Press Release

RICHMOND — The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) today announced it is accepting online applications for several volunteer roles in conjunction with Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 36, formally establishing the Stand Tall – Stay Strong – Succeed Together initiative to improve reentry success and prevent recidivism.

“My guiding philosophy in life is to ‘Win and Help Win,’ meaning that if you help someone else to succeed, you will also succeed in the process,” said VADOC Director Chad Dotson. “Volunteering for the Virginia Department of Corrections will benefit both the population we serve and the volunteers themselves. Our Department is incredibly excited to see the benefits of Governor Youngkin’s Stand Tall – Stay Strong – Succeed Together initiative – and to meet the generous volunteers who will make such a difference for Virginia.”

Anyone interested in volunteering must complete an application, submit to a background investigation, and disclose all associates, friends, and relatives who are incarcerated or under VADOC supervision. Volunteers must meet the following requirements to be considered:

• Must be 18 years of age or older and possess valid, government-issued identification.
• Must not be under VADOC supervision, however, exceptions may be granted.
• Be of good reputation, good character, and have a desire to serve humanity.

Volunteers are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, social, economic and education level or religious affiliation.

Available volunteer roles include local facility volunteers, statewide volunteers, local reentry resource volunteers, and statewide reentry resource volunteers.

More information, including additional examples of volunteer opportunities and information needed to apply, can be found on the Volunteering section of the VADOC website.