RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program)

The Retired and Seniors Volunteer Program is looking for volunteers to participate with agencies benefiting public health and public safety in the Bowling Green/Warren County area. This is a national volunteer service operating through Community Action of Southern Kentucky. The program is open to all adults over the age of 55 who are dependable and willing to complete their assignment. Some of the current assignments are with the BGPD, Warren County Emergency Management, and the Neighborhood Watch Program. We hope in the future to have openings with school systems and public health departments.

Want to Join?

Would you like to be an RSVP Volunteer and help make our communities stronger? Click here for the RSVP Enrollment Form. (Requires freely available Acrobat Reader.)

History

RSVP (the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) is a volunteer program funded by the Corporation for National Service (CNS). RSVP began nationally in 1971, and is one of the largest volunteer efforts in the nation. It matches local problems with older Americans who are willing to help. Each year about 500,000 older Americans provide community service through about 800 locally sponsored RSVP projects. The average amount of service provided by volunteers varies with the average hours of service per month being about sixteen hours a month. Volunteers involved in this program serve in the areas of public health, public safety, disaster preparedness and other community needs. Locally volunteers serve in Logan, Simpson and Warren counties.

Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment as an RSVP volunteer, a person must be 55 years of age or older, willing to serve on a regular basis without compensation, and reside in or nearby the community served by RSVP. Eligible seniors serve anywhere from a few hours a month to almost full time, though the average commitment is four hours a week. Most volunteers are paired with local community organizations that are already helping to meet community needs.

Benefits of the Program

RSVP volunteers are not paid, but may request reimbursement for some costs incurred during service. RSVP provides appropriate volunteer insurance coverage, and volunteers receive pre-service orientation and in-service training from the agency or organization where they are placed.

Funding Source

The program sponsored by Community Action of Southern Kentucky, Inc. receives an annual grant from the Corporation for National Service (CNS) through the Kentucky Association of Senior Service Corps. Programs, Inc. In kind contributions, fundraising activities also provide vital support for the program.

Volunteer Program Links