Volunteering Overview - Read Before Volunteering

Subject: Interested in volunteering? Thanks for Stepping Up - Let's get acquainted!

It’s exciting to see so many parents eager to get involved. This kind of support helps our club grow and thrive. 

First, a little overview. 

Types of Volunteer Roles
We have a couple of different types of volunteer roles -- and the program wouldn’t run without either one.

First, there are special project volunteers. These folks jump in as needed, whether it’s helping around the boathouse during seasonal cleanup days, pitching in on repairs, signing up for potlucks, or representing RGA at local events like school orientation nights or other community events. Also, if you’re traveling to regattas, we’re always looking for help setting up, breaking down, and keeping the team well-fed and covered at the tent. Think of it as next-level tailgating -- and don’t worry, we provide everything!

Then there are our program-level volunteers. These are the folks who help keep the wheels turning day-to-day: board members, committee chairs, and named volunteer roles that support the overall structure and smooth operation of the program. 

If you're thinking of jumping in (or even just dipping a toe in), you can submit your interest form via the link at the bottom of the page.

But before you do that, let’s take a moment to look at some honest reasons why you might want to volunteer… and a few reasons you might not. (We get it.)

We’d love for everyone to volunteer -- but we also understand it’s not for everyone.

Is your schedule already bursting at the seams? We totally get it! We're just glad you're part of the community, and we’re happy to offer other meaningful ways you can support the program.

On the flip side, if you're more of a "have it your way" kind of person, or if you tend to view everything through the lens of personal benefit -- then volunteering in a team-centered environment might not be the best fit. And that’s okay! We still want to give you a way to contribute that aligns better with your style. Consider this your friendly briefing -- we’ll refer back to it from time to time.

Time is valuable, and the program deserves our best. So if volunteering isn’t a fit, just let us know -- we have alternative ways for you to support the program. We truly appreciate your honesty upfront, and we’ll make sure you can contribute in a way that works for you and for the program.

Now, for those who do volunteer: Team players who are positive, solution-focused, inclusive, and drama-free will thrive here. It’s not always perfect, and we won’t always agree -- but we navigate those moments with integrity, professionalism, humor, and a shared sense of care and purpose.

Simply put: divisiveness has no place here.

The Culture - If you thrive on collaboration, team energy, doing the right things well, helping the program succeed, bringing positive vibes, and building meaningful relationships--then you’re in the right place. This is the spirit that drives Row Georgia Volunteers. That's how the program thrives for the entire community.

If that’s not your jam, volunteering in one of our roles may not be the best fit.

We are all volunteers, giving our free time, and we deeply value healthy, supportive relationships that help our entire community, athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families thrive. We’re not just a team; we are a CommUNITY, every day.. 

Everyone is required to sign in agreement with the Code of Conduct, you'll definitely want to read and be in alignment with it. You can do that HERE. 

Our time, relationships, and sanity are precious. We protect those fiercely while building systems that last. That’s the culture. That’s Row Georgia.

Continuity - Protect What's Been Built & Build From There! - Over the years, Row Georgia has developed and implemented many strong internal systems. We've also rebranded and launched a strong brand identity in not only the local area, but also throughout our rowing community. However, with time, some of those systems can get diluted. That’s why we are placing an emphasis on continuity. That's the season we're in. We're going to protect what has been built, and build from there. 

We’re doing this by working to ensure that we work together as new folks come in, having them shadow those that have successfully served before them, while documenting systems in order to safeguard continuity and efficiency. We’re committed to ensuring the torch can be passed upward with clarity and momentum. By safeguarding our foundation and maintaining strong systems, we free up future volunteers to handle the day-to-day basics efficiently and more focus on next-level growth initiatives. When we do the fundamentals well and protect how energy and resources are spent, we create space to move the program forward--and it becomes more rewarding and enjoyable for everyone involved.

This is the power of a shared purpose: when each generation of volunteers builds on the last, the program doesn’t just survive--it thrives.

Conflict of Interest - To uphold the integrity of the program, maintain the mission focus and transparency, Row Georgia, Inc. does not serve as a platform for personal or financial gain. Volunteers, parents, or athletes, may not use their access to the program, its members, or internal records for any non RGA business -- nor may they compete with the program or its initiatives in any way while affiliated as a parent, rower, or volunteer. 

Our mission is rooted in service, growth, and advancing Row Georgia -- not individual interests. We’re proud to count among our community many professionals, business owners, and masters rowers who also happen to be dedicated current and past parents, athletes, and volunteers. But to keep things fair and above board, don't ask, or expect discounts, bartering, or service exchanges in return for volunteering. 

What we do offer are fun and inclusive incentives for everyone, like prize drawings and or tiered rewards for fundraising efforts -- program-wide opportunities where everyone plays by the same rules.

Now, where you can include Row Georgia in your tax records is through direct approved donations. We regularly call for donations, especially during our anchor fundraiser, the 12 Days of Christmas Raffle. We need donations! Also, work for a corporation? Many employers allow you to amplify your impact by using your company’s matching gift program. Just follow your employer’s process, list Row Georgia as the 501(c)(3) recipient, and boom -- you’ve made big waves for the program! 

Lastly, we’re committed to protecting our members’ privacy. Contact and roster information is never to be shared or used for solicitation. Volunteers may not use access to members for any business not officially sanctioned by Row Georgia.

Our community is built on generosity -- of time, skill, and heart. Profiting from a volunteer role compromises that spirit, and our shared mission depends on protecting it.

• To add your name to the hat for volunteering, click HERE.
• For details and to signup for the tent in the next Regatta, click here.