Are you a Winter Texan or Rio Grande Valley retiree? Make an impact on the Rio Grande Valley by donating your time and experience with local nonprofits. There is simply no other resource more valuable than an inspirational adult with a lifetime of skills and experience to share with others.

If you can help teach a child how to read, or grab a hammer and help build a house, the VRP wants you and can match you to the right nonprofit.

Once you are in the program, the VRP will train you with volunteer skills that will benefit both you and the nonprofit you are volunteering with.

Enjoy the rewards of volunteering:

• Personal Satisfaction in Helping Others
• Making a Difference in Solving Community Problems
• Making new Friends in Service

Will I get to volunteer at an organization I choose?
The VRP will try to match you with an organization that excites your philanthropic spirit. In some cases, the type of program you are looking to help isn’t available, you will be placed according to your list of alternative interests. If you already have a nonprofit in mind, but they aren’t participating in the VRP, let us know. Maybe we can get them to join!

Can I volunteer for one day or one event?
Yes. Please contact the VRP about these opportunities before the event. Sometimes your schedule doesn’t allow you to volunteer on a regular basis. This doesn’t mean you can’t volunteer at all.

Do I need to be 18 to volunteer? Or a UTPA student?
No. Although, if you are under 18, you will need the approval of a parent or legal guardian to begin volunteering. You don’t need to be a UTPA student to participate. The VRP is open to anyone willing to donate his or her time and skills and meet the program requirements.

Do I need to attend the volunteer orientation?
Attending a VRP volunteer orientation is required to participate in the program. This orientation will answer your questions and prepare you for the rewarding experiences you’ll have volunteering. These short orientations can be in a group setting or one on one.

Do I need work experience to volunteer?
Some participants volunteer to gain experience! Not only will the VRP volunteer orientation will help you prepare for volunteering, but your assigned nonprofit organization will also give you guidelines on how to help them serve the community.

When can I start volunteering?
Simply fill out the Volunteer Application completely and submit it to the VRP via e-mail, fax or in-person. As soon as you’ve completed the VRP volunteer orientation, met the requirements set by your assigned nonprofit and set a work schedule with your assigned nonprofit, you can begin volunteering!

What do I do when I arrive on site?
The assigned nonprofit organization will know you are coming. However, it is advised to call ahead so you can confirm with the director, manager or supervisor the exact time and place of your start date. They will fill you in on all you need to know about your duties.

What is a Reflection Paper? Do I have to write one?
Only students engaged in Service Learning are expected to write Reflection Papers after they have completed a volunteer task. Writing Reflection Papers is an important activity to gauge self-discovery for the student and a useful tool for nonprofits to see what kind of impact they’ve made. We always encourage volunteers to provide written feedback on their experiences whether positive or negative.

To whom do I direct any questions, complaints and suggestions regarding the program or my assigned nonprofit?
If you have any questions or concerns about your placement or ability to volunteer, contact your assigned nonprofit supervisor or the VRP Recruitment Specialist, at 956/292-7566 or volunteer@utpa.edu

If you wish to sign up for the program or want additional information, simply fill out the form below!