How can I VOLUNTEER with HIPPY?

Volunteers can bring an extra dimension to HIPPY. Specific roles depend upon local program needs and relationships. Volunteers can play a key role in introducing HIPPY to their communities and providing on-going support. Some programs utilize volunteers from community service organizations such as the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), Junior League, Coalition of 100 Black Women, Kiwanis, or local volunteer placement centers.

The primary role of the HIPPY volunteer is to support the HIPPY program in every way possible. They often serve as catalysts to bring various community groups together; as advocates to promote the program at every opportunity in the community, especially to legislators and other community leaders; as well as provide financial and moral support. In fact, volunteers can provide the kind of support that cannot be bought.


The following are some of the most common ways that volunteers support HIPPY programs in their communities:

START-UP

• Educate potential primary sponsors about HIPPY
• Develop an Advisory Committee
• Assist in writing by-laws
• Conduct a needs assessment
• Assess feasibility and help a sponsor submit an application
• Help develop a HIPPY budget
• Secure funding
• Organize an "Open House" to introduce HIPPY to the community
• Define meaningful roles for volunteers once the program is operational

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

• Develop a handbook of additional community resources for HIPPY families
• Identify speakers and other resources for parents group meetings
• Recruit and train other volunteers
• Assist coordinator with clerical work
• Plan special occasions for HIPPY staff and families
• Collect research data on the program (interviewing parents and staff)
• Produce a HIPPY newsletter

WORK DIRECTLY WITH FAMILIES

• Read to HIPPY children during parents group meetings
• Assist with child care activities at group meetings
• Organize field trips for families

PROVIDE FUNDING AND MATERIALS

• Help write grant proposals
• Provide books and toys for a lending library, childcare and home visits
• Obtain office furniture and other materials
• Secure door prizes for parents group meetings
• Secure gifts/donations for families who "graduate" HIPPY
• Plan fund raising events

ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Organize public forums for HIPPY
• Serve on the HIPPY Advisory Committee
• Develop a HIPPY speakers bureau
• Write and place articles in the local press
• Inform state legislators and local decision makers
• Develop a HIPPY video presentation
• Produce a HIPPY brochure
• Be constant advocates for HIPPY in early childhood, and general community