SWOOP FAQ’s

Is there a membership fee or other requirement to join? No fee is required to join or participate in a SWOOP event. It is expected that when one joins SWOOP, one intends to volunteer in some capacity, whether physically on a work project, by assisting with a fundraising event, or by donating time to a committee.   However, some join SWOOP to stay abreast of SWOOP activities and support SWOOP in other ways.

SWOOP completes community service projects through two programs:  SWOOPin' Saturdays and Ramp It Up!

Can you join both SWOOPin' Saturdays and Ramp It Up!? Yes. Click the "Join" button to receive SWOOPin' Saturday project information and other information about SWOOP.  Join the SWOOP Responders to receive notices about upcoming volunteer opportunities for the Ramp It Up! program.

What is a typical SWOOPin' Saturday project like? Projects normally occur on the second Saturday of each month -- EXCEPT January, June, July, and August.  These are all-day affairs. Work is divided among team leaders and SWOOPers pick the areas in which they want to help. Work ranges from carpentry and painting to landscaping and outdoor site work. Safety is a primary concern at all times for everyone on the job site.

What is the Ramp It Up! program? More information coming soon.

How many projects does SWOOP do annually? There are typically eight SWOOPin' Saturdays each year. These large projects are scheduled for the 2nd Saturday of each month, except for January, June, July, and August. The Ramp It Up! program goal for 2011 is to build 8 wheelchair ramps, and as of Sept 1 we have completed 5 of them. Our Ramp It Up! goal for 2012 (if we earn funding) is to complete at least 10 ramps.  

How many SWOOPers typically work a project? Normally, 30-60 volunteers work during a SWOOPin' Saturday although we have had over 100 at a single event. Ramp It Up! projects involve 8-10 volunteers per work day.

I don’t have much free time or I'm really not interested in the workdays – what other ways can I help? Volunteering for a SWOOP committee is one way to take part for those who are not able to (or cannot) participate in SWOOPin' Saturday workdays. If you want to volunteer during the week (for Ramp It Up!) join the SWOOP Responders. If you want to be a part of SWOOPin' Saturday but without the heavy lifting, consider joining or putting together a crew to oversee lunch for the volunteers.

We also appreciate any help in the area of fund raising and marketing. SWOOP supporters have hosted house parties to ask their friends to support SWOOP, made requests for donations on their Facebook pages, advocated for SWOOP at their workplace or in their church, written letters to local newspapers, etc. If you have a small business or know someone who does, consider sponsoring a SWOOPin' Saturday.  

Financial donations are always welcome and are accepted directly or through Network for Good’s website.  By signing up for iGive.com, you can also shop online with hundreds of online merchants and they will donate to SWOOP if you shop at their merchants.  Check out both Network for Good and iGive.com on our home page.    

We should also point out that you are not required to commit a minimum number of volunteer hours when you come to a work project.

What organized committees are there in addition to the SWOOP Board? Current committees include: Safety Committee and Grant Committee.

How can I become a SWOOP sponsor or help in other ways?
Contact Marilee Starr for sponsorship opportunities: swoopcoordinator@swoop4u.org

Can I join SWOOP if I am male?
Yes. Although SWOOP is an organization for women, men can and do join in the effort.  Our mission includes not only doing service for people in need in the community, but also providing opportunities for women to learn and practice skills traditionally considered to be in the realm of men.  Because of this, we try to ensure that women at our workdays have every opportunity to take the lead.  As we sometimes say (with a smile), “Men can join – they just can’t be in charge.”

I don’t have much building experience -- can I still help? (Is experience required?) No experience is required to volunteer with SWOOP.  No matter what your skill level or physical abilities, we can find a job for you.  You can also learn new skills through SWOOP.  Team leaders provide instruction and guidance, and we sometimes hold workshops to teach a particular skill.

Do I have to have my own tools?
No. Although for each work day we publish a list of useful tools to bring, SWOOP owns many tools, which we haul to each worksite in our 14-foot utility trailer.  So you do not need to own tools to come to a SWOOP work day.  We do, however, recommend that SWOOPers bring gloves to each work day.

What is supplied at a SWOOP event?
Through volunteer donations and funds raised at the SWOOP benefits, many tools, most painting equipment, and job-specific items such as hardware or building supplies are provided at the project site.  Lunch, drinks, and snacks are also provided.

How can I enlist help from SWOOP for an individual or group that needs it?
On the SWOOP website, there is a link under “Contact Us” to suggest a work day.

Are there fundraising events for SWOOP? If so, why? Yes. Fundraising events are critical to raise money for the operational costs of SWOOP.  For instance, with the funds from previous benefits, SWOOP was able to acquire both a truck and a trailer to haul equipment and supplies to and from SWOOP projects. Other SWOOP expenses directly related to each project: accident insurance for its volunteers; liability insurance; tool and vehicle maintenance; fuel; staff to assist individuals and/or agencies with project planning, design, volunteer coordination, and project material lists; communications.

Because we have a very small staff, fundraisers must be organized by volunteer crews. Check our home page to see what might be coming soon.

What safety precautions are taken during a SWOOP work day? At each work day, we have a designated safety officer that oversees the day’s activities and helps to ensure that we are operating in the safest manner possible.  Team leaders make sure that their teams remain aware of safety at all times during the duration of the project. 

I want to be a team leader – how do I do that? If you want to lead a specific activity on a project site, please indicate that willingness on the initial member profile you fill out upon joining SWOOP as well as in the RSVP for a given workday.  You may also contact Lisa Wilson for more information at swoopprojects@gmail.com.

I want to learn more about tools and construction – are there workshops? From time to time, SWOOP does hold workshops and plans to do more in the future.
 
Are there other SWOOP chapters? Can I start one, and if so, how? The SWOOP home base or “SWOOP Central” is located in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina.  In the upcoming year, SWOOP’s goal is to assist in the founding of other chapters throughout the country, as women express interest in forming such chapters.  New chapters must sign a licensing agreement and pay a small licensing fee for the use of the SWOOP name, on which SWOOP holds a Federal service mark.  While each chapter functions independently, sister chapters may look to SWOOP Central for guidance on everything from membership and fundraising to non-profit legalities. For more information, e-mail SWOOP.