What do a Chicken Whisperer, a Raggedy Ann and a Mariachi Band Tutor have in common? All three are volunteer opportunities currently available on the new website, www.volunteersbc.org. These volunteer positions, offered by Fairview Gardens, Adventures in Caring and La Cumbre Jr. High School, are a sample of the rich, diverse offering which awaits the volunteer-to-be at www.volunteersbc.org. The aim is to have something for everyone, to match unique talents and availability with local community organizations. This website, a project of United Way of Santa Barbara County, will even allow searches for volunteer opportunities that match particular interests.  Or, review the Calendar for upcoming Volunteer Events before logging on. When a perfect volunteer opportunity is found, such as being a Grunion Greeter with Santa Barbara Channelkeepers, save it as a favorite or share it by email with friends.

Looking for a group volunteer project for you and your friends or co-workers? United Way’s  www.volunteersbc.org has that as well. How about Zoo to Do at Santa Barbara Zoo or Stitch & Sew with Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital? Search the website for “Group Projects” and be rewarded with a plethora of opportunities. When your group is ready to sign-up, maybe doing Native Plant Restoration on Santa Cruz Island for Channel Island Restoration, you can sign up on-line.

Volunteering in Santa Barbara County is easier for individual and group volunteers because of www.volunteersbc.org. That is tremendously helpful for the service organizations that depend on volunteers to do their good work. Using the free web-based volunteer recruitment and management tool, service organizations can register on-line, post on-going or date specific volunteer opportunities that reach a wide audience, respond to individuals’ queries and track volunteer work hours.

Even more good news for volunteers and organizations that use volunteers are the classes on volunteerism being offered by the Nonprofit Support Center (NSC) in 2008. This spring, How to Be an Effective Volunteer acknowledges the value of your time, and addresses how to make sure your volunteer experience makes the most of it. For service organizations, the ABC’s of Volunteer Management will tackle revitalizing a volunteer program in the 10 key areas of volunteer management. Additional courses on volunteerism offered by NSC this year include How to Be a Volunteer Champion for Your Employer and a Volunteer Management Certificate Program.

For more information on any of the NSC courses, to find that perfect volunteer match that is just right, or to find out what’s really involved in being a Chicken Whisperer, a Raggedy Ann and a Mariachi Band Tutor, visit www.volunteersbc.org.

Questions? Contact Ruth E. Mudge at (805) 965-8591 x 132 or email rmudge@unitedwaysb.org