Online Help for Volunteers, Including How-To Videos

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) - For Volunteers 

 

I am a Visitor or a New Volunteer. How do I become a member of HandsOn Genesee?

Becoming a member (volunteer) of HandsOn Genesee is easy! New users must register first by creating a login account. It does not cost anything and your information will be kept private and secure. Registration and participation is free.

As a visitor, you will only have access to view projects. Once you have registered, you will receive an email to activate your account. Once you activate your account (by following the link in the email) you may then sign up for projects and opportunities on the calendar.

VIDEO: How to REGISTER and manage your Volunteer Account

I am a current Volunteer (already registered and created my personal account). How do I sign up for a volunteer project?

If you want to sign-up for an on-going project, a special event, a training, or access your account, you must first log-in. Then you can search for volunteer opportunities and sign up.

VIDEO: How to SEARCH and SIGN UP for Volunteer Opportunities

What if I am unable to sign up for a project through the web site?

You can contact the Volunteer Leader listed on the calendar to sign up for the project and get more information about the project. If there is no Volunteer Leader listed, call our office for assistance. (810)232-6285 or (810)232-6425.

I am having trouble logging in.

Please make sure that you have typed your log-in ID and your password correctly. If the problem persists, please email .

I have forgotten my password.

If you have forgotten your password, follow the instructions on the login screen. Your password will be sent to you by email. If you wish to change your password, you can go to login and you will be able to change your password to something you will more easily remember.

I am having difficulty registering for a project or a course as an individual.

Please make sure that you have registered. If you have just registered, you will need to check your email and activate your account (by following the link in the email). Once you have activated your account, select your project and sign-up. If you are not a new user, please make sure that you have logged in. Once you log in, you will be able to sign-up for projects.

A message appears that states I have restrictions on my account.

  • Be sure your date of birth and other required information is entered into your personal account information. Please update your personal information section once you have logged in. Required fields are marked with an asterisk.

  • You may be under age for this specific project.

Why do you ask for my birth date when I register?

Each project has a minimum age for attendance. We want to make sure you are signing up for a project that is appropriate for your age. Also, We need to protect our younger volunteers who are under age 13. Volunteers under the age of 13 are unable to sign up through our website due to the Federal Child Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which prevents us from storing information about volunteers under age 13.

Can I volunteer with my kids?

Yes! Some organizations will allow young children to volunteer only with a parent/teacher/chaperone on site. Each volunteer opportunity or project will give specifics on age requirements.

I have questions about registering a team for a project or special event.

  • It may be helpful to watch the video below on how to create and manage a Volunteer Team.

  • You create the team. An email goes out to the invited team members asking them to each create an individual Volunteer Profile (become a member/user of HandsOn Genesee).

  • All of your team members must become a member/create a user account with HandsOn Genesee.

  • Select the volunteer project your team wants to work on and add your team.

VIDEO: How to create and manage a Volunteer Team.

Will I receive training from the organization I volunteer with?

Yes, most nonprofits have a volunteer training program that you will be required to go through before you start volunteering. If you have signed up for a one-day event, instruction will most likely be provided on site the day of the event unless otherwise noted.

Will I need to have a background check to volunteer?

All nonprofits that have volunteers working with children, the elderly and other people considered vulnerable will run a background check. This information may be included on the sign-up page for that organization. Sometimes, a nonprofit that works with vulnerable groups will run a volunteer project where you will not have access to the children or elderly clients they serve. In that case, a background check is often waived for such events.

Other nonprofits may or may not run a background check depending on the requirements of their volunteer programs.

What if I am required to do Community Service that is court ordered or related to a job training program?

Community Service is sometimes court ordered or a requirement for various work programs. Many nonprofits have opportunities to fulfill your community service requirements. Always explain to the nonprofit why you need to do community service, how many hours of service you need, and if there is a deadline for you to complete your service hours.

If you are a client of the Career Alliance/Michigan Works JET program (Jobs, Education and Training) we have created special volunteer opportunities for you that are not listed on this system. If you have a case manager through Action Management Group or Human Investment Development Corp. you are in JET. Contact for assistance with volunteer placement. You can reach Marvin at (810)232-5736.