How Volunteering Works at Eastside Neighbors Network

Virtual Villages depend on thoughtful, caring volunteers who value what our older neighbors bring to the community and enjoy getting to know the people who contributed to who we are today. Our volunteer matching system makes it easy for volunteers to find opportunities that fit their interests and schedule. Here's how it works:

When volunteers choose to work with ENN, they specify which services they wish to help with. This means there are never any surprises about what they'll be doing and they don't have to wade through service requests that don't fit their profile.

Service requests that fit a volunteer's profile are announced via daily email and in list form under the "Volunteers" tab on our website. If a volunteer chooses to drive members, only requests for transportation will show up in that volunteer's email or service request list. If their schedule changes or they decide they want to make wellness visits, too, it's easy to adjust that through our volunteer manager. If the volunteer is also a member, their own service requests, past and present, will also be displayed in their service request list.

When a volunteer sees a service request they might be able to help with, they select the VIEW button to see details on the web site. Details include the member's schedule requirements/flexibility and a map showing the member's location. If the request works for that volunteer, they select it and the system starts processing it. 

Volunteers receive an email confirmation and information about the member they'll be helping and follow up within 24 hours to say hello and confirm the service. Members also receive an email, saying their service request now has a volunteer assigned to it.

After the request is completed, all volunteers receive an automated service evaluation via email. They are encouraged to give any feedback about how it went, if they noted any potential challenges for the member, or if the volunteer has suggestions for how it could go better. Volunteer input is key to ensuring positive member relationships and helps ENN run smoothly!