FAQs

You can complete your volunteer application directly here or by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button at https://hoby.org/volunteers/. 

Pro Tips for a Smooth Application Process:

• Use a Computer: While the application is mobile and tablet-friendly, we recommend using a computer or large-screen device for optimal navigation and ease.

• Use a Word Processor: There are a few short answer questions asking you to describe your interest in applying and the skills and experiences you would bring to the WLC. The form does not auto-save. Write your answers in a word document first to be sure you don’t lose any work.

• Returning Volunteers: Ensure the information you provide matches exactly with what is already in the HOBY system to avoid any recognition issues. If you encounter any challenges, our team is happy to assist—reach out to us at hoby@hoby.org.

Need a little guidance? Check out our quick tutorial or visit the Application Info page to get started.

Anyone!

Many factors influence the selection of the volunteer team, including volunteer experience, professional background, succession planning, educational background, and, in some cases, specific technical skills, certifications, or licenses.

We actively strive to welcome new volunteers to the WLC team each year, so if you applied in the past and were not selected, please consider applying again!

On the Roles page you will find general descriptions of each WLC team as well as available volunteer roles. Roles with prerequisite experience, skills, or credentials are noted on role descriptions if applicable.

All volunteers must be fully available for the entire duration of their assigned role.

All volunteers must submit to a criminal background check (completed by HOBY).

Absolutely! We encourage you to apply for any role that interests you for several reasons:

• Most of our roles have preferred, but not required, qualifications. Only a few positions have mandatory qualifications, which are clearly marked as "required" (e.g., our Medics must be a certified EMT or equivalent emergency medicine professional with proof of credentials).

• Volunteering with WLC is an opportunity to develop new skills in a safe and supportive environment while contributing to our mission.

• Research shows that women and people of color often hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. 

We want to emphasize: please apply if you're passionate about the role, even if you don't match every preferred qualification.

• All Leadership Team members must arrive to the WLC by Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

• All Directors must arrive to the WLC by Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

• The majority of all other roles must arrive to the WLC by Thursday, July 23, 2026.*

*The following roles must also arrive to the WLC by Wednesday, July 23, 2026:

• Food & Beverage Manager, Housing & Facilities Manager, Procurement & Inventory Manager, and Special Projects Manager

Time commitments vary by role and are detailed on the specific role descriptions. In general, most volunteers are expected to engage in a mix of these pre-seminar activities:

• Individual role-based planning and preparation work, inclusive of cross-functional collaboration

• Virtual team meetings and 1-1s as needed by role and team

• Mix of mandatory and optional self-guided virtual trainings 

• Staying up to date on developments in our WLC Volunteer Slack community

• 2-3 all-volunteer meetings for community building and training between January and July

Volunteers engage in full days of WLC programming usually starting as early as 7am and ending as late as 11pm (~12-14 hours per day). Breaks will be scheduled regularly, and volunteers can work with their team to take additional breaks as needed.

Volunteers experience a high frequency of physical engagement throughout the day, including movement across The Catholic University's campus and on D.C.'s public transportation. Depending on their role, volunteers may travel through D.C. for program excursions.

Volunteers undergo a day-long training session before ambassadors arrive. Volunteer-only gatherings occur throughout the week for team check-ins, development, celebration, fun, and appreciation.

Yes! 

While most roles require prep work and full-time onsite participation, there are a few exceptions. Look for roles noted as “Planning-Only”. These roles will not volunteer onsite. 

Volunteers who are interested in these roles that also want to be onsite are welcome to also apply to roles that have lower preparation work, giving the option of a “dual role” (e.g. the Graphic Designer can also be Junior Staff). 

We encourage you to use your best judgment so as not to overextend yourself. To help with this, we have included high-level estimations on required-prep at the top and more specific details as to expected weekly time commitment in the "Quick facts" in each role.

For those that cannot commit to joining us for the entire week, day volunteering is also available.

For week-long volunteers, HOBY covers room and board, program expenses, and all meals beginning with dinner on your scheduled arrival date through breakfast on your departure date. 

Week-long volunteers seeking financial assistance will have the opportunity to apply for travel assistance. Depending on the volume of applicants and funds, volunteers may qualify for up to 100% reimbursement.

For day volunteers, food will be covered during volunteering; however, housing and travel stipends will not be provided.

At any time prior to the application deadline, you are invited to update your existing application to include any additional roles you’d like to apply for.

Once your application has been submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation that your application was received and is being reviewed. Should you need to edit or change your application, the confirmation email will provide you with a link to log back in and make any necessary updates.

These are the steps you need to take to update your application correctly:

1. Click through the first three pages until you get to the fourth page titled "Volunteer Application"

2. On this page, you can add any new WLC positions you'd like to apply for. Do not remove any of the positions already showing, just click the "+ add item" link on the bottom right corner, selecting the team and position you want to apply for. Do this for each position you're interested in. You can watch a video walkthrough here.

3. Once you have all the positions listed, click next until you reach the "WLC Volunteers" page which has the required questions where you can explain your interest in the roles you've selected and what you would bring to those roles and the WLC team.

4. Click "Submit" and you're all done!