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.
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.
I treat my volunteer hours like a job schedule. I use a simple Google Sheet—columns for date, task, organization, and total hours. At the end of each week, I update it so I don’t forget. That way, when I need to report hours for school or a program, everything’s already neat and ready.
Most established nonprofits or campaigns actually track hours for you. Ask if they have a system—some use sign-in sheets, apps, or official hour logs. That way, your work is verified and you don’t have to chase down signatures later. For high school or college requirements, having that organizational confirmation matters a lot.