FAQs
Who do I contact if I have questions?
If you have questions or would like to report feedback about the volunteer portal, please send an email to volunteer@ccda.net. If you have any questions about an opportunity, please contact the Director of Volunteers at (703.841.3838) or the contact person associated with the volunteer position.
How do I use this volunteer site?
Our registration system is opportunity-driven. First, use our Home Page search icons to find an opportunity you are interested in signing up for or learning more about. You can also search by a specific Catholic Charities program, geographic location within the Arlington Diocese, or keywords (food delivery, teaching, office work). Click on the opportunity for details to learn more. Once you have selected to sign up for an opportunity, a registration page will display. Please complete the form and be sure you have specifically completed all of the fields marked with a star. Once you have completed your form, you will see a Thank You page which tells you if you have been scheduled or referred. If you are scheduled, you are automatically signed up, and will receive a confirmation email with details about the shift. If you are referred, you will be contacted by one of our staff with next steps. You are able to view both the opportunities you have been scheduled with, and those you have been referred to, using the Main Menu link.
What type of volunteering is best for me?
We have 3 categories of serving:
- Short-Term: Projects, special events, groups, food drives, clean-ups, gardening and landscape.
- Long-Term: Serving on a regular basis—usually approximately one - 4 hour shift per week.
- Youth: For volunteers under the age of 18 years.
What browsers does this website support?
This volunteer system supports the most commonly used web browsers. If you are experiencing problems viewing the site, please verify that you are using the current version of the web browser. If you are using the current web browser version and continue to experience issues, please send a support request to volunteer@ccda.net.
Do I have to be Catholic to Volunteer?
No. Like our clients and communities we serve, our volunteers come from all different faiths, countries, ages, and backgrounds. We welcome all volunteers and appreciate their continued support of our work.
What sort of volunteer opportunities area available?
Our opportunities are frequently updated as our Programs' needs change. We have some one-time opportunities for individuals or groups to help us for a few hours. We continually seek groups to conduct food drives. We hold volunteer events, and we have monthly Citizenship workshops available for those interested in volunteering for a few hours. For those volunteers who are those looking to make a long term weekly commitment, our opportunities allow volunteers to work in administration, education, mentoring, pro bono professional services and more.
What if none of the opportunities listed match my interests or availability?
If you are unable to find any opportunities that match your interests or availability, please let us know what you are interested in by completing the "Anything Else We Should Know" field on your volunteer form.
What do I have to do to volunteer at Catholic Charities?
Unless you are participating in a select, one-time individual or group activity, all individuals applying to becoming ongoing volunteers must complete the following:
- Review the list of volunteer opportunities we are currently recruiting for.
- Complete your volunteer application and let us know which position(s) you are interested in.
- Agree to the liability waiver, rights and responsibilities and confidentially policies.
- Agree to additional screening as needed. Additional screening is required if the position tasks involve sustained exposure to, and interaction with, children, vulnerable adults or clients' confidential information. Examples include criminal background check and VIRTUS training.
Once I submit a volunteer application, do I automatically become a volunteer?
Submitting a volunteer application does not guarantee placement as a volunteer. In most cases, interested individuals must participate in a placement process before becoming active. This is to ensure a successful match between Catholic Charities needs and the volunteer's skills, available time and interests.
Will I be asked to submit to a background check?
Many volunteer assignments will require interested volunteers to submit to a background check prior to acceptance into the program.
I have a group wanting to volunteer. What sort of opportunities do you have available?
Our biggest need for groups is to conduct food drives. Depending on our program needs, group opportunities are constantly changing. Opportunities include enhancing program sites (painting, gardening, cleaning) and helping with food packing.
I work full-time. Can I still volunteer?
We have volunteer events and ongoing opportunities available during the evenings and weekends.
I have school service hours. Can I complete them at Catholic Charities?
Yes, your volunteer hours at Catholic Charities can count toward your required service hours. We do have some opportunities available and a list of service projects that you can do to support Catholic Charities on your own.
Can I volunteer if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record does not preclude you from volunteering. All findings will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
I don't have time to volunteer, but I want to be involved. How can I help?
Please contact our Director of Volunteers at volunteer@ccda.net.