New UTPA Volunteer Resource Program Casts Net for Volunteers

Edinburg, TX August 10, 2005 – There’s a better way to volunteer in the Rio Grande Valley! The University of Texas-Pan American has a new program that matches volunteers with nonprofit organizations in the Rio Grande Valley and south Texas.

The Volunteer Resource Program (VRP) is a new program that assists students and winter Texan retirees with finding a nonprofit organization to volunteer for. The VRP is currently recruiting volunteers interested in a variety of areas of service. Volunteers can pick from various opportunities available online at http://www.coserve.org/vrp/ or they can call (956) 292-7566 to set up an appointment. Exciting opportunities are available at libraries, hospitals and other community groups right now!

To start giving back to your community, simply complete an application form and a short orientation. This one time orientation can be on an individual or group basis. Based on application responses, VRP staff will identify local nonprofits that meet your interests, skills and career goals. Volunteering is flexible and can be done on an hourly basis or as needed by event, with a variety of nonprofits to choose from.

This helps volunteers find a nonprofit with similar interests that translate into a more enriching experience. For students, these experiences enhance resumes, increase opportunities for letters of recommendations, and assist in scholarship and college applications.

Where traditional volunteering positions are solely office job oriented, many VRP opportunities provide volunteers the opportunity to get out, meet new people and learn new skills they can use in their future careers. The experience Winter Texan retirees can provide will also be in high demand come Fall 2005.
The VRP will help volunteers with recordkeeping and service hours. Good deeds aren’t without their rewards so the VRP will also recognize volunteer accomplishments.

The VRP is housed within the Southwest Border Nonprofit Resource Center (SBNRC), an Office of Center Operations and Community Services (CoSERVE) unit. CoSERVE is the community outreach arm of UTPA’s Division of External Affairs.

For more information on how you or your student organization can volunteer with the VRP, contact the Volunteer Coordinator, at 956/292-7566 or e-mail at volunteer@utpa.edu.