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Welcome to the Opportunities Section of ServiceLink Northwest

You must read this page and accept the conditions of this page before continuing on to the Opportunities and Resources.

Introduction

This database includes youth-friendly volunteer, civic activities and service-learning opportunities. It is designed to help students, youth groups, educators and families find opportunities throughout the Clark County area. It can:
  1. connect students to opportunities that match their interests and learning goals.
  2. improve the quality and quantity of meaningful service and service-learning opportunities for youth.
  3. expedite communication so agencies spend less time contacting volunteers
  4. provide access to information about community issues.

SAFETY FIRST!!

To insure safe and quality experiences parents/guardians must authorize contact with community agencies for youth under 18. School release forms must be signed by parents and program advisors if the service is part of a school requirement. In addition, some agencies will have their own release forms.

To access the opportunities listed in this database viewers must indicate that they fully understand that parents and guardians are responsible for verifying the safety of a community setting.

Parents' Safety Suggestions

If your student is planning to get involved in the community it is important that you thoughtfully support their success and safety. Young people are not always aware of safety issues and need your help to prepare for a good experience. While any activity has safety concerns, thoughtful planning can minimize risks and clear communication can enable agencies to reach parents if a concern arises.

The following list can help you determine if a community site is safe for your son or daughter:

  • Be sure your student fully understands the purpose, expectations and process of the community learning project.  Review any information the teacher/ adult supervisor has provided that clarify the purpose and expectations for the project.
  • Visit the community site with your student prior to service activity to be sure it is safe and well supervised.
  • Promptly pick up and drop off your student at a safe, designated location. Have a back up transportation plan. (Cell phones may be helpful to facilitate communication.).
  • Meet with community site supervisor  prior to the service activity.
  • Be sure agencies are fully informed of any special needs, medical issues or potential behaviors which may endanger clients at the site or your student.
  • Provide emergency contact information and get contact information from the service site.
  • Provide medical insurance and provide the community coordinator with this medical insurance information.
  • Trust your instincts. If you are at all uncomfortable with the quality of the supervision and safety of the site, help your student find an alternative project. While research indicates that direct contact in community settings has many benefits, there are many ways that students can develop service activities right from your home or school.
  • Be sure the roles and responsibilities of your student are clear and that supervisors have had background checks.
  • If someone other that you will pick up your student, be sure the community supervisor has written permission.
  • Be sure the supervisor and your student fully understand that youth can not use prohibited tools ( power tools) and should stay on the ground ( no ladders, skydiving etc.)
  • If students are driving themselves to the site, be sure you have established a safe route for travel and parking.

If you are interested in more information about the benefits of service-learning check out the Parents Section of this web site.

Students

The following list can help you determine if a community site is safe for you:
  • Be sure you know the purpose of the community activity and how it fits into your learning or career plan. Know what is expected of you!
  • Check out the safety of the community site with your parents. If the community site has a volunteer coordinator be sure to contact them in a timely manner and plan to attend an orientation session.
  • Do you have the supervision and support you need to complete the tasks?
  • Where do you go if there is an emergency? Where is a fire exit, first aide kit, fire extinguisher, etc.?
  • Never do anything you have not been trained to do.
  • Follow your gut instinct, and get help if you are uncomfortable or afraid.

 Ask questions.

  • Be sure agencies are fully informed of any special needs, medical issues or potential behaviors which may endanger them or you.
  • Listen to instruction and follow suggestions at the site.
  • Learn to “Think Safety” at all times and to “Be Prepared”.
  • Know how, when and where to get help when needed.
  • Make sure you know how to contact your parent if you need their assistance.
  • If someone other than your parent is picking you up you will need written permission to give to the site supervisor.
  • Listen and follow directions. Know where and how to get help when needed.
  • Follow any safety or evacuation procedures outlined by the community agency.
Read and check off each section to indicate that you fully understand the steps needed to support student safety.
I fully understand that parents/guardians are responsible for overseeing the safety of the community site and community supervision.
I fully understand that any required program release forms need to be filled out before proceeding with a project.
Evergreen Public Schools Civic Action Authorization Form
I understand that school districts and youth programs may have lists of prohibited activities and prohibit students undertaking any activity which may place youth at risk of harm or injury.  I will uphold the guidelines outlined by sponsoring organizations (No power tools, and feet should always in on the ground!)
Because program staff is constantly changing, it is difficult to certify and/or verify the qualifications of the person at the community sites. Many agencies do require background checks of their volunteers. I fully understand my child may be in an environment with adults in the community who are not subject to criminal background checks.
Recommendations: We strongly recommend that parents(s)/guardian(s) regularly visit the community location to ensure that their son or daughter in a safe environment and following all necessary safety procedures.

It is hereby agreed that my/our student and I fully understand the conditions and expectations for program safety during their service activity.  In connection with my child's voluntary involvement in activities undertaken for , and with support of Evergreen Public Schools or other school districts, Volunteer Connections, Project Service Leadership and/or  Civic Engagement Center, I hereby agree, for myself and my child to discharge any community partners, the school district, their officers or directors, employees, agents, and volunteers from all claims, demands and actions for injuries sustained to person and/or property as a result of  involvement in such activities. My child and I hereby attest that attendance and involvement in such activities is voluntary, that participation is at our own risk, and that I have read the foregoing terms and conditions of this release.

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