Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Arthritis Foundation Great West Region, which includes Alaska, Northern California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington. There are many areas in which you can donate your time, skills and experiences to help serve the millions of people affected by arthritis.
Please take a moment to look below at the regularly occurring volunteer opportunities we offer as well as the one time volunteer opportunities that are available. Training is provided with all regularly occurring volunteer opportunities and can be scheduled on an individual basis to better suit your life. Please continue to check back as volunteer opportunities are being added as they become available.
If you have any questions or would like more information about a position or the volunteer program, please contact Jill Lysengen, Field Relations Manager, at 888-391-9389 x 6558, jlysengen@arthritis.org or complete a volunteer application. You can also catch up on what’s been happening with volunteers across the region by reading the latest edition of AFriends, the GWR’s volunteer newsletter.
Our Vision for Volunteers
The Arthritis Foundation values the commitment of our volunteers. We envision an organization in which volunteers can use their expertise and experience in business, leadership, marketing, health care, public relations, technology, fund raising, and government affairs to make a difference. We will change lives in many ways because of YOU, our volunteers, who provide assistance in communities across the country, participate in programs, advocacy efforts and special events and raise funds to support research. We embrace, value and recognize every contribution made toward accomplishing our mission - to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases.
Current and potential volunteers are encouraged to attend orientations and trainings in their area of interest at least once a year to keep up with the latest information. For more information on these trainings and orientations, please contact Jill Lysengen, Field Relations Manager, at jlysengen@arthritis.org or 888-391-9389 x6558.
Regularly Occurring Opportunities
Advocacy
Because ignoring the pain and disability of arthritis is unacceptable, the Arthritis Foundation is working to conquer this debilitating disease and make a positive impact on the lives of people with arthritis. Join us in our efforts to make arthritis unacceptable.
Arthritis E-Advocate
E-Advocates help improve the lives of people living with arthritis. The key to success in changing government policies and funding is through grassroots advocacy and our e-advocates are the Arthritis Foundation's chief resource for making positive changes in Washington. Sign up and periodically you will receive an email and be asked to spend 5 minutes of your time to send an email to your elected officials requesting support for arthritis research and prevention. You will receive an Action Alert in your inbox with an email created, ready for you to type your name and press send. Sign up by going to http://www.arthritis.org/advocacy/inside-advocacy/.
Arthritis Ambassador
Arthritis Ambassadors are volunteers who serve as the voice of arthritis for their community, building relationships with elected officials and their staff through patience and persistence. Ambassadors are asked to work with the AF Public Policy and Advocacy Department staff on special assignments to advance the Foundation's advocacy efforts and to share their story with important decision makers. Volunteers should be prepared to commit 2 hours per month for one year to this opportunity. Training is provided. To learn more about the Ambassador program please visit http://www.arthritis.org/advocacy/inside-advocacy/arthritis-ambassadors/.
Community Health and Education
Volunteers empower and educate people affected by arthritis through educational, physical activity and self-management programs and outreach efforts nationwide that are tested and proven to change lives for the better.
“Arthritis Answers” Helpline Resource Assistant
Be a source of information and comfort for your neighbors living with arthritis! In this position, you will provide callers of our Information and Referral Line with accurate information and resources about their disease. As well as send them literature and research from the Arthritis Foundation and other reliable sources. Volunteers should be comfortable speaking to these callers on an array of topics dealing with arthritis and providing follow-up to these callers. Training on these subjects is provided and a staff member will always be to assist you in these calls when necessary. Volunteers should be able to commit to helping at least two hours/week, days and times are flexible while in the parameters of a regular work week of Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Health Fair Representative
Help us build a stronger community! We are looking for volunteers with outgoing personalities who are comfortable speaking to the public to represent the Arthritis Foundation at events such as the community health and corporate wellness fairs, exhibits, etc. Volunteer times and opportunities are varied, but you may be asked to help one to two times during the month from two to five hours. Training and support is provided. Bilingual help is also needed.
Speakers Bureau Representative
Volunteers who are personable, professional and comfortable with public speaking are wanted to provide presentations in the community at senior centers, schools, etc. Training and presentation materials provided, time commitment varies but is usually about once a month. Bilingual help is also needed.
Administrative and Program Development
Volunteers in this area are an integral part of the success of the Arthritis Foundation and the people it serves. Here, volunteers have the opportunity to be involved in activities that span across all area of the organization: operations, finance, mission and fundraising/events.
Administrative/Office Volunteer
The Arthritis Foundation is seeking volunteers to help in offices across the GWR. Volunteers will support staff in all areas of the organization with tasks like: answering telephone calls; greeting visitors; data entry for our programs; assist in mailings; literature inventory and many other projects. Previous office experience is helpful and computer skills are desirable. We are looking for help in the chapter office for at least one, 2-hour shifts Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Basic computer literacy is required. Training is provided.
Data Entry Clerk
Volunteers who possess basic computer, data entry and typing skills are wanted to assist the Arthritis Foundation with inputting special event information such as registration, donations and other pertinent data into our database. Specific times are flexible within daytime hours, but volunteer should be able to commit to 2 to 4 hours per week. Training in our database is provided.
Special Event Committees Positions
Events such as the Jingle Bell Run, Arthritis Walks and Galas are typically co-planned by staff and committee members. Volunteer positions include lead chairpersons, logistics, sponsorship, public relations, and participant recruitment support. A time commitment of four to six hours per month for six to eight months leading up to the event is usually required.
Bone Bash
The Arthritis Foundation’s Bone Bash is a Halloween-themed party. This costumed affair typically includes spooky decorations, costume contests, a silent auction and/or live auction and frightfully fun entertainment including music, games, and much more!
To volunteer for the Denver, CO Bone Bash please contact jkeesling@arthritis.org.
To volunteer for the Boise, ID Bone Bash, please contact ehoffmann@arthritis.org.
Jingle Bell Run / Walk for Arthritis
Jingle Bell Run/Walk is a fun and festive way to kick off the holidays! Thousands of runners and walkers hit the nation’s pavement, pathways and parks to fight the nation’s number one cause of disability. Participants get in the spirit by wearing a holiday themed costume and tying jingle bells on their shoelaces. Community volunteers are the key to the fun, festive, highly successful Jingle Bell Run/Walk in our community. The committee helps in many areas in fundraising, team and volunteer recruitment, corporate participation, public relations and marketing and other areas.
Click here to find a Jingle Bell Run Committee volunteer opportunity near you!
Arthritis Walk
The Arthritis Walk is a nationwide event in the month of May (Arthritis Month) that honors all people living with arthritis and celebrates their lives. They are our "heroes." Local companies and organizations join together with hundreds of family members to enjoy a fun-filled day. Funds raised at the event support programs, advocacy, and research efforts of the Arthritis Foundation. Arthritis Walk Planning Committees help to recruit teams, engage local businesses, obtain sponsorship, help with event logistics and fundraise.
Click here to find an Arthritis Walk Committee volunteer opportunity near you!
One-Time Volunteer Opportunities and
Day of Event Volunteers
Looking for a one-time opportunity? The Arthritis Foundation hosts events such as the Arthritis Walk, Jingle Bell Run/Walk, Bone Bash, juvenile arthritis activities and educational forums that are only successful through the support of volunteers during the event. Volunteers will generally be asked to commit between three to five hours on the day of the event.
Latest Opportunities:
Port Orchard Jingle Bell Run/Walk Promotion
Date and Time: Saturday, June 22, 10am-5pm
Location: South Kitsap Skate Park Opening, Port Orchard, WA
Contact: Kelsey Birnbaum, kbirnbaum@arthritis.org
Port Orchard Jingle Bell Run/Walk Promotion
Date and Time: Saturday, June 29, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Location: Fathoms Craft Fair, Bay Street, Port Orchard, WA
Contact: Kelsey Birnbaum, kbirnbaum@arthritis.org
Experienced Tandem Biker
Seeking a volunteer to do training rides with the honoree for the People’s Coast Classic who is vision impaired. Preferably the volunteer would have their own bike but the honoree has one that will fit someone about 5’10” to 6’2”.
Date and Time: Dates and times are flexible
Location: Seattle, WA
Contact: Tai Lee, tlee@arthritis.org
North Pole’s Jingle In July!
Volunteers are needed in all areas of the event including set-up, registration, t-shirt distribution, course marshaling, tear down and more! This is a wonderful opportunity for groups and families to volunteer together.
Date and Time: Saturday, July 6, 6:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Santa Claus House, North Pole, AK
Contact: Anna Campione, acampione@arthritis.org or (907) 277-2784
Event Photographer
Experienced photographer wanted to photograph the 21st Annual Jewels of the Vine wine tasting in Colorado Springs. We would love to give patrons a commemorative photo as their gift for attending! Digital or print photo capability preferred. Commitment approximately 5 hours on the day of the event and uploading photos to the event Facebook page post-event.
Date and Time: Friday, August 23 at 5:30pm
Location: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Colorado Springs, CO
Contact: Jenna Keesling, jkeesling@arthritis.org
Light Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
The Arthritis Foundation Denver, CO Office is seeking volunteer help to keep the grounds and building beautiful. Volunteers will help with trimming bushes and trees, pulling weeks and parking lot clean-up to keep the area nice and safe for visitors, staff and volunteers.
Date and Time: Flexible, anytime Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: Denver, CO
Contact: Gerald Compton, gcompton@arthritis.org
Find Out More:
If you have any questions or would like more information about a position or the volunteer program, please contact Jill Lysengen, Field Relations Manager, at 888-391-9389 x 6558, jlysengen@arthritis.org or complete a volunteer application. You can also catch up on what’s been happening with volunteers across the region by reading the latest edition of AFriends, the GWR’s volunteer newsletter.
