When you share your time and talents, your community benefits...

You are unique. No one in the world has had the exact same experiences you’ve had. No one else can share what those experiences have taught you. There is a need in your community that only you can fill with your special talents and skills. You can make a difference.  

…and when you volunteer, you will also benefit personally. 

RSVP volunteers are not paid, but they benefit in other ways. They meet new friends, learn new skills and stay active - both physically and mentally. Research shows that people who volunteer not only feel healthier, they are healthier, with lower blood pressure, less anxiety and increased energy. Volunteers eat and sleep better, and live longer, more fulfilling lives.

RSVP volunteers are included in formal and informal recognition activities held locally, providing additional opportunities for socializing and meeting new people. RSVP also provides excess liability, accident and automobile insurance for volunteers while on assignment. 

The only requirement to join RSVP is that you be 55 years of age or better and have a desire to make a difference in your community. You do not have to be retired nor meet any income guidelines. It does not matter where you live or how much time you have to volunteer. RSVP opportunities can be customized to fit your service availability and interest.

Northwest Iowa RSVP focuses on “Healthy Futures” volunteer efforts. Some priority healthy futures positions include: 

K-12 Education Success 

Volunteers are needed in local schools to work directly with students from pre-K through grade 12. Volunteer opportunities with schools in each of the five counties served by RSVP include: 

Pen Pals: an intergenerational, literacy program matching volunteers one-on-one with students for an exchange of letters over a set period of time, usually 6—8 weeks. 

Reading Buddies: volunteers are matched one-on-one or with small groups of students to strengthen reading skills using level appropriate content with students. 

Literacy Partners: volunteers receive and sort Scholastic books for distribution into area schools. Students in the program receive two free books per academic year from RSVP Literacy Partners. Book purchases are supported entirely by service organizations and private donors. Volunteers deliver and read the free books to students. 

Virtual Reading Buddies: volunteers conduct individual Zoom reading sessions with students. 

English As A Second Language: volunteers assist with conversational English, assignment comprehension and completion with ESL students in K-12, college and adult learner settings. 

Tutors: volunteers serve as individual tutors in a variety of subjects.

Food Pantry Support 

Volunteers may serve as managers or assistants with mobile and permanent food pantries and, as delivery drivers for home-delivered meals and Meals on Wheels programs throughout northwest Iowa. Food preparation and packaging positions are available in some counties. 

Blood Drive Support

Volunteers serve in American Red Cross and/or LifeServe Blood Centers of Iowa local blood drives. Volunteers register donors, check-in donors, manage canteen areas or schedule donors for blood drives.

Donation Management

Volunteers support local charity-based thrift stores including Cherished Again (Milford), Exceptional Treasures (Algona), Many Hands Market (Spencer), UDMO and Thrifty’s (Estherville) by receiving, organizing and displaying donations, operating cash registers or serving as mentors for clients working in the store.

Other Community Priorities 

Northwest Iowa RSVP also places volunteers with: 

• Museums and Nature Centers
• Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) Counselors
• Proprietary health organizations including hospitals, assisted living and long-term care facilities
• Sewing and/or quilting for veterans, homeless or others in need
• Public libraries
• Collegiate-level sports and fine arts activities
• Chambers of Commerce and other community organizations
• Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
• Many local, seasonal and/or annual community events and activities 

To learn more about the wide range of RSVP volunteer opportunities in your area, please contact your county RSVP coordinator.