Founded on the concept that “no matter the problem, community is the answer,” The NEST Collaborative keeps the same Volunteers with the same Participants over time so as to build authentic and reciprocal relationships. All NEST Collaborative Volunteers are background-checked prior to beginning their service and participate in Volunteer training that include material on abuse and neglect prevention, suicide prevention, and age- and disability-friendly communication strategies.

NEST Collaborative Volunteer Opportunities

One-to-One Calls

Volunteers call a list of up to ten Participants twice weekly for a friendly conversation and check-in. If during the course of the conversation the participant expresses a need, the volunteer can refer that need to the Nevada aging- and social-services network to connect the participant with resources. Volunteers serve under a Guide who can help them make these referrals and answer any questions the Volunteer might have. Volunteers are expected to attend a 30-minute virtual cohort huddle with their guide and the other Volunteers in their cohort once per week.

Training:

Part 1: Self-guided online webinar series; approximately 2 hours

Part 2: One 3.5-hour live session with NEST Collaborative trainers via Zoom

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Peer Social Groups

Volunteers host virtual social groups via Zoom or teleconference. For one hour a week, the volunteer hosts a group of up to five individuals. The goal of this social group is to help participants create an interdependent system of mutual social support. The volunteer is there to facilitate conversation and help build those connections. If a Participant expresses a need during their group, the volunteer will follow up after the group meeting ends and refer that Participant to the Nevada aging- and social-services network to connect them with resources. Volunteers serve under a Guide who can help them make these referrals and are expected to attend a virtual cohort huddle with their Guide and other Volunteers in their cohort for 30 minutes once a week.

Training:

Part 1: Self-guided online webinar series; approximately 2 hours

Part 2: Two 2.5-hour live sessions with NEST Collaborative trainers via Zoom

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Tech Assistance

Volunteers help participants build their capacity with technology via one-to-one telephone-based assistance. Whether it’s navigating Zoom, email, or other online programs, Volunteers can break down each topic step by step. Our volunteers will help assist their Participant over the course of multiple sessions until the Participant feels comfortable with the topic at hand. Volunteers are provided various lesson guides on common technology topics to better assist their Participants. Volunteers serve under a Guide and are expected to attend a virtual cohort huddle with their Guide and other Volunteers in their Cohort for 30 minutes once a week.

Training:

Part 1: Self-guided online webinar series; approximately 2 hours

Part 2: Two 3.0-hour live sessions with NEST Collaborative trainers via Zoom