Teen Services: VolunTeens

VolunTeens @ GPL

**Teen volunteering will be conducted both virtually and in-person**

• Be between the ages of 12 and 19.
• Complete and submit the online GPL Volunteer Application form linked here.
• Attend a volunteer orientation session 
• Read the "VolunTeen Guidelines & Activities" below.
• Complete and submit projects from the Virtual VolunTeen Project chart below to earn community service hours. Each Virtual VolunTeen project will be worth a set amount of community service hours (as indicated on the Virtual VolunTeen Project chart).
• If you have not volunteered at GPL before or have questions please email gplteenvolunteers@greenburghlibrary.org

VolunTeen Training & Orientations

• VolunTeen orientations are required to participate in any volunteering.
• Virtual volunteer orientations are offered periodically (4 - 6 times)  throughout the year. Please check our calendar for the next available one to register for.
• If you have not volunteered at GPL before or have questions please email gplteenvolunteers@greenburghlibrary.org.

Virtual VolunTeen Projects

• Earn Community service hours for the projects you complete and submit. Projects must be selected from the Virtual VolunTeen project chart below.
• Please DO NOT submit any volunteer projects until you have attended a virtual volunteer orientation and stayed from beginning until the end.
• Each Virtual VolunTeen project will be worth a set amount of community service hours. 
• Details on how to submit your projects are listed below under "Submit Your Projects"

How To Earn Community Service Hours -- Submit Your Project(s)

• Attend a volunteer orientation first!
• Submit your project(s) through the VolunTeen Project Submission Form
• Each submission will be reviewed by VolunTeen Supervisor and your earned hours will be recorded in the Library's VolunTeen Time Clock database. You will receive an email letting you know when your community service hours have been credited to your record.
• Projects will not be given credit for hours unless you have attended an orientation.

VolunTeen Project Requirements:

• Have fun, be creative, and use your imagination!
• Be clear and concise, quality video, PG language use
• Some Virtual VolunTeen projects may be posted in the library webpage, eNewsletter, and/or library Social Media accounts with your permission.
• Questions? Ask! gplteenvolunteers@greenburghlibrary.org
• If you need proof of your community hours (forms, letters, emails, etc.) contact VolunTeen Supervisor at gplteenvolunteers@greenburghlibrary.org
• Refer to "VolunTeen Guidelines & Activities " below for a comprehensive look at Greenburgh Public Library VolunTeen expectations and rules.
• Please Note: Hours earned are subject to change at the discretion of VolunTeen Supervisor. Projects that go above and beyond may earn more hours and projects that do not meet minimum requirements may have time deducted from hours earned

Additional VolunTeen Resources

• The Value of Volunteering For Teens (Article)

VolunTeen Guidelines & Activities 
**Please note the document below is intended for volunteering within the library but is still applicable for Virtual VolunTeens**

Eligibility 
A VolunTeen must be between the ages of 12 and 19 to apply, qualify, and  gain community service hours as a volunteer at GPL. They must also complete the Teen Volunteer Application linked here.

In Case of Emergency
In case of sickness or an emergency a VolunTeen must contact or leave a message with Library staff if they were expected in and can’t make it.
Phone: 914-721-8224 or email gplteenvolunteers@greenburghlibrary.org.

Contact With Your Supervisor
All communication about volunteering at GPL will be conducted through email so be sure to check your email frequently for updates, volunteer hour opportunities, and shift assignments! If you change your email let us know.

Lateness
Being late for volunteer hours is not acceptable. Being a VolunTeen means people are depending on you whether you are assisting running events at the library, organizing, or completing projects. Be here on time or call ahead if you anticipate being late, are unable to attend, or in case of emergency.
 

Dress
Please dress appropriately for a public library. Shorts are okay but please do not wear swimsuits, bare bellies, bare feet, hats, or anything that would be inappropriate for school.  The library has a fluctuating temperatures so you may want to bring extra layers of clothing in case of extreme temperature differences. 

Volunteer Duties
Volunteering at GPL is scheduled in advance only, no drop-in volunteering please. A VolunTeen may have a range of responsibilities and tasks that he or she will be assigned that may include: helping with events (advance preparation, set up, breaking down etc.), edging books, shelf reading, and more. A VolunTeen is not responsible for helping patrons find books, answering reference questions, or doing clerical or page duties done by paid staff.

Keeping Track of Volunteer Time
A Volunteen is responsible for keeping track of all service hours and dates completed on the designated “VolunTeen Time Clock” Computer. When a volunteer completes their required hours it is the responsibility of the volunteer to inform the Volunteer Supervisor whether they are finished volunteering or want to continue.

Volunteer Badges
VolunTeens must wear GPL Volunteer Badges at all times when volunteering at or for the library.

Mobile Devices
Please  no use of cell phones (even texting), MP3 players, tablets, or other personal or electronic devices, headphones, or ear buds,  during volunteering unless you ask and are given permission in advance.

Ask For Help
Library staff is here to help you! If you have questions ASK! (We don’t bite)

Recognition
Proof of service forms and letters must be requested by the volunteer, to their supervisor, well in advance of the due date. Forms can be completed, letters written, and certificates issued as proof of service if a VolunTeen needs one for school/honor society/religious group, etc.

Internships
Please note that internships at the Greenburgh Public Library are not part of the Teen Volunteer Program. For information about becoming a Teen Intern, including position availability, please email gplteenvolunteers@greenburghlibrary.org.

Food Bank for Westchester

Greenburgh Teen Task Force

Paws Crossed Animal Rescue

Red Cross

United Way

Veterans History Project

Volunteer Match

Volunteer New York

United We Serve

Also try local non-profit organizations and businesses.