteer process will become much easier for you. Those who are unable to volunteer in Nevada can instead make a donation. Every form of help is appreciated.
Contact us to learn more about fingerprint processing and background checks in NV.
We are here to help you on your journey to volunteering in Nevada. Visit any Fingerprinting Express location to get support with your background check!
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