About Us - FAQ - Centers

Maryland Volunteer Centers (MVC) is a state network that represents 14 Volunteer Centers throughout the state. Its member centers work in partnership with the Hands on Network and Points of Light Foundation/Volunteer Center National Network, both of which recently merged and who advocates community service. MVC connects individuals, groups, and agencies with the Volunteer Center serving their community to:

• Strengthen and support the Volunteer Center network through collaboration with local, state and national entities.
• Promote Volunteer Centers and volunteerism.
• Develop leadership and professional opportunities for Volunteer Center staff.

1-800-Volunteer.org, an online national database of volunteer opportunities, provided by the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network, also supports Volunteer Centers throughout the United States. 

Frequently Asked Questions and their Answers

1. How do I sign up to volunteer? Call, email or visit your local Volunteer Center website or simply go onto the Points of Light national database 1-800-volunteer.org and type in your zip code. Locate the Volunteer center nearest you by clicking on “Map” on the left hand side navigation bar or find the name of your county in the centers list. If you visit 1-800-volunteer.org you will be presented with a list of volunteer needs in your area. When you click on one of them, you will go to the Volunteer Center that covers your zip code and get the details of the volunteer opportunity. You can then either complete the information requested or go back and retrieve another opportunity.

2. Is volunteering a long-term commitment? It is as long or as short as you want it to be. The details of each opportunity are provided by the agency requesting your services.

3. What is a Volunteer Center? Volunteer Centers help people like you find places to volunteer in their communities. The Centers connect people who want to help--individuals, families, students, businesses and their employees, and civic, community, and faith-based organizations--with places or causes where volunteers' time, talent, and interests can be used effectively. Volunteer Centers do not replace other agencies or organizations within the community, but instead bridge the gap in services provided by agencies. In addition, Volunteer Centers offer opportunities for local agencies and organizations to network with other leaders in the nonprofit, corporate, and government communities.

4. Can I volunteer to work from home? Yes.

5. Can I help using my home computer? Yes.

6. What can our business do to volunteer and help? Your business can sponsor projects to help the community and also supply volunteers for our work.

7. What types of volunteer opportunities are available? A variety of volunteer activities are available. Looking at the first 10 opportunities available for zip code 21401, you can see just about any imaginable work is available: Docent, Usher, Office Assistant, Community Outreach Volunteer, Head Start Program Volunteer, Outreach Coordinator, Foster Grandparent, Community Emergency Preparedness Trainer, Friendly Visitor, Shelter Worker.

8. Can they be part-time or weekend warriors? Yes.

9. Is it possible to volunteer as a family or group? While many Volunteer Center websites are oriented toward referring individuals to agencies needing volunteer work, in certain cases groups will also find volunteer work available. You would contact your local volunteer center to find such opportunities.

10. How do Volunteer Centers help agencies? Non-profit organizations and government agencies partner with Volunteer Centers to recruit a volunteer workforce. Specifically Volunteer Centers recruit and refer volunteers, promote volunteer opportunities, and serve as a clearinghouse for a wide range of information on volunteer management, recruitment and training. In addition, Volunteer Centers serve as a central organizing body for major regional volunteer activities such as Days of Service and special volunteer events.

Maryland Volunteer Centers Directory

Locations Map