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FAQ
For New Volunteers
For Current Volunteers
Nonprofit Partners
For New Volunteers
I'd love to volunteer! How do I get started?
We'd love to have you! How you get started depends on your age.
If you're over 18, create a HOBA account, take our online orientation and you're ready to sign up and go! We ask a one-time, tax-deductible $25 membership fee for full access to our Project Calendar, which you can pay online at the end of your orientation. If you would prefer to pay by check or cash, please click here to let us know.
If you’d just like to try us out for now without paying the fee, First Saturdays are open to all registered volunteers. If you would like to request a fee waiver, click here.
Click here if you're under 15. Click here if you're 16 or 17.
I already have an online account. How do I sign up for a project?
Click “Login” from the left-hand menu bar. Once you are logged in, click the “Find a Project” button on the menu bar and select from a variety of search options, including interest areas and location. If you’re browsing the calendar, look for a project with a green dot next it. (A green dot means that there is still space available for additional volunteers.) Click on the project name, and then click, “Sign me Up!”
If "Sign me Up!" doesn't appear for you, you are either not signed in or haven't confirmed your registration fee payment yet. Check to see whether you are logged in, and if you're still having problems, contact us.
When I try to sign up for a project, it says I've need to take the orientation. But I already did!
If you've finished our Online Orientation and donated the $25 membership fee, you may have skipped the final slide that marks your account as Active. (It's OK, you're not alone!) If that's the case, contact us and we'll set you up.
If you chose not to donate, you're seeing that message because the project is not open to you. All of our projects on the first Saturday of each month are open to you, so that you can try us out before choosing to support us. If you're ready to donate and gain access to all of our projects, click here.
How do I sign up a group?
First, check out our Project Calendar for a project that fits your needs and has enough space for your group. The earlier you can plan ahead, the better – our projects fill up fast!
Now, have each member of your group register and sign up for the project you’ve selected. You can use the “Invite a Friend” button on the project page to share a link to the project with your group.
If there are any volunteers under age 17 in your group, each one will need a minor consent form. If you’re leading a youth group, we also require one adult for each four youth volunteers – and it’s best to contact us to get help finding a great experience if this is your situation.
My child is under 15. How can we volunteer together?
We love helping families volunteer together. First, create a HOBA account for yourself.
Next, use our Project Calendar to search for projects that allow volunteers your child's age or older. Use the "Project Attributes" drop-down box to select "Ages 5+," "Ages 10+," etc. Sign yourself up for the project you’d like to attend with your child.
Finally, e-mail goodforfamilies@hoba.org with the title and date of your project, and the names and ages of your youth volunteers. There is no membership fee for volunteers under 15. We require one adult for each four youth volunteers.
I am 16 or 17. How can I volunteer?
First, create a HOBA account for yourself. We ask a one-time, tax-deductible $25 membership fee for full access to our Project Calendar, which you can pay online at the end of your orientation. If you would prefer to pay by check or cash, please click here to let us know.
If you’d just like to try us out for now without paying the fee, First Saturdays are open to all registered volunteers. If you have already created an account and would like to request a fee waiver, click here.
Next, use our Project Calendar to search for projects that allow “Ages 16+.” Sign yourself up for the project you’d like to attend. You’ll need to bring a signed minor consent form to each project.
For Current Volunteers
How do I get proof that I've volunteered?
Your Project Leader can sign a volunteer hours form for your school or court-ordered service at the project site. You can also log in to your account, click the “Personal Information” tab and select “Volunteer History” to see a list of your hours with HOBA.
We ask a small donation from nonmembers to verify your service on our letterhead. If you’ve already paid the $25 membership fee, this service is included. Contact us once you’ve completed your hours and we’ll get you a PDF or snail mail confirmation on letterhead.
I never received my project confirmation e-mail!
First, make sure HOBA has an up-to-date e-mail address for you. It’s the same one you use to log in to our site.
Next, check your spam or junk mail folder. To prevent our e-mails from heading to junk mail, add the domain @handsonbayarea.org to your "safe list" or address book.
I need to cancel. What should I do?
It’s OK, we won’t hold it against you. By dropping out in our system as soon as you know, you’ll leave space for another volunteer to step in.
Log in to your HOBA account, click on “My Projects,” and then click the “Remove Me” button next to the project you can’t attend. If it’s the day of the project, you may also want to e-mail your Project Leader so they know not to expect you. (Replying directly to the reminder e-mail won't work -- look for your Project Leader contact information in the body of the e-mail.)
How do I become a Project Leader?
Have you completed three HOBA projects? Can you commit to leading at least four times in a year? If so, find out your next step on the Lead page
Nonprofit Partners
How do I get help from HOBA volunteers?
Visit our Nonprofit Parternship page to see whether you're a good fit and to learn more about what we can do for you.
Can I list my volunteer openings on your site?
No, HOBA does not provide an online listing or posting service. The projects on our calendar are projects that we set up and manage with our nonprofit partners. If you want to list service opportunities, please contact the Volunteer Center or Volunteer Match. To find out about partnering with HOBA, check out our Nonprofit Parternship page.
Can HOBA volunteers help with our fundraiser?
No, our service projects are hands-on, direct-service. For this type of volunteering, please contact the please contact the Volunteer Center or Volunteer Match.
How do I get the attendance from my last project?
Contact the Project Leader who led that project by clicking on “Find a Project” in the Menu Bar and search for the project occurrence on the Project Calendar. The PL’s email will be available.
How do I update the description of my project?
You can e-mail updated descriptions to the Program Manager, who is assigned by region.
Still have more questions or concerns?
Click here to tell us who you are and the problem you're running into and we'll find someone to help!
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