Volunteer Toolkit

Welcome to our Volunteer Toolkit designed to equip you with the necessary resources and guidance to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or just beginning your journey, this toolkit is tailored to support you every step of the way. Below, you'll find issue area guides, volunteer expectations, and resources to maximize your contribution. 

Issue Area Guides: Our Issue Area Guides serve as a compass, helping you navigate through various realms of social, environmental, and community challenges. Each guide provides a description of the issue area, a list of community partners and affiliated organizations that focus on this area, and a list of ongoing and scheduled volunteer opportunities during the current semester. 

Volunteer Expectations: Clear communication and mutual understanding are key to successful volunteer experiences. Our Volunteer Expectations section outlines things to keep in mind when working with the local community. From punctuality and professionalism to empathy and respect, these expectations set the standards for ethical and effective volunteering. By adhering to these guidelines, volunteers can maximize their commitment and impact, contribute effectively to an organization's mission, and foster positive change within their communities. 

Volunteer Resources: Our Volunteer Resources section contains information on tracking your volunteer hours, transportation options, and ways you can leverage your volunteer service to enhance your academic interests and develop your resume.

four student volunteers working outside

Find Your Opportunity - Social Issue Guides

Our mission at the Center for Community Engagement is "Student learning through community impact". Part of the way we do this is by building reciprocal relationships with community partner organizations and helping you find your "Sweet Spot", by aligning your academic and career interests with community needs.

Our partners are the experts on the needs of our community.  As we connect students with community partners, we work to develop opportunities that are mutually beneficial to both students and the community. Volunteering makes it possible for you to be a part of important and meaningful work while helping to build capacity in local organizations. Click on the below social issue guides to learn more about how to engage in these areas or reach out to the Center for Community Engagement's Involvement Intern to set up an appointment to learn about volunteer opportunities in the community.

Housing and food security are essential pillars of well-being and stability in communities worldwide. Housing security encompasses access to safe, affordable, and adequate shelter, ensuring individuals and families have a stable foundation from which to thrive. Similarly, food security addresses the availability, accessibility, and affordability of nutritious food, empowering individuals to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. The organizations below focus on the intricacies of these fundamental rights and play a crucial role in fostering a resilient and equitable community where everyone has a place to call home and food on their table. 

Volunteer Opportunities for Fall 2024

  • Coming Soon...

Youth and community education has the power to transform the future of both individuals and societies. Youth education serves as a cornerstone for personal development, equipping young minds with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to navigate an ever-changing world. Meanwhile, community education fosters collective empowerment, promoting lifelong learning and civic engagement among people of all ages. The organizations below focus on educational initiatives aimed at nurturing informed, empathetic, and empowered individuals, while strengthening communities through knowledge and collaboration. Educational success helps in building brighter futures for young people and fostering resilient, inclusive communities. 

Volunteer Opportunities for Fall 2024

  • Coming Soon...

The health and wellness of people in our community is a vital component to empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Health and wellness encompasses more than just physical fitness; it is a state of physical, mental, and social well-being. The organizations below focus on a diverse range of topics, from fitness and mental health to low cost health care, providing insights, tips, and resources to support their clients on their journey towards optimal health of their body, mind, and spirit. 

Volunteer Opportunities for Fall 2024

  • Coming Soon...

Human rights and advocacy organizations are dedicated to championing the fundamental principles of equality, dignity, and justice for all. Human rights are the inalienable rights inherent to all individuals, regardless of race, gender, religion, nationality, or any other status. The organizations below focus on the critical issues shaping our world today, from combating discrimination and promoting gender equality to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and ensuring access to justice. These organizations are advocates for positive change in their communities and beyond and strive to create a more just and equitable world for future generations. 

Volunteer Opportunities for Fall 2024

  • Coming Soon...

Art, culture, and history celebrate the rich tapestry of humanity across the globe. Art and culture serve as profound reflections of our collective heritage, shaping identities, fostering understanding, and bridging diverse communities while history allows us to reflect on how we have changed over time and the events that helped shape our world today. The organizations below focus on exploring the many forms of artistic expression, the ways our experience and heritage shape us, and how we can honor and learn from our past. They embrace the beauty, complexity, and profound impact of art, culture, and history on our lives and societies while celebrating the boundless creativity and enduring legacy of humanity. 

Volunteer Opportunities for Fall 2024

  • Coming Soon...

Animal welfare encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, from ensuring the basic needs of companion animals to protecting the rights and dignity of wildlife. Environmental protection is paramount in ensuring the health and vitality of our ecosystems, which sustain all life on Earth. The organizations below focus on animal welfare, access to outdoor recreation, and promoting sustainable practices for future generations, including climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, pollution prevention, and sustainable resource management. These organizations strive to preserve the natural beauty and integrity of our planet, foster a more sustainable and resilient future, and create a world where all creatures are treated with kindness, respect, and consideration. 

Volunteer Opportunities for Fall 2024

  • Coming Soon...

"At-risk populations" refer to members of our communities that have some type of social risk factor. The organizations below focus on people who need assistance but have not been addressed in the above sections. These organizations shed light on vulnerable groups including those who are pregnant, disabled, or elderly; veterans and members of the military, people experiencing domestic violence, and people dealing with substance abuse and recovery.  In addition to amplifying the voices and experiences of these communities, these organizations provide many resources and services including case management, counseling, healthcare, housing, and social connection. They seek to raise awareness, foster understanding, and advocate for the rights and dignity of the clients they serve while navigating the unique and intersecting challenges that they face.

Volunteer Opportunities for Fall 2024

  • Coming Soon...

Volunteer Expectations

By adhering to the guidelines below, volunteers can maximize their commitment and impact, contribute effectively to an organization's mission, and foster positive change within their communities. 

Our partners invest valuable resources in service learning and volunteer opportunities and in return we help build stronger communities. Your role is to work with the community by listening, learning, and applying your skills and talents so that the community can best utilize them.

Understand the Mission: Familiarize yourself with the organization's mission, goals, and values to align your efforts effectively.

Commitment to Time: Honor your commitments by showing up on time for scheduled activities and events. Notify your volunteer coordinator as soon as a scheduling conflict arises.

Consistency: Consistency is key to making a lasting impact. You can make a greater impact with regular service at a single organization. Consider setting up a recurring schedule with your chosen site. This helps your chosen organization plan and allows you to build on your previous work thus creating a more enriching experience for you and your chosen organization.

Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication with the volunteer coordinator and fellow volunteers to ensure smooth coordination and teamwork.

Accountability: Take ownership of your responsibilities and follow through on tasks assigned to you. If you encounter challenges, communicate promptly and seek assistance.

Adaptability: Be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances or needs within the organization, demonstrating willingness to step outside your comfort zone when necessary.

Quality Over Quantity: Focus on the quality of your contributions rather than the quantity of hours spent volunteering. Make sure your efforts have a meaningful impact on the organization's goals.

Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate milestones and achievements, whether they are big or small, to acknowledge the collective efforts of volunteers and staff in making a positive impact.

Respect: Treat all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of differences in backgrounds, beliefs, or opinions.

Professionalism: Maintain a professional demeanor when representing the organization, both in-person and online, to uphold its reputation and credibility.

Dress for Success: Be sure to check with your site to see if they have a preferred dress code or require any safety-specific workwear. Also, consider the environment you will be working in and make sure you are dressed in climate-appropriate clothing. 

Get Oriented: Most organizations will conduct their own training, orientation, or tour. Orientation will help you be knowledgeable of the organization's policies, procedures, and expectations. If these policies and procedures are not specified or clearly communicated, please ask your volunteer coordinator for them. 

Continuous Learning: Stay curious and eager to learn about the organization's work, as well as broader issues related to its mission. Attend training sessions or workshops to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Feedback: Provide constructive feedback to the organization based on your experiences and observations and be open to receiving feedback on your work.

The Vegas Rule: Keep all identifying information about the people served confidential. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, personal or family problems, places of employment, living habits, and other things that may be discussed with or in front of you.

Use Pseudonyms: If your volunteer work is tied to a course that will require you to write about the work you do, it is advised to use pseudonyms when referencing individuals in your course assignments, presentations, or discussions.

Get Permission: Photos should not be taken without permission from the organization and the individuals pictured. When possible, take photos in a manner that preserves the anonymity of the people you are serving.

Peer Conflicts: Should a problem arise between you and others, notify your volunteer coordinator or site supervisor as soon as possible to determine an appropriate resolution.

Conflicts with Supervisors: If problems occur with your supervisor or you feel you are being treated unfairly, reach out to your professor or someone from the Center for Community Engagement team. The CCE can be reached via email at [email protected]

Self-care: Prioritize your well-being and avoid overcommitting yourself. Take breaks when needed and communicate any concerns about workload or stress levels with the volunteer coordinator.

Volunteer Resources

Give Pulse serves as Stetson University’s Involvement Database. This platform creates a community of volunteers, professionals, civic leaders, and service-learning students. Give Pulse allows you to search for local events, groups, and causes that you care about. You can register for volunteer opportunities and keep track of the volunteer hours you have provided to the community. 

Center for Community Engagement Give Pulse Site

VoRide

VoRide is Volusia County's new neighborhood on-demand transportation service and trip planning app. When you’re ready to leave, tell them where you'd like to go within the entire Votran network. They'll show you the best way to get there whether it be a bus or a VoRide on-demand ride.  Commute, run errands, get to appointments and more with VoRide.

  • On-demand price: $2 per ride - 50% off for young adults (7-18), seniors (65+), and disabled riders with valid ID.
  • On-demand service hours: Monday to Friday 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Easy ways to pay: Credit or debit card through the app. Cash payments are accepted on board but you must have exact change.
  • Tips: VoRide drivers do not accept tips.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available on request.

Visit the VoRide page for network and scheduling information.

The Certificate of Community Engagement allows students to connect what they learn in the classroom with concrete application in the communities they engage. This can help students recognize how their work is meaningful to the people around them as they contribute to addressing major issues in the community. The requirements for the certificate encourage students to reflect on the ethical implications of their work and develop skills that are important in their future careers, whatever field they pursue.

The Certificate of Community Engagement requires 4 units of community engagement courses, 100 hours of community service, and a capstone essay.

Learn more about the Certificate

Stetson offers a diverse range of student organizations that encourage you to discover your passion and make lasting memories. Maybe you’ve chosen your organization because you are interested in the content or activities, maybe you’re deeply aligned with the club’s mission, maybe you want to make connections with like-minded people, or maybe you just joined to have fun. Whatever the reason, there’s a reason behind your membership.

You’ve found your People. We can help you explore your Purpose while creating lasting connections in the Community!

The Center for Community Engagement can help your organization get involved off-campus. – Whether your organization is looking for mission-driven community service projects or a fun activity to do off-campus, we can help you explore what is going on around town and make connections with our Community Partners that share your passions. 

Contact [email protected] to learn more about how we can help enhance your experience as well as the experience of your student organization.