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I’ve been volunteering with a local candidate’s campaign, doing canvassing and phone banking several evenings a week. My school requires a certain number of service hours for graduation, and I don’t want to lose track. I’m trying to figure out the best way to log my hours so they’ll actually count.
Posted : 25/08/2025 11:01 am
Why Tracking Volunteer Hours Matters
- Required for school credit, scholarship eligibility, or community awards.
- Provides proof of commitment and consistency to employers or colleges.
- Helps organizations report volunteer contributions for funding or recognition.
Methods to Track Hours
- Personal Systems
- Use spreadsheets (Google Sheets or Excel).
- Keep a physical journal or binder.
- Use a calendar app to log shifts after each session.
- Digital Tools & Apps
- Platforms like Track It Forward, VolunteerMark, or GivePulse specialize in hour logging.
- Many schools or nonprofits recommend specific apps.
- Organization-Verified Logs
- Always ask if the group has an official system.
- Sign-in sheets, supervisor initials, or online portals are common.
- This is often required for scholarships or official recognition.
Best Practices
- Log hours immediately after each session (don’t wait weeks).
- Record not just time, but also activity and impact (e.g., “Canvassing—4 hours, 120 doors knocked”).
- Keep both your personal copy and any official signed forms.
👉 Key takeaway: Use both your own system and your organization’s system. That way you’re covered no matter who asks for records.
Posted : 25/08/2025 11:03 am