Volunteer Forms

All volunteers may go through an interview process. The interview is used to match your interest and skill level to available volunteer positions. You may be required to fill out and bring additional forms to your interview. Please find a list of all downloadable forms below:

> Individual Volunteer Form
> Community Service Application
> Liability Waiver
> Photo Release
> Statement for Working With Children
> Volunteer Agreement
> Youth Waiver
> Youth Worker Guidelines
> Salvation Army Agreement

Emergency Disaster Volunteer Opportunities

Emergency Disaster Services (or EDS) volunteers join The Salvation Army in providing physical, emotional, and spiritual comfort and support wherever and whenever disaster strikes.

As an EDS volunteer, you may help serve food from canteens, speak with grieving victims, or perform other duties to assist in disaster recovery and clean-up efforts. EDS volunteers are the kind faces and helping hands that support police, firefighters and other first responders while assisting families and communities to recover from floods, fires, and other tragedies.

EDS volunteers provide invaluable services to people during times of critical need. As an EDS volunteer, your assistance will only be needed during times of emergency.

To sign up as a volunteer, or for more detailed information on the process of becoming an EDS volunteer, please visit our disaster.salvationarmyusa.org web site. We have created this additional site to provide you with detailed, up-to-date information regarding training, classes and opportunities for Emergency Disaster Services volunteers. » http://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org

Why Volunteer With The Salvation Army?

To make a difference. Volunteering for The Salvation Army offers a unique chance to change lives and support communities. Your efforts will provide a true difference in the quality of life of those in need.

To gain practical experience. Do you want to work in health or social work? Even if you seek a career in business, art, technology or science, the people skills and experiences you will gain as a volunteer will help you to excel.

To grow as a person. Whether you are seeking to develop your spirituality or to improve your character, working with those less fortunate is often a transformative experience that will help you find greater compassion and appreciation in your life. Volunteering is an excellent means of character exploration and development for men, women, and youth of all ages.

To network. There are social and professional benefits from getting to know other good, caring people. Professionally, you never know who knows who, and your chance acquaintances made through performing volunteer work may reward you in the future. Numerous studies also suggest that networking and forming positive social affiliations will positively influence your mental health and moods.

To improve your resume. If you are a student, gaining volunteer experience can make a great difference when you are applying to college or for scholarships. Even seasoned professionals will find that charitable extracurricular activities such as volunteer work are looked upon favorably in the corporate world and can help you get ahead.

To feel good. Volunteering improves self esteem, reduces blood pressure, enhances the immune system, and decreases stress. Volunteers were also found to have lower premature death rates, less heart disease, and fewer health issues overall according to a study conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Health in Canada. Similar results linking stimulation in the brain’s pleasure center with committing unselfish acts was found by the National Institutes of Health in Maryland. It seems one of the best ways to improve the health of your heart is to use it in the caring service of others!

As a volunteer of The Salvation Army, you will be of priceless value to your community.
The Salvation Army appreciates its volunteers and recognizes their strengths and achievements.

Salvation Army Volunteers Policies & Procedures

All volunteers of The Salvation Army are expected to be aware of and adhere to the following Policies & Procedures. These Policies & Procedures have been compiled to ensure the welfare of our volunteers and those whom they will serve through their participation in Salvation Army programs. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Policies & Procedures below, please contact the Volunteer Director for your state or region.

General Volunteers Expectations

Absences without notice should be strictly avoided whenever possible. Volunteers should notify their supervisor as soon as possible if an absence is anticipated. Scheduled events such as doctor’s appointments, vacations, etc., should be communicated well in advance to allow other volunteers to cover the shift and avoid interruption of services.

Arrival should be timely, with volunteers ready to work. Please notify the supervisor upon arrival and inquire what tasks require assistance.

Attire should be worn that is appropriate and comfortable for your volunteer position. The supervisor can answer questions regarding appropriate dress.

Use of alcohol and/or drugs is not permitted at any Salvation Army facility. Salvation Army volunteers are prohibited from using alcohol and/or drugs while acting as a representative and performing responsibilities defined by his/her volunteer position. Volunteers are also not permitted to purchase alcohol, drugs or cigarettes for any of the clients.

Smoking is not permitted in Salvation Army facilities. Please ask the supervisor if there is a designated smoking area.

Prohibited weapons may not be brought on site, including but not limited to any form of firearm, explosive device, or other device that is generally considered to be a weapon. All persons are forbidden from carrying a prohibited weapon of any kind onto Salvation Army property, regardless of whether the person is licensed to carry the weapon or not.

Volunteers working with at risk groups such as children and seniors will be required to have a background check.

Youth Volunteers

Youth under the age of 18 who wish to volunteer with The Salvation Army and are not part of an organized group or class are required to have written parental permission. The program supervisor will be able to provide any necessary parental consent forms.

Supervision is required for all minors and the following student-to-chaperone ratios are typically observed:

3:1 ratio for elementary students
5:1 ratio for junior high students
10:1 ratio for high school students.

Answers to Those Seeking to Volunteer

What can volunteers do at The Salvation Army? The variety of things you can do to help those in need through The Salvation Army is almost limitless. Please see the pages on Seasonal and Year-Round volunteer opportunities to review some examples. You may also wish to visit the Disaster Services page if you would like to help out by responding to emergencies or Red Kettles if you would prefer to be a “bellringer” during the Christmas season.

How old do I have to be to volunteer? Some positions require volunteers to be a minimum age, but other jobs can be done by youth or families that include young children. Minors must have a signed parental permission slip to participate.

How do I apply to become a volunteer? Although applications may not always be required to participate (i.e. – if you showed up and signed in to take part once in a public project), it is best (and usually required) to complete a volunteer application form before serving. Such applications are typically brief and include contacts and in-case-of-emergency information. Most positions will also require applicants to submit to a background check to ensure the safety of other volunteers and the vulnerable populations such volunteers may be serving. Once completed, the application can be returned to The Salvation Army corps or community center from which you received it.

Can my group or company volunteer? Of course! Volunteering in groups is a great way to strengthen bonds and build morale whether you are a member of a club or a corporation. Please contact the Volunteer Director for your region to receive more information on behalf of your group.

Will I have to volunteer in any dangerous situations or locations? Safety for all volunteers, staff, and clients is important to The Salvation Army, and many measures are taken to ensure this general well being. Salvation Army officers and staff undergo extensive training in creating safe environments and supervising volunteers. Salvation Army facilities are designed with safety in mind. Potentially hazardous situations or environments are disclosed and made known as part of position descriptions whenever possible.

Why should I consider being a Salvation Army Volunteer? There are many wonderful reasons to consider volunteering your time to help others in need. Please see the Benefits tab for more information on rewards and personal benefits available to you as a volunteer of The Salvation Army.