About RSVP
Who Are We?
It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself – Ralph Waldo Emerson
RSVP connects volunteers age 55 and over with a wide range of service opportunities that match their skills, interests and availability. Working with over 100 organizations in Ventura County, the three RSVP offices serve as a strong link between those wishing to contribute to their community and non-profit agencies. From building houses to tutoring children and from enhancing the capacity of non-profit organizations to improving and protecting the environment, RSVP volunteers put their unique talents to work each day.
For over 30 years, RSVP has matched problems to be solved with people willing to help. Nationally, over 448,000 members served 66 million hours in 2005, making RSVP one of the largest volunteer efforts in the nation.
Click here or RSVP Fact Sheet
There are three RSVP offices in Ventura County, each operating independently from the others and with its own unique partner agencies and volunteers. All receive funding and support from local and federal sources. Federally, funds come from the Corporation for National and Community Service, which is the nation’s largest grantmaker supporting service and volunteering. Locally, the RSVPs are supported as follows:
- The Ojai Valley RSVP is sponsored by Help of Ojai.
- In Oxnard, RSVP is sponsored by the City of Oxnard.
- And the Thousand Oaks RSVP is sponsored by the Conejo Recreation and Park District.
Who Are Our Volunteers?
RSVP members represent a cross section of our diverse communities. They are everyday people, all 55 or over, who have made the decision to set aside time to:
- impact the lives of others;
- build capacity in a non-profit;
- fix a community problem; or
- aid in numerous other ways.
Their motivation to help is as varied as their volunteer service. Some volunteer because they desire to share years of experience. Others look forward to meeting new people. And some want to learn new skills. All receive the health benefits associated with volunteering.
For our volunteers, the end of full-time employment doesn’t mean the end of self-discovery and growth. They have found ways to expand their knowledge as they help their community. And you can too.
You can make a difference. The first step is RSVP.
I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve – Albert Schweitzer
Where Do Our Volunteers Serve?
Our partner agencies range from well-known national non-profits, such as the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity, to more grassroots efforts like Hugs from Home, where members make and assemble care packages for U.S. troops, and RSVP Bone Builders, whose volunteer instructors lead exercise classes to help prevent osteoporosis.
We match volunteers with opportunities in hospitals, schools, police departments, libraries, museums, and senior centers. At the county food bank, volunteers sort or deliver food, answer phones, help with fundraisers and glean fields. During tax season, volunteers help seniors and low-income families prepare their income taxes. And through organizations such as the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), volunteers help answer Medicare and insurance questions.
We invite you to focus your passion and energy toward building a better world. You are needed.
Everyone can be great because anyone can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't even have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve... You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
