Are you interested in community service, social justice and volunteering? GEDCO could be the right place for you to do service, but we bet you’ve got some questions for us first! We’ve heard your frequently asked questions, and we hope that the following answers prove to be helpful. Thank you so much for your consideration.
What is the volunteer placement process?
Volunteer candidates must all go through a similar placement process which includes: (1) Volunteer candidate’s completion of an application form; (2) Volunteer Manager’s review of the application form to see where the candidate’s interests, skills, and availability meet the needs of our program(s); (3) Volunteer Manager’s phone or in-person interview of the volunteer candidate; (4) If interview goes well, final placement of the volunteer at the appropriate GEDCO program.
Do I have to live in Baltimore City to volunteer?
No, volunteers do not have to live in Baltimore City in order to volunteer with GEDCO. We do recommend, however, that you live in Maryland or another area nearby, if only to make traveling more manageable for yourself.
When can I volunteer?
Each GEDCO program and consequently each volunteer position have different hours of operation and ask different time requirements of volunteers.
Am I required to fill out an application?
Yes, all interested volunteers are required to fill out and submit an online volunteer application. Click here to do so.
Are there any special requirements of which I need to be aware?
Yes. Depending on which program you are interested in volunteering at, and the type of volunteer position you are applying for, GEDCO may perform a criminal background check. This is especially true for our volunteer positions and programs which require greater sensitivity from volunteers because of the population whom they could be serving.
I applied to one of your volunteer opportunities two days ago, but I have yet to hear back.
Our volunteer coordinator reviews volunteer applications at least once every forty work hours; Please be patient as we often receive multiple volunteer applications depending on the time of year as well.
After volunteering, will I be hired as a GEDCO staff member?
Volunteering is a great way to build your professional skills and more, however, GEDCO cannot guarantee or promise that any or every volunteer would be taken on afterwards as a staff member.
Does GEDCO provide any financial compensation for volunteers?
GEDCO is sincerely grateful for all of the time our volunteers devote to our programs and services. Unfortunately, we do not at this time provide any financial compensation for volunteers.