AmeriCorps Seniors (RSVP)
The AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) pairs adults aged 55 and older with organizations in the community for volunteer service. This grant-funded program through AmeriCorps Seniors has been sponsored by Triton College since 1983.
Funding for RSVP comes from AmeriCorps Seniors, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA), Leyden Township, and Triton College.
AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who serve in the RSVP program choose how, where, and when they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours to 40 hours per week. You can find an opportunity with any of the thousands of organizations we work with that see service as a solution to local, regional, and national challenges. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers themselves report better health and longevity having served their community.
Follow Us
Benefits and Reasons to Join
- Volunteer Placement – RSVP works with you in finding a volunteer assignment to suit your interests, skills, or expertise
- Membership – There is NO cost. As an enrolled RSVP volunteer, you are a national AmeriCorps Seniors organization member
- Newsletter –A newsletter is sent to members and partners quarterly. It provides news regarding RSVP programs, activities, volunteer opportunities, and information about Triton College, and the community
- Recognition Event – A recognition event is held annually to thank volunteers and volunteer stations for their dedication and commitment to service
- Programs – Throughout the year, RSVP provides programs for life enrichment, learning, and social activities that allow volunteers to meet with one another and gain insight into topics affecting senior adults
- Insurance – RSVP provides supplemental automobile liability insurance while on volunteer assignments
- Reimbursement – RSVP can reimburse volunteers for transportation (mileage, bus, taxi, or train service) from home to their volunteer site and back. Reimbursement is NOT a payment or a stipend for your volunteering
Volunteer Requirements
- Age 55 or older
- Responsible and reliable
- Desire to help others
- Flexible schedule
- Complete RSVP paperwork by deadlines provided (annual update form and submission of a monthly timesheet)
Examples of Volunteer Assignments
- Advisory Council (RSVP)
- Children’s Activities
- Computer/Data Entry/Internet
- Conversation Tutor-ESL
- Education
- Food Pantry
- Fund Raising/Grant Writing
- Hospice/Respite
- Library/Reading
- Marketing
- Office Aide/Clerical
- Reception/Hospitality
- SPOT Volunteer (Special Placement One Time)
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly
- Thrift/Gift/Resale Shops
- Tutoring/Mentoring
- Volunteer Recruitment
Enrollment Process
- Complete a Volunteer Membership Application and send it to the RSVP office
- Meet with the Volunteer Coordinator to discuss your interests and search current volunteer openings
- Meet with staff at the volunteer station and discuss assignment*
- Once everyone agrees to the assignment, the Volunteer Coordinator will notify the volunteer of a start date.
* = Some volunteer stations will require further paperwork and have their own onboarding process (such as a background check, drug test, and or training)
RSVP Newsletters
Volunteer Opportunities
To volunteer for an RSVP Program Event, click HERE.
RSVP Membership Application
Send completed application to the RSVP Office
Mail:
Triton College
2000 North Fifth Avenue
River Grove, IL 60171
Attn: RSVP (R-221)
Email:
rsvp@triton.edu
RSVP Time Sheet
Time sheets are the way we keep track of the hours you serve.
This helps so that we can report to the state and federal government on the impact our volunteers are having in the community.
Specifically, the state bases our funding on the total amount of hours our volunteers serve—the more hours you serve, the more money we may receive.
NOTE: Time sheets are due to the office by the fifth of each month.
Send completed application to the RSVP Office
Mail:
Triton College
2000 North Fifth Avenue
River Grove, IL 60171
Attn: RSVP (R-221)
Email:
rsvp@triton.edu
Volunteer Station Partners
- RSVP can assist in recruiting skilled, talented and interested volunteers for your agency
- RSVP can assist in recruiting volunteers for special projects
- RSVP can offer benefits to volunteers working for your agency (i.e., recognition, transportation reimbursement, and supplemental auto insurance)
- RSVP provides an annual recognition event for volunteers
- RSVP helps strengthen the public’s awareness and understanding of your mission and impact in the community
- RSVP acts as an ambassador for your agency
- RSVP broadens your potential funding base
- RSVP provides feedback to your agency regarding the impact your volunteers are accomplishing
Your organization must be:
- A Public Agency
- Secular or faith-based private non-profit organization or proprietary health care organization
- Have volunteer opportunities that do not displace paid employees
- Sign a Memorandum of Understanding with RSVP
- Located within west suburban Cook or southern DuPage Counties
RSVP volunteers serve in 57 municipalities in west suburban Cook and southern DuPage counties, including:
West Suburban Cook County
Bellwood*
Berkeley*
Berwyn
Broadview*
Brookfield**
Cicero
Countryside
Elmwood Park*
Forest Park*
Forest View
Franklin Park*
Harwood Heights**
Hillside*
Hines*
Indian Head Park
LaGrange
LaGrange Park**
Lyons
Maywood*
McCook
Melrose Park*
Norridge *
North Riverside*
Northlake*
Oak Park*
River Forest*
River Grove*
Rosemont**
Schiller Park*
Stickney
Stone Park*
Westchester*
Western Springs
* = Indicates these communities are located within Triton College District
** = Indicates only portions of these communities are located within Triton College District
Southern DuPage County
Aurora
Batavia
Bolingbrook
Burr Ridge
Clarendon Hills
Darien
Downers Grove
Elmhurst
Glen Ellyn
Hinsdale
Lisle
Lombard
Naperville
Oak Brook
Oakbrook Terrace
Saint Charles
Before we can begin to recruit volunteers, we need to know about the tasks that need
to be accomplished, where the participant will serve, and other important details
of the position.
A properly prepared position description will aid us in:
- Crafting a recruitment message to target potential members who possess the skills your program needs
- Determining whether a person is qualified to perform the essential functions of the position
- Identifying reasonable accommodations to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions
The best position descriptions are concise, use action verbs, and avoid jargon.
Tips on how to recruit the best volunteer for your organization:
- Ensure an accurate service assignment title is included
- Write a one to two sentence summary of the assignment's general purpose and primary service assignment functions
- List five to eight essential duties in descending order of importance
- Identify skills, interests, methods, and tools volunteers will need or use to complete the work
- Provide other pertinent facts, such as required travel, physical requirements, working conditions, etc.
- Include other responsibilities or requirements, such as mandatory training, hours of service, etc.
Volunteer Station Partners Request Application
Links
- American Society on Aging
- AmeriCorps Seniors
- Illinois Department on Aging
- Gerontological Society of America
- Serve Illinois
Request to Volunteer
for an RSVP Program Event
RSVP Club Sponsorships
ARCC
The Active Retired Citizens Club (ARCC) is an educational, social club for retirees that provides members with activities and networking opportunities to help them expand their social and intellectual lives.
The club meets the first Friday of each month (excluding January, June, July) at Triton College in the R-building, Room R-221, from 12:30PM to 2:30PM. Coffee and snacks are provided.
Types of Club Activities:
- Workshops on topics facing the senior population
- Luncheons
- Craft projects
- Movies
- Educational/ informative presentations
- And more!
To Join ARCC:
Call us to request an application be sent to you or come to our next meeting. Annual
membership dues (approximately $15) are collected at the August meeting.
Questions about ARCC, contact the RSVP office at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3603 or e-mail rsvp@triton.edu
TCHC
The Triton Community Horticulture Club (TCHC) started in 1969 with the purpose of stimulating interest and advance learning in horticulture and floriculture while aiding in the preservation of natural resources. They want to promote an understanding and love of plants through informative programs, field trips, and classes. Membership is open to anyone, regardless of age, that aligns with the club's purpose.
Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month (excluding January and February) at Triton College in the R-building, Room R-221, from 12:30PM to 2:30PM.
TCHC partners with the Triton College Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), which recruits and matches volunteers in the community. This partnership allows the club to utilize services through the college and helps document volunteer hours for club members.
For more information about the TCHC, contact anyone on the club’s leadership team.
President: Douglas Peck
Email: poopzee1@gmail.com
Vice-President: Jean Wypychowski
Email: jkwypy@gmail.com
Triton College Liaison/Advisor: Mario Porras
Email: rsvp@triton.edu
RSVP Staff
Mario Porras
Director
marioporras@triton.edu
Karen Morales
Volunteer Coordinator
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3603
karenmorales@triton.edu
Beth Sanfilippo
Program Assistant
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3896
bethsanfilippo@triton.edu