Parents Helping Parents (PHP) offers a pleasant, supportive and informative working environment for volunteers and staff members!   We ask all volunteers to attend an orientation to become familiar with the volunteer responsibilities and the agency standards.

PHP Volunteers are held to the same standards as PHP staff members in honoring client confidentiality.  Volunteers receive training in the specific area of interest and agency need.

When you volunteer at PHP, you represent the agency. PHP's policy is that Parents Helping Parents (PHP) does not support or endorse any therapy, medication, or philosophy that families may encounter from the resources.  Therefore, we ask the same of our volunteers.  While you may make a referral or share your story, we ask that you not "recommend" particular resources or therapies when acting as a representative of PHP. 

PHP asks volunteers to come to the office in business casual dress, except on Friday when (nice) denim/jeans are permitted. 

PHP maintains a fragrance free environment to ease the breathing of its staff and clients so we ask that you not wear perfumes or scented lotions when in the office.

Attend a PHP Volunteer Orientation

There are many kinds of nonprofits -- the Internal Revenue Code defines more than 25 categories of organizations that are exempt from federal income taxes.  But for most people, a nonprofit refers to what the tax code classifies as a "charitable" or 501(c)(3) organization. 

What separates a charitable organization from other types of tax-exempt organizations is its purpose: it must benefit the broad public interest, not just the interests of its members. It must serve one or more of the following purposes, which come from the IRS: charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition, or the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.

History and Value of Volunteers
Since America’s founding, volunteers and voluntary associations have provided vital services to our communities. These groups were so central to society that when Alexis de Tocqueville traveled through the country in the 1830s, he complimented them as uniquely American.  Whether to help a single individual or ignite change that benefits millions, people in this country have come together through voluntary organizations for over 230 years.

Independent Sector has long promoted the benefits of volunteering -- both for the community and for the individual. By contributing their time and talent to causes that promote the common good, volunteers provide vital services in virtually every aspect of life.

Dollar Value of a Volunteer Hour in California: $23.29 per hour. Please note that 2008 is the latest year for which state-by-state numbers are available. 

BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING

ENHANCE SOCIAL AWARENESS As a volunteer working with others, you'll learn to appreciate and work with people's differences. As a result, you'll stay in touch with your community, its needs and issues. Your social awareness will grow through real experience.

LEARN THROUGH SERVICE Service-learning refers to "helping" activities undertaken by students as part of the regular school curriculum. Service-learning offers young people opportunities to try new tasks and to take on new roles. It is active learning in the familiar environment of the local community. (And often, it gives you a terrific chance to compete in job markets after graduation.)

ENJOY BETTER HEALTH Volunteering can give your mind, soul, heart, and body a jump-start! You'll be happier and healthier and have a purpose and greater sense of self-satisfaction. Volunteering can even lower your stress level, heighten your immune system and help you sleep better at night. Many people report feeling healthy and content as a result of their volunteer activities. Go ahead. Give it a try. GAIN SELF-

CONFIDENCE One advantage of volunteering is that you get practice adjusting to new situations, people and experiences. The more practice you get, the greater your self-awareness and self-confidence. You develop the confidence you need when faced with new situations involved in looking for paid work!

DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS AND TALENTS Volunteering can reveal hidden talents. You may be able to assume responsibilities or take on challenges you didn't know you were capable of.

BUILD A SENSE OF INDEPENDENCE Volunteering empowers you. Many volunteer jobs require you to act independently and take initiative. Such jobs give you a sense of control over your own life: you set your goals, make your choices and follow your routines. When you know your capabilities, you have the power to change your life and the lives of others.

EXPAND YOUR SOCIAL CIRCLE Ask some volunteers why they work without pay. They'll probably say they work for the fun of it. Yes, volunteering is usually fun. Remember, volunteers have chosen their jobs carefully and are appreciated for their contributions. They're doing something for the love of it. Volunteer at a music festival and you'll meet people who love music. Volunteer at a hospital and enjoy the rewards of giving comfort. Volunteer with a community theatre and exercise your talents- not just in acting but in lighting, sound, construction, directing, costumes, makeup, sales and promotion.

From “Volunteering Works!” http://www.volunteer.ca/

Submit your application now!

To become a general PHP Volunteer: http://www.php.com/volunteers/story2

To act as a support parent: http://www.php.com/support-parent-information-submission