Volunteer Fairfax Announces Initiative to Engage Senior Citizens in Volunteer Service

Volunteer Fairfax was recently awarded a federal grant to sponsor RSVP, a program which invites individuals age 55 and older to participate in volunteer opportunities.

This project is a partnership with Volunteer Arlington and Volunteer Alexandria. "Volunteer Fairfax aims to strengthen the capacity of three volunteer centers to engage older volunteers and address the diverse needs in each community," the announcement read.

The regional RSVP-Northern Virginia program seeks to accomplish the following:

●     Increase volunteer opportunities for older adults through collaboration and sharing of volunteer center resources and networks

●     Recruit, train, and place more than 400 RSVP volunteers

●     Build the volunteer capacity of area non-profits and agencies to serve in key issue areas, such as: education; health and nutrition; veterans and military families; community and economic development; and disaster recovery and relief

●     Measure and report the program’s outcomes and long-term impacts on identified community needs

●     Engage the RSVP community through social and educational opportunities

●     Acknowledge the impact of RSVP members through recognition events, including the Annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards

●     Establish an Advisory Council to actively involve community leaders and stakeholders

Those ages 55 and older who live in Fairfax County, Arlington County or the City of Alexandria may join the local RSVP. Volunteer Fairfax will be hosting an orientation next month for individuals interested in joining the program. To learn more about RSVP-Northern Virginia volunteer opportunities and upcoming events, please visit www.volunteerfairfax.org/individuals/rsvp.php