As the unemployment rate continues rising, many people have increased their volunteer service until they find viable jobs. You may be one such individual. Volunteer opportunities help the community, as well as the one participating in community service. If you are unemployed, it keeps you occupied, maintain current skills and even discover a new talent. Volunteer opportunities in Tucson consist of those for people with specific skill sets and those for people who want to learn something new.
Literary Volunteers of Tucson
Literacy Volunteers of Tucson (LVT) helps local adult residents meet literacy standards necessary to earn a high school diploma, or GED. According to the LVT website, Arizona has the highest number of high school dropouts in the United States. The organization trains tutors to work with people utilizing their services. To become a tutor, you must first attend a literacy briefing and a volunteer orientation. Then, you must complete a tutor application and sign a policies and procedures document. All applicants have to pass a background check and attend tutor training. You must pay a fee for training material. LVT also offers non-tutor volunteer positions. They include manning booths at public events, office jobs and community advocacy.
Northwest Medical Center
Northwest Medical Center offers more than 375 adult and junior volunteer positions. As a volunteer, you work a minimum of four hours per week. You must commit to six months (100 hours) and be 18 years old or older to participate in the adult program. Junior volunteers have to be between 15-18 years old and commit to four months (60 hours). To be considered, complete an application and submit it with a photo ID, social security number, two non-family references and immunization records. Adults and juniors must pass a drug test; adults undergo background checks. Volunteer positions include messengers, ICU and surgical liaison, patient care, book cart, clerical positions, gift shop, emergency room and courtesy car driver. You must provide a valid license to be a driver.
Habitat for Humanity Tucson
Habitat for Humanity is a national organization that constructs homes for needy families in the community. The Tucson location offers numerous volunteer opportunities. Of course, you can work in construction — painting, framing, putting up drywall, roofing, landscaping, plumbing and doing carpentry. Volunteers on construction sites work six-hour shifts. You can also work in the HabiStore pricing merchandise, stocking inventory, cleaning the store and helping customers. You work in the store for four-hour shifts. You have to be at least 16 years old or older and attend a new volunteer orientation.
Volunteer opportunities in Tucson give you a chance to help people in the community, whether it’s on a long-term basis or for a short time. You get to use skills that are needed once you enter the workforce if you are unemployed. At times, community service serves as a stepping stone to a new career opportunity. You will, however, need to meet certain requirements to work with the above-mentioned organizations.