How do I become a Hands On Northwest Florida volunteer?
Becoming a Hands On Northwest Florida volunteer is so easy!  Simply register yourself by creating a login account through the Member Center on our homepage. It does not cost anything and your information will be kept private and secure.

Is there a membership fee?
No, volunteers are not asked to pay a fee. But managing volunteers and programs does take time and resources. Volunteers may be asked to make a financial contribution, but it is not required.

How much time do I have to commit each month?
It's entirely up to you.  Our goal is to make volunteering easy for everyone to fit into their busy schedules, so we offer projects with varying commitments levels. You can volunteer as much or as little as you like based on your time and interest.

How do I sign up for a project?
After you have activated your account, log in through the Member Center of our website using your username (your email address) and your password. Go to the Volunteer section, select the project you wish to sign up for and click "Sign up for this project." You will receive a confirmation email with directions and any other special instructions.

What if I am unable to sign up for a project through the website?
If you are experiencing difficulty with our website or with your account, please visit our Online Help page or email info@handsonnorthwestflorida.org.

How do I remove myself from a project I cannot attend?
Go to the Member Center, click on "My Projects" and then click "Remove Me" from any projects you are unable to attend. Please do this as early as possible so that your slot will be available to another volunteer to fill. If you must cancel on the day of the project, please remove yourself through the website and call the project coordinator listed with the project.

What is a Project Leader?
Each volunteer project is supervised by a Project Leader (PL) who is a specially trained volunteer that will provide guidance and leadership throughout your project. They will greet you at the project, provide instructions, and work alongside you during the project.

What kind of volunteer projects does Hands On Northwest Florida offer?
Each month, Hands On Northwest Florida offers volunteers 10-15 hands on, direct-service projects with a variety of community service organizations. We partner with nonprofit agencies addressing community issues that impact hunger and homelessness, seniors, animal welfare, the environment, education, and many other issues.

How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Due to safety reasons and the population of the organizations we serve, all volunteers must be 18 or older to volunteer on their own.

What type of volunteer opportunities exist for youth, teens, and families?
Each month, we do have some "Family Friendly" projects where kids can volunteer with an adult. To find projects suitable for any of these age groups, visit the project calendar and use the "Filter by Project Attributes" menu to search for "Family Friendly" opportunities (check each project description for age requirement).

What if I don't find what I'm looking for on your calendar of Hands On Projects?
Hands On Northwest Florida hosts a number of referral volunteer opportunities with our Agency Partners.  These volunteer opportunities are not managed by Hands On Northwest Florida (no Hands On Northwest Florida Project Leader is present for these opportunities). View the list of opportunities here.  Click on the project you are interested in, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on "Have Agency Contact Me".