• Is there an identified need in the community that the Volunteer Center will fill?
• Is there strong leadership that will support new Volunteer Center development?
• Are there local funding sources that will provide resources for the Volunteer Center?

Answers to questions like these will help you assess if the community's needs warrant a Volunteer Center, and if there is adequate support for its development and successful operation.

Getting involved with the Volunteer Center Start-Up Program

The Volunteer Center Start-Up Program is a technical assistance program designed to support Volunteer Center development in local communities.

The program uses the analogy of a life cycle of a tree in three phases of growth "Planting the Seed," "Nurturing the Seed," and "Growing for Success" to chart a course for new or emerging Volunteer Center development. Implementing the Benchmarks for Development as a framework, the program outlines the steps necessary for launching a successful, thriving Volunteer Center.

How do I get started?

Receive the Free Information Packet
E-mail the program staff and provide your full contact information, including phone number and zip code. We will send you an informational packet, which you can review and share with potential partners who are interested in supporting new Volunteer Center development. If a Volunteer Center already exists, we will provide information on how to contact your local Volunteer Center.

Participate in Volunteer Center Development Training
Join us at our annual National Conference to learn best practices and trends, and to participate in training and networking activities that will support new Volunteer Center development. Or, build a relationship with a local or state agency such as your State Commission on Service and Volunteerism to sponsor a Volunteer Center development training event.