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Joint Base Lewis-McChord

AN OFFICIAL ARMY FAMILY AND MWR SITE

Installation Volunteer Corps (IVC)


Volunteers Make a World of Difference!

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.
 


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.

Apply

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

What type of volunteer will you be?

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.

Benefits and Incentives

There are many benefits to becoming a volunteer, here are just a few:

  • Refines job skills and provides opportunities to learn new ones
  • Helps grow your social and professional networks
  • Volunteer service can be added to resumes, eliminating gaps in employment
  • Allows you to feel more connected to your community and the people in it
  • Promotes well-being, both mentally and physically
  • Provides a sense of purpose and bolsters confidence
     

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
Resources

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’.
 

Volunteer Awards