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Big Bend Cares could not function without its volunteers. People living with HIV/AIDS come from all ethnic, cultural and lifestyle backgrounds; therefore, volunteers are needed from all segments of the community. Listed below are the ways in which you can get involved as a volunteer.
Board of Directors
You can apply to become a member of the Big Bend Cares Board of Directors. Board members must prepare for and attend monthly board meetings, serve on one committee, engage in fund raising for the organization, be a good community representative for the agency, and more. Additional information is available on the Board Application, which is located on the Big Bend Cares Board of Directors Roster.
Education/Prevention
Providing prevention outreach to the community through health fairs, public speaking, and training, the Education volunteer is able to reach people of all ages and walks of life. Education volunteers are required to complete the HIV/AIDS 500/501 training, and commit to a regular volunteer schedule (20+ hrs per week preferred). Please contact Camye Edwards (cedwards@bigbendcares.org) for more information about this opportunity.
Special Events
Each year, Big Bend Cares sponsors fund-raising events. Special Events volunteers assist with the planning and implementation of these exciting programs. More information about individual events is listed below.
Office Support
Office Support volunteers are able to utilize their organizational and clerical skills to provide much needed assistance with daily operations.
Volunteer Preparation
Depending on your level of volunteer participation, you may be required to attend some volunteer training. Training for the front desk consists of a one hour orientation, and a half-day training, but most other positions do not require training or orientation. For more information about becoming a volunteer, please email Caitlin at csteiner@bigbendcares.org.
Volunteer Opportunities 2018 – Calling All Volunteers!
Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for the fight against HIV/AIDS! We couldn’t do it without the selfless effort and dedication you all provide for Big Bend Cares. We want you to know that your generosity and donation of time does not go unnoticed and is very much appreciated. Below you will find a list of our volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions, please feel free to please email Caitlin at csteiner@bigbendcares.org. We hope you will consider becoming a part of our Volunteer Program for the year 2018!
Front Desk/Reception and Back-up Coverage
Big Bend Cares provides the unique opportunity for volunteers to run the front desk. Persons who run the front desk are trained to greet clients, connect guests with staff, send faxes, assist with office support, etc. This position requires volunteer training and commitment to the same shift each week. Shifts are Monday-Friday 8:30am-12:30pm/12:30pm-5:00pm. We also see volunteers for Back-Up Coverage – individuals who can cover front desk without advance notice (very helpful!).
Food Bag Stuffing:
Each month, we offer the opportunity for groups to stuff bags with nonperishable food items for our clients. Below are the dates for 2019. We generally stuff bags on Saturday beginning at 9:00am. This time can be adjusted to the needs of your organization.
| Food Bag Stuffing Date | Volunteer Organization |
| January 12th, 2019 | Tally Kids Give Back |
| February 9th, 2019 | Peace Jam & AMWA FSU |
| March 9th, 2019 | Rickards NHS & FSU AED |
| April 7th, 2019 | Temple Israel |
| May 11th, 2019 | Bible Based Church |
| June 8th, 2019 | Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church |
| July 6th, 2019 | Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church |
| August 10th, 2019 | Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church |
| September 7th, 2019 | AMWA FSU |
| October 12th, 2019 | Rickards NHS |
| November 2nd, 2019 | Rickards NHS |
| December 7, 2019 | VOLUNTEERS NEEDED |
Tallahassee AIDS Walk
February 16, 2019 | Cascades Park
This event raises awareness of HIV/AIDS, provides members of the community with connection to resources, and is a major fundraiser of Big Bend Cares. Volunteer Opportunities, Before Event:
- Hanging posters
- Sending letters
- Phone Calls
Volunteer Opportunities, Day of Event:
- Food/Water Stations
- Route Markers / Cheering
- Parking
- T-shirt distribution
- Greeting
- Set up / Clean up
Artopia
June 22, 2019 | Donald L. Tucker Civic Center
This annual event is a charity art auction. Local artists, businesses and individuals donate art and other items to be auctioned off. There are many tasks associated with this event that need to be completed during the months of April, May and June. Volunteer Opportunities, Before Event:
- Data entry
- Tagging items for auction
- Phone calls
- Hanging posters
Volunteer Opportunities, Day of Event:
- Set up/ Clean up
- Greeting
- Art Police
Holiday Angels
December, Big Bend Cares
This event allows members of the community to support families affected by HIV/AIDS by purchasing gifts for children of clients of Big Bend Cares. Over 300 children receive gifts because of this event. BBC delivers these gifts to families in late December.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Sponsor a family of 1-8 children
- Donate wrapping paper or tape
- Shopping Day – Dec 14th
- Wrapping Day – Dec 15th
Client Holiday Dinners
November 21, 2019 | Good Samaritan United Methodist Church
For this event, Big Bend Cares hosts a dinner at a local church for clients to attend.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Set up / Clean up
- Serving dinner
December 5, 2019 | Trinity United Methodist Church
For this event, Big Bend Cares hosts a dinner at a local church for clients to attend.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Set up / Clean up
- Preparation of side dishes
- Serving dinner
Alternative Holiday Market
December 7/8, 2019| John Wesley United Methodist Church, 1689 Old St. Augustine Rd. Tallahassee
At this event, volunteers help represent Big Bend Cares by effectively interpreting the mission of our agency to community members who are looking for charities to support during the holidays. Please contact Caitlin if you are interested in volunteering for one or both days. The hours are 9 am – 4 pm on the 1st (volunteers can help for half or the entire day), and 1 pm – 4 pm on the 2nd.
Volunteer Responsibilities:
- Booth set up
- Discuss agency mission (We can organize a training session for volunteers who are unfamiliar with our agency).
- Encourage community members to support the agency
Note: Some Volunteer positions require an orientation/interview that will include an overview of the agency and specific information necessary for the position you are applying for. If you have already completed the orientation for previous events, it will not be necessary to attend one again. All training that is required will be provided by the agency unless otherwise noted. There will be other activities added to this list as they arise. If you would like to receive updated opportunities or have any questions on volunteer training, please email Caitlin at csteiner@bigbendcares.org.
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