THE UNITED WAY RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (RSVP)

RSVP serves as a bridge connecting people 55 and over who are interested in serving their communities and themselves by volunteering with meaningful jobs and projects at area nonprofit groups, and public agencies and organizations.

RSVP works directly with approximately 190 registered organizations that offer volunteers choices from among long-term commitments at one location and short-term assignments performing different tasks at changing locations.

RSVP volunteers perform a variety of jobs in a variety of settings.

Opportunities include teaching reading, escorting patients and visitors, comforting the ill, preparing taxes, providing transportation, buying groceries, visiting the homebound, serving and delivering meals, stuffing envelopes, typing, data entry, greeting visitors and providing information, helping at blood drives, hammering nails, and more.

Settings include schools, community centers, offices, churches, nursing homes and hospitals, museums, ships, construction sites, gardens, parks, shopping malls, and more.

RSVP and the individuals and groups that make up the Northwest Michigan region sincerely appreciate the contributions of RSVP volunteers to improving life in the area.

But, RSVP supports its volunteers with even more than private thanks and public recognition.

RSVP membership bestows meaningful benefits. Registered volunteers can receive mileage reimbursement of 20 cents a mile - up to a monthly limit of $30 - for miles accumulated driving to, during, and returning from volunteer assignments. In addition, volunteers automatically receive accident and personal liability insurance coverage while performing volunteer work. If you choose to drive or transport individuals for your volunteer work, you are covered by supplemental automobile insurance.

RSVP asks only that - along with working hard and staying enthusiastic - volunteers agree to report how many hours they volunteer each month. RSVP makes reporting easy: volunteers can call in, or mail in the time sheets.