RSVP connects volunteers age 55 and over with service opportunities in their communities that match their skills and availablity. From building houses to immunizing children, from enhancing the capacity of non-profit organizations to improving and protecting the environment, RSVP volunteers put their unique talents to work to make a difference.
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Above:
Dale Knotek shows area school children
wool as they tour the UMC animal barn. Knotek
volunteered to lead tours of UMC's Barns. For
many of the children, this was the first time they
got to see farm animals up close.
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For over 30 years, RSVP has matched
problems to be solved with people willing to help. Today, more than 500,000
seniors participate in RSVP, making it one of the largest volunteer efforts
in the nation. You can be a part of this family of caring volunteers that
is solving problems and bringing our communities together.
RSVP
of the Red River Valley
Are you...
- 55 years or older?
- exploring community volunteering?
- a nonprofit or public agency in search
of volunteers?
If so...
The Retired and Senior Volunteer
Program (RSVP) can help.
RSVP is a national program, locally sponsored
in your community, that is available to you, free of charge.
RSVP offers men and women, age 55 and over,
volunteer opportunities that fit their interests, skills and schedules.
Together we can explore your interests and
find a community need that will use your natural talents wisely. RSVP
has the volunteer's best interests in mind when researching community
volunteer needs.
Only nonprofit and public agencies or organizations
and healthcare facilities are eligible to become RSVP volunteer sites.
Each site is given the opportunity to attend trainings to expand their
skills in developing and managing a strong, healthy volunteer program.
Priorities
are Important
Nationwide, many volunteers are responding
to community needs that support:
- children and youth
- the environment
- public safety
- health and human service needs
Your priorities will guide your choices about
where you invest your valuable time and talents.
Benefits
RSVP provides free supplemental insurance
when volunteering, limited reimbursement of transportation and meal expenses,
and an annual recognition banquet.
Nontangible
Benefits
- Meeting new people
- Feeling of contributing and giving of
oneself and one's skills
- Increased self-esteem and confidence in
one's abilities
- Renewing past acquaintances
- Getting out into the community
- Feeling a part of a greater cause
- Learning new things and new skills
Volunteers often find that they receive more
than they give. The quality of life is enriched by active participation
in community service. But most of all, the community benefits because
of the volunteers' willingness to share their most valuable possessions,
their time and their talents.
Get
Involved!
We look forward to hearing from you about
your decision to get involved.
Mission Statement
RSVP offers maximum flexibility and choice to its volunteers as it matches the personal interests and skills of older Americans with opportunities to serve their communities.
Contact your local RSVP office:
RSVP
247 Student Center
University of Minnesota, Crookston
Crookston, MN 56716-5001
(218)
281-8288
1-800-862-6466, Ext. 8288
dpatenau@umn.edu
RSVP volunteers make a difference in their
communities...they are a part of the solution to community problems.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
of the Red River Valley, sponsored by the University of Minnesota, Crookston,
is provided funding from the Corporation for National Service, the Minnesota
Board on Aging, the counties of Pennington, Red Lake, Polk, and Norman, the University of Minnesota, along with Crookston
and Thief River Falls United Way.cns.gov
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