Volunteer Project Leader Certification Training

The Volunteer Project Leader Certification is a national training initiative and aims to transform casual volunteers into active community leaders by equipping participants with the leadership skills and tools they need to make meaningful and lasting change in their communities. 2008 marks our second year of Volunteer Project Leader Training with over 85 volunteers trained.

Who can be a Volunteer Project Leader?

Candidates for this training and certification possess the drive to make a lasting contribution. They have a strong desire to invoke change for the better and are ready to take their involvement in the community to the next level. They are looking to create and develop hands-on experiences that will deepen their understanding of community issues in Central Texas.

How does the training work?

The training consists of a 3-hour session focused on providing volunteers with the basics of how to lead projects; how to manage and recruit volunteers; ways to identify needs in the community; adopt existing or create new volunteer projects; and ways to locate and utilize resources. Participants will also learn how to motivate and engage volunteers, develop personal leadership skills and build civic participation in their community.

Participants will walk away from the training with the ability to translate skills and knowledge into action and involvement and will commit to lead their first volunteer project within 60 days of their training. Upon completion of their first project, participants will be certified as a Volunteer Project Leaders by Hands On Central Texas and United Way Capital Area. Over the following 12 months, Certified Volunteer Project Leaders will be asked to lead another two projects - for a total of three projects per year.

What kinds of projects can Volunteer Project Leaders organize and lead?

Volunteer Project Leaders can adopt a project, create a project, or choose from a variety of opportunities posted on the Hands On Central Texas website. Whether Volunteer Project Leaders are aware of issues in their community or simply want to learn ways to help with readily available projects, there are options for everyone. Volunteer projects can be one-time opportunities or ongoing projects. Some examples of projects include: Sorting food at a local food bank or pantry; Organizing a park clean-up; Constructing wheelchair ramps for the disabled; Restoring a childcare center; Planting a garden; or Organizing a donation drive.

What impact will the training have?

The training will allow Volunteer Project Leaders to develop a strong and vibrant community, become part of United Way's leadership team, gain skills in civics and community building, increase personal leadership capabilities, and assist Hands On Central Texas in creating and implementing community service projects throughout the year. Volunteer Project Leaders will also benefit from making an impact on volunteers. Projects will provide volunteers with opportunities to serve, a chance to learn about community issues, and help to develop new skills and experiences.

To learn more about Volunteer Project Leader Certification or to set up a group training, please contact Rebecca Saltsman at: rebecca.saltsman@unitedwaycapitalarea.org or call (512) 382-8614.

Hands On Central Texas, a program of United Way Capital Area, launched Volunteer Project Leader Certification in 2007 – a national training to transform casual volunteers into active community leaders by equipping participants with the leadership skills and tools they need to make meaningful and lasting change in their communities. To become a Volunteer Project Leader, go to www.handsoncentraltexas.org.