Q             How can I become a member and start volunteering?

A             To become a member of the HOM-YVC, you must be 13 or older and attend a new volunteer orientation. At the orientation, you’ll receive the current monthly calendar and more information on how the  program works. After participating in an orientation, you’ll receive the project calendar each month in the mail or via email. Choose a project and start volunteering! You must complete a YVC application at the orientation. The application requires a parent or guardian signature. Turn the signed application in at the orientation. HOM-YVC DOES NOT PROVIDE COURT-MANDATED COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS FOR YOUTH. Call the Advocate Program, Inc. at 305-704-0200 for court-mandated volunteer information. The Advocate Program is located at 5040 NW 7^th Street, Suite 120, Miami, Florida, 33126.

Q             What is the time commitment?

A             It’s entirely up to you! Our goal is to make volunteering easy for youth to fit into their busy schedules. We offer projects with varying commitment levels – you can volunteer as much or as little as you like.

Q             Do my parents have to volunteer with me?

A             No, the YVC is a youth program for teens only. After attending an orientation, members can volunteer without their parents. An adult VL will be in attendance at each project to supervise. If a project is designated as a YVC-friendly project, any YVC member can attend without an adult. You must sign up prior to attending!

Q             What kind of projects does the HOM-YVC do?

A             Each month, the HOM-YVC organizes and manages direct-service projects throughout Miami-Dade county, from Homestead to North Miami, in partnership with a variety of community service agencies. Our projects include serving meals at a homeless shelter, sorting and distributing donated items, arts and crafts with disadvantaged youth, tutoring and reading bedtime stories to children, painting murals, working with senior citizens, landscaping and community beautification projects, and many more!

Q             How can I learn about upcoming HOM-YVC projects?

A             After you have attended an orientation, you are automatically signed up to receive via email or mail the monthly HOM project calendar and newsletter. You can also check out projects on the HOM website: www.HandsOnMiami.org/youth.

Q             How do I sign up for a project?

A             After attending an orientation, you will have access to sign-up online using your own account. A confirmation e-mail will give you everything you need to know about the project (address, directions, special instructions, etc.) If you don't have access to a computer, you can call the Volunteer Leader assigned to the project you sign up. The number is available on the monthly calendar we send to your mailbox with all our monthly projects and events.  

Q             What is a Volunteer Leader (VL)?

A             Each service project is supervised by a Youth and Adult Volunteer Leader (VL). YVC VLs are specially trained and extraordinary volunteers who provide the leadership and commitment necessary to make all our YVC projects enjoyable and worthwhile. Adult and Youth VLs are responsible for organizing the project, responding to volunteers interested in the project, maintaining contact with the YVC staff, and educating participating volunteers about the agency and the issue. As part of HOM policy, all Adult Volunteer Leaders undergo a national background check with fingerprinting.

Q             What if I have an idea for a project?

A             Tell us about it! HOM-YVC is always looking for new projects and agency partners. We encourage our members to be creative and come up with innovative project ideas. YVC projects are developed and implemented from the HOM-YVC membership’s ideas.

Q             Do these projects qualify for community service credit?

A             Schools may differ on their community service requirements, so check with your school to determine its requirements. As a HOM-YVC member, your volunteer activities are automatically recorded in the HOM database. You can manage your own account and print out a report of all your community service hours for your school by the week, month or year – whenever you need it!      

Hands On Miami Youth Volunteer Corps - Youths Making a Difference