Who are our volunteers?
TASK as an organization was founded by and continues to be made possible by a large community of committed volunteers. These exceptional individuals have made a difference in the lives of thousands of children and adults with disabilities, and we’d love to have you join us in our mission to create limitless opportunities for these incredible individuals.
TASK volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, all ages and backgrounds. You don’t need to have any previous experience working with this population to make a difference. TASK volunteers who come into our programs with a willingness to connect, empathize and play are not only going to impact the lives of the individuals they serve. They will also create friendships, gain skills, form lasting memories and have fun!
If you’d like to learn more about volunteering with TASK, check out our Frequently Asked Questions below.
What exactly does a volunteer do at TASK events?
Many participants at TASK require individualized support to engage in activities. Volunteers at programs will be placed with one of our participants (or a small group) to support them throughout the program. This may include encouraging your buddy to keep trying, celebrating their successes, repeating instructions given by staff, demonstrating basic skills, helping to stay on task, or hand over hand guidance. The TASK staff will be on site at all programs to assist volunteers in working with the participants, demonstrating best practices and giving guidance to those who need help.
Is there an age requirement for TASK volunteers?
Volunteers must be a minimum of 14 years old, although there are exceptions for group volunteering (such as with youth organizations, teams or clubs). Our volunteers range from teenagers to adults, each bringing a diverse array of backgrounds and experiences.
Do volunteers need to have experience working with individuals with special needs or go through any training?
You do not need to have prior experience working with individuals with special needs to volunteer. Before the participants arrive, the TASK staff will go through an orientation meeting for new TASK volunteers and a refresher for returning volunteers. During the program, staff will be there to lead the programs and support the participants and volunteers. If there is ever a time when you need help, all you have to do is ask.
Can groups volunteer at TASK?
Absolutely! Sports teams, corporate groups, church groups, clubs, scouting groups, and more have all come out to volunteer together. Group volunteers can “adopt” a program, schedule a workday to help around the TASK campus, or share their skills in a special event for the TASK participants. For more information or to schedule a time to volunteer, contact our Program Coordinator, Kortney Price, at KortneyP@taskstl.org
Will TASK hours count toward a service hour requirement?
Yes, our volunteer system (Raptor Tech) will log your hours, and we are happy to provide a letter of verification or sign off on your hours log. We have students who have logged hours for their school’s service requirements, college courses, NHS, confirmation, clubs, corporate service days and other organizations. If you need hours verified, your contact will be our Program Coordinator, Kortney Price at KortneyP@taskstl.org.
*Please note: TASK does NOT provide court-ordered service hours
My hour verification was denied, why?
Hour verification is declined when the information submitted does not match what we have on record. If you log into your Raptor Tech account, you’ll be able to see the information we’re working with. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Program Coordinator, Kortney Price, at KortneyP@taskstl.org.
How does the volunteer application process work?
The TASK volunteer application is all online using Raptor Tech. You can find the application here. Once submitted, you should hear back within a week. Once you hear back, you’ll be able to log in to your account and sign up for volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule. If you haven’t heard back on your application after one week, you can give us a call at 636-343-8275 or email Kortney at KortneyP@taskstl.org to check on your application status.
Why does the application ask for my social security number?
For volunteers 18 and over, it is our policy to run a background check in accordance with our organization requirements to volunteer. You must pass the background check and sex offender check to be able to volunteer. For this reason, you must enter your SSN. This information is hidden from us and kept secure in the system. If you are age 17 or under, you may put all zeros (0) in the box as a placeholder.
I cannot log into my account. What should I do?
If you’re having trouble with your account you can contact Raptor Support at support@raptortech.com, call the TASK office at 636-343-8275 or email KortneyP@taskstl.org.
Why is a program listed on the calendar but not on the volunteer site?
Chances are, this means that a program is full and we no longer need any more help. If you would like to be put on a waitlist, you can email Kortney at KortneyP@taskstl.org.
How do I know if an event is cancelled?
We will send out an email to all volunteers who are signed up for a program if there is a cancellation or time change. You can also keep an eye on our social media pages for any announcements.
Can I attend a volunteer event without signing up?
No, not without permission from the Program Coordinator. Sometimes our programs are held in smaller spaces, or we have a smaller group of participants attending. In these situations, having too many volunteers causes the environment to become too overstimulating/crowded. Unfortunately, because of this, if you attend an event without signing up, you may not be able to stay.
I can’t make it to a program I signed up for. What should I do?
If you can no longer make a program, you can log in and remove yourself from the sign-up list. If we are within 24 hours of the program, we ask that volunteers call or email us to let us know they will not be attending. Our phone number is 636-343-8275 or you can email our Program Coordinator, Kortney Price at KortneyP@taskstl.org.
TASK Volunteer Attendance/Absence Policy
We completely understand that life can be unpredictable and sometimes we just can’t make it to the things we commit to attending. However, because we rely so heavily on volunteer help, we must have an accurate idea of how many people will be at our programs.
Policy: If you cannot attend an event and we are more than 24 hours from the start of the program, you can simply log into your account and remove your name from the sign-up list. If we are within 24 hours of the program, you must call or email us to let us know.
The first time you are absent from a program and do not let us know ahead of time, we will email you with a copy of the policy. If this happens a second time, we will email again with a copy of the policy and a warning. If this happens a third time, we will email with another warning, copying your school or group’s leader or main contact on the email. After four times, we will call you with another warning. After this point, if you continue to miss programs without notifying us, you may have your account blocked from signing up for events.
What is the TASK policy on cell phones?
TASK volunteers are not permitted to keep their cell phones on them during TASK programming. We have a secure locker for phone storage available on site if needed.
If a volunteer has their phone out during a program, we will issue one warning and ask the volunteer to put their phone in the locker. If we see someone on their phone a second time, we will ask the volunteer to leave and their hours for that day will not be logged or verified.
If there is a special circumstance that requires you to keep your phone on you, you can talk to the Program Coordinator before the start of the program.
TASK is not responsible for any broken or damaged phones.
What is the TASK Volunteer Dress Code?
TASK volunteers are asked to wear clothes that cover the chest, midriff and buttocks. Due to the nature of TASK programs, volunteers may need to move around quite a bit. Please keep this in mind when deciding what to wear- any shorts will need to be a bit longer to keep everything covered. Volunteers are also asked to wear shoes they can (if needed) run in. Tennis shoes are preferred. It is wise when working with any children to keep dangly jewelry to a minimum as it can get grabbed/pulled.
If you’re unsure what to wear to a program, the TASK staff will almost always be in athletic pants or shorts and their TASK shirt (t-shirt, hoodie, etc.) to give you an idea.
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If you have any questions about volunteering with TASK you can call the TASK office at 636-343-8275 or email us at info@taskstl.org or kortneyp@taskstl.org and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
