How do I volunteer?
WS/FCS needs you! We are seeking volunteers to make a difference in the lives of our scholars, in classrooms, and at special events.
To get started, click on the opportunities below that interest you. You will be able to read about the positive impact you can have in our schools. Then, complete the online volunteer registration process and review all policies to ensure a safe and nurturing environment to help our scholars reach their fullest potential.
If you have already identified how you would like to volunteer, click here to access information on our volunteer application.
As you review the volunteer descriptions, a “supervised volunteer” is able to engage in activities where a WS/FCS employee or other school designee must be present while serving scholars. An “unsupervised volunteer” can engage in activities without a WS/FCS employee or other school designee being present. Supervised or unsupervised status is determined by both (a) interests selected on the volunteer application and (b) a review of the volunteer's background checks.
School-Based Volunteer Opportunities
Click an opportunity that interests you for the role description.
Community Partner Opportunities
WS/FCS has relationships with strong community partners (local businesses, educational organizations, agencies, and advocacy groups) who serve and meet the needs of students.You may select these partner opportunities on your volunteer application. The community partner will then be in touch with you directly about next steps required to volunteer with their organization to ensure that you meet their organizational needs and requirements.
One hour, one week, one year… that’s the time commitment that Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) asks from a Big. Over one year, 1 hour times 52 weeks equals 52 hours, about two days of quality time with a child having fun! BBBS receives tickets to sporting and cultural events, discounts from local businesses, and more to help you plan activities.
Volunteering just a few hours a month with a child can start something amazing. There are more than 100 kids in Forsyth county who need you to become their defender of potential.
We challenge you to do something BIG!
After you select "Big Brothers Big Sisters" as an interest on your WS/FCS Volunteer Application, head over to the BBBS website and get started with their process by clicking here.
Forsyth Backpack Program is a local, volunteer-led 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission to provide nutritious food in backpacks on weekends and holidays to local school children who have been identified by school personnel as being in need of food.
Our vision is (1) to serve as an umbrella organization to help Backpack and weekend feeding programs in Forsyth County better meet the challenges before them and (2) to act as a Partner Agency with Second Harvest to establish new programs and to provide supplemental food for weekends and long school breaks.
After you select "Forsyth Backpack" as an interest on your WS/FCS Volunteer Application, head over to the Forsyth Backpack website and get started with their process by clicking here.
Senior Academy is a program of Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. (GWSI). In the Senior Academy, a mentor and student from a participating high school will work together to create goals that help the student plan for high school graduation and beyond.
The goal of the program is to see every participating student obtain their high school diploma. As a mentor, you will work with your student to set attainable goals, identify positive problem-solving strategies, and research potential career and/or higher education opportunities that can help them create a pathway to a successful future.
After you select "GWSI Senior Academy" as an interest on your WS/FCS Volunteer Application, head over to the GWSI website and get started with their process by clicking here.
The participating schools at this time are:
Carver High
East Forsyth High
Kennedy High
Main Street Academy
Mount Tabor high
North Forsyth High
Parkland High
Winston-Salem Prep
Learning Everyday Accomplishing Dreams (LEAD) is dedicated to providing the tools and resources that low-income/at-risk preteen girls must have to become productive citizens and active leaders in their communities. Using an evidence-based curriculum, LEAD encourages and mentors girls to aspire and achieve greatness academically, emotionally, and creatively.
We envision a world where every girl has the confidence, social skills and leadership ability she needs to become an independent, financially-stable woman.
LEAD is looking for volunteers to serve as mentors and help with special events.
The participating schools at this time:
Carver High
Cook Literacy Model
Flat Rock Middle
Mineral Springs Middle
Wiley Middle
Winston-Salem Prep
After you select "LEAD Girls of NC" as an interest on your WS/FCS Volunteer Application, head over to the LEAD Girls of NC website and get started with their process by clicking here.
Love Community Development Corporation AmeriCorps Seniors Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
RSVP Reading Buddy: Join one of the largest national service programs for retired and senior volunteers 55+ who are committed to making a positive difference in the life of a young scholar.
Time Commitment: 1 to 2 times per week; 30 minutes to an hour per visit, during and/or after school in-person
Job Responsibilities: Read to or assist a child/small group of children in reading.
Skill Development Expectations: Develop read aloud skills, increase vocabulary, strengthen reading comprehension.
How scholar is impacted: The ability to read proficiently is a fundamental skill that affects the learning experiences and school performance of children and adolescents. Reading skills also influence students' well-being as adults. RSVP volunteers serve as reading buddies to support the development of foundational and comprehensive literacy skills of young scholars from pre-Kindergarten through 3rd Grade.
Become a RSVP Reading Buddy Volunteer and Make Giving Back Your Second Act!
To learn more, contact Patricia Gilliam, RSVP Director, at Email Patricia Gilliam.
Read Write Spell works to ensure that every child in Forsyth County learns to read. Our research-based approach is scientifically proven to be more effective, for more children, than traditional literacy instruction.
Read Write Spell has two volunteer tutoring programs:
Augustine Literacy Project® Program
K-1 Reading Foundation Program
After you select "Read Write Spell (Augustine Literacy Project)" or "Read Write Spell (K-1)" as an interest on your WS/FCS Volunteer Application, head over to the Read Write Spell website and get started with their process by clicking here.
As you prepare to volunteer, these tips and reminders will ensure a smooth application process.
Please use your full legal name when completing the volunteer application. This will help to alleviate delays in processing your application.
Considering saving your volunteer login and password as a contact in your phone. This is a great way to have easy access in the future.
Consider using a personal email address.
Background results and clearance notifications are sent to the email address on your volunteer record.
Yearly, you will be asked to renew your volunteer information. Should you have registered with a work email address and happen to change employers, you will not receive the renewal request.
We ask for you to enter your "Affiliation" so that WS/FCS has awareness of what businesses, community groups, and other organizations are currently serving our scholars.
A Driver's Licence Number, although not required, is a secondary identifier in cases of common names.
If you are a family member of a WS/FCS student, select the appropriate option for "Relationship to a Student" on the application.
If you are looking to become a volunteer drive, please complete the required Driver Certification Form by clicking here and submitting it directed in the form instructions.
WS/FCS requires an annual renewal process for all volunteers to remain eligible to volunteer.
Each year, typically in August, an email is sent to all previous volunteers using the email address on file asking them to review their application and re-apply. All items on the application must be reviewed and updated before the application can be submitted.
Things to check for when re-applying:
Double check the email address. If the email is incorrect, you will not receive updates about your volunteer application or volunteer opportunities.
All volunteers must provide a Social Security Number or check the box that indicates you do not have or prefer not to provide one.
At least one school and one volunteer opportunity must be selected.
All volunteers must certify their application and acknowledge a photo and videography statement of understanding.
To create your application, follow these steps:
Click "Register Now" below to create your volunteer request.
Every person who would like to volunteer must complete an online form to register.
If you have already registered, you can also click "Register Now" so you can retrieve a forgotten password or check your status.
You will receive another email once you've been cleared to volunteer from “Email Clereance” once you’ve been cleared to volunteer. During certain months of the school year, please allow up to 30 days for your volunteer interest to be reviewed due to a high volume of new and returning volunteer applications.
Things to Remember
As a volunteer, if you are released from volunteer service at a school for any adverse reason, the District Volunteer Services Coordinator will be notified immediately. Depending on what the situation is, you may be terminated from all volunteer activities with WS/FCS. If this is the case, an appropriate communication will be provided.
Local (AOC) background screenings are run nightly to ensure our volunteers are always safe to engage with our scholars. Schools will check volunteers’ status routinely to confirm their eligibility. Volunteers are expected and required to abide by the WS/FCS Standards of Professional Conduct outlined WS/FC Board Policies 1170, 4116.10 and 5131.7.
Need to make changes to your application?
You may access your application at WSFCS Volunteers at any time to revise, change, or modify your information. Be sure to notate your login information created during the volunteer registration process.
Need help? Have questions?
Contact Cynthia Speas, District Volunteer Coordinator, at Cynthia Speas or 336.727.2696 ext. 70413.