What does an RI volunteer do?
We have a multitude of different volunteer positions and work with our volunteers to create the best position for their schedules and abilities. The descriptions below are frameworks we use to help our volunteers get on track to start supporting our neighbors returning from incarceration, but they are not set in stone! Use the volunteer inquiry form to discuss any ideas you have for volunteering or to say if one of these positions appeals to you.
Community Connection
Hours: anywhere from 2-10/week
Our Community Connection partners ideally have good boundaries, schedule flexibility, and developed problem-solving abilities. This is a highly fluid volunteer role, and while we would prefer this person do the Release Day drive for their NIT partner(s), that is not required. Continued communication is the most important part of this position.
What does continued communication include? It could be coffee, shooting hoops, or a text now and again. We want to show the NIT that someone is paying attention and is available for those difficult moments in re-entry such as “How do I use my phone?”, “What should I say on a job application?”, or “I need some advice about…..”
Daytime Driver
Hours: on-call, 2 hour commitment on average
Maybe you want to help out but don’t have the time and energy to be a Community Connection? The Daytime Driver offers the essential service of providing transport to an NIT for commitments related to their ongoing success. This could be anything from the DMV for a permit test, a Release Day drive, the doctor’s office, or a meeting with their Parole and Probation Office (PO).
Transport will always be scheduled in advance, but in the case of last minute cancellations, your help may be requested for next day appointments- with at least 12 hours notice.
Pen-Pal
Hours: up to you!
This volunteer would use the platform Flikshop to send pre-paid postcards to our folks inside. All mail would be sent and received through our PO Box so the volunteer’s privacy is always protected. This is a very creative position that would benefit from people of all walks of life. All it entails in sending in a photo (a dog, a sunset, or even a cheeseburger!) and giving our returning neighbors some encouragement as they finish their sentence and prepare to return to Yamhill County.
Helper
Hours: up to you!
This is a perfect position for someone who wants to help but isn’t able to do direct service volunteering. As a Helper you may be assisting with administrative tasks, social media, logistics, or planning for events. It is highly flexible and can be made to fit your personal goals around volunteering.
Critical Documents Coordinator
Hours: variable, could be 2-10 hours/week
The Critical Documents Coordinator works with the Release Coordinator to collect information from our returning neighbor about any missing critical documents they need to be successful after releasing. Typically this involves acquiring a state ID, and if possible, helping to set up a driving test to secure or renew a driver’s license. This position is primarily on the phone and computer.
Release Coordinator
Hours: ~15 hours/week
The Release Day Coordinator works very closely with our Program Director to organize the release of Adults in Custody (AIC’s) returning to Yamhill County. This includes gathering necessary details via a telephone reach-in process, collaborating with community partners, and coordinating services upon release. This position is an excellent fit for an intern, or someone who is passionate about doing direct service.
Board Member
Hours: approximately 10 hours/month
Our board members serve 3 year terms with options for renewal at the end of their term. Primary duties include attending the monthly board meetings, and financial contributions to the organization. Given the nature of our work, we ask that you be up to date on criminal justice issues, both locally and nationally.