Information Sheet for Volunteers 2007-2008
What it is
- The Volunteer Dawgs program identifies non-profit organizations in need of help and solicits students to donate their time and skills in a variety of ways. Students can assist organizations while gaining valuable business experience, such as creating a marketing strategy or a business plan, or working with disadvantaged children, local schools, city libraries, and elderly adults. The intent is to increase awareness among MBA students of the importance of volunteering and to build a foundation for a volunteering spirit that MBA graduates will carry with them through their lifetime.
- The program is part of the Center for Non-Profit Management, directed by Dr. Archie Carroll and funded by the J.B. Fuqua Foundation, Inc.
- Terry MBA students are required to complete a minimum of 4 hours of community service per semester.
How it works
- Volunteer work can be done as a part of a group effort (special events for which we round up volunteers), or on your own. email updates are sent out on a regular basis to inform volunteers of available opportunities (special events). It is the volunteer's responsibility to make the contact to participate for the project of his or her choice. When making contact, volunteers should introduce themselves as a Volunteer Dawg.
- Volunteer Dawgs is a large group comprised of people from very different backgrounds. Each volunteer has diverse skills and experience. The idea of this program is to do something productive with our volunteers' skills and energy, and the possibilities are limitless. The Center for Non-Profit Management has a sampling of ways volunteers can lend a hand in Athens, but it is highly encouraged that the volunteers take a creative and proactive approach in looking for projects. If you are already involved in an activity, don't feel like you have to use one of these agencies presented to volunteer your time. If you find something on your own, that's wonderful too!
- Don't be afraid of a time commitment. Just explain your availability, even if only one hour per month, and you will be welcomed with open arms. Nobody turns away an offer to help!
- Most agencies are also in desperate need of administrative/organizational assistance as well, but rarely publicize it. Examples of this type of work include web site development, accounting, and marketing.
- If for some reason you feel underutilized or dissatisfied with the program, Volunteer Dawgs encourages your feedback.
- Upon completing any community service, volunteers must fill out a short Volunteer Work Report Form and give it to Mary Ann Barrett, who will log the hours (she also has extra copies). This is the only way you'll get your hours acknowledged, and it gives the center feedback on the agency and work experience.
Whenever you give of yourself, you almost always walk away from the experience feeling you've gained more. Volunteering should be an enjoyable experience. If for some reason you're not getting that out of your volunteer work, you're probably not in the right place or doing the right thing and the center will help you establish a connection to make a match.
