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Benefits
PERSONALIZED ASSISTANCE
RSVP staff will work with you to identify a volunteer opportunity that will meet your individual interests. We will match your skills, interests, schedule and geographic availability with a volunteer position that is right for you or create a volunteer position for you. We will continue to be available to provide ongoing information and support as your volunteer needs evolve.
BE COUNTED AS PART OF A NATIONAL MOVEMENT
Active adults 55 years of age and older are giving thousands of hours daily to positively impact the communities they live in. Your hours will be counted with those of your peers to demonstrate to policy makers and the community the impact of age 55+ volunteerism on a local and national level. Help send the message that RSVP members are making meaningful contributions, solving problems and bringing our communities together.
WestArk RSVP NEWSLETTER
Every two to three months the WestArk RSVP newsletter will inform you about issues affecting volunteers and provide updates on volunteer needs in our community.
RECOGNITION EVENTS
WestArk RSVP gathers during August for its "Breakfast of Champions". In early December WestArk RSVP members and the community are invited to a Holiday Open House held at the RSVP Center. These events are a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow RSVP members and offer RSVP staff an opportunity to honor you and the work that you do.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING
- Protection against social isolation
- Reduction in the impact of stress
- Strengthening of the immune system
A 1999 study by the University of Michigan identified health benefits to individuals who volunteered just one hour per week. The study demonstrates that "people live longer because they volunteer, rather than people volunteer because they're healthier and hence more likely to live longer."
SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE
As an RSVP member, you will be covered by supplemental insurance when you volunteer. The volunteer insurance program includes three coverages-accident insurance, excess liability insurance, and excess auto liability insurance.
Accident Insurance provides excess accidental medical insurance directly to a volunteer when he or she is injured traveling directly to or from, or participating in, volunteer activities. There is a small Loss of Life benefit attached to this provision, which is why you are asked to list a beneficiary on your enrollment form. This insurance does not duplicate benefits payable under Medicare or any other valid and collectable insurance coverage. The coverage is limited to a maximum of $25,000.
Excess Volunteer Liability provides protection if you are liable for bodily injury or property damage arising out of performance of your volunteer duties. This coverage is in excess of and noncontributing with any other valid and collectible insurance you may have. The coverage is limited to $1,000,000 per occurrence.
Excess Automobile Liability Insurance provides an extra layer of protection for you as a registered volunteer driver while performing your volunteer duties. Coverage does not apply to any damage to your vehicle. You must maintain your own auto liability coverage at least equal to the state required minimums. The State of Arkansas requires a minimum of $25,000 (per person bodily injury)/$50,000 (per accident bodily injury)/$25,000 (property damage) and the State of Oklahoma requires a minimum of $10,000/$20,000/$10,000.
For more information, view the brochure here.
TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT
Generally no travel reimbursement is available for RSVP members. RSVP can occasionally provide a travel stipend for members involved in some of the RSVP Community Outreach efforts if funding is made available from outside funding sources such as grants.
TRANSIT TICKETS
For RSVP members who choose or are no longer able to drive, a limited number of Fort Smith Transit tickets are available to be used for transportation to and from volunteer assignments.
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