Volunteer.gov FAQs

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America's Natural and Cultural Resources Volunteer Portal

Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering
with Partner Agencies of Volunteer.gov
1. How do I become a volunteer for a public sector agency?
The first step is to apply for a position that interests
you. This Web site can help you locate and apply for opportunities
online. Once
you are selected for a position you and the project
supervisor will sign a volunteer service agreement that describes
the work, the time
commitment and relevant factors such as training,
equipment, accommodation, and health and safety.
2. If there are several applicants for a volunteer assignment,
must the applicant who seems to have the best qualifications
on
paper be chosen?
No. The selection of a volunteer is not a formal competitive
process. Volunteers are selected based on several considerations
such as
experience, education, availability, interest, motivation,
and personal interview.
3. What happens if I am injured while serving on a volunteer
assignment?
Volunteers who are enrolled with Federal agencies are
covered under the Federal Employees Compensation Act, which authorizes
compensation for work-related injuries. Prospective volunteers for
other governmental entities should ascertain answers directly from
these public sector organizations as there is so much variance between
states and local governments on this important question.
4. What if I have an accident and damage private property
or injure someone while serving as a volunteer?
Volunteers are covered under the Federal Tort Claims
Act, which protects volunteers and Federal employees from liability
for injury or
damage to others while they are acting within the
scope of their assigned duties. As stated above, prospective volunteers
with other
governments should ask about liability coverage afforded
volunteers.
5. Does the work I perform as a volunteer in a Federal
agency count toward Federal service if I later become a Federal
employee?
No. Volunteers are not considered Federal employees.
Your service is not creditable for leave accrual, retirement, or
other benefit
purposes should you later accept a Federal appointment.
Similarly, serving as a volunteer for other government entities
does not
convey any benefits or entitlements.
6. Can I add my volunteer service to my resume or job
applications?
Yes. The experience, knowledge and skills you gain as
a volunteer are applicable to many paid positions in both public
and private
sectors. Volunteer work often demonstrates to prospective
employers your personal initiative, enthusiasm, and dedication.
7. Does serving as a volunteer for a Federal agency
make it easier for me to obtain a job in the Federal government?
Federal positions are filled through a competitive process
and are based on many job-related factors. Your volunteer assignment
may
enhance your qualifications for a position, but it does not
guarantee your selection.
8. Can a volunteer perform services at home?
Depending on the nature of the volunteer work, certain
volunteer services can be performed at home. The volunteer supervisor
would
determine whether the volunteer work could be adequately accomplished
at home, taking into consideration such things as the need to
use
Government equipment or facilities.
9. Are there age limits for volunteers?
People of all ages may volunteer. Young people, under
age 18, can volunteer provided that the work does not pose a threat
to their
health or safety or violate Federal or State child labor
laws or the policies of the agency’s volunteer program. A
parent or legal
guardian must give written consent before a person
under 18 years of age may volunteer.
10. Are volunteers permitted to perform hazardous duty
assignments?
In some cases, adults aged 18 or over may perform hazardous
duties. If volunteers perform such duties, appropriate certifications
and
training are required. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case
basis by individual agencies. Volunteers may not perform active
law
enforcement activities. Where careful analysis shows an unacceptable
risk to the volunteer's health or safety would preclude volunteers
working in such activities.
11. What is done to protect the health and safety of
minors who volunteer for public sector agencies?
Every effort is made to ensure that minors are protected
and safeguarded during their assignments as volunteers and that
they are
provided adequate instruction and adult supervision. All
partnering agencies comply with Federal or State child labor laws
and the
policies of their individual agencies in assigning minors
to volunteer duties. In the interest of safety, volunteers under
age 18 may not
be assigned duties involving any of the following:
Underwater diving
Use of toxic chemicals or other laboratory hazards
Exposure to radioactive substances or biological hazards
Riding in small boats, helicopters or any unscheduled
aircraft
Driving Government-owned motorized vehicles
Operation of power-driven machinery or equipment (e.g.
chain saws, power shop tools, rock crushers, drill rigs,
specialized
equipment or vehicles, etc.)
Use of firearms, explosives or incendiaries
Exposure to any unusual or unacceptable health or safety
risk
12. Can students receive academic credit for their volunteer
work?
It is the decision of the educational institution whether
or not to give credit for students’ volunteer work. Supervisors
of volunteers are
usually willing to provide the necessary job descriptions
and assessments of the student’s work. Students are personally
responsible for
making the arrangements with the educational institution
and their supervisor.
13. May the relative of a Federal employee serve as a
volunteer in the employee’s agency?
Yes. Immediate family members and other relatives of
Federal employees may serve as volunteers in the same agency. Certain
restrictions apply within each agency.

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14. Can a Federal employee serve as a volunteer for a
Federal volunteer program?
Yes. However, if the Federal employee volunteers for
his or her hiring agency, the services must not be the same type
of duties for
which the employee is paid. It is very important that
the volunteer services are substantially different from official
duties.
15. May volunteers enter private property, when necessary,
to conduct their assignments?
Federal employees and volunteers must comply with all
Federal, State and Tribal laws, including trespass and privacy laws.
Volunteers
are not to enter private property unless authorized by
their supervisor. Supervisors are responsible for obtaining appropriate
permission to enter private property.
16. Are a volunteer's services tax-deductible?
Volunteers are advised to contact their tax accountant
or consult Internal Revenue Service publication 526 for information
and
guidance.
17. Can non-U.S. citizens, residing outside the U.S.,
volunteer with a Federal agency?
Citizens of countries other than the U.S., who reside outside the U.S. are eligible to participate in Federal sponsored volunteer
programs only if they are accepted for one of the Exchange Visitor Program categories through a designated sponsoring organization
that is certified by the U.S. Department of State - see: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html. Both the U.S. National
Park Service - see: http://www.nps.gov/oia/ and the U.S. Forest Service have international programs - see:
http://www.fs.fed.us/global/visitor_program For more information refer to the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service which is part of
the Department of Home Land Security -- See: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.
18. Can non-U.S. citizens, residing within the U.S.,
volunteer with a Federal agency?
Individuals who are not U.S. citizens, but who reside in the U.S., may volunteer (1) if they are a lawful permanent residents; or (2) if
they are non-immigrant aliens with F-1 or J-1 visa status, who are bona fide students residing in the U.S. solely to pursue a course of
study at a recognized, approved institution of education. Foreign students may volunteer with a Federal natural resource agency if they
have successully received permission to engage in Optional Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Academic
Training (AT). For more information and instructions, students should consult the international student advisor at their university. An
offer of employement or verification of a volunteer placement must be submitted with the student's application for OPT, CPT or AT. F-1
student visa holders may be required to submit applications for off-campus training and work to the international student advisor and
United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) several months in advance of the proposed start date of the program. J-1
student visa holders may participate in academic training with the approval of their academic advisor and the J-1 responsible officer at
their sponsor organization or institution.
See: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/opt.htm
19. Will the Federal agency pay my travel and living
expenses if I volunteer in an area that is distant from my home?
As a general rule, volunteers are responsible for their
own living expenses and travel to and from the location of the volunteer
assignment. If funds or accommodations are available, they may be
provided. Documentation of any reimbursement or arrangement
for
accommodations will be specified on the volunteer agreement.
20. If I am selected for a volunteer position that requires
me to wear a uniform, do I have to pay for the uniform?
No. Volunteers who are required to wear a uniform as
part of their assignment are provided the uniform at no cost.
21. What step should a prospective volunteer consider
before seeking a volunteer position?

Step 1 - Identify your personal goals.
Knowing your personal goals will help you choose a volunteer position
that's right for you. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to volunteer?
What are my goals? Do I want to make a difference in my career,
my social life, my community, or something else? What do I hope
to
gain? To give? To learn?"
Step 2 - Assess your skills and interests.
What are you good at? What do you enjoy? What skills would you
like to improve? If you have volunteered in the past, you
can think
about the things you liked the most and least about
your experience. Be specific. Do you like working indoors
or outdoors?
Independently or with others? Would you choose
to work in a behind-the -scenes position, such as a clerical
assistant in the office of a
partner agency, or in a position
that provides direct service, such as a campground host or
veterans’ health volunteer?
Step 3 - Determine your time commitment.
Be realistic. After completing the above steps, you may feel
anxious to get started. Before you do, try making a chart
of the number of
hours you spend on daily activities--job,
family, friends, hobbies, chores, etc.--and see how much time
is left. Then decide how many
of these hours you are willing
to donate to a volunteer position.
22. What are my rights and responsibilities as a volunteer?
Rights:
Clear, Appropriate Assignment
Fulfilling Work
Orientation and Training
Informed Involvement with Agency
Supervision and Support
Development of Individual Potential
Recognition of Service
Respect
Time put to Best Use
Safe, Healthy Working Conditions
Right to terminate a volunteer agreement
Responsibilities:
Be Honest about Goals, Skills, Limitations and Motivations
Fulfill Your Commitment
Maintain Confidentiality
Cooperate With Staff
Be Flexible and keep an Open Mind

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Stay Informed
Participate in Training
Ask for Help or Clarification
Understand Your Role as a Volunteer
What are the rights and responsibilities of the agency?
Rights:
Screen or Redirect Volunteers
Request References
Require Volunteers to Attend Training
Expect Volunteers to be Responsible
Reassign Volunteers
Receive Notice of Leaving
Terminate a volunteer agreement
Responsibilities:
Interview candidates for Best Placement
Provide a Written Position Description
Treat Volunteers as Valuable Team-Members
Inform of special events for the workforce
Provide Supervision
Seek and Respect Volunteer Contributions
Conduct an Exit Interview
What is Volunteer.gov?
Volunteer.gov is a one-stop recruitment internet-based
website that revolutionizes the matching of volunteer interests
and abilities with
available opportunities in the public sector
nationwide.
How does Volunteer.gov work?
Individuals will be able to search for volunteer opportunities
by the following criteria: volunteer activity, location of opportunity,
effective date of the opportunity, the sponsoring partner and by
keyword search.
Where are the volunteer positions located?
Volunteer positions are available nationwide with several
Federal, State and local agencies.
What types of volunteer opportunities are available
through the Web site?
The Web site offers thousands of volunteer opportunities
related initially to natural resources and Veteran’s health.
What other volunteer opportunities will be available
in the future?
In the future, the Web site has the potential to incorporate
volunteer opportunities for other service areas across government,
such as
science, healthcare, and social services.
What happens once the volunteer identifies a potential
opportunity?
The potential volunteer can click on any opportunity
on the list to view a detailed description, which will also include
a method for
application. Once the application is completed, the
agency coordinator will be notified of the potential volunteer.
What happens once a volunteer opportunity is filled?
Volunteer.gov coordinators are responsible for posting
and removing their filled positions. The database will enforce expiration
dates
set by the coordinator or will be preset by a system default.
How will the Web site handle information learned
about you from your visit?
Volunteer.gov will collect and store only the following
information: the name of the domain from which you access the Internet
(for
example, aol.com if you are connecting from America Online);
the date and time you accessed the site; and the internet address
of the
Web site from which you link directly to the site. Volunteer.Gov
DOES NOT store any personal identifiers.
How will the volunteer opportunities be input in
to the Web site?
Each agency or bureau will have a volunteer coordinator
or authorized representative who will have access to the opportunity
portion
of the web site via a password protected interface. The
coordinator or representative will then enter the information that
will later be
provided to potential volunteers.

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