Please take a few moments to review these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about being a Volunteer Professional with the Arts & Business Council’s Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts (VLPA) program.
Who is eligible to volunteer?
Professionals in Tennessee with experience in accounting, communications, development/fundraising, facilities planning, financial planning, human resources, information technology, marketing, public relations, strategic planning, business management/planning, and other art-related professional fields.
What types of professional issues do VLPA volunteers handle?
VLPA volunteers handle art-related professional issues that directly impact the artistic output of artists or arts organizations, including:
– Accounting (e.g., QuickBooks training sessions)
– Communications
– Development/Fundraising
– Facilities Planning
– Financial Planning
– Human Resources
– Information Technology
– Marketing
– Public Relations
– Strategic Planning
– Business Management/Planning
– Accounting (e.g., QuickBooks training sessions)
– Communications
– Development/Fundraising
– Facilities Planning
– Financial Planning
– Human Resources
– Information Technology
– Marketing
– Public Relations
– Strategic Planning
– Business Management/Planning
What types of professional issues do VLPA volunteers not handle?
VLPA does not offer tax preparation, accounting, or bookkeeping services. However, we are always seeking volunteer accountants or CPAs to help with QuickBooks training sessions.
What types of clients does VLPA work with?
VLPA is here to help income-qualified artists (of all disciplines), nonprofit arts organizations, and qualifying creative businesses.
Is membership required to become a volunteer?
Membership is not required to volunteer.
However, Arts & Business Council members at the Supporter level or higher receive:
– Weekly email newsletters
– Discounts on seminars
– Invitations to social events
– Networking and marketing opportunities
– Plus, VLPA also offers paying referrals to interested member professionals for clients who do not qualify for pro bono assistance.
How do I stay informed about new cases?
Upon signing up, you may indicate if you’d like to receive our weekly referral case list. If you opt in, we’ll send all relevant updates to the email address you provide.
How are cases assigned?
Each week, you’ll receive the referral case list, allowing you to select any cases you’d like to volunteer for. Once chosen, VLPA will connect you with the client via an introductory email so you can begin your work together.
What is the time commitment?
Time commitment varies based on the case. On average, a volunteer spends between 2-8 hours working on a referral case.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
If you’re interested in volunteering, please fill out our Volunteer Sign-Up Form!
If I have a question, who should I contact?
Please email [email protected], and we’ll be happy to assist you with any questions.