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Volunteer Opportunities

Can we help spread the word about a volunteer opportunity in your organization? Send information by the 10th of the month for publication in the e-Bulletin for the next month to info@vital-aging-network.org. While we will make every effort to include what you send us, space is limited.

Vital Aging Network

Forum Task Force Member
Help plan and implement VAN Forums. Work collaboratively with other task force members and others in the VAN network on forums that help further VAN's mission of fostering self-determination, civic engagement, and personal growth as people age. For information, email info@vital-aging-network.org.

Website Support
Help keep VAN's website accurate and up-to-date. Training provided. For information, email info@vital-aging-network.org.

Junior Achievement

Classroom Volunteer on Financial Education
Junior Achievement engages corporate and community volunteers who deliver relevant, hands-on experiences that increase student understanding of the value of staying in school and motivates the next generation to take control of their financial future. More than 7,000 classroom teachers in the Upper Midwest request a JA Volunteer in grades K-12, 80% of these classes are in local elementary schools. Five hours in the classroom is all we ask of a volunteer.  Half day, morning, opportunities are available on 2/1, 2/28, 3/9 and eight dates in May. For more information, please visit www.jaum.org or contact Karyn Thompson, 651-255-0050 or karyn@jaum.org.

Normandale Center for Healing & Wholeness

The following three opportunities are with are with the Normandale Center for Healing & Wellness. For information, call 952-929-1697.

Matter of Balance Program -  Group Leaders            
“Matter of Balance” is a fun, interactive 8-week course that includes an exercise component for people wanting to improve their balance. The course has been proven to help people avoid falls in their home and feel more confident about moving around. No experience is needed but volunteers are required to attend 2 days of training provided by the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging. The next training classes will be held at Normandale on Feb. 27 & 28. The time commitment for volunteers includes: 2 days of training, 2 hour group sessions each week for 8 weeks, facilitate at least 1 group each year with a co-leader.
 
Better Choices Better Health - Group Leaders
“Better Choices Better Health” workshops are group sessions designed to help people set goals to improve their health and are usually held at churches, senior centers, or senior housing units.  Better Choices group leaders are volunteers, trained to present the material and encourage discussion within the group. The workshop has been proven to be effective in helping people feel more empowered even 4 years later! No previous experience is needed but volunteers are required to attend 4 full days of training provided by the MN Dept. of Health. Volunteer leaders are provided with a “scripted” training manual that they utilize in their workshops. The time commitment includes: 4 days of training, 2 hour group sessions each week for 6 weeks, Facilitate at least 1 group each year with a co-leader.
 
Volunteer Health Coaches
This is a new service launched in 2012! Each volunteer will be trained and then “matched” with an older person who is interested in increasing his/her health & wellness behaviors or who has set a goal toward positive change. The volunteer meets with the older person once at the beginning of the relationship. After that most of the ongoing support and listening will be conducted by telephone on a weekly or every-other week basis. Volunteer coaches will attend a multi-session training program and will work closely under the direction of center staff. The time commitment includes: multi-modular training, about 20-30 minutes of time (every week or every other week) by phone.

The Caring Effect

Are you interested in learning about opportunities to volunteer working with older people? The Caring Effect radio program will help you get started. Listen to the program.