Volunteer FAQ

We have provided answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding our volunteer program and hope you will find this information helpful.
What is the process of becoming a volunteer?
How long will it be before I can start my volunteer work?
When and where does the volunteer work take place?
What type of volunteer work can I do?
What if the volunteer opportunity I want is currently not available?
Do you offer internships?
Can teens volunteer?
What kind of training can I expect?
What kind of commitment do I have to make?
What does PPGNW offer its volunteers?
Can I receive community service credit for my volunteer work with PPGNW?

What is the process of becoming a volunteer?
The first step is completing the Volunteer/Internship Application found here and sending it to the volunteer program. Upon receipt of the application, we compare your interests and schedule with our available volunteer opportunities. If there is a match, we will contact you to schedule an interview. This allows you and a representative of PPGNW to discuss the volunteer opportunity and to answer your questions about our organization. We also run a background check and contact references prior to placement.

How long will it be before I can start my volunteer work?
From the time we receive your application, it can take from one to six weeks for placement. This includes time to set up and conduct an interview, check references, complete a background check, and for you to attend volunteer orientation.

When and where does the volunteer work take place?
We have volunteer opportunities in our health centers throughout Alaska, Idaho, and western Washington, and also in our education, public affairs, fundraising and administrative offices in all three states. Some volunteer work is done in the community at various events and venues in and around our health center locations.

What type of volunteer work can I do?
We offer many types of opportunities to meet the interests and schedules of our volunteers. Click here for a general overview of our entire volunteer program. Some positions have limited availability, so please check our Volunteer Openings to determine if the position you would like is currently available.

What if the volunteer opportunity I want is currently not available?
We will place your application on file. All applications are held for six months. As new volunteer positions become available, on file applications receive priority. You will be notified by letter if the volunteer position you requested is not available.

Do you offer internships?
We offer internships and post all open positions on our volunteer page under Volunteer Openings. If you don't see an opportunity that interests you, we accept proposals for internship projects and work very hard to accommodate special requests. Please contact the volunteer program for more information regarding the proposal process.

Can teens volunteer?
Yes! Many teens have volunteered with us and have made important contributions to our mission. Opportunities for volunteers under the age of 18 include Peer Educator with one of our Teen Councils and helping with clerical projects at our Seattle administrative office. Recruitment for our Teen Council program takes place each spring for the following school year. We recommend that you plan in advance if you are interested in this popular position. All health center positions require the volunteer to be over the age of 18 and a high school graduate or equivalent.

What kind of training can I expect?
All agency volunteers are required to attend volunteer orientation prior to beginning volunteer work. This will familiarize you with our organization, our services, our security measures, and other pertinent issues. Depending upon your volunteer position you may need to attend additional training.

What kind of commitment do I have to make?
We offer volunteer positions compatible with almost any schedule, from occasional or on-call to regularly scheduled assignments. Some of our volunteer opportunities require a minimum six-month or one-year commitment. A high degree of reliability and a commitment to your schedule are required. For security reasons, "walk-in" volunteer opportunities are limited.

What does PPGNW offer its volunteers?
Our volunteers cite the ability to belong to a team of committed individuals who make a difference in the community as their main benefit of volunteering. As a volunteer, you will receive worthwhile service assignments that support our mission. You will also receive an agency orientation and training to prepare you for your work with us. Our volunteers receive an agency newsletter on a quarterly basis, courtesy services in our health centers (after a minimum time commitment), and a professional reference.

Can I receive community service credit for my volunteer work with PPGNW?
We have community service positions at our administrative offices in Seattle. Please provide information on your application regarding the nature of your community service so that appropriate arrangements can be made.