Group Volunteers
Whether your group is a school, a faith-based organization or a civic organization, volunteers working as a team make an enormous impact on the community.
Silver Lining volunteer groups make a difference in communities all across Texas! Working together builds skills in leadership and problem solving. Groups strengthen their relationships with each other, the people receiving their community service and the community at large.
Follow these three easy steps to get your group involved with Silver Lining in your local community:
- Decide if your group wants to volunteer at a nursing home or assisted living facility or a state school/center.
- Contact the volunteer coordinator or community relations director of the facility at which you want to volunteer.
- Complete the DADS Volunteer Application, Form 8653. Please be sure to check the Silver Lining option in the "Volunteer Interest/Background" section of the form. Please fax your completed volunteer application to 512-438-4829 or e-mail your completed application to Volunteerdads@dads.state.tx.us.
Suggestions for organizing a volunteer group
- Designate two group leaders to serve as the primary organizers/communicators for all involved.
- Set up an informational meeting for the entire team.
- Define your volunteering goals as a group.
- Identify group interests.
- Establish the best dates/times for the group to meet or volunteer together.
- Create a group roster of contact information for all to use.
- Find out what kinds of unique and special skills your group members have.
- Allow for sufficient planning time for your group to be oriented and placed with the volunteer location.
- Discuss your event ideas and determine if the time you have allotted is realistic.
Suggestions for planning your first group activity
- Be sure to communicate to your group members the exact date and time they need to arrive at the volunteer location.
- Find out in advance if any restrictions exist at the location.
- Check on parking and any other requirements of volunteer visitors.
- In advance of your activity, identify any materials or items that volunteers will need to bring or purchase and who is responsible.
- Call the volunteer coordinator one day before your visit to confirm your event.
- Be sure to arrive early.
- Designate someone to take photos of your event. Find out if photo releases are required (to photograph anyone) at the volunteer location and obtain those documents in advance.
- Have a follow-up meeting with your group to discuss their experiences after the event.
- What was learned?
- What changes would they recommend for the next time?
- What did they enjoy the most about the event?
Tell us your story!
Stories can focus on a Silver Lining event or project that your group has created or hosted. We encourage everyone to share. If you would like to include photos, please contact DADS Volunteer and Community Engagement at 1-800-889-8595, as there are guidelines for permission on any photos submitted. So that we respect each individual’s right to privacy, please exclude any information that might identify specific people or locations, such as last name, the name of the location you visited or the exact address.
Click here to submit your story.
Group volunteer recognition
Volunteers are recognized annually for their service contributions. DADS hosts an annual volunteer recognition ceremony in the early summer. Your group may be eligible for a DADS Vision Award, Length of Service Award or a certificate of appreciation, as well as other promotional volunteer incentives. Speak to either the activities director or community relations director at your volunteering location for more information on receiving volunteer recognition. These awards have specific criteria. Visit the Volunteer at DADS website for more information.
Updated: March 31, 2008