support us volunteer
"Volunteers are not paid — not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless." - Unknown
Volunteer support provides the backbone of all YWCA activities. Like most non-profits, the YWCA relies heavily on the creativity, energy and commitment of volunteers to help provide resources, offer important services to our clients, and guide the organization's strategic vision.
If you are interested in offering your time and talents to serve the thousands that turn to us for help each year, the following information outlines what opportunities are available at the YWCA.
For further information on all the volunteer opportunities noted here, fill out the Volunteer Sign Up Form or contact:
Jennifer Timmers
616-451-2744
Volunteer Opportunities
Board of Directors
YWCA West Central Michigan board members are elected to serve terms of 3 years and are charged with the governance and oversight of the organization. Potential members are selected by the YWCA Nominating Committee, a rotating group of community leaders and long-time YWCA volunteers, for consideration by the voting membership of the YWCA. Potential board members are identified based on a proven commitment to the YWCA mission — to empower women, promote diversity and advocate for justice and equality — and their ability to support the organization as it works to meet that mission.
Administration
Finance Committee
Along with the board chairperson, the president/CEO and the director of administration, the YWCA Finance Committee provides leadership for experienced management of YWCA financial resources. The Committee is comprised of board members, YWCA staff, and community volunteers with experience and expertise in the financial industry, it meets on a monthly basis.
Special Events/Fundraising
TRIBUTE! Steering Committee
Since its inaugural year in 1977, the YWCA TRIBUTE! Awards has honored over 150 women for their efforts, perseverance and commitment to making our community a better place to live.
Tasks:
- Identify and secure financial resources that might be available to the YWCA to help increase TRIBUTE! revenue and YWCA visibility.
- Provide ideas and suggestions to help make the TRIBUTE! luncheon more interesting, diverse and financially successful.
- Attend committee meetings and volunteer as needed at the TRIBUTE! Awards Luncheon.
Open Circle Luncheon Table Captain (formerly Circle of Women)
The YWCA's Open Circle luncheon is an invitation-only fundraiser attended by women and men committed to empowering women and girls. It traditionally features a moving testimonial by an individual whose life has been positively impacted by the YWCA and offers guests the opportunity to significantly support critical YWCA services.
Tasks:
- Secure a minimum of 9 guests to give a gift of at least $100 each at the YWCA Open Circle luncheon.
- Act as host/ hostess for your table guests at the luncheon and educate them about the YWCA.
- Attend one table captain orientation meeting and the Open Circle luncheon.
- Identify and secure at least one individual from your guests who will become a table captain in the following year.
YWCA Development Committee
Along with the board chairperson, the president/CEO and the development officer, the YWCA Development Committee provides leadership for involving the board in fund raising and works with staff to develop the fund-raising plan.
Tasks:
- Work with staff to develop and implement annual development plan
- Help develop policies and procedures for board action related to gift solicitation and recognition
- Help to develop plans and procedures to involve the entire board in fund raising
- Help to develop strategies for involvement and cultivation of major gift prospects
- Serve as a source of information on the factors affecting fund raising among the YWCA's constituencies
- Help to evaluate the potential of prospects for increased levels of contributions
- Involve other board members and volunteers in the cultivation and solicitation
- Solicit gifts at the various levels required for annual, special and planned giving programs
Domestic Violence Services
Hundreds of women and children find safety each year through the YWCA's Domestic Violence Services emergency shelter (Domestic Crisis Center). Volunteer opportunities fit all levels of talent and interest, and include, but aren't limited to, the following:
Service
- Dental and medical care, legal services, computer training, money management
- Grounds-keeping, gardening, painting and wallpapering
- Staff crisis telephone line (training provided)
- In-depth cleaning
- Reading bedtime stories to children residing at the shelter
- Baking cookies with residents
- Provide childcare (at shelter) while moms attend support group
- Providing a weekly meal for residents
- Sorting of product donations
- Tutor children
- Tutor some of the women who are enrolled in college courses
- Teach intermediate and advanced financial strategies to our residents and clients for saving as means of providing them with the foundation for financial empowerment and independence
Items:
- Collection of needed items as outlined on the Domestic Crisis Center Wish List
- Collection of birthday and holiday gifts for women and children
Childcare:
- Provide supervision on-site for children whose parent is utilizing YWCA programs.
- Hours are variable and flexible
Sexual Assault Services
Established in 1990, the YWCA's Sexual Assault Services assist over 700 victims of sexual assault each year as they work to rebuild their lives.
Volunteer Advocates
Volunteer Advocates provide support to victims of sexual assault and/or their family members through the YWCA's 24-hour crisis telephone line, outreach to hospital emergency departments, or the YWCA Nurse Examiner program. A 30-hour specialized training is provided each fall for those interested. Volunteers are on-call two shifts per month, must be good listeners, and have reliable personal transportation. We ask for a one-year commitment from our Volunteer Advocates. Many of our volunteers have been with the program for several years.
Sexual Assault Advisory Committee
Sexual Assault Advisory Committee meets quarterly to address the needs of sexual assault survivors in our community and how the YWCA's programming is meeting those needs. The Committee is comprised of law enforcement, prosecution, forensic scientists, medical personnel and victim advocates working in the area of sexual assault.
Childcare:
- Provide supervision on-site for children whose parent is utilizing YWCA programs.
- Hours are variable and flexible
Girls Incorporated ® at the YWCA West Central Michigan
Utilizing the nationally regarded Girls Incorporated® curriculum, the YWCA is helping girls build their self-esteem and confidence, set boundaries, and develop healthy relationships with adults — all key elements to building healthy young women. We do so by offering opportunities in math, science, technology, culture and heritage, life skills, sports and a wealth of other fun extracurricular activities.
After school tutoring
Available to Girls Incorporated® on a drop-in basis in the YWCA Girls' Space, Tuesday and Wednesday(3:30 – 4:30 pm). Individuals willing to assist girls, ages 9-18, with school work is always helpful.
Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Services
The YWCA Child Sexual Abuse Treatment program provides therapy services for families experiencing the trauma of incest. Since opening the doors to this service in 1982, the YWCA has served more than 4,500 children and their families.
Although we are unable to connect community volunteers directly with these YWCA clients, assistance in collecting greatly needed items as outlined on the Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Services Wish List is always helpful.
Childcare:
- Provide supervision on-site for children whose parent is utilizing YWCA programs.
- Hours are variable and flexible
