RSVP Program

What is RSVP?

RSVP is America's largest volunteer network for people age 55 and over. RSVP invites you to join nearly 500,000 volunteers across the country who are tackling tough issues in their communities.

Think of RSVP this way. Most people have been invited to a party or two in their lifetimes. Those invitations may have been marked, "RSVP," meaning that you were being asked to respond as to whether or not you would attend. Similarly, serving with RSVP is your way of responding to the invitation to make a difference in your community through volunteerism.

What do RSVP volunteers do?
RSVP offers a full range of volunteer opportunities with local organizations. For example, you may:

• Mobilize other volunteers
• Mentor or tutor children
• Share your professional expertise with local non-profits
• Assist in disaster preparedness and response
• Clean up the environment
• Lead fundraising efforts for worthy causes
• Educate the public on financial scams
• Teach adults to read
• Deliver nutritious meals to homebound elderly
• And much, much, more!

 
Why should I become a volunteer?
When you volunteer, you're not just helping others - you're helping yourself. Volunteering leads to new discoveries and new friends. Plus, studies show that volunteering helps you live longer and promotes a positive outlook on life.

In addition, with RSVP you'll receive pre-service orientation, training from the organization where you serve, supplemental accident, liability and life insurance while on duty, and be invited to our annual Celebration of Volunteerism event.

 
I don't live in Houston. Do you have opportunities in my area?
RSVP of the Texas Gulf Coast has service opportunities available not only in Houston, but also throughout the following counties and their municipalities:

• Austin County
• Brazoria County
• Colorado County
• Ft. Bend County
• Harris County
• Liberty County
• Matagorda County
• Montgomery County
• Waller County
• Wharton County

 
Why should I volunteer through RSVP, instead of just going to my favorite organization directly?
RSVP takes care to screen the organizations it partners with in the community to ensure that they are truly working toward solving community problems. The organizations that partner with us agree to a number of standards that are designed to ensure volunteer safety and satisfaction.

Best of all, people 55 and over who volunteer through RSVP receive some special volunteer benefits, all at absolutely no charge to themselves or the organizations where they serve.

 
Beyond your matching service, what are the special benefits extended to RSVP volunteers?
RSVP volunteers are covered by RSVP's volunteer insurance not only while engaged in their volunteer activity, but on the way to and from the activity as well. This coverage includes excess accident medical coverage, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, excess volunteer liability insurance, and excess automobile liability insurance, all at no cost to the volunteer.

RSVP also recognizes the efforts of its volunteers through annual volunteer appreciation lunches in various locations throughout its service area. These luncheons feature food, entertainment, door prizes, and thank-you gifts, all in recognition of the difference that RSVP volunteers are making every day to make our communities better.

In addition to these two major benefits, RSVP also publishes a quarterly newsletter featuring articles highlighting volunteers who go "above and beyond," volunteer stations that are doing innovative work, volunteer opportunity listings, and other articles of interest to RSVP volunteers, volunteer stations, and the community at large.

And, as if all that isn't enough, we even call RSVP volunteers on their birthday to congratulate them and thank them for their continued service through RSVP!

 
How do I get started with RSVP?
You can get started online by printing a copy of the RSVP Enrollment Form, filling it out and mailing it to the address on the form. A Project Coordinator will then get in touch with you about service opportunities that area available in your area of interest.

Don't know what you want to do? Not a problem. Our Project Coordinators can help you find the right match. That's what's great about RSVP. We take a personalized approach in connecting you with volunteer opportunities. Also, RSVP is flexible. You can volunteer as little or as much time as you want.

You've gained a lifetime of experience. Now is the time to put your skills and talents to good use by volunteering through RSVP of the Texas Gulf Coast.

Let us help you find the opportunity that's right for you.

 
For more information, or to get started, you can call or email:
RSVP of the Texas Gulf Coast
713-729-3200, ext. 3216
rsvp@erjcchouston.org

Don't wait! Get started today.
There's a world out there that needs your lifetime of experience!
 

 
Our Project Sponsor
RSVP of the Texas Gulf Coast is sponsored locally by the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center, a United Way Agency. Through its Community Services, the ERJCC brings a variety of programs and activities, including RSVP, to the Greater Houston community for the betterment of all, regardless of religion, race or other distinctions.