Department of Correction
George M. Little, Commissioner
Volunteer Opportunities
Why Should I Volunteer?
Inmates and prisons aren't popular subjects. In fact, they're something most people would prefer to ignore. While it may be tempting to think of them as "somebody else's problem", the fact is... they're everyone's problem. Roughly 97% of the individuals who are incarcerated eventually go back to their hometowns. It's imperative that the department and community work hand in hand to help these people become better citizens while serving their debt to society. Volunteers are our greatest outside resource in accomplishing this goal.
The need for volunteers is constant at nearly every TDOC prison. There are countless ways in which to volunteer your time, both inside and outside the facility. The Tennessee Department of Correction offers numerous programs related to basic literacy, job training, family counseling, and mentoring, as well as a host of religious activities. No matter what your interest, there is a way to help and make a difference.
Who Can Volunteer?
Anyone over the age of 18 can volunteer at a state prison, provided that they meet all of the requirements established by the Department of Correction.
The department is committed to maintaining diversity within its volunteer services division; therefore, individuals from every walk of life are encouraged to participate. With the warden's approval, even those who were once incarcerated are allowed to volunteer. Inmates are often able to benefit from working with individuals who were once incarcerated themselves and were able to become productive citizens after returning to their communities. We do our best to place volunteers in service areas where their impact will be the greatest. Our goal is to make this an experience that is rewarding to both you and the inmates you work with.
Every volunteer must submit to a background investigation and complete the volunteer training program.
Policy 115.01 - Standards for Volunteers and Coordination of Community Involvement
(pdf format)(158 kb)
Volunteer Services Training Manual (pdf format)(155 kb)
Additional Links
