How do I get started using HandsOn Jacksonville's project site?

Step 1:  Explore our web site. Then register online by clicking "Register" at the bottom of our homepage. Although you can browse through any part of our web site without registering, you will need to register online in order to sign up for orientations, attend projects and take full advantage of our web site’s features.

Step 2:  When you register online, you will receive an email asking you to activate your account. Just click on the activation link in the email to continue. If for some reason you do not receive this email, contact us at hoj@handsonjacksonville.org  or call 1-904-332-6767.

 What are the advantages of registering with HandsOn Jacksonville's project site?
Our goal is to successfully connect volunteers to the nonprofit agencies that need them most. Once you register, you will have access to a number of valuable tools and resources in the Member Center, enabling you to find the volunteer opportunity that's right for you:

• Quickly and easily sign up for projects that need your time, skills and talents (project details, including directions, are emailed to you immediately)

• You will receive a reminder email before the project start date

• You can easily remove yourself from projects you are no longer able to attend

• You can view your volunteer history or view and modify your personal information including contact information, skills and interests

Do I have to have an email address?
Yes. Our web site uses your email address to identify you and send you important information about any projects or courses you sign up for. If you do not have an email account, you can get one free of charge from www.yahoo.com or www.hotmail.com. Free internet access is also available from most public libraries.

What do I do if I’ve forgotten my password?
Just go to the menu item "Member Center" and enter your email address under the “Forget Your Password?” section of the screen. Then click “Email My Password Now” and a new password will be sent to you automatically.

How do I change my password or email address?
If you would like to change your password or email address, you can do this at any time by clicking on to the menu item, "Member Center" and selecting “Personal Information” and “Email and Password.” Once you have made your changes, be sure to click “Update Information” or your changes will not be saved.

Why don't I receive system-generated emails (i.e., password request, registration or project confirmation)?
The spam filter on your email account may automatically route emails sent from HandsOn Jacksonville to your junk or bulk mail folder or even delete them. Please configure your email account to allow you to receive messages from www.handsonjacksonville.org.

Who do I contact for help using the HandsOn Jacksonville web site?
If you have any questions or need further assistance on using this web site, please email hoj@handsonjacksonville.org or call 1-904-332-6767.

Volunteering as a Team

1) How do I create a volunteer team for my friends or family so we can volunteer together as a group?   If you have a group of people who want to volunteer together for projects, then you should create a team.  A team can be as small as two people or it can be larger for corporations or civic groups.  All teams have a designated team leader who "invites" team members to become part of the team, and takes the responsibility for signing interested team members up for different projects.  To create a team, click on Member Center on the left menu, and log-in using your e-mail address and password.  Once logged in, click on the "Create a Volunteering Team" button on the member center page.  When you create your team, you will need to provide the full names and either an email address or phone numbers for each person you would like to invite to be on your team.  Since the system does not allow the use of duplicate email addresses, you will want to put your family phone number for each member of your family team. After you create your team, the system will automatically send an invitation to join your team via e-mail to each person you have invited.  To join the team, individual team members simply need to click the link provided in the e-mail to confirm their team membership.

2) How do I sign my team up for a project? After you login and locate the project you are interested in, click "Sign My Team Up."  When you sign up your team for a project, you will be able to select which individual team members will be participating on that project.  All team members you select that have confirmed their participation on your team will receive a confirmation e-mail with details about the project including directions.  The e-mail will also give a link to cancel if team members are unable to participate.  No email will be sent to members that you have invited to join your team who have not yet confirmed themselves as members of your team. You are responsible for e-mailing them personally.

3) How do I update which team members will participate on individual projects my team is signed up for? Click "My Projects" in the Member Center and then click "Manage Team."  Make your updates marking who will and will not participate in the project and then click "Update Team Sign-up" at the bottom of the page.

Volunteer Opportunities

What kinds of projects does HandsOn Jacksonville have to offer?
We offer or provide referrals to hundreds of volunteer opportunities around NE Florida, ranging from one-time special events to those requiring a more significant commitment. We work with nonprofit agencies in the NE Florida area and our opportunities span causes related to adults, children & teens, arts & culture, animals, the environment, families and seniors. There really is something for everyone. 

We have hundreds of volunteer jobs available right at your fingertips. This online database equips you with a resource to aid you in becoming involved in the community and is the first step in finding the right volunteer position.

Search our database for an agency that matches your areas of interest, needs people with your special skills and has a location and schedule that work for you. You may even find more than one!

 
How much time do I have to commit?

It's entirely up to you! Our goal is to make volunteering easy for you and fit into your busy schedule.  Our projects and referrals offer varying commitment levels, so you can volunteer as much or as little as you like.

How old do I have to be?
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to legally register on this web site. However, volunteers of any age can make a difference in the community.

What is a Project Leader?
Each project has a person who is responsible for managing the project. In most cases Project Leaders are volunteers who take the extra step and help make our programs possible. Project Leaders may also be representatives from the nonprofit organization hosting the event.

Who should I contact if I have questions about a project?
The Project Leader should be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. When you sign up, you will receive an automatic email with the Project Leader’s contact information.

May I bring other people with me to a project?
Ideally each volunteer would register on our web site with his or her own email address. Since this is not always possible, you can also choose one of the following options:

• Create a team and register your entire team as outlined above.

• Sign yourself up. If additional volunteer spots are available, call or email the project leader and provide the names and ages of the people you wish to bring. Provided they meet the age requirements and space is available, the project leader will ensure that a space is reserved for them at the project.

How do I remove myself from a project I don't wish to or cannot attend?
Login to the  menu item, "Member Center". Click on "My Projects" and then "Remove Me" from any projects you are unable to attend. Please do this as early as possible so that your volunteer slot becomes available for someone else to fill.

I'm having problems signing up for projects.
Please make sure that you have registered and logged in. Once you have logged in, select your project and click Sign Me Up. If the Sign Me Up button does not appear, you may see one of these messages on the screen instead:

• You must enter a date of birth – As some of our projects have age restrictions, you must enter your date of birth before you are allowed to sign up for projects. Login to the menu item, "Member Center". Under “Personal Information” update your date of birth and any other required fields marked with an orange asterisk. Be sure to click “Update Information” to save your changes.
   
• Age restrictions – If you do not meet the minimum age requirement for the project, you will not be able to sign up.

      What if I have an idea for a new group project?
      Tell us about it! We’re always looking for new projects and people to lead them. Email Jenny O'Donnell at jenny@handsonjacksonville.org

      What if I think I might like to be a Project Leader?
      Great! To find out more email Jenny O'Donnell at jenny@handsonjacksonville.org