Steps to Start Volunteering with Herralink

Submit a Google
Form

Complete the Google Form by clicking the button below or pressing the "Sign Up" button in the top right corner of the website.

This form will ask you to choose what type of volunteer you want to be. The options are explained in the section below.

Sign Up Form

Upload Documents

After you submit the Google Form, you’ll receive an email within 24 hours with next steps and deadlines.

Need help signing & uploading a PDF? Click the link here.

Sign-Up for
Activities

Once everything is submitted, our team will review and approve your application in 3-5 business days.

Afterward, you’ll be able to sign up for volunteer activities listed in our monthly newsletter.

What Type of Volunteer Do You Want to Be?

In the Google Form you’ll choose the volunteer type that works best for you. Each option has different requirements.

Guest

You can sign up for 1 activity per month.

  • You can participate in 1 activity per month

  • Application takes 24 hours to approve

  • No background check or training required

  • You can turn in your forms in-person during your first event

Short-Term

You can sign up for 10 activities per month.
Ideal for volunteers coming a few times a month.

  • You can participate in up to 10 activities per month

  • 10 minute phone screening

  • Background check (SSN required)

  • Volunteer training

Long-Term

You can sign up for as many activities as you want!
Ideal for volunteers visiting a couple times a week.

  • Unlimited volunteering opportunities

  • 10 minute phone screening

  • Background check (SSN required)

  • Volunteer training

  • Tuberculosis screening and test

What Happens After You Sign-Up for an Activity?

Confirmation Email

You’ll receive a confirmation email 24 hours after signing up for an activity.

Reminder Email

We’ll send you a reminder email 24 hours before your volunteer activity.

Cancellations

If you need to cancel, please email herralink@gmail.com at least 24 hours before the activity.

Check-In

When you arrive, sign in on the tablet located in the front lobby. Follow the directions in your email to find the activity room.

Enjoy the Activity

Have fun and make a difference!

Submitting your Hours

You can submit your hours through Mobile Service, x2VOL, or your school's service hour platform.



Please use herralink@gmail.com as the supervisor email.

What am I supposed to Do at Each Activity

At every activity, your role is to participate, connect, and help where needed. Many older adult participants will join you in the activity, but some may need a little extra support. Here's what that looks like:

Offer Help When Needed

  • If an older adult needs assistance, like moving a bingo chip, seeing a card, or handling supplies, please kindly help them.

  • If the person you're partnered with doesn't need help, simply enjoy the activity side-by-side!

Not Sure What to Talk About? It’s Easier Than You Think

  • If an older adult needs assistance, like moving a bingo chip, seeing a card, or handling supplies, please kindly help them.

  • If the person you're partnered with doesn't need help, simply enjoy the activity side-by-side!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you can’t find the questions to your answers here, please contact us at herralink@gmail.com or text at (703) 582 - 9127

  • No worries! Guest volunteers can turn in their signed forms to the volunteer manager at their first activity.

    The Google Form explains more information, but if you still need help please email herralink@gmail.com or visit this Google Document:

    How To Upload A PDF

  • If your school uses x2VOL, MobileServe, or another online platform, submit your hours using herralink@gmail.com as the verifier. Service hours are reviewed and approved within 24 hours.

    If your school requires a paper form with an ink signature, please email herralink@gmail.com at least one day before your activity so we can arrange for someone to sign your form.

  • You can cancel signups by emailing us at herralink@gmail.com. Please cancel at least 24 hours before the activity.

  • You can volunteer at three Goodwin Living locations: The View Alexandria, Goodwin House Alexandria, and Goodwin House Bailey's Crossroads.

  • You can change your volunteer type at any time.

    To do so please use this link to start the process. 

    https://forms.gle/La9PRcThU3WZ7eXU7

  • For guest volunteers, 24 hours. For short-term & long-term volunteers it can take 3-5 business days.

  • The phone screening is conducted by a volunteer coordinator to discuss your interests, availability, and match you with appropriate volunteer opportunities. You'll also receive detailed information about the next steps in the process.

    This step is only mandatory for short-term and long-term volunteers.