Overview
HOS's primary objective is to identify the needs of local NGOs and organize flexible volunteer programs for busy professionals.

To connect volunteers with local community-based organizations, Hands On Shanghai engages in three main activities:
1) Coordinate volunteer opportunities for active professionals, according to their availability and personal interests
2) Support local community organizations with direct donations, fundraising planning and execution, community project design and implementation
3) Design and manage a variety of volunteer programs for private sector partners in Shanghai

History
Hands On Shanghai (HOS) was founded in 2004 by a group of young foreign professionals. With previous experience with the Hands On/Cares worldwide network, they established an affiliate organization in Shanghai.

Mission
Hands On Shanghai's mission is to create a balance between the needs of Shanghai's charities and the availability of those looking to become involved in community activities.

Strategy
Hands On Shanghai strives to establish and develop long term sustainable relationships with charities in Shanghai. Servicing the long term needs of our partners, we organize short-term projects that are sensitive to the schedules and interests of volunteers. Together, Hands On and its partner organizations create successful and well-staffed projects by allowing Hands on Shanghai to manage volunteers while the partner organizations manage the projects.

Projects
Project length and scope vary, but generally require two to three hours of commitment either on weekday evenings or three to four hour commitments on weekends.