Volunteers Making a Difference for More Than 50 Years!
For more than 50 years, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) has been offering personalized placement, matching volunteers age 55+ with community service opportunities across Dane County. RSVP is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, part of the national AmeriCorps Seniors organization. Our funding is a combination of federal, state, city and county support as well as private grants and donations from local businesses and individuals. Our major funders include: Corporation for National and Community Service, Dane County Department of Human Services, City of Madison, and Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Our Mission
To make a positive impact in the community by recruiting volunteers 55 and older to help public and non-profit organizations deliver essential services to people of all ages and identities, providing Dane County with a valuable resource.
RSVP Seeks to:
- utilize the skills, knowledge, and life experiences of people who are retired, helping them to lead healthy, productive lives;
- respond to increasing requests for volunteers to help meet critical needs;
- provide opportunities for intergenerational projects and age-integrated activities;
- plan programming in cooperation with the groups, agencies and institutions with which it is involved, as needed and requested;
- involve volunteers in planning and decision-making on community programs, boards, and committees;
- increase public awareness concerning contributions and needs of people age 55 and older and improve the image of aging.
Our Vision
RSVP aspires to build and expand a community-wide network of volunteers and organizations that value individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent.
RSVP strives to enrich the lives of senior volunteers and enhance support services for all Dane County residents.
Our Values
Dependability – Partnership – Service – Volunteerism – Innovation
Our History
In 1969, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) was created as a national volunteer program under the Administration on Aging. Eleven programs were launched in 1971, and they became part of the National Volunteer Agency, ACTION (now the Corporation for National and Community Service—AmeriCorps Seniors programs.)
In 1972 we became the first RSVP program in Wisconsin, and then in 2000 added a Foster Grandparent Program (FGP). Today, 170,000 AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in RSVP, FGP, and Senior Companion programs serve nationwide. With over 1,000 volunteers, RSVP of Dane County is one of the largest AmeriCorps Seniors programs in the United States.
Our Annual Report
To view our recent Annual Reports, click on the images above.