AmeriCorps Seniors (RSVP)
The AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) pairs adults aged 55 and older with organizations in the community for volunteer service. This grant-funded program through AmeriCorps Seniors has been sponsored by Triton College since 1983.
Funding for RSVP comes from AmeriCorps Seniors, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA), Leyden Township, and Triton College.
AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who serve in the RSVP program choose how, where, and when they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours to 40 hours per week. You can find an opportunity with any of the thousands of organizations we work with that see service as a solution to local, regional, and national challenges. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers themselves report better health and longevity having served their community.
Benefits and Reasons to Join
- Volunteer Placement – RSVP works with you in finding a volunteer assignment to suit your interests, skills, or expertise
- Membership – There is NO cost. As an enrolled RSVP volunteer, you are a national AmeriCorps Seniors organization member
- Newsletter –A newsletter is sent to members and partners quarterly. It provides news regarding RSVP programs, activities, volunteer opportunities, and information about Triton College, and the community
- Recognition Event – A recognition event is held annually to thank volunteers and volunteer stations for their dedication and commitment to service
- Programs – Throughout the year, RSVP provides programs for life enrichment, learning, and social activities that allow volunteers to meet with one another and gain insight into topics affecting senior adults
- Insurance – RSVP provides supplemental automobile liability insurance while on volunteer assignments
- Reimbursement – RSVP can reimburse volunteers for transportation (mileage, bus, taxi, or train service) from home to their volunteer site and back. Reimbursement is NOT a payment or a stipend for your volunteering
Volunteer Requirements
- Age 55 or older
- Responsible and reliable
- Desire to help others
- Flexible schedule
- Complete RSVP paperwork by deadlines provided (annual update form and submission of a monthly timesheet)
Examples of Volunteer Assignments
- Advisory Council (RSVP)
- Children’s Activities
- Computer/Data Entry/Internet
- Conversation Tutor-ESL
- Education
- Food Pantry
- Fund Raising/Grant Writing
- Hospice/Respite
- Library/Reading
- Marketing
- Office Aide/Clerical
- Reception/Hospitality
- SPOT Volunteer (Special Placement One Time)
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly
- Thrift/Gift/Resale Shops
- Tutoring/Mentoring
- Volunteer Recruitment
Enrollment Process
- Complete a Volunteer Membership Application and send it to the RSVP office
- Meet with the Volunteer Coordinator to discuss your interests and search current volunteer openings
- Meet with staff at the volunteer station and discuss assignment*
- Once everyone agrees to the assignment, the Volunteer Coordinator will notify the volunteer of a start date.
* = Some volunteer stations will require further paperwork and have their own onboarding process (such as a background check, drug test, and or training)
RSVP Newsletters
- Spring 2025 RSVP Newsletter
- Fall 2023 RSVP Newsletter
- Summer 2022 RSVP Newsletter
- Fall 2021 RSVP Newsletter
Volunteer Opportunities
Coming Soon
To volunteer for an RSVP Program Event, click HERE.
RSVP Membership Application
Send completed application to the RSVP Office
Mail:
Triton College
2000 North Fifth Avenue
River Grove, IL 60171
Attn: RSVP (R-221)
Email:
rsvp@zhanmi.net
RSVP Time Sheet
Time sheets are the way we keep track of the hours you serve.
This helps so that we can report to the state and federal government on the impact our volunteers are having in the community.
Specifically, the state bases our funding on the total amount of hours our volunteers serve—the more hours you serve, the more money we may receive.
NOTE: Time sheets are due to the office by the fifth of each month.
Send completed application to the RSVP Office
Mail:
Triton College
2000 North Fifth Avenue
River Grove, IL 60171
Attn: RSVP (R-221)
Email:
rsvp@zhanmi.net
Volunteer Station Partners
List of Current Volunteer Station Partners
Reasons for Being an RSVP Volunteer Station Partner
Requirements
RSVP Boundaries
Volunteer Position Descriptions
Volunteer Station Partners Request Application
Links
- American Society on Aging
- AmeriCorps Seniors
- Illinois Department on Aging
- Gerontological Society of America
- Serve Illinois
Request to Volunteer
for an RSVP Program Event
RSVP Club Sponsorships
ARCC
The Active Retired Citizens Club (ARCC) is an educational, social club for retirees that provides members with activities and networking opportunities to help them expand their social and intellectual lives.
The club meets the first Friday of each month (excluding January, June, July) at Triton College in room R-221, in the Robert M. Collins Center (“R” building), from 12pm to 2pm. Coffee and snacks are provided.
Types of Club Activities:
- Workshops on topics facing the senior population
- Luncheons
- Craft projects
- Movies
- Educational/ informative presentations
- And more!
To Join ARCC:
Call us to request an application be sent to you or come to our next meeting. Annual membership dues (approximately $15) are collected at the August meeting.
Questions about ARCC, contact the RSVP office at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3603 or e-mail rsvp@zhanmi.net
TCHC
The Triton Community Horticulture Club (TCHC) started in 1969 with the purpose of stimulating interest and advance learning in horticulture and floriculture while aiding in the preservation of natural resources. They want to promote an understanding and love of plants through informative programs, field trips, and classes. Membership is open to anyone, regardless of age, that aligns with the club's purpose.
Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month (excluding January and February) at Triton College in the Robert Collins Center (R-building), Room R-221, from 12:30PM to 2:30PM.
TCHC partners with the Triton College Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), which recruits and matches volunteers in the community. This partnership allows the club to utilize services through the college and helps document volunteer hours for club members.
For more information about the TCHC, contact anyone on the club’s leadership team.
President: Douglas Peck
Phone: 207-350-6297
Email: poopzee1@gmail.com
Vice-President: Jean Wypychowski
Phone: 708-452-7035
Email: jkwypy@aol.com
Treasurer: John Bekas
Phone: 773-589-0823
Email: Jmb@bekas.org
Triton College Liaison/Advisor: Mario Porras
Email: rsvp@zhanmi.net
RSVP Staff
Mario Porras
Director
marioporras@zhanmi.net
Minerva McLaren
Volunteer Coordinator
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3835
minervamclaren@zhanmi.net
Karen Morales
Program Assistant
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3603
karenmorales@zhanmi.net
Beth Sanfilippo
Program Assistant
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3896
bethsanfilippo@zhanmi.net