Dress for Success Philadelphia is volunteer-driven organization. From sorting suits to shopping with clients, our volunteers make it possible for us to fulfill our mission. We seek to empower our clients with the self-assurance and self-confidence needed to transition into economic independence. Each one of our volunteers plays a part in initiating powerful change in the city of Philadelphia.
Why Get Involved? 
Everyone volunteers for different reasons, whether you are a student looking to gain experience through community involvement, a retired person seeking to stay busy or someone who wants to give back, you all have something in common: your contribution to this organization and the communities throughout Philadelphia is invaluable. Every job, no matter how small, is an opportunity to learn something new and experience the joy selflessness. Simply put, we could not do what we do without you so your support is essential.
We hold weekly volunteer orientation trainings at our NEW location on 12th street! Please email Lora Carter, Volunteer Coordinator, lora@dfsphilly.org for information.
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Personal Shopper
Volunteers may work one-on-one with Dress for Success Philadelphia clients to help select their interview suit. Suitings take place in the office Monday thru Friday. Personal shopping is a wonderful way to boost women’s confidence and make a direct impact on our clients’ lives.
Career Center Volunteer
Volunteers help our clients with their job search process; review and edit resumes, help write cover letters and give interview tips to women in need. They also meet with clients to perform mock interviews and informational interviews in order to give them a chance to practice and improve their communication skills. Career Center volunteers meet with Dress for Success Philadelphia clients in the office at various times Monday through Friday.
Professional Women’s Group Expert Speaker
Individuals have the opportunity to serve as an expert speaker at a Professional Women’s Group (PWG) seminar. Speakers prepare a 60-minute presentation, discussing career development topics such as workplace communications, time management, tax time, etc., followed by a question-and-answer period. Being a PWG speaker is a wonderful way to meet motivated women who want to further develop their professional skills and advance in their careers. The program will begin again in the fall, and we are building our schedule now. Please let us know if you want to help!
Personal Clothing Donations
Individuals can donate their new or nearly new interview-appropriate suits, separates and accessories to Dress for Success Philadelphia. We are always in particular need of plus-size clothing, hand bags/briefcases and shoes. Donations are accepted on Mondays. Please contact the Branch Manager, Marielle Conlon (215) 351-2301; marielle@dfsphilly.org for further information.
Special Events & Fundraising
Special events are a vital part of Dress for Success Philadelphia's fundraising efforts, and volunteers are needed to assist in a variety of ways including planning event logistics, sending out invitations or preparing gift bags. In addition to working on fundraisers, individuals are also encouraged to host their own party or event to benefit Dress for Success Philadelphia.
Short-Term Consulting Projects
Dress for Success Philadelphia is seeking professionals able to do pro bono work in the fields of grant writing, marketing, PR, technology and many others.
Public Speaking & Tabling Events
Volunteers have the opportunity to represent Dress for Success Philadelphia at a range of events, such as conferences, speaking engagements at corporations and referral agencies and tabling events for workplace giving programs. If you would like to share your enthusiasm and passion for Dress for Success Philadelphia and inspire others to support the organization, this role could be the perfect one for you.
Administrative Work
As a volunteer-driven organization with limited resources, Dress for Success Philadelphia is often in need of administrative help with tasks such as answering phones, serving as a receptionist, updating databases, photocopying and other similar duties. If you have office skills and would like to offer substantial assistance, we hope you will consider becoming an administrative volunteer for a few hours a week.
Shop Maintenance
Organizing the apparel that Dress for Success Philadelphia receives and stores is an enormous and ongoing task. We always need volunteers who can help sort donations, change inventory in the shop, organize the racks and make sure that the boutique is clean and orderly.
Group Volunteer Opportunities:
Sorting
Gathering together a group to participate in an afternoon of sorting business suits and separates is a fun way to spend time with friends or co-workers. In addition, sorting is an important task that helps Dress for Success Philadelphia keep our boutique ready for our clients.
Company-Wide Volunteer Opportunities:
Suit Drives
Companies have an opportunity to hold a suit drive at any time during the year. Employees are encouraged to donate one new or nearly-new interview-appropriate suit or separate to Dress for Success Philadelphia. Many affiliates also collect funds to purchase needed items so that everyone is able to get involved, even those with no clothing to share.
Host a Professional Women's Group Meeting
Dress for Success Philadelphia needs space to hold Professional Women's Group seminars, which take place on weekday evenings. Host companies will supply the meeting space and light refreshments. A company donating space can also become involved with the program's skill-building seminars and meet Professional Women's group members.
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