A little time makes a BIG difference!
Volunteers are at the heart of ASAP, providing positive role models in
safe, structured, physical and creative activities for Philly kids. It’s
mentoring at its best! Studies show that these activities teach kids valuable
skills—like teamwork and self-discipline—that last a lifetime!
Here are the
Nuts & Bolts to get started:
- In partnership with volunteers and organizations,
ASAP organizes after school activities for Philadelphia children. We
have a high demand for volunteers to lead chess, Scrabble, dance, drama,
yoga and art clubs.
- Volunteers lead activities for Philly kids
for a minimum of 1 hour/week for approximately 10-12 weeks during the
academic year and summer months.
- ASAP provides volunteers with training and
materials, also on-going support through regular emails, phone calls
and occasional site visits.
- ASAP volunteers include: college students,
moms, dads, business professionals, members of faith-based groups, retired
persons, and concerned neighbors—anyone with a hobby and an interest
in sharing it with kids!
- High School students who wish to volunteer
with ASAP must identify a teacher sponsor from their own high school
who will recommend them as a responsible candidate and communicate with
ASAP's Volunteer Coordinator for the duration of their service.
- ASAP places volunteers based on their preferences--
times and locations convenient to them; ages and grade levels of kids
they’d like to work with. Locations include: schools, recreation centers,
community centers, other non-profits and libraries.
- Volunteers are welcome to lead activities
solo or with a partner. Consider co-leading with a friend or colleague.
- Volunteers participate in a one hour orientation
at ASAP’s office in Center City. The orientation covers ASAP's mission
and accomplishments; basic techniques on how to lead an activity and
work with kids; volunteers' role in working with ASAP, and what ASAP
provides in the way of support, materials and communication. At the
orientation, volunteers will also receive instructions for completing
the required paperwork for leading activities, including a Criminal
Record Check, a Child Abuse History Clearance, and an FBI Background
Check.
- ASAP staff monitors clubs continually to
insure a quality experience for both the volunteer and the students.