United Way RSVP of Marathon County

Description

RSVP is America's largest volunteer network for people age 55 and over. Nationally, over 500,000 volunteers are part of a local RSVP program.

The RSVP program began in 1971 and has been in 17 other communities throughout Wisconsin for many years. The United Way of Marathon County applied for and received a federal grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to bring the program here to Marathon County.

The goal of RSVP is to recruit and use 55+ volunteers to tackle tough issues in a community. While volunteers deliver valuable services to meet their community's needs, they also personally benefit by being engaged in enriching service experiences. RSVP also provides volunteers with supplemental accident and liability insurance while on duty, transportation reimbursement and invitations to recognition events.

This is how it works. When someone 55+ is interested in volunteering, the RSVP program provides personalized placement assistance to help place individuals in volunteer positions which are a good match for them. Individual talents and interests along with other factors are considered. The agency at which the volunteer is placed provides the orientation and training for the specific volunteer duties. RSVP provides ongoing follow-up and assistance as needed.

RSVP is a part of Senior Corps, along with Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions. Senior Corps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that supports service and volunteering programs to improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement.