Tarjan Center, Service Inclusion Project
Frequently Asked Questions

How do I decide where to volunteer?

As you consider the available volunteer options, ask yourself—what do I hope to gain from my volunteer experience? People volunteer for a variety of reasons: to make a difference in a cause they feel passionate about, to meet new people and make new friends, to gain job skills or make job contacts, to live out their values, to make changes to conditions that directly affect them or their loved ones. Why are you? Start surfing volunteer websites and listen for what speaks to you.

Consider the commitment you are willing to make. Volunteer and service options come in many shapes and sizes, from one-time experiences (like Days of Service) to full-time, multi-year programs (like the Peace Corps.)

  • For episodic or short-term volunteering: Try the Hands-On Network www.handsonnetwork.org and find a chapter near you. Hands-On specializes in short-term, team-oriented volunteer experiences. Volunteer once, or commit to more—it’s your choice. It’s a great way to sample lots of volunteer experiences and meet lots of different people!
  • For on-going volunteering: Try a local Volunteer Center http://www.pointsoflight.org/centers/find_center.cfm. If you’re interested in volunteering on a regular basis and would like to build a relationship with a non-profit organization in your community, commit to volunteering at least once a week. You might also contact local hospitals, museums, or youth organizations, such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
  • For Intensive Service Experiences: Consider a national or international service program like AmeriCorps, Senior Corps or Peace Corps. Put your idealism to work while you gain tangible benefits like (in some cases) an Education Award and Living Allowance.
    1. AmeriCorps: https://recruit.cns.gov/
    2. Senior Corps: https://www.joinseniorservice.org/framework.asp
    3. Peace Corps: http://www.peacecorps.gov/
Be Sure to Check our Volunteer! Page for local volunteer opportunities and agencies.

And for one-stop shopping visit: California Volunteers California’s comprehensive resource site for volunteering.

Wherever you choose to begin, volunteering is a great way to discover your gifts and passions, as you improve the world you live in.


Back to FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

    For Programs Looking to Include Volunteers with Disabilities
  1. What are my legal obligations surrounding including and accommodating volunteers with disabilities?
  2. Do volunteers with disabilities need special types of supervision?
  3. I'm worried about saying the wrong thing to people with disabilities. What are the basics I should know?
  4. Will all volunteers with disabilities need special assistance to volunteer?
  5. How do I recruit people with disabilities to my program?
  6. How can I make sure that people with disabilities can access my volunteer site?
  7. Should I create special volunteer opportunities just for people with disabilities?
    For Individuals Looking to Volunteer
  1. How do I decide where to volunteer?
  2. Should I disclose that I have a disability?
  3. If I apply for AmeriCorps could I lose my federal aid?

Guides and Learning Materials

    Are you looking for information about Disability Etiquette?
  • Disability Etiquette: Tips for Interacting with People with Disabilities [PDF
  • People First Language [PDF
  • Words with Dignity [PDF
  • Ten Commandments of Communicating with People with Disabilities [PDF
    Are you looking for information about Accessibility?
  • A Model for Accessibility [PDF
  • ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities [PDF
  • ADA Guide for Small Businesses [PDF
  • Making Accessibility Real: A Guide to Planning Meetings, Conferences and Gatherings [PDF
    Are you looking for information about Reasonable Accommodations?
  • National Service Inclusion Project’s Fact Sheet on Reasonable Accommodations [PDF
  • National Service Inclusion Project’s Step by Step Process for Providing Reasonable Accommodations [PDF
  • Accommodations and Supports for Including Special Populations in Leadership and Decision Making Activities [PDF
    Are you looking for information about Essential Functions?
  • National Service Inclusion Project’s Fact Sheet on Essential Functions [DOC
    Are you looking for information about Self Disclosure?
  • Disabilities and Self Disclosure [DOC
    Are you looking for general information about Including Persons with Disabilities in Service?
  • Creating an Inclusive Environment: A Handbook for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in National and Community Service Programs Visit Website 
  • Inclusive Recruitment Practices [DOC] [PDF]
  • Ways to Motivate, Engage, and Keep Members [DOC] [PDF]

Do you have suggestions for other topics and resource materials surrounding including volunteers with disabilities? Please contact us.