About RSVP

RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (RSVP)

SO, WHAT IS THE RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (RSVP)?

RSVP is a nationwide organization created especially for people ages 55 years or older who have a lifetime of experience to share with their local community. The goal of RSVP is to utilize the interests, skills and abilities of this growing population by providing stimulating opportunities in the retirement years for their personal development through satisfying and rewarding positions in volunteer service. In Lubbock, the organization is sponsored by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Garrison Institute on Aging and is located at 6630 S. Quaker, Suite B. RSVP has been in Lubbock over 20 years and currently has more than 1100 volunteers working in 140 different non-profit agencies.

WHO are RSVP volunteers?

RSVP members are aged 55 or older and have the desire to contribute to the community through volunteer work. They come from all walks of life: teachers, homemakers, health care workers, CPA’s, retired military, farmers, salespersons, managers, etc. Although most are healthy, active older adults, some may be homebound, handicapped or living in nursing homes. All simply wish to share their time, knowledge, talents and experience with those who need them, and RSVP finds them the place. If they are already doing volunteer work, they are welcome to join RSVP without incurring any further commitment unless they so desire.

WHAT volunteer opportunities are available?

RSVP volunteer opportunities are as diverse as the people themselves. The program matches volunteer assignments with the specific interests and skills of the individual. RSVP members bring commitment and experience to their volunteer service by cuddling babies, delivering meals to the homebound, helping out in offices, doing woodworking, knitting, sewing and crocheting projects for the community, entertaining, transporting people, making a hospital stay go better, providing reading help for adults as well as children, telephoning new mothers with clinic reminders, computer entry, etc. These are just a few examples, but the list of things needing to be done is constantly expanding. Whatever they choose to do, RSVP volunteers provide more than their skills and knowledge, they give their friendship, they give their hearts, and they give of themselves.

WHERE do RSVP members volunteer?

Where RSVP members volunteer is completely their decision! There are so many Lubbock non-profit agencies that could use the help that the individual is free to choose the agencies, schools, hospitals, and organizations that are best suited to their skills, interests and time commitment. Some people prefer to volunteer on a regular basis at specific places, others prefer to be “on call” to do short term jobs wherever they are needed.

WHEN do RSVP members volunteer?

Members volunteer at their own convenience. Volunteer hours can be arranged to meet individual schedules. RSVP volunteers work as much or as little as they want. Some set a specific time each week for their service. Others volunteer when their special interests, skills or experience is needed and their specialty is requested. RSVP members only have to volunteer an average of 1 hour a month to remain active with the program.

WHY should I join RSVP?

Anyone who is 55 years of age or older and desires to volunteer in the community should join RSVP for the many benefits our program provides. If they already volunteer, they may sign up without being required to do more. There are absolutely NO membership fees or dues, plus all members are provided with FREE personal accident and personal liability insurance to, from and during the performance of their volunteer duties. Also, RSVP sends a quarterly newsletter and hosts several fun social activities especially for our members, such as the monthly Breakfast Birthday Parties, Annual Ice Cream Social, Senior Forum, and the always-special Recognition Dinner. These activities are for our members to enjoy at NO COST to them. It’s RSVP’s thanks to them for all they do.

HOW do I join RSVP?

Becoming a member of RSVP is simple as long as you are at least 55 and have some time to volunteer. Just call the office at 743-7787 and chat with Clay Ament about your interests. If you are not certain what you would like to do, we can mention several current volunteer opportunities and send you a list of the sort of jobs which RSVP members are presently doing to whet your appetite. If you have a special skill or talent that you would like to utilize, we will search to find just the right job for you. Just mail in the enrollment form (requires Adobe Reader) and we will call you!