Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about the Day of Caring.
I'm looking for information about: Key Dates | Project FAQs | Volunteer FAQs
Key Dates
| Agency-project registration deadline: | April 30, 2012 |
| Team/Individual volunteer registration deadline: | May 4, 2012 |
| Match process complete: | May 8, 2012 |
| School/Youth team registration deadline: | May 9, 2012 |
| Day of Caring: | May 10, 2012 |
Project FAQs
If you are registering a volunteer project, please review the information below before you register:
How Do I Register or Reactivate My Project?
You can register or reactivate your projects online. To register a project, click Project Registration. If you registered a project last year that you would like to register again this year, click Project Reactivation.
Is There a Project Minimum or Maximum?
Projects require a minimum of 5 volunteers; there is no limit on maximum size.
All projects should be 4 to 6 hours in length.
Is There a Limit to the Number of Projects I Can Register?
There is no limit, but if you have multiple projects, you will need to register each project separately. This is easily done by clicking on the Add Another Project link.
Can I Add More Projects or Make Changes to My Registration Later?
You may find it more convenient to list all of your projects at one time, but if you cannot do so you can return to the site at any time and register again at the Project Registration link. Please note: In order to change (or delete) a project that you previously submitted, you will need to contact Michelle Kraft via phone (585-242-6568) or email (michelle.kraft@uwrochester.org) with your changes/deletions.
What Types of Projects Can I Submit?
Here are some ideas as you plan your project. Be creative and have fun!
- Spring-cleaning, facility, neighborhood, or block clean-up
- Gardening/landscaping, weeding, mulching, tree/flower planting
- Creating a community garden or memory garden
- Painting and landscaping a playground
- Painting and painting prep work - indoor and/or outdoor
- Helping at a party, dance, carnival, picnic, or other event for seniors, children and their families
- Sorting and distributing food, clothing, or books to those in need
- Delivering food baskets or other items
- Serving a meal for seniors, children or patients
- Taking kids or seniors on a shopping trip
- Assembling first-aid kits, blizzard boxes, or other items
- Reading to children at schools or day care centers
Are There Any Project Restrictions?
Yes. In order to make the volunteer experience as pleasant as possible, we discourage the following types of projects:
- Cleaning cars, vans or any other automotive equipment
- Telephone recruitment, telemarketing (or fundraising)
- Taking surveys or distributing flyers or door-to-door campaigns
- Skilled projects which require background in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, paving, roofing, or requiring any type of equipment such as trucks, tractors, bulldozers, etc.
Should I Provide Volunteer Orientation?
When your volunteer team arrives, we recommend a short orientation prior to starting your project. You may want to include staff/client introductions, agency mission, program descriptions, and an agency tour. We strongly encourage you to provide lunch and/or refreshments throughout the day for your volunteers. Don't forget to thank them and feel free to take pictures of the volunteers in action, we'll be happy to post them in our picture gallery.
Who is Responsible for Providing Supplies/Materials?
Your agency is responsible for providing all the necessary supplies, tools and equipment. You can ask the team to bring everyday items they may have at their workplace or home. Examples include: garden tools, small hand tools, rakes, shovels, paint scrapers, brushes, etc.
What if it Rains?
Day of Caring is held rain or shine. It is recommended that you plan a backup project in case other projects are completed ahead of schedule or in situations where weather may play a factor. A change in weather may require a switch of plans, a move to a new location or different supplies. In cases of severe weather, we strongly encourage you to contact your volunteer team to discuss alternate plans.
I've Registered My Project...What's Next?
After you have registered your project, you will receive an email confirmation which will recap your submission. If you have specified a company with whom you would like to be matched, it will guide you as to next steps. We strongly recommend that you keep a copy of the confirmation email for your records.
I Have to Cancel Our Project - What Do I Do?
We understand that sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances you might need to cancel the project that you registered. If this is the case, call the team contact immediately and let them know that you have to cancel your project. After you have done so, please contact Michelle Kraft at 585-242-6568 or michelle.kraft@uwrochester.org so that she can assist the team in finding a new project.
Volunteer FAQs
If you are a volunteer, please review the information below before you register:
How Do I Register My Team?
Volunteer teams must register on line. To register a project, click Get Started and then the Volunteer Registration link.
Can I Register as an Individual?
Individuals are welcome to participate. You are also encouraged to recruit your family or friends to form a team.
How Big Can My Team Be?
Volunteer teams interested in participating can range in size from five people to several hundred. In cases where teams have many volunteers, we strongly recommend they register multiple teams, since many projects cannot accommodate more than 15 volunteers at one time. This will ensure better project placement and a more satisfactory experience for team members. Multiple teams from one company will most likely be assigned to more than one project and go to different locations.
Once you have selected your project remember to plan ahead and speak with your project coordinator to review details.
Can I Add More Teams or Make Changes to My Registration Later?
Once you have registered, you can return to the site at any time by entering your email address. This will take you to your previous registration and allow you to add new teams or enter team members names. However, in order to change number of volunteers (or delete) a team you previously submitted, you will need to contact Michelle Kraft at 585-242-6568.
My Project Requires Special Skills - What Should I Do?
While we do not encourage heavily skilled projects, if your team has selected a project that is skilled in nature, (i.e., requires carpentry, electrical, or other technical skills) we strongly encourage you to visit the project location in advance and meet with your project contact. This will allow you to determine what materials and tools you need for the project and whether some or all of the work can be done by your team.
What Is the Project Length?
All projects will have a start and end time. Most projects are 4-6 hours in duration.
Am I Responsible for My Own Transportation?
Yes. All volunteers must provide their own transportation or make arrangements to carpool to the assigned project location.
What Types of Projects Are Available?
Not-for-profit organizations are encouraged to submit projects that fall within the following categories:
- Indoor Work - including but not limited to spring cleaning, minor repair, reorganizing supplies, painting, etc.
- Outdoor Work - includes but not limited to raking, mulching, general yard cleanup, minor repair, landscaping, etc.
Listed below are a few examples of projects which may be submitted:
- Creating a community garden or memory garden
- Painting and landscaping a playground
- Painting and painting prep work - indoor and/or outdoor
- Helping at a party, dance, carnival, picnic, or other event for seniors, children and their families
- Sorting and distributing food, clothing, or books to those in need
- Delivering food baskets or other items
What if it Rains?
The Day of Caring is held rain or shine. Keep in mind that weather conditions can easily change and volunteers should arrive prepared for all conditions. A change in weather may require a switch of plans, a move to a new location or different supplies. In cases of severe weather, we strongly encourage you to contact the project coordinator to discuss alternate plans.
I've Registered My Team... What's Next?
After you have registered your team, you will receive a confirmation email that will recap your submission including full details of your project. If you did not select a project when you registered, you will be provided with further instructions on selecting your project. We strongly recommend that you keep a copy of this confirmation email for your records.
How Do I Order T-Shirts for Day of Caring?
To order T-Shirts for Day of Caring please contact Name Droppers Sportswear at (585) 987-6940 or visit www.namedropit.com/doc.htm. To ensure order delivery before Day of Caring on May 10, please place your order by April 30.
My Team Has Cancelled - What Do I Do?
We understand that sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances you might need to cancel. If you have registered a team and they are now unable to participate, call the agency contact where the team was matched immediately and let them know you are unable to fill your commitment. After you have done so, please contact Michelle Kraft at 585-242-6568 or michelle.kraft@uwrochester.org so that she can assist the agency in finding a new team.
