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OFBCI > Volunteer > Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions

What is Volunteer.IN.gov?

Volunteer.IN.gov is a web portal to all things volunteer related in Indiana. It is designed to help Hoosiers who want to volunteer, but don't know where to start.

Volunteer.IN.gov will lead individuals to volunteer centers or other organizations in their area that match volunteers with the non-profits that need them.

Individuals can also find information about disaster preparedness and response, and volunteering in times of disaster.

Volunteer.IN.gov houses information for the Indiana Association of Volunteer Centers. Organizations that match volunteers with non-profits and are interested in starting a volunteer center can find information from the Points of Light Foundation and the Indiana Association of Volunteer Centers.

Volunteer.IN.gov is not a volunteer matching website; it does not have lists of individual non-profits that need volunteers. To find a volunteer opportunity near you, contact the volunteer center, United Way, or RSVP nearest you. If there is no such organization in your county, try one of the volunteer matching websites listed on the resources page.

What is a volunteer center?

Volunteer Centers are conveners for the community, catalysts for social action and key local resources for volunteer involvement. They bring people and community needs together through a range of programs and services based upon community needs, demographic area, population size, and other factors.

A volunteer center is defined as an organization providing, at a minimum, the following services:

  1. Makes its services available to the public through a non-profit organization or association, with a physical office location, a budget, a governing or advisory body, and staff (paid or volunteer, full or part-time).
  2. Acts as a mobilizer of volunteers and resources to address community needs.
  3. Promotes volunteerism.
  4. Connects volunteers with opportunities to serve.
  5. Builds capacity for effective local volunteer service.
  6. Participates in strategic community initiatives to mobilize volunteers to meet community needs.

From the Points of Light Foundation

What is the role of a volunteer center?

The Volunteer Center's role in the community is centered on the ability to:
  • Connect people with the opportunity to serve
  • Build the capacity for effective local volunteering
  • Promote volunteering
  • Participate in strategic initiatives that mobilize volunteers

From the Points of Light Foundation

What is the Indiana Association of Volunteer Centers (IAVC)?

A statewide association acting as a unified voice to strengthen volunteer centers, volunteer programs, and to promote voluntarism.

What's a DOVIA?

"DOVIA" is the generic name for "Directors of Volunteers in Agencies" associations but your local group may have a different name, such as Volunteer Directors Roundtable or Council of Volunteer Coordinators. These are associations of leaders of volunteer programs who meet regularly to exchange information and ideas, host workshops and speakers, and plan collaborative activities. There are several hundred DOVIAs operating in cities and counties across the USA and they are beginning to emerge in other countries. [More information at http://www.energizeinc.com/prof/dovia/what.html]

I have another question that isn't answered here. Who should I contact?

Contact us at info@ofbci.in.gov or 317-233-4273.