How to work with your group to prepare for the experience

 There are some things we recommend doing to prepare your group for the experience. Doing these things will go a long way towards ensuring this is a positive experience for your group members and the community partner.

Education

• Be sure you do some education as a group about the community partner - what is its mission, what are its values, what are the issues it tackles, etc. You can usually do this research online and should share the information with your group before you go volunteer.  

• Utilize the Ginsberg Center’s Check-Yourself Community Engagement Checklist for more ideas on how to prepare your group before, during and after service.

 Transportation

• If your group will be taking the bus, be sure you’ve checked the route and given yourself enough time.

• Be sure you, and anyone driving, has the address of where you’ll be doing service.

• Be sure you know where to park once you arrive.

• If your group will be arriving in multiple vehicles, check to be sure the community partner’s parking can accommodate you. If they cannot, plan ahead!

Accessibility

• Check with your group members about their accessibility needs and be sure that you’ve talked with your contact at the organization ahead of time.

• Make sure your transportation plan includes anyone in your group with accessibility needs.

• Be sure you know what people in your group should be wearing and that you’ve communicated that to everyone.

• Will you be working with young people during your service experience?  If so, you need to check if the University’s Working with Minors Policy applies to your group.  

Jump To:

Group Volunteering Home

Step 1: How to Find the Experience that’s Right for Your Group

Step 2: Planning With Your Community Partner

Step 4: Things to Keep in Mind the Day of Volunteering