All good things must come to an end and make way for something better!
At the beginning of this year we started work with Voly- a comprehensive volunteer management platform- to create a unique website dedicated to our volunteers. Our goal was to streamline the volunteer process and create a one-stop-shop for volunteers to submit applications, sign up for volunteer opportunities, and track hours.
With those in mind, we started work on the website and are excited to say our website is complete! We officially launched the website September 16th, and have seen a steady influx in volunteer sign-ups since then. It is so exciting to see familiar and new names roll into the site- We’re still in the early stages, but we can’t wait to see where this will take us!
For those of you who are new to the website, below are the steps you will need to follow to get started! Visit our website, https://gracegrapevine.voly.org/index.html*
- Create your volunteer account and login
- Select your Volunteer Type- More on these below!
- Complete all relevant applications and watch the Orientation Video
- Once all requirements have been completed, you’re ready to start volunteering!
*We have two new volunteer websites! One for standard volunteers and one for our Community Service Restitution (CSR) volunteers. For more information on our CSR website, check out the GRACE volunteer page by clicking here.
Two of the biggest additions with our site are our Volunteer Types and Departments.
Volunteer Types help to guide the application process, ensuring volunteers have access to all the opportunities they’d like to sign up for!
We have 4 Types:
- General
- Individuals Working with Clients
- Clinic
- Youth
Departments are a way for us to group together volunteer opportunities (the equivalent to multiple SignUp Genius links!).
We have 5 Departments:
- Year-Round
- Special Events
- Seasonal Programs
- Clients
- Transitional Housing
ALL VOLUNTEERS – CURRENT AND INCOMING – WILL NEED TO SIGN UP ON OUR WEBSITE!
We have already learned a lot through our new system and changes are likely to be made as we continue on. But we are so excited to see where this new website will take us. We couldn’t do any of this without our volunteers, and your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, especially as we transition over to this new system. So if you have any questions, comments, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Volunteer@GRACEGrapevine.org!
FAQ:
I’ve already submitted an application and received the Orientation packet. Do I still need to create an account?
Yes! All volunteers— current and incoming— will need to create an account and re-submit their volunteer application. But don’t panic! The application process is quick and easy.
I’ve already submitted a background check and have been approved—Do I need to submit another?
If you’ve submitted and had a background check approved between October 2023-September 2024 you will not need to re-submit your background check. We will go in and approve it manually.
What Volunteer Type am I?
– If you like volunteering at our resale stores or Food Pantry then the ‘General Volunteer’ Type is perfect! (For volunteers 18 years or older)
– If you are interested in opportunities that involve working with clients directly— Like assisting with check out at the Food Pantry, or Shopping at the Christmas Cottage, then you’ll want to select the ‘Individuals working with Clients’ type. (For volunteers 18 years or older, includes a background check)
– If you are interested in volunteering in the Community Clinic and have specialized training/license, or are at least 18 years of age, you’ll select the ‘Clinic’ Volunteer type.
– If you are under the age of 18, you will need parent permission to volunteer (volunteers under the age of 16 will need to volunteer with a parent or guardian!) so you’ll select the ‘Youth Volunteer (Minor)’ Volunteer type.
I’m completing my Community Service Restitution (CSR) hours with GRACE— Where do I sign up?
We have a second site dedicated to our CSR volunteers! You will create an account and re-submit the volunteer application there. If you completed the CSR volunteer application process between October 2023 and September 2024 then you will not need to re-upload your court paperwork or submit a background check— We will go in and manually approve you! GENERAL SITE | CSR SITE More information here on the GRACE Volunteer Page!
