Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I get started as a volunteer? All prospective volunteers must complete the following steps to participate in a CIS volunteer program: submit a volunteer application, complete an online orientation module, schedule a 30-minute screening interview, review and sign a CIS virtual volunteer agreement via DocuSign, pass a criminal background check, and attend a 1-hour training session.

 

• Are applications accepted all year round? Volunteer placements begin in September and end in early March. Applications submitted between March-September will be added to a volunteer waitlist and contacted at a later date to schedule a volunteer screening.

 

• Is there a minimum age requirement to volunteer? All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age or older.

 

• What is the weekly time commitment for virtual volunteers? Virtual volunteer sessions are 45-60 minutes long and take place via Zoom. Volunteers commit to meet with their students once a week during their approved meeting time.

 

• How are virtual volunteer sessions structured? Each session begins with an ice-breaker activity and ends with a closing ritual. Volunteers are encouraged to ask getting-to-know you questions and allow students to take the lead in deciding what activities to work on.

 

• How do I schedule the volunteer screening? A link to our booking platform, 10to8, will be provided upon successful completion of the orientation module. If you are unable to find the link, please contact the Volunteer Department at volunteer@ciscentraltexas.org to schedule an appointment.

 

• Can I contact my student outside of the scheduled program hours? No, Communities In Schools does NOT authorize anyone associated with our program to have contact with students outside of approved and supervised assigned time. This includes telephone calls, texting, email contact, social media websites, and face-to-face contact with students or students’ families. Personal contact information such as a volunteer’s telephone number, address, social media information, or email address must NEVER be shared with students.

 

• Are volunteers required to attend a training session? Yes, all volunteers are required to complete an online training prior to the start of the program.

 

• Do I have to complete a criminal background check? To ensure the safety of our students and staff, Communities In Schools conducts criminal background checks on all campus-based staff and volunteers. A link to the criminal background check platform will be provided upon successful completion of the volunteer screening.

 

• What if I travel out of town frequently? If you travel out of town frequently during the work week, our pen pal program or one-time volunteer opportunities may be a better fit for you.

 

• How should I spend my time with my Reading Buddy? Reading Buddies take turns reading ebooks on Oxford Owl and playing online literacy games and activities. An Oxford Owl user guide will be provided along with a list of online literacy activities and games.

 

• How should I spend my time with my mentee? Virtual mentoring sessions may include activities such as playing online games, providing academic support, working on getting-to-know you activities, offering career advice, and assisting with college applications.

 

• Is there a current need for Pen Pals? Yes, we are actively seeking pen pals. If you are unable to volunteer on a weekly basis, please consider serving as a pen pal mentor.

 

• What if I am unable to volunteer during the school day? After-school opportunities are currently available for the 2020-2021 school year. To serve as an after-school volunteer, be sure to indicate your availability in the volunteer application. One-time volunteer opportunities are also available throughout the year. If you are interested in learning more about our one-time opportunities, please contact the Volunteer Department at volunteer@ciscentraltexas.org for more information.

 

• When should I expect to start volunteering? The volunteer process typically takes around 3-5 weeks from initial application to placement. Once the onboarding steps outlined above are completed, your designated Program Manager will contact you to schedule an introductory volunteer meeting and discuss logistical details.

 

• What support is provided? Online resources are provided via two resource sheets. The sheets include, but are not limited, to articles, games, activities, tips, and handouts.

 

• What if I need to reschedule a volunteer session? Absences negatively impact students. If you must be late or absent, advise your Program Manager as soon as possible. Calls must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Three no shows may result in a termination from volunteering with Communities In Schools.

 

• Who should I contact if I have additional questions? Please contact the Volunteer Department at 512-464-9767 or email volunteer@ciscentraltexas.org.