RSVP

RSVP, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, of North Central Iowa is part of a national network of programs called Senior Corps that recruits adults 55 and older to use their skills, talents, and life experience to help meet community needs through volunteer service.  RSVP is sponsored by North Iowa Area Community College.

The RSVP service area includes Cerro Gordo, Franklin, Hancock, Mitchell, Winnebago, and Worth counties.

Volunteer opportunities in area schools include:

• Reading Buddy – an elementary school literacy tutoring program
• Reading Coach – a middle school literacy and mentoring program
• Pen Pals – an intergenerational letter-writing program
• Breakfast Buddy – mentoring students at elementary school breakfast

Volunteer opportunities vary by school.  The following schools partner with RSVP:  CAL Elementary School, Central Springs Elementary School, Clear Creek Elementary School, Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Elementary and Intermediate School, Hampton-Dumont Elementary School-South Side and Middle School, Forest City Elementary and Middle School, Lake Mills Elementary School, Mason City Harding Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, and Lincoln Intermediate School, Newman Catholic Elementary School, North Iowa Elementary and Middle School, Northwood Elementary School, Osage Elementary School, Riceville Elementary School, Saint Ansgar Elementary School, West Fork Elementary School-Rockwell, West Hancock Elementary and Middle School.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities:

• American Red Cross – Blood Drive Volunteers
• Cerro Gordo County emergency/disaster – including Phone Bank Operators and Volunteer Reception Center Volunteers
• International Friends – matching volunteers with NIACC international students
• IRIS – Iowa Radio Reading Information Service for the Blind
• Walking (Walking School Bus in Mason City, Walking Buddy in Hampton-Dumont, and School Crossing Guard in Lake Mills) – providing safety and exercise to elementary students

Who can volunteer?

The only requirement to join RSVP is that you be 55 or older and have a desire to make a difference in your community.  You do not have to be retired and you do not have to consider yourself a “senior.”

When you share your time and talents, you make an impact.  No one in the world has had the exact same experiences you have had and no one else can share what those experiences have taught you.  Volunteer to share your experience today!