Volunteering

Our organization cannot effectively serve the needs of the community without volunteers! If you have additional questions, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Amy Iten. 

 

Care Assistant

Overview: The DSAGC Care Assistant Volunteer is a new role for our organization that will help lessen some barriers to parents/caregivers attending on-site workshops and providing parents with some respite opportunities. The person in this position will be an Ambassador of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati and is responsible for ensuring the safety and engagement of all guests under their care.  Care Assistant Volunteers will maintain order while facilitating social support for our guests. We expect Care Assistant Volunteers to be respectful, reliable, patient, attentive, observant, firm, and fun. 
Age Requirement: At least 15 years of age. 
Experience: Although encouraged, no prior experience is necessary.
Training:  All DSAGC Care Assistant Volunteers must participate in a brief one night training and pass a background check. 

Volunteer Description

Contact Amy Iten for the next Care Assistant training - amyi@dsagc.com 

Program Classes

Overview: Volunteers will work directly with children, teens and adults with Down syndrome as they learn a new skill from a certified instructor. 
Commitment: Program classes range from a 4-6 week commitment. Classes are held once a week for 60-90 minutes. Volunteers arrive 30 minutes before the first class and 15 minutes before the rest of the classes.
Age Requirement: At least 15 years of age. 
Experience: Although encouraged, no prior experience is necessary.
Training: Volunteers will receive a brief training before the first class and will have continued guidance from the instructor/staff.

Social Opportunities

Overview: Volunteers will assist with the logistics of the event. This may include set-up, interacting with participants, assisting with food/beverage, and clean-up.
Commitment: Social events are a one-time commitment.
Age Requirement: At least 15 years of age. 
Experience: No prior experience is necessary.
Training: Volunteers will receive a brief training before the event and will have continued guidance from the instructor/staff.

Fundraising Events

Overview: Volunteers will assist with specific logistics of the event.
Commitment: Fundraising events are a one-time commitment.
Age Requirement: At least 15 years of age. 
Experience: No prior experience is necessary.
Training: Volunteers will receive a brief training before the event and will have continued guidance from the instructor/staff.

Floater Volunteer

Overview: Volunteers will contacted with little notice to fill any volunteer gaps from volunteers who cancel or do not show. This role is similar to a substitute teacher. We will keep you on a roster of volunteers to contact "in a pinch". You can still volunteer for other opportunities.
Commitment: Volunteers would be on roster for at least one year. However, the amount of times you're called may vary.
Age Requirement: At least 15 years of age. 
Experience: No prior experience is necessary.
Training: Volunteers will receive a brief training before the event and will have continued guidance from the instructor/staff.

Peer Partners

Peer Partners are the trusted volunteers that participate in our adult social clubs. Social clubs serve as an opportunity for our adults with Down syndrome to take a leadership role in planning and implementing their own social activities. These clubs were created to empower adults and increase independence.

There are numerous social clubs throughout our twelve-county radius. Each club consists of four to eight adults with Down syndrome and two peer partners. Social clubs meet regularly once a month, and the goal is to create a consistent schedule (ex: 1st Friday of the month at 7 pm). Typically, each member of the social club plans one monthly outing per year to give each member and peer partner an opportunity to ‘host’. Activities can include sporting events, bowling, dinners, art classes, grill outs, etc. Activities take place in one location to avoid "in between" transportation. Social club members pay for their own participation in an activity, while Peer Partners are reimbursed for their activity (up to $25).

Peer Partners will work alongside adults with Down syndrome as they plan activities, develop social skills, manage money, explore new places, and practice healthy choices.

STEPS TO BECOMING A PEER PARTNER

  1. Contact Emma Daniels at EmmaD@dsagc.com or 513.761.5400.
  2. Meet with DSAGC for initial interview and to complete an application.
  3. Meet with DSAGC for a formal volunteer training.
  4. Get paired and connected with a social club. *This includes being introduced to adults with Down syndrome and their parents.
  5. Attend monthly activities and remain in communication with Emma and social club throughout the year to ensure a successful program.

PEER PARTNER QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Must be at least 18 years old.
  2. Have a valid driver’s license with reliable transportation.
  3. Commit to the volunteer role for at least one year.
  4. Remain in communication with DSAGC staff throughout the year.
  5. Attend an annual training.
  6. Pass an annual background check.
    *Volunteers who work with those we serve without staff present are required to complete a background check and receive additional training.

If this is something that interests you, please contact Emma Daniels at EmmaD@dsagc.com to set-up an interview!

Program Host

Program Hosts are the trusted volunteers that oversee our Empowerment Classes when DSAGC staff is unable to be present. Program Hosts are responsible for opening/closing the office and assisting the class instructor with basic necessities. Program Hosts will work alongside DSAGC staff and class instructors to maintain a safe learning environment. The need for Program Hosts vary depending on the flow of programming.

STEPS TO BECOMING A PROGRAM HOST

  1. Contact Amy Iten at amyi@dsagc.com or 513.761.5400.
  2. Meet with DSAGC for initial interview and to complete an application.
  3. Meet with DSAGC for a formal volunteer training.
  4. Reply to Emma when room host opportunities are sent.

PROGRAM HOST QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Must be at least 18 years old.
  2. Have a valid driver’s license with reliable transportation.
  3. Commit to the volunteer role for at least one year.
  4. Remain in communication with DSAGC staff throughout the year.
  5. Attend an annual training.
  6. Pass an annual background check.
    *Volunteers who work with those we serve without staff present are required to complete a background check and receive additional training.

If this is something that interests you, please contact Amy Iten at amyi@dsagc.com to set-up an interview!

Zoom Host

Zoom Hosts are the trusted volunteers that assist us in our virtual programming.  Our programs are mostly grouped by age ranges: 0-5, 6-teens, 18 and over and have an instructor facilitating the session. As a Zoom Host you will be a DSAGC representative welcoming participants, establishing the session rules, monitoring the chat room and more.  Sessions will be in the early evenings, week day or weekend day.  You will need to have a computer equipped with video and microphone and have dependable internet service. The need for Zoom Hosts vary depending on the flow of programming.

If this is something that interests you, please contact Amy Iten at amyi@dsagc.com.