An official army family and MWR Site
Eligible Patrons Partner with us
Joint Base Lewis-McChord

AN OFFICIAL ARMY FAMILY AND MWR SITE

Installation Volunteer Corps (IVC)

The IVC program embraces all installation volunteer programs, unites all volunteers who support Service Members and Families and formalizes the military’s commitment to volunteerism. 

Volunteers contribute a broad range of services that enhance and expand the capabilities of military programs and services.  Working as teams, paid and volunteer, provide real-life solutions for successful military living.

Tools to help you transition to modern VMIS
Installation Volunteer Corps Overview

Our Mission

Promote and strengthen volunteerism by uniting community volunteer efforts, supporting professional management, enhancing volunteer career mobility, and establishing volunteer partnerships to support individual personal growth and life-long volunteer commitment.

Installation Volunteer Corps (IVC) Program

The IVC program embraces all installation volunteer programs, unites all volunteers who support Service Members and Families and formalizes the military’s commitment to volunteerism.  Volunteers contribute a broad range of services that enhance and expand the capabilities of military programs and services.  Working as teams, paid and volunteer, 

As a liaison and resource for installation and private volunteer organizations, the JBLM Installation Volunteer Corps provides resources, training to organizations and volunteers to assess, develop and strengthen their volunteer programs. 

Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS)

VMIS - Are you tracking?

JBLM units/organizations are on line with the Department of Army Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS) at vmis.armyfamilywebportal.com! 

  1. New Volunteers: Register for an account
    Existing Volunteers: If you had volunteered in the past and have a legacy VMIS account, transition that account to the new system
  2. Search for volunteer opportunities
  3. Make contact with the volunteer organization
  4. Submit volunteer application for volunteer positions
  5. Log your hours (once your application has been accepted)
  6. Document training and awards

Resources:

The information travels with you when you PCS or ETS, and provides you with a complete volunteer history whether you're just tracking your volunteer activities, or using the information to search for employment. 

Types of Volunteers

​​​​​​​Statutory volunteers are those volunteers authorized by federal statute (10 USC 1588) to provide services in certain Department of Defense activities such as MWR, family programs, museums, chaplain, child care, etc.  Statutory volunteers, when registered, recording hours, and acting within the scope of their position description, are provided certain benefits by law such as worker's compensation. 

Private organization volunteers are part of non-federal entities authorized to operate on the installation.  These organizations contribute to the overall installation mission, but their volunteers are not considered statutory.  All liability for incidents/accidents or injury to the volunteer are the responsibility of the private organization. 

Gratuitous service volunteers provide services to organizations not covered under the federal statute, and do so with no expectation of compensation or benefit coverage.

Incentives for Registering and Tracking Hours

Each volunteer registered in VMIS can receive the Army Volunteer Corps lapel pin

Logging hours can earn an award per JBLM Regulation 672-3, Community Volunteer Service Awards Program.

Volunteer Opportunities

Available Volunteer Opportunities

can be found on dashboard at vmis.armyfamilywebportal.com

Search by military community using the filter option for opportunities by organization.

On Base Volunteering

There are more than 40 organizations on JBLM who offer volunteer opportunties, in four categories:

► JBLM Agencies and Directorates
► Army Soldier & Family Readiness Groups (SFRGs)
► Air Force Key Spouse Program (McChord Field)
► Private Organizations

Click -HERE- For a current list of on post volunteer options

Youth Volunteering
Military kids: there are volunteer opportunities for you both on and around JBLM!
There is no specific "minimum age" which applies to all - each organization will make the determination of their minimal age requirements for volunteers. 
 
On Base: Questions? Call 253-967-2324
 
American Red Cross 
Summer Youth Program
 
DFMWR: CYS-Hillside Teen Center, 253-967-4441
Keystone and Torch Clubs offer community service opportunities.  Call to make an appointment to discuss how you can get involved today!
 
Library
Bookpatch (Grandstaff): Lewis-Main
McChord Library - McChord Field
 
Religious Support
 
Off Base - Potential Opportunities List:  Call 253-967-2324
 
Off Base Volunteering

If you reside off post and are looking to volunteer a little closer to where you live, our Installation Volunteer Corps office is connected with numerous off-base organizations to help connect you with opportunities in your local area. 

Call 253-967-2324 and let us know more about what you're interested in so we can help you find the perfect fit.

- Current Opportunity -

Register today to become a mentor for Gold Star Youth. Pending the guidance of local health authorities, youth, and mentors will meet Saturday mornings to train for a 5K. Youth and mentors will set and work towards S.M.A.R.T. goals, learn about a life of service, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Dates: Saturday, April 10 - Saturday June 19, 2021
Times: Approximately 8-11 a.m. (times vary based on locations)
Deadline to register is March 15, 2021

To view / download a flyer about this opportunity, please CLICK HERE

Recognition Ideas

Volunteer Recognition Ideas

Other Recognition

Volunteer Awards

JBLM AWARDS

OTHER AWARDS

CERTIFICATES

Information and Forms

Useful Forms & Links
Volunteer FAQs
 
Q:  Where do I go to learn about the volunteering process and volunteer opportunities?
A:  Contact the Installation Volunteer Corps office at 253-967-2324.
 
Q:  Can I volunteer with more than one organization?
A:  Yes, you are able to volunteer with more than one unit/organization.
 
Q:  Do I set my own volunteer schedule?
A:  Yes, you are able to set your weekly volunteer schedule with the supervisor or program manager.
 
Q:  Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to volunteer?
A:  No, as long as you have a DOD ID card you are able to volunteer on post.
 
Q:  How old do I need to be to volunteer?
A:  Each organization will make the determination of their minimal age requirements for volunteers.  The age may vary from organization to organization.
 
Q:  Is Childcare offered while I volunteer?
A:  Each organization determines if they have the funds to pay for childcare for their volunteers.  You will need to ask the organization point of contact.
 
Q:  Do I have to use the Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS) in order to volunteer?
A:  Yes, if you are volunteer on post (JBLM), you will need to create a VMIS account, submit volunteer applications and record hours.
 
Q:  Can I use my volunteer service on my resume?
A:  Yes you can.  In fact, you are encouraged to maintain your Volunteer Service Record in your VMIS account.  You are building a volunteer resume in VMIS by submitting applications, recording volunteer hours, training, and awards.

Q:  How do I maintain my Off Base volunteer hours?

A:  When volunteering Off Base, use the DA 4713, Daily Time Record to maintain your hours.  Use one form for each volunteer organization.  Include the organization (and your) name and year on the form.  Fill the form out after each time you volunteer. At the end of your volunteer commitment or calendar year, print the form and ask the organization point of contact to print, sign, date, phone number at the bottom of the form.  The completed form should be maintained in your ‘Volunteer File’.

More Community Support

Due to improved mask compliance in fitness centers, 24/7 gym access has been restored at McVeigh, Wilson, and McChord fitness centers for registered patrons. We ask everyone to continue to wear masks in our fitness centers except while swimming or showering. This includes while lifting weights, doing cardio, and playing basketball. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.