Blog

Everything You Need to Know About Volunteering at Opportunity Village

four people volunteering by stuffing bags
Published On: September 10, 2024

Our mission at Opportunity Village relies on our dedicated volunteers. When you volunteer with us, your efforts empower and uplift people with disabilities. Not only that, you also help build a more inclusive and welcoming community where we value everyone for their unique gifts.

If you are curious about volunteering with us, you have come to the right place and we’ve put together this helpful guide to help you get started!

Jump to a section for specifics or just scroll to read the full page:

  1. Volunteer opportunities
  2. Volunteer testimonials
  3. Time commitments
  4. Skills needed
  5. How to sign up
  6. Frequently asked questions

Volunteer Opportunities At Opportunity Village

Are you looking for a volunteer experience in Las Vegas that is truly impactful? One where you’ll make friends and support people with disabilities? Consider our volunteer opportunities, including:

  • Donation Collection Assistants: Work with our valued donors to strengthen relationships and collect donations
  • four people standing at a charitable event table holding red backpacks with Santa on themEvent Support: Help organize and run our popular fundraising events. We have events all of the time, but our biggest and most popular include:
    • HallOVeen: A spooky Halloween-themed park with loads of fun, rides, and entertainment.
    • Magical Forest: A magical winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights, exciting rides, and great food for endless holiday cheer. Watch the video here to learn more.
    • Las Vegas Great Santa Run: Dress as Santa and join us for a walk or run to spread the holiday spirit throughout downtown Las Vegas.
  • Office Support: Support administrative functions like drafting communications, budget preparation, and answering phones.
  • Opportunity Village Thrift Store Attendants: Work at our popular thrift store with sales, stocking, and display design.
  • Virtual Volunteering: Do you prefer to be behind the scenes? An Unseen Hero? Or prefer to work from afar, organize activities to support OV at YOUR location, or don’t meet the minimum age?- our Virtual Volunteer Options may be for you!
  • Supply Drives: Help organize, plan, and execute fundraising drives that help collect valuable resources.

No matter which opportunity you choose, you’ll love volunteering at Opportunity Village.

But you don’t have to take it from us, listen to some of our volunteers talk about their experiences.


Your Commitment As An Opportunity Village Volunteer

At Opportunity Village, volunteering opportunities range from one-off to ongoing and everything in between. No matter what you choose, knowing your involvement will make a difference in the lives of the people in our community. All of our volunteer experiences are fulfilling and fun.

Do Volunteers Need Any Special Skills?

Opportunity Village does not require specialized skills to volunteer with us. However, on occasion, we need volunteers with specific skills.

For example, we may need artists with painting skills to assist in special projects to enhance the magic in the forest or craftsman who are skilled using tools for special builds for events. And even people to provide entertainment such as singers and team productions to add some roaming entertainment throughout the forest or at the lines of the Las Vegas Great Santa Run.

We may also need people with an administration background for office support roles. If you have questions about how you can lend your unique skills to Opportunity Village, email us.

the text 'volunteer opportunity village' with a collage of five photos showing people volunteering in groups

How Do I Sign Up As An Opportunity Village Volunteer?

Signing up to become a volunteer with Opportunity Village is simple! Start by visiting our sign-up page here.

You will see a helpful list of the opportunities available. Once you’ve chosen the event, you will take the following steps:

  1. Select the volunteer opportunity you are most interested in, opening a new window with the application.
  2. On the event volunteer page on the right-hand side, click the button “Fill in an application” to be taken to the volunteer account page.
  3. Enter a username and your email to create a user account. If you have already signed up as a volunteer with Opportunity Village, you will simply enter your username and password.
  4. Then, select the box at the bottom to agree to the OV Code of Conduct, COVID Procedures, and Photo Release. You can click the hyperlink to read the complete terms.
  5. You will then create an account by adding your password and contact information to the form.
  6. When you complete the form, hit save and continue.
  7. You will then provide your emergency contact information and references and sign a waiver.

Once your profile is complete, you can easily sign up for future events by selecting the event and logging into your account. After you’ve completely signed up, we will send you an email confirming the volunteer opportunity. You will then be able to view all the details of your volunteer commitments when you sign into your volunteer account.

Pro Tip: Make the most of your time by meeting others serving alongside you. Often we have members from local corporate and community groups serving to support OV. Introduce yourself, get to know those serving around you, connect on LinkedIn or social media sites to stay connected. You just might find the relationships you create open another door to a career, opportunity, or new friendship!

two men in blue shirts volunteering by filling boxes


FAQs About Volunteering With Opportunity Village

Q: How do I get volunteer credit hours at Opportunity Village?

A: To receive your proof of virtual volunteer credit hour, you will need to complete the application and submit all required projects within the guidelines to receive. We track your credit hours automatically for in-person volunteering hours.

Q: Does Opportunity Village require a background check for volunteers?

A: Depending on the type of volunteer role you serve, you may be subject to a background investigation.

Q: Can my company or group volunteer together at Opportunity Village?

A: Yes! Volunteering together is a great way to strengthen bonds and we have wonderful team building activities that provide your group with service, Vegas history, and of course time to bond and grow together. Groups should email us to request sign-up information.

Q: Does Opportunity Village offer volunteer internships?

A: Opportunity Village offers volunteer internships, program volunteers, and specialty group projects. Volunteer interns gain real-world skills while making a big impact in your community–all while earning class credit. We provide opportunities for the full a to z of academic focuses, including:

  • Advocacy
  • Business Office
  • Community Engagement
  • Event Services
  • Facilities Management
  • Hospitality
  • Marketing
  • Nursing
  • Outreach & Recruitment
  • Programs & Direct Care
  • Resource Development (Fundraising)
  • Retail
  • Sales

Q: Can I volunteer to run a fundraising drive?

A: Yes! We rely on our volunteers to help us gather the resources we need to support our community. Opportunity Village offers three types of fundraising drives:

Q: Do volunteers have a dress code?

A: What volunteers are required to wear depends on the type of volunteering and event. When you sign up to volunteer, we will provide you with the guidelines for your specific role.


 

If you’re in Las Vegas and ready to get started volunteering with Opportunity Village, sign up for volunteer opportunities here. You can also view our YouTube Volunteer playlist to get an inside look at all the fun! We can’t wait to volunteer with you!

the word 'volunteer' in blue with the o replaced by a heart and OV logo

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Recent Stories

  • Opportunity Village to Begin Construction on Northwest Campus and Betty’s Village North

    Opportunity Village to Begin Construction on Northwest Campus and Betty’s Village North   LAS VEGAS (September 25, 2024) – To fulfill a critical need in Southern Nevada, Opportunity Village plans to begin construction on the Betty’s Village North and

  • people at a corporate event watching others on the stage speak and perform
    How to Find Great Venues for Corporate Events in Las Vegas

    Choosing the right venue can make or break your event. If chosen carefully, the right space can make your purpose shine, whether it’s a gala, conference, benefit, or team-building meeting. In this article, we’ll outline the nine most important considerations

  • group of 4 people holding brooms standing in a parking garage
    The Importance of Workforce Training Programs for Adults with Disabilities

    According to The Century Foundation, poverty and unemployment still follow people with disabilities in the United States even decades following the Americans with Disabilities Act being signed into law. As of 2021, people with disabilities are still twice as likely