VOLUNTEER

SIGN ME UP!
There are three ways to sign up to volunteer with RTO:

Sign Up Online

Print and mail or fax  Volunteer Form

E-mail or call us at info@rtoakland.org or (510) 625-0316

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There are many ways to volunteer at RTO (age 14 and up):

Project Volunteer
Team Leaders
Other Project Roles
Year Round Support
Committees

A. Project Volunteers
Project volunteers basically show up on the workday and are put to work on a project/task that fits their skill level:

Skilled Trades
We also need skilled tradespersons to do specialized jobs and/or lead small teams of skilled volunteers. Specialized work may include highly skilled tasks such as installing new plumbing, electrical wiring, or new heating system, or other skilled work that is needed.

Skilled Volunteers
We need volunteers skilled in variety of areas including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, roofing, tile work, drywall, flooring/carpet installation, HVAC. Projects include rebuilding porch steps, installing new plumbing or electrical fixtures, laying new flooring or hanging new sheetrock. These skilled volunteers may be skilled trades, retired or former trades, and/or weekend warriors.

Unskilled Volunteers
There is plenty of work for unskilled workers on almost all of our projects, including painting, cleaning, landscaping, etc.  Also, there may be an opportunity to learn new skills under the supervision of a skilled volunteer.

“Safe-At-Home” volunteer
For those that have time year-round to help out, and are somewhat handy, consider becoming a volunteer with new Safe-At-Home minor home repair program.  We will train you, to do work such as installing grab bars, and safety railings.

B. Team Leaders
Every RTO project—whether a home or community facility renovation project—is lead by a volunteer team that manages the project.

House Captain
House Captains are the most important role at RTO. They are the overall project manager and boss on the project.  They decide on the scope of work to be accomplished at the chosen site, plan for a safe realistic and meaningful project, work with RTO staff to secure necessary materials, recruit skilled volunteers, determining the number of volunteers needed for the job, and directing volunteers on the workday. The position requires about 40 hours of volunteer time, including the workday.

Co-Captain
If you are interested in becoming a House Captain, but are wanting more experience before leading your own project, consider volunteering as a Co-Captain. You will work alongside an experienced House Captain, and will gain the skills and confidence necessary to be a House Captain in the future. This is a great way to build valuable trade skills and help the community at the same time!

Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteer Coordinators serve as liaisons between the House Captain, volunteers and the RTO staff. They perform a variety of duties such as recruiting volunteers, checking in volunteers on the workday, keeping morale up on-site, providing support to the House Captain, and providing food on workdays. The position requires about 20 hours of volunteer time, including the workday.

C. Other Project Roles
There are a number of other roles that often need to be filled at each project: task leaders, safety coordinator, supplies coordinator, homeowner companion, meal coordinator, event photographer, runner, etc. These tasks may be handled by a team leader or delegated specific volunteers depending on the complexity and size of the project.  Visit our Getting Started Kit for more details on other roles.

D. Year-Round Support
We need help before and during the workday, and throughout the year on a variety of areas:

“Safe-At-Home” volunteer
For those that have time year-round to help out, and are somewhat handy, consider becoming a volunteer with new Safe-At-Home minor home repair program.  We will train you, to do work such as installing grab bars, and safety railings.

Office Volunteer
We can always use an extra hand in our office, particularly when we're getting near workdays. Typical office assistance includes database entry and management, homeowner and facility outreach, coordinating mailings, and event support.

Warehouse Volunteer
Help us manage our tools and supplies in our warehouse, and get supplies ready for specific work projects.  Also, assist with workday supplies as needed, and pick-up and drop offs from project teams.

E. Join a Committee

Project Committee
The project committee meets monthly starting six months before the April workday to coordinate efforts for Rebuilding Together Oakland's programs. Roles on the Project Committee include: inspecting and recommending projects, coordinating donation of services and goods, warehousing donations and purchasing needed supplies.

Fund Development Committee
The Fund Development Committee works on securing critical funds to keep our organization alive and well. Development activities include identifying and soliciting potential donors, writing grant proposals, hosting fundraising events and sending appeal letters to individuals in the community.

Marketing Committee
Rebuilding Together Oakland produces a bi-annual newsletter to inform our supporters, volunteers and members of the Oakland community. If you like writing or have skills in editing layouts for PR materials, lend a hand in getting out the word about Rebuilding Together Oakland.

Community Outreach Committee
Assist with outreach plan that serves diverse Oakland community. Identify community resources and contacts, arrange for material distribution, speak of various social service and community based organizations.

Resource Committee
Solicit in-kind donations of materials, tools, and equipment from local business; recruit skilled labor and volunteers from unions, trade groups, contractors, other organizations; also help recruit new sponsors. Also, help organize RTO warehouse.

Volunteer Appreciation Committee
Plan and manage appreciation events, gifts, and recognition for volunteers, team leaders, and sponsors. Help take photos and arrange archives and distribution.

Technology Committee
Help develop, update, maintain and expand our database management system, website, computer hardware, software, network and phone systems, to better serve our clients, volunteers, and sponsors, and further leverage our limited dollars.