Volunteer
Volunteer at We've Got Friends
Why Volunteer at We've Got Friends (WGF)?
WGF is Only Possible Because of Friends Like You
Working alongside teenagers with special needs will give you the skills to encourage verbal and non-verbal communication while providing support in their social development. Volunteering with WGF will offer you experience working in a cognitively diverse environment and increase your awareness of those with a variety of needs and abilities.
Our social groups provide the space to share your passions and interests while getting to know the participants.
In doing so, you may even meet some new friends!
Volunteer hours can be certified by WGF to fulfill community service requirements.
Volunteers are also eligible to request a letter of recommendation if a minimum of a 4-month commitment at 2 times a week is fulfilled within the same semester.
Volunteer Responsibilities for In-Person Hangouts
As a We've Got Friends (WGF) in-person volunteer, you will be responsible for helping the Site Host(s) with both set-up and clean-up at each hangout you attend. You are expected to arrive 30 minutes before each session to help facilitate the set-up and stay up to 30 minutes after for breakdown and clean-up.
All in-person hangouts run for 90 minutes. During this time, you will be asked to support the Site Host(s) with activities including games, crafts, and dance and more.
Volunteers should always model appropriate behavior by showing patience and a general interest in the participants at each hang-out.
WGF provides a light meal and refreshments at every in-person hangout. You will be asked to help our participants by passing out items including pizza, snacks, and drinks.
Volunteer Responsibilities for Virtual Hangouts
As a virtual volunteer, you will join each hangout using the the Zoom link (provided in your confirmation email) 15 minutes prior to each session's start-time.
All virtual WGF hangouts run for 60 minutes. During this time, the Site Host(s) will generate breakout rooms based on various themes that participants are interested in (i.e. Roblox, trivia, etc.). As a virtual volunteer, you will support the Site Host(s) in facilitating these breakout rooms.
Volunteers should be mindful to allow everyone a turn to speak or share and are expected to support and facilitate conversation if needed.
After each group, you will have time to share any feedback with the Site Host(s) and/or ask any questions you may have.
