I had been looking for volunteer opportunities in the area, and living in Alviso, I was slightly familiar with the Boys & Girls Clubs since one is located nearby. I decided to browse their website and eventually applied to volunteer. I had applied during a weekend, and received a response that Monday.
If you're 18+, the process to volunteer with this non-profit is a rather lengthy one. You start with the in-person interview. This allows the interviewer to help better 'fit' you within the organization. I started out applying as a volunteer at the Alviso club-house location, but eventually decided to go with their on-going in-office volunteer opportunity because my skill-set and schedule was better suited for that.
After you've decided on what your role as a volunteer will be, you also need to have proof of a negative TB test on document. Then you get to go through with fingerprinting as part of the company's background check. After the background check process is complete, you have your orientation. This is where you learn about the company's goals and mission, as well as policies.
The whole process can take a week or two, so this isn't really a walk-through the door type of volunteer opportunity. It's much more of a commitment.
However, if you're willing to go through with this commitment, you'll really be helping out on a great cause. BGCSV is focused on providing resources to kids who need them the most, and you can also be a part of this process -- in whatever capacity you can.
For me, I served in the administrative office for a few months. I helped on any projects I could assist on, ranging from research to data-entry to paperwork. Although it wasn't direct work with kids, someone is always responsible for helping the organization run -- and I was happy to help where I could and where my skill set would provide the biggest assistance.
The staff here are amazing, and they made the experience wonderful. If I ever find myself with a great deal of free time again, I would certainly try to get on board with volunteering here again.
What Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley does for our youth is absolutely life changing. The organization makes it their priority that our youth, regardless of background or status, has the opportunity to become exactly who they want to be, encouraging each child to be the best possible, well-rounded, versions of themselves.
I feel the staff and programs are built 100% with our kids in mind. I am incredibly fortunate to be working with such a wonderful organization and wouldn't have it any other way.
