a child, a friend, endless possibilities

See the Project Uplift Calendar for training session dates and times.

Our training is four hours long. This may seem long to you now, but we expect you'll find it very interesting and helpful. It's designed to answer all of your questions.

* Please arrive on time and plan to stay until the end. The full training program is required to be a volunteer. Bringing a note pad and a pen would be helpful.

* You do not have to sign up in advance to attend a session - simply attend the session best suited for you. You will receive an application during training.

* All sessions will be held in 158 Cary Hall

Current mentors/volunteers and potential mentors/volunteers visiting the Project Uplift

office or training sessions should enter and exit Cary Hall using the rear door closest to

War Eagle Way and Donahue Drive. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

FAQs

What is the volunteer program?
The volunteer program is an arrangement whereby volunteers and youth establish strong and sincere relationships, usually on a one-to-one basis. Children in our program range from ages 5 to 12. A little more than half of our referrals are boys. Until July 1979, our program was know as a Big Brother/Big Sister program.

How do I become a volunteer?
There are a few steps in becoming a Project Uplift Volunteer.

Attend a four hour training session.

Present references from three responsible adults.

Complete an interview with a Project Uplift Coordinator.

Complete a background check with the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

Complete a national criminal background check using fingerprinting.

Submit a TB skin test that is no more than two years old.

Complete a driving record check.

Pay a $20.00 application fee.

How does Project Uplift find the children who need volunteers?
Children are referred to us by schools and various social service agencies with parental permission; they participate in the program voluntarily. Volunteers are matched and introduced to children after the training and interview sessions. The volunteers' preferences, experiences, and skills are considered and respected in making the match.

Who can be a volunteer with Project Uplift?
Any interested and sincere person who is at least 18 who can meet and agree to do the minimum obligations.

What are my obligations as a volunteer?
Own a car that is covered with liability insurance and have a good driving record.
Attend the training program, which is designed to prepare you for the volunteer experience. Pay a $20.00 application fee at the time of your interview.
Spend at least one year in the program, averaging three hours per week, excluding semester breaks and summers, and turn in monthly reports about your visits. Special six-month arrangements can be made for seniors.

* We require students under 21 to get written parental permission before volunteering.

How much time am I required to spend with my youth?
We have found that three to four hours a week is sufficient. Less time would be unproductive and much more time would probably be difficult to sustain for the duration of your friendship. Course credit is available to qualified volunteers for their Project Uplift work after they have been active for one semester.

What am I to do with my youth?
You can bowl, swim, fish, go to the movies or the park, ride bicycles, or just sit around and talk. We encourage you to be creative and have fun! The training sessions and monthly newsletters will give you many ideas. We also offer free and discounted activities and tickets.

Who am I responsible to as a volunteer?
You are immediately responsible to the program's volunteer coordinators.

What if problems arise between my youth and myself?
The volunteer coordinators are available to you if a problem should arise. Many potentially "touchy" situations will be discussed during training with several guidelines and suggestions given to assist you in your relationship. The Project Uplift staff views its relationship with the volunteers as a team effort. Open communication is essential to effectively helping our youth.

Is there a possibility I will not be accepted as a volunteer?
Although the training program comes prior to the interview, some people are unable to meet the obligations because of personal problems, a schedule or work overload, family situations, or emotional difficulty. The interview consists of questions that are relevant only to the volunteer program. Our youth need dependable, accepting, positive adult figures. If you believe you are such an adult, we need you.

Contact Information

Project Uplift
334-844-4430; 334-844-4449 (Fax)
puplift@auburn.edu

191 Cary Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849

Last Updated: February 10, 2012