Frequently Asked Questions
The HandsOn Twin Cities website makes it easy
for you to find and manage all of your volunteer
activities in one place. You can search
thousands of volunteer opportunities, sign up for projects, create teams to volunteer with you and much more!
Using Our Website
Volunteer Opportunities
Nonprofit Organizations
Using Our Website
How do I get started?
Step 1: Explore our website. Then register online by clicking member center on the left navigation bar. Although you can browse through any part of our website without registering, you will need to register online in order to sign up for projects and take full advantage of our website's features.
Step 2: When you register online, you will receive an email asking you to activate your account. Just click on the activation link in the email to continue. If for some reason you do not receive this email, contact us at
info@handsontwincities.org
or call (612) 379-4900, ext. 10. Also, be sure your spam filter isn't blocking messages from
info@handsontwincities.org
or other handsontwincities.org email addresses.
Step 3: Get involved! Visit our Project Calendar for one time group opportunities, or view our searchable database for
ongoing volunteer opportunities. It's as easy as 1-2-3!
What are the advantages of registering with HandsOn Twin Cities?
Our goal is to successfully connect volunteers to the nonprofits that need them most. Once you register, you will have access to a number of valuable tools and resources
after you login, enabling you to find the volunteer opportunity that's right for you:
- You can quickly and easily sign up for projects that need your time, skills and talents
- Project details (including directions) are e-mailed to you immediately
- You will receive a reminder email before the project
- You can easily remove yourself from projects you are no longer able to attend
- You can view and modify your personal information including contact information, skills and interests
- You can easily view your volunteer and donation history
Do I have to have an email address?
Yes. Our website uses your email address to identify you and send you important information about any projects or courses you sign up for. If you do not have an email account, you can get one free of charge from www.yahoo.com or
www.gmail.com. Free internet access is also available from most public libraries.
I've forgotten my password
That's okay. Just login and enter your email address under the “Forget Your Password?” section of the screen. Then click “Email My Password Now” and a new password will be sent to you automatically.
How do I change my password or email address?
If you would like to change your password or email address, you can do this at any time by logging in and selecting “Personal Information” and “Email and Password.” Once you have made your changes, be sure to click “Update Information” or your changes will not be saved.
Why don't I receive system-generated emails (i.e., password request, registration or project confirmation)?
The spam filter on your email account may automatically route emails sent from HandsOn Twin Cities to your junk or bulk mail folder or even delete them. Please configure your email account to allow you to receive messages from
info@handsontwincities.org
Who do I contact for help using the HandsOn Twin Cities website?
If you have any questions or need further assistance on using this website, please e-mail
info@handsontwincities.org or call (612) 379-4900, ext. 10.
Return to top of this page Volunteer Opportunities
What kinds of projects does HandsOn Twin Cities offer?
We provide referrals to thousands of volunteer opportunities in the nine county metro area, ranging from one-time special events to those requiring a more significant commitment. We work with over 300 nonprofit agencies, and our opportunities span many interest areas. There is something for everyone!
How much time do I have to commit?
It's entirely up to you! Our goal is to make volunteering easy for everyone, regardless of how busy their schedules are. Our projects and referrals offer varying commitment levels, so you can volunteer as much or as little as you like. Volunteers who are looking for a flexible yet meaningful way to volunteer should view our monthly Project Calendar. Volunteers looking for a more regular commitment can search through our online database for
Ongoing Opportunities.
How old do I have to be?
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old to legally register on this website. However, volunteers of any age can make a difference in the community by volunteering with their family or adult chaperone. All volunteers under the age of 18 must also have a signed Waiver of Liability on file with HandsOn Twin Cities. Download waiver.
How do I sign-up for projects or courses?
That depends on the type of project or course. HandsOn Twin Cities offers a wide variety of programs designed to provide every member of our community with the opportunity to make a difference. You may sign-up for most projects and courses online once you have registered as a HandsOn Twin Cities member. Register Here. What is a Project Leader?
Each project has a person who is responsible for managing the project. In most cases, Project Leaders are volunteers who took the extra step and help make our programs possible. Project Leaders may also be representatives from the nonprofit organization hosting the event.
Who should I contact if I have questions about a project?
The Project Leader should be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. When you sign up, you will receive an automatic email with the Project Leader's contact information.
Can I bring other people with me to a project?
Ideally, each volunteer would register on our website with his or her own email address. Since this is not always possible, you can also choose one of the following options: • Create a team and register your entire team.
- Sign yourself up. If additional volunteer spots are available, call or email the Project Leader and provide the names and ages (if appropriate) of the people you wish to bring. Provided they meet the age requirements and space is available, the Project Leader will ensure that a space is reserved for them at the project. You will need to download and complete a Youth Liability Waiver for anyone under the age of 18, and bring it with you to the project.
How do I remove myself from a project I don't wish to or cannot attend?
First, Log In. Click on "My Projects" and then "Remove Me" from any projects you are unable to attend. Please do this as early as possible so that your volunteer slot becomes available for someone else to fill.
I'm having problems signing up for projects.
Please make sure that you have registered and logged in. Once you have logged in, select your project and click Sign Me Up. If the Sign Me Up button does not appear, you may see one of these messages on the screen instead:
- You must enter a date of birth – As some of our projects have age restrictions, you must enter your date of birth before you are allowed to sign up for projects. Log In. Under “Personal Information” update your date of birth and any other required fields marked with an orange asterisk. Be sure to click “Update Information” to save your changes.
- Age restrictions – If you do not meet the minimum age requirement for the project, you will not be able to sign up.
- You must attend an orientation in order to participate – You must attend an orientation before you will be permitted to sign up for some projects. However, some projects include an orientation to HandsOn Twin Cities at the beginning of the project.
- Court-referred volunteers are not allowed – Legally, you must notify HandsOn Twin Cities if you have court-referred service hours to complete. Certain projects do not allow court-referred volunteers. Please select another project. See our Court-Ordered Volunteering page for more information.
Can HandsOn Twin Cities verify my hours for school, court or other requirements?
We strongly recommend that you ask the Project Leader or an agency official to verify the hours you have served at the end of each project you attend, as it is often difficult to verify hours later if the official attendance is not sent to HandsOn Twin Cities. Formal letters of verification can be prepared with 7-10 days notice. See our Court-Ordered Volunteering page for more information.
What if I have an idea for a new project?
Tell us about it! We're always looking for new projects and people to lead them. Email us at
info@handsontwincities.org.
Return to top of this page Nonprofit Organizations
How can my nonprofit organization list our volunteer needs on your website?
HandsOn Twin Cities connects individuals and groups with meaningful opportunities with Twin Cities organizations that need them. Nonprofit organizations must first become an affiliate member with HandsOn Twin Cities. Affiliate organizations can then post volunteer opportunities on our website and utilize many other services. Learn more about services.
How can I learn more about HandsOn Twin Cities?
Learn more about our mission, vision, history and more in the About Us section of our website.
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