Logo - Single Volunteers Western Reserve Single Volunteers of the Western Reserve

Where a single person can make a difference

 

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What is Single Volunteers?

Single Volunteers of the Western Reserve (SVWR) is affiliated with National Single Volunteers originally initiated in Stowe, VT in the mid-1990’s.  The concept of single people joining together to serve the community and mingle with other singles gained momentum both within the non-profit sector as a source of volunteers, but also among singles as a place to meet other community-minded singles and to make new friends.Single Volunteers provides volunteers in the same manner that United Way provides funding for non-profit organizations.  Our pool of volunteers serve the non-profits either to fulfill a one-time need or on an on-going basis.  As long as the organization is a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity and is community oriented, Single Volunteers can lend a supporting hand.We understand that for many single people, going to a large organization and volunteering alone can be a daunting and sometimes lonely prospect.  With Single Volunteers, you will be going with a group of individuals with a common theme and motivation.  This is a great way to meet people of all walks of life and to expand your friendship circle.Single Volunteers is not a matchmaking or dating service.  However, as single people this is a great way to meet people and make new friends. It’s a wonderful alternative to bars and personal ads.

What are the membership requirements?

You must be:

  • single
  • 21 years of age or older
  • willing to volunteer for at least one event each six months

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Membership Demographics 

While some Single Volunteer chapters around the country attempt to balance events to even numbers of men and women, SVWR does not.  The local chapter is about 70% female and 30% male.  Our members are all ages, but mainly are in our 30's, 40's and 50's.  While our careers are diverse, we are all united in the desire to volunteer our time and that is what brings us together.

What obligations do I have as a member?

Volunteer for at least one project each six months.  Periodically check the Volunteer Events page to learn about upcoming events. All projects are organized on a first come, first serve basis. That means whoever signs up first gets in, and if you wait until the last minute to sign up you may not  be able to participate. 

Single Volunteers makes no demands of our members other than if you sign up for a volunteer project, we expect you to attend and work your assigned shift.  Our non-profit clients depend upon us to provide a certain number of volunteers and we do everything in our power to ensure we meet those commitments. 

On-going membership is up to the individual.  As long as you choose to attend projects and events, your membership will remain valid.  The by-laws dictate that in order to retain membership you must attend at least one volunteer project per each 6 months.

What type of volunteer events does SVWR work with?

Projects vary depending upon the needs of the non-profit client.  We may be serving food at a homeless shelter or helping with auctions for a major fundraising gala.  We have sold concessions at summer kids' fairs and supervised games at picnics for foster and adopted children.  We help build homes and also tear down theater sets.  There are projects to meet the needs of everyone in the group.  This is a great way to sample the types of volunteer work available in the community.  As a member, you are invited to attend every project or only select ones that interest you.  We also encourage members to bring new projects to the group.  If you have a particular area of interest, you are welcome to ask the group to support the organization.

What type of social activities does SVWR have?

SVWR promotes free or nearly-free activities for social gatherings. Free summer concerts, hikes in the local parks, dinners and movies are our most popular activities. We also attend Blossom in the summer and theatre productions in the winter. Our General Monthly Meetings are usually followed by a social such as dinner out at a local restaurant. They also frequently include a volunteer project that all can participate in while conversing with other members. We also support joint social events with our affiliated SV groups in the area and will generally hold one or two events per year with them. The group is open to all types of social activities and invites all members to coordinate socials based upon their interests.

Social events are listed on the Social Events page. 

Is there a fee?

Currently, there are no dues or obligations (our group runs almost entirely upon donations).
 

Will you give out my personal information?

SVWR does not sell, rent, trade, give, or otherwise distribute your personal information to any outside organization or other SVWR members.

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Last Updated 01/21/2007