Our Mission
Our mission is to fill the unmet needs in the community by mobilizing the time and talents of our area volunteers.
Giving back as a volunteer increases self-conficence and provides a natural sense of accomplishment. It also provides a sense of pride and identity.
Getting involved in volunteer work has benefits that can last a lifetime - not only for those who you are helping, but for the volunteer as well.
Volunteers In Action receives Points of Light Service Enterprise Certification
Contact Us
Linn Hogg, CVA
Director
(620) 786-7558 | HoggL@bartonccc.edu
Monica Ravenstein
Administrative Assistant
(620) 786-7557 | RavensteinM@bartonccc.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
Who sponsors and funds Volunteers In Action?
Who sponsors and funds Volunteers In Action?
Our volunteer center is proudly sponsored by Barton Community College. The college provides essential support through office space, equipment, IT assistance, fiscal oversight, and other operational resources that help sustain our work in the community.
Volunteers In Action of Central KS (formerly RSVP) was established through funding from the Kansas Volunteer Commission and the Volunteer Generation Fund grant program. Our mission is to encourage volunteerism across all areas of the community while helping nonprofit organizations strengthen their capacity through effective volunteer engagement. The Kansas Volunteer Commission continues to support our efforts through ongoing Volunteer Generation Fund support and additional mini-grant opportunities.
United Way of Central Kansas is also a vital community partner. Funding received through United Way helps support programs focused on access to care, food security, and access to important community resources and information.
Barton County, along with City of Great Bend and Emergency Aid, provide important funding support for the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Program.
Additional support comes from Golden Belt Community Foundation, Meals On Wheels, and generous individual donors whose contributions help make these services possible.
How much time is involved?
How much time is involved?
The answer is it varies. Depending on the volunteer position(s) you accept. We encourage volunteers to know what time commitment you are willing to give and stick with that amount of time.
Why do I have to fill out a registration form?
Why do I have to fill out a registration form?
Volunteers In Action utilizes an online volunteer engagement platform called Get Connected. This software allows volunteers to create a personal profile, explore current and upcoming volunteer opportunities, and select opportunities that match their interests and availability.
Registered volunteers can also log volunteer service completed outside of opportunities listed on the platform.
The system helps individuals build a comprehensive record of their volunteer involvement, which can be printed or downloaded for use with job applications, scholarships, community impact reports, school requirements, and other professional or personal purposes.
What is the supplemental insurance and beneficiary?
What is the supplemental insurance and beneficiary?
The supplemental insurance is complimentary to all our volunteers and carries with it a life insurance benefit (small one). This is a secondary pay insurance, so the volunteers insurance pays first. All volunteer centers are required to maintain this for their volunteers and we must have it on file.
What training for my volunteer position will I receive?
What training for my volunteer position will I receive?
Training for each volunteer position is different.
When you register with our program, you will receive general information about Volunteers In Action as well as how to report hours and the other benefits. Each volunteer assignment will then have a separate training that pertains to the position as well as the organization you are helping.
How do I report my hours and how often?
How do I report my hours and how often?
All hours are automatically reported if you are registered on our Get Connected platform and chose an opportunity through that site.
If you have volunteer service completed outside of opportunities listed on the platform, you will need to log those personally.
If you are not comfortable with computers you can call during business hours for assistance. 620-792-1614
How often will I be called or emailed?
How often will I be called or emailed?
Registered volunteers will receive periodic email updates highlighting volunteer opportunities that match their interests, skills, or past involvement.
Volunteers may also receive reminders about upcoming opportunities they have selected, helping them stay informed, connected, and engaged with causes that matter to them.
What type of recognition to volunteers receive?
What type of recognition to volunteers receive?
Volunteer recognition is an important part of our program and reflects our appreciation for the time and talents our volunteers share with the community.
Recognition efforts include an annual volunteer banquet, birthday greetings, thank-you notes, and other special events and acknowledgements throughout the year to celebrate the impact volunteers make every day.
How do I find out about volunteer opportunities?
How do I find out about volunteer opportunities?
Volunteer opportunities are posted on our Facebook page as they come up and on our web page. If you selected that type of opportunity on your registration form we will send out an email request or a phone call.
I already volunteer for places. Will you count those hours?
I already volunteer for places. Will you count those hours?
Anytime you are putting in volunteer hours you may count them. Just make sure you record them online or call us with the Date/Place/What you did/Amount of hours.