HANCHER GUILD 

The members of the Hancher Guild provide support for cultural and educational activities, foster community interest, and host visiting artists, among other activities. Many retirees are on the rolls. Working hours are flexible. The Hancher main office (335-1130) will direct volunteers to the current president of the Guild. 

Web site: http://www.hancher.uiowa.edu/ 

OLD CAPITOL 

Volunteers welcome visitors, conduct tours, and staff the museum shop. Tour guides interpret Iowa history as it relates to the University and the Old Capitol Building. Tours may be given for the general public, civic groups, pre-schoolers, elementary, high school and college students. Training is provided. Contact the Old Capitol Museum (335-0548). 

Web site: http://www.uiowa.edu/~oldcap/ 

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM 

Volunteers welcome visitors to the museum, assist in the Museum Gift Ship, help with receptions and special events, and lead tours for schools and public groups. All necessary training is provided, and hours are very flexible. Contact the Education and Outreach Coordinator, Sarah Horgen (319-335-0606). 

MUSEUM OF ART 

Volunteers are crucial to the success of the University of Iowa Museum of Art (UIMA). There are many opportunities to get involved at the UIMA, including: participating in the UIMA Docent Program; helping to plan; prepare; and execute Museum fund-raising events; exhibition openings, receptions, and other special activities; performing general office assistance; and greeting guests at special events and programs. For more information on volunteering with the UIMA, visit the web site at http://uima.uiowa.edu or call (319) 335-1727.

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA HOSPITALS AND CLINICS 

This is an invitation...to become involved! Help support patients, families, faculty and staff through Volunteer Services at UI Hospitals and Clinics. Every single volunteer has the opportunity to make a difference. Activities are virtually limitless with nearly 100 different volunteer positions to choose from, with or without direct patient contact. Visit with a lonely patient, cuddle a baby, share resources from the Patients' Library, act as a docent to the large collection of artwork, tutor a child, play the piano, act as an ambassador from our community to people from across the state of Iowa, the nation, even the world. We have the perfect spot for you! Please visit our website for information: http://www.uihealthcare.org/Volunteers

COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING PROGRAM

Mission: The Community-Based Learning Program prepares students for community leadership and citizenship. In doing so, CBLP helps connect students, faculty members and staff with communities, responds to community needs and opportunities, and serves as a portal to the University for community organizations seeking student involvement.

Volunteers at all levels are welcomed. This program is partnered with the Volunteer Center of Johnson County, referenced in the following entry.

Web site: http://www.careers.uiowa.edu/cep/

Other Volunteer Opportunities

ELDER SERVICES, INC. RSVP  (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) 

Elder Services, Inc. RSVP connects people to purpose! RSVP recruits and links persons 55+with volunteer opportunities that meet critical community needs and provides a high quality experience that enriches the lives of the volunteer and those they serve. The RSVP philosophy promotes older adults as a rich resource because they learn new skills or share their unique knowledge and talents with people of all ages.

RSVP volunteers differ from others because they are recruited and placed in volunteer positions that meet critical community needs then monitored to measure the impact on the organization and the community. The volunteer effort focuses on solving community problems—not on “busy work.” One hundred percent of RSVP Volunteers are included in Impact Statements for the annual Grant renewal and half of them are in outcome measures with targets and measurement tools. Long or short term commitments are available. Opportunities include but are not limited to : mentoring or tutoring youth and adults; mediation in Small Claims Court; conducting speech or Junior Achievement classes; delivering Meals on Wheels; visiting frail elders; assisting food banks, meals sites, and homeless shelters; providing transportation to medical appointments; presentations to senior groups on Identity Theft and fraud; serving as patients for Carver College of Medicine Volunteer Patient; guide patrons in the Johnson County Courthouse, work in data or records for police and sheriff’s departments and in Workforce Iowa.

Web site: http://www.elderservicesinc.com/ Phone: 319-338-0515

VOLUNTEER CENTER OF JOHNSON COUNTY

Whether you are looking to volunteer for the first time or wish to continue a life-long commitment to service, the Volunteer Center of Johnson County website can match you with the perfect opportunity. United Way of Johnson County, in partnership with the UI Community-Based Learning Program and the 10,000 Hours Show of Eastern Iowa, provides this online volunteer matching service. You’ll find hundreds of volunteer opportunities throughout Johnson County, including many associated with United Way of Johnson County and local United Way agencies.

Web site: http://www.rcjc.org

IOWA CITY/JOHNSON COUNTY SENIOR CENTER

The Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center offers unique teaching opportunities for volunteer instructors in a wide range of subjects including art, current events, chess, dance, the environment, literature, languages, history, philosophy, religion, photography, technology, science and more. The participants, most of who are retired, enroll in classes seeking to enrich their lives and expand their minds. They bring enthusiasm and diverse backgrounds of knowledge and experience. Some may even teach your something about your subject that you hadn’t known before. Volunteer instructors enjoy teaching in an interactive environment without the worries of testing and grading. Consider joining the excitement at the Iowa City Senior Center. For more information about how to get involved in teaching a class, contact the Program Specialist, Michelle Buhman, at 319-356-5222 or michelle-buhman@iowa-city.org.

The Senior Center has a variety of additional volunteer opportunities, both long and short-term. Start a club or lead an activity group; provide health insurance counseling to seniors; supervise evening and weekend activities at the Center; produce videos of Senior Center programs to broadcast on cable TV; join a committee to help with program planning, community outreach, communication, or fundraising; and much more. Volunteers are essential to the operation of the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center. To get involved, contact the Community Outreach Specialist, Emily Light, at 319-356-5224 or emily-light@iowa-city.org.