Why Volunteer at RPG Research?
Since 2017 we've directly impacted the lives of more than 100,000 people, and many millions more indirectly through our research, archives, online programs, training, and other services beyond our direct community programs.
We have had this huge impact while only raising about an average of $5k/year (until 2022 we received a large donation from Dimension 20 of $26k, our largest ever!). We would love to raise more so we can do more. For every $1 we raise, we can directly impact the lives of 3 or more people with our programs, and many more indirectly through our other offerings. Donate Today!
With 200+ volunteers across 6 continents people support RPG Research's goals with a few hours a week of their time for a variety of reasons.
We are a 100% unpaid volunteer-run organization, from our founders, to board of directors, to administrative staff, technical staff, and facilitators.
We are directly connected to the communities we serve.
A large percentage of the people that join as volunteers were originally participants, so we are directly connecting with the people we serve. We have a very diverse volunteer base as well as more than half that are neurodiverse and/or various disabilities (again well-connected with the communities we're providing services to).
We started serving communities on a project-by-project partnership and not-formally-formed basis in 1977. In 2017 we transitioned to fully incorporating and becoming a 501(c)3 non-profit charity research and human services organization.
We try to make this model work by not overloading our volunteers. Yes, some of our core founders put in long hours, but everyone else we try to limit to no more than 10 hours per week, with most volunteers around the 2 to 6 hours per week range. This makes it easy for them to manage their quality of life with home, school, work, health, etc., while also receiving the intrinsically rewarding benefits of helping our programs exist.
Our volunteers make a huge difference improving the quality of life for the lives of the individuals we serve, and a real positive impact on the neighborhoods.
Apply to be an RPG Research Volunteer Today!
See our list of open volunteer positions here:
https://www.rpgresearch.com/jobs
Why Do People Volunteer at RPG Research?
A number of people ask why anyone would volunteer without pay in general, or why they would volunteer at RPG Research.
Most of our volunteers are intrinsically motivated to help us. The rest is gravy, but we do all we can to make it a great place to volunteer, which means many of our volunteers have stayed with us for many years!
Our volunteers are very diverse and range in ages from teens through senior adults, and everyone in between. More than half of our staff is neurodiverse and/or have one or more disabilities, since many started as participants in our programs, and were so inspired they joined us as volunteers.
Others are professionals looking for something more rewarding in their lives, and a few hours a week gives them more direction and purpose outside of their busy careers and family life.
This section provides a list of common reasons given by our volunteers across 5 continents. Working for free is typical for non-profit volunteer-run 501(c)3 charities like RPG Research. We have nearly 100 volunteer around the world, some for many years now, happy to do so. People volunteer to help RPG Research in our Mission and Vision for a variety of reasons.
- Experienced professionals, with a few hour per week to spare, that believe in what we are doing as a 501(c)3 non-profit, and want to help us by providing their established skills during their free time.
- Students and others wishing to develop their experience, skills, and resume as they work toward professional goals
- Retirees and others who want to help do good for others.
- Various researchers, professors and others who are excited about the research we are doing and wish be a part of the research projects furthering the body of knowledge for the industry and betterment of humankind.
- They are passionate about what we do and are glad to join with fellow enthusiasts and happy to have the privilege to participate in such a great community doing what they love.
These are just a few of the more typical reasons our volunteers provide.
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