Does it cost me anything to volunteer on projects?
No. Volunteering with Hands On Greater Portland is free. While HOP does periodically ask volunteers to make a financial contribution, it is not required.

How much time do I have to commit each month?
It's entirely up to you! Our goal is to make volunteering easy for everyone to fit into their busy schedules, so we offer projects with varying commitment levels. You can volunteer as much or as little as you like based on your time and interest.

After I have become a member, how do I sign up for a volunteer project?
Click on the volunteer projects section of our website to find projects that interest you. Sign up for a project through our website. You will receive an e-mail with directions and any other special instructions. Then go out on the project and have a great time while helping to meet an important community need.

What if I am unable to sign up for a project through the website?
You can always contact the Project Leader listed on the calendar or in the newsletter to sign up for the project and obtain information about the project's location. If there is no Project Leader listed, simply call our office at 503.200.3355 and we will sign you up!

What is a Project Leader?
Each volunteer project is supervised by a Project Leader (PL). Project Leaders are extraordinary volunteers who provide the leadership and commitment to make all Hands On Greater Portland projects worthwhile and enjoyable. Project Leaders are responsible for responding to volunteers interested in the project, sharing the project details, and educating participating volunteers about the agency and project.

What kind of volunteer projects does Hands On Greater Portland offer? Each month, Hands On Greater Portland organizes and manages more than 75 hands on, direct-service projects in partnership with a variety of community service organizations. We partner with non-profits addressing community issues that impact health, youth and education, hunger and homelessness, seniors and disabled, animal welfare and the environment. In addition, you can also search or browse through our list of ongoing projects that may not occur on a specific date or that did not make it onto our calendar.

Why do  you ask for my birth date when I register?

Each project has a minimum age for attendance. We want to make sure you are signing up for a project that is appropriate for your age. Also, We need to protect our younger volunteers who are under age 13. Volunteers under the age of 13 are unable to sign up through our website due to the Federal Child Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which prevents us from storing information about volunteers under age 13.

How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Each project is different. Make sure to check the age listing for each projects. All volunteers under the age of 18 must have a registration form signed by their parent or guardian. You can download the form here. You will need to bring the signed form with you on the day of the project. Volunteers under the age of 13 are unable to sign up through our website due to the Federal Child Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which prevents us from storing information about volunteers under age 13.

Can I volunteer with my kids?
Absolutely! Each month, we have many "Family Friendly" projects in which kids can volunteer with their parents (check each project description for age requirements).

What if I don't find what I'm looking for on your calendar of monthly volunteer project opportunities?
You're in luck-we also offer a searchable database of ongoing projects or opportunities that are more flexible and may not occur on a specific date. Some may require a commitment, others may be completed in one day.

What is TeamWorks?
The TeamWorks program offers volunteers the opportunity to make a slightly longer-term commitment to volunteering. In TeamWorks, a team of around 10 volunteers work together on a series of projects over a period of a few months, allowing them to get to know one another and gain a deeper understanding of community issues. Typically, a team will have a kickoff meeting to get to know each other, followed by three to five projects. Some TeamWorks teams also get together for discussions, do readings together, or participate in experiential learning activities in addition to volunteer projects. For information on TeamWorks, click here.

What if I have an idea for a new project or want to become an agency partner or referral?
Hands On Greater Portland is always looking for new projects and agency partners. If you have an idea for a specific project or would like to learn more about becoming a partner or referral agency, contact:

Melia Tichenor, Partner Services Coordinator

503.200.3370 or melia@handsonportland.org