• Online: Organizations can go directly to the Eden Prairie Volunteers website, click on “click here to post your opportunity” on the home page, and enter specific information regarding one or more volunteer opportunities.
• In writing: Organizations can complete and mail a Volunteer Opportunity Form (available at www.edenprairievolunteers.org or at the Eden Prairie Community Education website at www.edenpr.k12.mn.us/comed). Completed forms can be mailed to Eden Prairie Volunteers, Eden Prairie Community Education, 8040 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344.
• Email: Information can be emailed to EPVolunteers@edenpr.org.
• Voice Mail: Information can be relayed via voice mail by calling Eden Prairie Volunteers at 952-975-6869.
  

Organizations submitting information regarding volunteer opportunities are asked to identify the organization seeking volunteers, a key contact and phone number, the type of organization or event needing volunteers, specific information regarding dates, times, location, special skills or considerations, and other details (application process, interview requirements, references, etc) concerning the opportunity.

Prior to posting to the volunteer opportunity on the website, the Eden Prairie Volunteers Project Coordinator will confirm the posting with the Volunteer Opportunity Provider. This confirmation is usually completed within 24 hours.

All Eden Prairie organizations are invited to submit their volunteer opportunities to the Eden Prairie Volunteers website and to provide their website address. Along with your volunteer opportunity listing, a link to your website will be included to allow potential volunteers to access further information on other volunteer opportunities with the organization. Eden Prairie Volunteers is intended as a resource to the entire community!

How do I know if a specific volunteer opportunity is right for me?
Eden Prairie Volunteers makes it easy for you to locate the volunteer opportunity that is right for you. In seeking volunteer opportunities it’s important to volunteer in an area of interest or potential interest. For example, if you have children, you might be interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities in the local schools or with athletics or arts. If you have an interest in community activities, you might look for opportunities offered through the City of Eden Prairie. If you are interested in learning more about health and environment, you might select that interest area to search and find out what opportunities exist.

If you are seeking volunteer opportunities for a youth group or family, it is also important that you identify organizations that are able to utilize volunteer groups. These sorts of criteria can be satisfied via the search tools provided on the site.

In addition, be sure to review the description of the volunteer opportunity. Does it appeal to you? Does the position require special skills that you do not possess? Or, does it have other requirements, such as needing your own car or being able to do heavy lifting? Will you be able to get to the volunteer job on the dates and times specified? Do you need to complete an application or interview process? Do you have relevant references to provide, if required? Reviewing each of the items describing the specific volunteer opportunity will help you determine if this opportunity is right for you.

What questions should I ask when I call about a volunteer opportunity?
Once you have identified potential volunteer opportunities, the next step is to contact the Volunteer Opportunity Provider listed. The contact information is listed as part of the volunteer opportunity information.
Once you have reached the key contact, begin by introducing yourself and explaining that you are interested in a specific volunteer opportunity listed on the Eden Prairie Volunteers website. Explain what interests you about the volunteer opportunity and clarify the specific requirements and expectations. If you are volunteering with a group, be sure to state the size of your group and the ages of the volunteers.

In some cases, the volunteer opportunity may require that you complete an application or interview. If this is the case, arrange to complete the application and/or schedule an interview. The Volunteer Opportunity Provider will usually require your name, phone number and/or email address. If they maintain an internal list of volunteers for potential volunteer needs, you may ask to have your name added to that list for future reference.

Do I need experience to volunteer?
While some volunteer opportunities may require certain previous experience, many do not have such requirements. If prior experience or specific skills are required, that information will be included in the volunteer opportunity description.

Volunteering can be a great way to gain experience in a field or to find out if you are interested in a particular area. Thinking of a career in education? Try volunteering for the school district. Interested in getting involved in city government? Look for volunteer opportunities available on various city commissions and boards. Interested in working with seniors or youth? Search on those interest areas on the website to find out what might be available. Interested in helping those in need? Search for the volunteer needs of local service/support agencies.

Is there an interview process for volunteers?
Some volunteer opportunities do require that you interview for the volunteer position. In addition, some Volunteer Opportunity Providers may require references or have you complete an application prior to consideration. Any of these specific requirements will be listed in the volunteer opportunity information. Also be sure to review the special skills / considerations at the bottom of the volunteer opportunity information.

What is the Volunteer Opportunity/Organization Posting Policy?
Eden Prairie Volunteers is a community resource for people of all ages and organizations to connect with volunteer opportunities within Eden Prairie. Eden Prairie organizations sponsoring volunteer opportunities that take place outside of the community are also welcome to post their volunteer opportunities. New listings will be forwarded to the Eden Prairie Volunteers Project Coordinator for verification and then posted to the site. Eden Prairie Volunteers reserves the right to refuse a listing if we believe it may create a liability for us.

How can I help spread the word about Eden Prairie Volunteers to others in the community?
Tell your friends, neighbors and contacts in the organizations you belong to about www.EdenPrairieVolunteers.org. Invite them to visit our website to find or list volunteer opportunities. Contact us if you are interested in telling us about a potential volunteer need in the community or to share a great volunteer experience. We would love to hear from you! We welcome your support in connecting Eden Prairie citizens with Eden Prairie volunteer opportunities.