SWOOP FAQ’s

Is there a membership fee or other requirement to join?
There is no fee 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, assisting with a fundraising event, or donating time to a committee.   However, some join SWOOP to stay abreast of SWOOP activities, and support SWOOP in other ways.

I don’t have much free time – what other ways can I help?
SWOOP’s organized committees are one way to help for those who are not able to participate in SWOOP workdays. 

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. 

Becoming a sponsor or advertiser or donating items or services for our silent auctions or raffles at fundraisers is another easy way to help SWOOP.    

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: Web design, Shutterbugs (photography), Grants, Gulf Coast Planning, and the two benefit committees -- Whoopin’ It Up and Strong Women and Heroes,

How can I become a SWOOP sponsor?
For each of our two benefits per year, SWOOP welcomes businesses and individuals to become official SWOOP sponsors at different sponsorship levels ranging from $500 to $2,500 and up.  As we are preparing for each benefit, sponsorship information can be found by clicking on the “Donor/Advertiser” link on the home page.  Our sponsors are listed on the “Supporters” page of the website. 

How can I join SWOOP’s Sustainers Circle?
A growing group of businesses have agreed to become SWOOP Sustainers – that is, to make multi-year commitments of support for the continued sustainability and strength of SWOOP as a dynamic community service organization.  You can see the link at the bottom of the home page for more information about the Sustainers Circle.  Please contact SWOOP board member and Sustainer Maggie McGlynn at mcglynn@ipass.net for additional information.

Can I join SWOOP if I am male?
Yes. Although SWOOP is an organization for women, a few men have become SWOOPers.  As we always say, “Men can join – they just can’t be in charge!”

What is a typical SWOOP project like?
Projects normally occur on Saturdays and 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.

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.

Is there a SWOOP discussion forum where I can coordinate car pools or resources?
We are in the process of redesigning our website, which will include a members-only forum for these sorts of discussions.

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, too, which are hauled 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. There are two fundraising events yearly – Whoopin’ It Up for SWOOP, a hilarious comedy event, and Strong Women and Heroes, a dress-up sit-down dinner honoring a different segment of women each year. 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.

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.  SWOOP also purchases accident insurance for its members, and has liability insurance in the event that the recipient’s property is damaged during a work day due to SWOOP’s negligence.

How many projects does SWOOP do annually?
There are typically nine SWOOP work projects annually, one of which is a two-day project in support of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Raleigh in June.

How many SWOOPers typically work a project?
Normally about 50-70 people volunteer during a project, although we have had over 100 at a single event.

I want to be a team leader – how do I do that?If you want to lead a specific activity on a project site, you may indicate that willingness on the initial member profile you fill out upon joining SWOOP.  You may also contact SWOOP at any time.

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. 

Do SWOOPers socialize outside SWOOP events?
In addition to SWOOP work days and benefits, we often have various social events to which all SWOOPers are invited.  For example, there is a SWOOP pool party each summer.  Also, Playmakers in Chapel Hill offers SWOOPers free tickets to certain plays throughout the year, and we organize groups to go.  Various other social events arise each year, giving SWOOPers a chance to socialize outside of the regular SWOOP work days.

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.  The first SWOOP satellite chapter began in 2005 in Wilmington, 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, SWOOP.