As August draws to a close, we're reminded that every season brings new opportunities to make a difference. Whether you're ready to explore fresh volunteer roles or deepen your current commitments, your service continues to strengthen our community. Your life experiences and generous spirit inspire others every day. Thank you for sharing your time, wisdom, and energy with those who need it most
New RSVP Stations
We are excited to partner with two new RSVP stations that serve the Durham community: Augustine Literacy Project and SwingPals The Augustine Literacy Project tutors students in elementary schools to support an increase in their reading ability. SwingPals uses golf as a medium through which students develop mindfulness and self-regulation skills, empowering them to pursue their passion and fulfill their potential to create positive change in their community Keep reading for more information about both programs.
Digital Navigators Program
Our Digital Navigators program returns in September. The program will take place at the Durham Center for Senior Life on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-4pm. If you are interested in increasing your digital literacy, please sign up here. If you are tech savvy and interested in leading this training as a volunteer, please sign up here For additional information, please contact Audrey Pippin at intern@thevolunteercenter.org or (919) 321-6875
RSVP Speaker Series
This month we welcome Cindy Riley from the Durham County Cooperative Extension/Welcome Baby for our Speaker Series It will be Wednesday, September 17 from 12:00 - 1:00pm at the Durham Center for Senior Life in the theater. Please join me to hear Cindy speak about DCCE and Welcome Baby and learn about how volunteers support their programs.
RSVP Group Volunteer Opportunity
Join fellow RSVP volunteers as we work together. The next one is: Welcome Baby Wed , September 24 10-12 Sign up here!
If you have not connected with one of our 40+ stations and would like to learn more about volunteering with one of them, please reach out to me or visit HandsOn Triangle. There are many volunteer opportunities out there and I would be happy to help you find a good place to serve!
Reach me by email at amanda@thevolunteercenter.org or by phone at (919) 3216932. Amanda Stoen
Featured RSVP Stations
Augustine Literacy Project
Augustine Literacy Project creates a brighter future by improving the literacy skills of children from low-income households. They train and support volunteer tutors who provide free, one-to-one instruction in reading, writing, and spelling to children of lowincome households in the Triangle region of North Carolina. The programs are based on the Orton-Gillingham approach: multisensory, direct, explicit, structured, and sequential phonics instruction
RSVP is excited to add another volunteer tutoring opportunity! Volunteers are needed to tutor K-1 students at Hope Valley Elementary on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8-9. There will be a virtual training on September 23 and 25 from 9-11am. No tutoring or teaching experience is needed to become a tutor Background checks are needed and there is a fee of $100 to help cover the cost. There will be another virtual training in October if you are not able to attend the September training.
August Literacy Project is also looking for volunteers who can assist with grant writing or resource development, a photographer/videographer as well as board members If you would like to learn more about their program, please visit Augustine Literacy Project.
Questions? Email Amanda at amanda@thevolunteercenter.org
SwingPals
Founded in 2009, SwingPals was created to use the game of golf as a bridge, connecting children facing adversity with caring adults who share a passion for the sport and a commitment to giving back. The program focuses on middle school students in Durham building resilience and mindfulness through the game of golf Opportunities include volunteer coaches, safety coaches, bus drivers, and other functions to help SwingPals deliver on its mission and vision
Volunteer opportunities include volunteering at one of the middle schools for one or more sessions per week Each session lasts about two hours The focus here is on safety and supporting the instructor. Additionally, volunteers are needed to support the after school program at Hillandale Gold Club or Top Golf in Durham The after school programs runs Monday-Thursday from 3:45-5:15pm.
SwingPals provides a virtual training for new volunteers as well as an opportunity to observe the coaching sessions. Volunteers roles are not to be a golf coach, but rather a guide to support the students from from the process of thinking to doing while swinging the golf club, helping them let go of control, explore their potential, and enjoy their golf game. To learn more about SwingPals, please visit their website.
Volunteer!
Questions? Email Amanda at amanda@thevolunteercenter.org
Bull City Woodshop
Questions? Email Amanda at amanda@thevolunteercenter.org
Museum of Durham History
The Museum of Durham History is a 21st century museum that uses stories about people, places and things to foster curiosity, encourage further inquiry, and promote an understanding of diverse perspectives about the Durham community and its history.
Volunteer with them at the Farmers' Markets this spring and summer to bring history into the heart of the community. The Museum will be at the Farmers Markets the following dates:
September 7: Black Farmers' Market
September 27: Durham Farmers' Market
October 11: Durham Farmers' Market
October 19: Black Farmers' Market
Please contact Clay Harrison at manager@modh org with questions or to sign up
Volunteer!
Questions? Email Amanda at amanda@thevolunteercenter.org
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has an urgent need for volunteers in the Greater Triangle area. As you know, communities are facing more frequent and intense natural disasters The Red Cross saw firsthand the large-scale sheltering needs during recent hurricane, tornado, and flood responses and that’s why they’re inviting compassionate people and partners to help local communities get ready now With
just a few hours of training, you can become part of a roster of volunteers in your community who are trained and prepared to provide food, shelter, comfort, and care when a hurricane or other major disaster strikes If you or someone you know is passionate about making a difference and helping others, visit redcross.org/shelterheroesNC to sign up today.
The hours for a local volunteer would be 3 consecutive days for 8-12 hours during a disaster relief operation and only if the volunteer has the availability.
Questions? Email Amanda at amanda@thevolunteercenter.org
Meals on Wheels Durham
Meals on Wheels Durham has a new weekend volunteer opportunity through their Pantry Program. They have launched a Saturday delivery opportunity every 3rd Saturday of the month, and are in need of volunteer drivers The next Saturday delivery will be September 20 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.
Each route takes no more than 1.5 hours and delivers fresh and shelf-stable food boxes to clients on their waiting list. It’s a great way to make a big impact in a short amount of time, especially for volunteers who aren’t available during the week
Meals on Wheels Durham is in need of Weekday Meal Delivery Drivers. Their goal is 8 or fewer open routes per day and having extra weekday drivers help MOW reach that target. Volunteers may select their delivery days and open routes. Meal deliveries occur between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm
Questions? Email Amanda at amanda@thevolunteercenter.org
Tanya Best
When Tanya Best retired from Durham Social Services a decade ago, she didn't slow down she shifted into a different kind of service. For the past ten years, she has dedicated herself to volunteer work throughout Durham, currently splitting her time between the Durham Center for Senior Life and AARP Durham.
At the Senior Center, Tanya exemplifies the kind of flexible, committed volunteer every organization dreams of She has worn many hats over the years: helping with the music program for adult day health participants, providing administrative support in the director's office, and currently greeting visitors at the front desk in the lobby. That she is willing to volunteer wherever they need her speaks to her adaptable spirit and dedication to the center's mission.
Her involvement with AARP Durham has been equally impactful. As the correspondent and community service chairperson, Tanya helps connect the organization with the broader Durham community. Together, these commitments require about 20 hours of her time each month 4 hours weekly at the Senior Center and 4 hours monthly with AARP.
Tanya’s volunteering extends beyond her current roles. She has sorted baby clothes for Welcome Baby, supporting new families during a crucial time, and staffed disaster relief shelters at the American Red Cross. Tanya learned about the RSVP program from Helen Featherson, the longtime RSVP program director when the program was housed at Durham Tech. Through the RSVP program, Tanya has discovered the rich network of nonprofits serving Durham
But Tanya doesn't just volunteer for existing programs she creates them At her church, Mount Calvary UCC, she established a food pantry to serve community members in need She also helped organize World Hunger Day in Durham, raising awareness about food insecurity on a larger scale. Tanya loves being a part of vibrant communities where she can network with others and learn more about what seniors are doing to stay active.
Campaign to Save RSVP
The President’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposes to eliminate AmeriCorps and asks for about $105 million to shut down the agency and all its programs Congress has yet to act on this proposal.
No RSVP means:
Fewer volunteers to support food banks and senior food programs. Fewer volunteers at veterans' facilities
Fewer volunteers for tutoring and mentoring children and youth.
Fewer volunteers to support libraries and museums.
Fewer volunteers to support nonprofit organizations with capacity building services
An increase in loneliness and social isolation and greater health risks to older Americans
It is more difficult for seniors to live independently and "age in community" instead of in nursing facilities.
RSVP was created in 1971 and since then, it has enrolled millions of volunteers and cost-effectively delivered vital services to millions of our neighbors and friends
What can do you do?
1 Please call or email your elected representative to share your experience with RSVP and volunteering. US Representative Valerie Foushee represents Durham County.
2. Ask to speak to the staff member who is responsible for AmeriCorps. Ask to schedule a site visit and summarize these talking points
3. Invite them to your volunteer site. It is important that Members of Congress see programs in action
THANK YOU for your support of the RSVP program in Durham! Since 1994, more than 27,000 North Carolina residents have served approximately 41 million hours and earned educational awards totaling more than $103.5 million.
