Your Vision Matters: Change Your Community. Become an outreach volunteer.
There are a variety of ways to support DCTMI’s mission, including administrative work, canvassing, driving volunteers, and more! We have three primary goals in this work:
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Recruit volunteers for our partner organizations.
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Educate community members about the need for more tutors and mentors.
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Highlight the long-term importance of people actively working together to create a community grounded in greater empathy -- not only for students but for all of us. Does this sound good? Complete the form below!
Are you Ready? Complete the Form Below to get started as a volunteer
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Volunteer vs. paid positions. What's the difference?
Outreach Volunteer
Want to get involved and earn community service hours or just want to help build stronger communities? Outreach Volunteering is a perfect opportunity for those looking to learn the art and science of canvassing but may not be ready to commit to regular outreach support. Whether you are a retiree, college student, or working professional, we have…Whether you are a retiree, college student, or working professional, we need your help at farmers markets and other public spaces. Let’s build stronger communities and a stronger democracy!
Outreach Lead (Paid)
*not currently available*
The hourly wage of DCTMI Outreach Canvassers ranges from $17.50 to $22 in the DMV depending on the ability of a team member to reflect the values and approach discussed below. Depending on DCTMI’s workload and your skillset, there may also be an opportunity to help with other aspects of our outreach, volunteer management, and communications or to become a Civic Leadership Fellow (an intensive internship that combines outreach, weekly or biweekly leadership development workshops, and individualized project development).
Do you have what it takes to be a DCTMI Outreach Lead?
Here’s what we are looking for in canvassers
If you’ve played basketball, tennis, soccer, or football, you’ve probably had a coach tell you to anticipate what the other player will do and move your feet to get into position. It’s a good parallel to what we are doing:
- APPROACHING PEOPLE: It’s important for people to see that you are about to speak to them. It gives them a sense of safety that you’re not surprising them, which happens if you wait for people to walk by you before you speak. I take a step or two toward them and say in a clear direct voice as I approach them that I’m looking for volunteers. (I approach them at a 45-degree angle.) This puts them at ease that I’m not asking for money or anything crazy!
- CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Unless someone stops to chat, you don’t have time to educate people about the need if you don’t walk with them briefly! It takes 10 to 15 seconds to say three sentences that capture the essence of what we are doing and how they can get involved. Walk with them with APPROPRIATE SOCIAL DISTANCE and in a RESPECTFUL and NON-THREATENING WAY is key. “Hi, we’re looking for volunteers. Two out of 3 kids in DC need extra support. If everyone helped out an hour or two a week, it would be a very different world for all of us.”