Volunteer FAQ

Who are Minds Matter’s volunteers?
All of Minds Matter’s volunteers are college graduates at varying stages of their careers looking to make a difference in their community by directly impacting a high school student’s chance at a college education.

How do I apply to become a volunteer?
Please click on a city to learn more about the volunteer application process at your Chapter: Boston, Cleveland, Chicago, Denver, New York City, Portland.

What is the time commitment for a typical volunteer?
The time commitment for a typical volunteer is approximately 3 hours at regular weekly sessions, as well as an additional 2-4 hours during the week, depending on the volunteer’s role and engagement with the student(s).

Does Minds Matter offer leadership volunteer opportunities?
Because Minds Matter is largely a volunteer driven organization, there are several leadership opportunities available. After volunteering with the organization for at least a year, volunteers have the option of applying to leadership positions as a Team Leader or as a Director on the Chapter’s Executive Committee or the organization’s National Executive Committee, both of which handle most of the organization’s behind-the-scenes programming on a local and national level respectively. Both Minds Matter’s local and national Board of Directors include more tenured volunteers who have a demonstrated interest in the organization’s long-term growth. To learn more about becoming a leadership volunteer, please contact your Chapter directly.

What is the paid staff to volunteer ratio?
Minds Matter is truly a volunteer driven organization. There are only two paid staff members nationally and the volunteer: paid staff ratio is approximately 275: 1. Using conservative figures, the value of volunteered time is nearly $2,000,000!

What types of volunteer activities take place outside of regular session?
Minds Matter volunteers enjoy spending time outside of session getting to know one another in a social setting. Each Chapter organizes volunteer-only activities, such as happy hours, day trips, and pot luck dinners, throughout the year.

Does Minds Matter offer short-term volunteer opportunities?
While the majority of Minds Matter volunteer opportunities are long-term commitments of at least one school year (about nine months), some short-term volunteer opportunities do exist. Short-term volunteer opportunities include college and career fair participants, college admissions panelists, and “interviewers” to help with mock interview workshops. To learn more about short-term volunteer opportunities in your city, please contact your Chapter.

What kind of commitment is expected of volunteers with regards to fundraising?
Because Minds Matter is a largely volunteer driven organization, volunteer participation in fundraising is crucial. Volunteer fundraising can take place in the form of requesting donations from friends, family, and co-workers; many of our volunteers also get together to host small, creative fundraising events and get-togethers. Volunteers can also help by seeking out matching gifts and volunteer grants from their companies.

For any other questions, please contact your Chapter directly.

Minds Matter, Inc.
1120 Avenue of Americas
4th Floor
New York, NY 10036
info@mindsmatter.org
212.626.6584