Who are our volunteers?
TASK volunteers are a compassionate and generous group of individuals who dedicate numerous hours to assist our participants. Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, including teachers, support staff, various professionals, college students, high school students, and beyond. Continue reading for answers to some frequently asked questions.
What age do I have to be to volunteer?
Volunteers must be a minimum of 14 years old, although there are exceptions for group volunteering (such as with youth organizations or Girl Scouts). Our volunteers range from teenagers to experienced adults, each bringing a diverse array of backgrounds and experiences. Some join TASK with no prior experience, often high school students eager to engage with their peers and younger children. Others are pursuing undergraduate degrees or professional programs in fields like occupational therapy, physical therapy, and recreational therapy. We also welcome volunteers already working in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and special education, as well as adults whose professional lives do not connect to the special needs community.
Regardless of whether you have minimal or extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities, if you possess a positive attitude, are dependable, and enjoy interacting with children, teenagers, and young adults with various disabilities, you would make an excellent volunteer at TASK! Be sure to read the TASK Volunteer Procedures and Policies Manual. Please be aware that TASK does not provide court-ordered service hours; we only facilitate service hours for schools, organizations, or businesses.
Why are volunteers VITAL to TASK?
TASK is largely driven by committed volunteers who provide support and guidance to athletes during TASK events, contribute to our Board of Directors, and serve on planning committees. Thanks to our volunteers and philanthropic organizations, TASK has become a reality.
Many participants at TASK require individualized support to engage in activities. Without the assistance of volunteers, our athletes would struggle to take part. It is only by having an adequate number of volunteers that we can ensure each athlete receives the necessary support to realize their dreams.
Why is volunteering beneficial to me?
There are numerous advantages to volunteering beyond just accumulating volunteer hours. As a volunteer, you truly impact the lives of our participants. TASK is often the sole opportunity for many of our athletes to engage in sports or similar programs, accommodating various levels of ability. While it can be challenging at times, nothing compares to witnessing the joy and excitement on the faces of athletes who have accomplished an activity with the help of dedicated volunteers!
What will I be doing as a TASK volunteer?
We offer a range of volunteer opportunities at TASK. Typically, you will be matched with an individual or a group of participants, and your role will be to guide and support them throughout the activity.