BY COURTNEY MICKENS
PALS Program Manager
Happy National Volunteer Month from PALS! As a volunteer-led organization, PALS has a variety of volunteer roles, each offering experiences & opportunities to inspire a world of belonging. Learn more about these roles and the people that will be joining us this summer!
Support Lead
Meet Stephanie, PALS Support Lead at San Francisco. Stephanie found out about PALS through a fellow co-worker. While having two children, she volunteers during the day of the program. She enjoys coming back to volunteer each summer and being back with other participants and volunteers. She even gets to hang out in the Bay Area throughout the year with local participants!
Support Leads assist with the program schedule, ensure safety protocols, and jump in to support teams. This volunteer role is flexible in scheduling for individuals who cannot stay the entire week of the program. Support Leads are the go-to people when we need an extra helping hand.
Peer
Meet Eric, PALS Peer at Los Angeles. Eric was paired one-to-one at PALS Holiday last December with Travis, a Partner with Down syndrome. Together, they participated in the fun-filled week and had the opportunity to get to know each other better through activities such as ice skating, karaoke, and rides on the Santa Monica Pier.
Peers are full participants at the program and build a friendship with a Partner with Down syndrome by being paired one-to-one. They stay on-site for the week of the program and participate in each activity. Peers help model the PALS values by being welcoming, fun, genuine, supportive, and passionate.
Media Volunteer
Meet Emily, PALS Media Volunteer at Pittsburgh. Emily volunteered at two programs last summer and is excited to photograph our first-ever Pittsburgh program. Last summer, she captured the PALS Magic through photos and videos that were shared on PALS social media and during Closing Ceremonies at the end of the program.
Media Volunteers capture each moment at PALS. They provide tangible memories for participants and families to cherish while donating their time & talent to PALS through photography and videography.
Team Lead
Meet Melia, PALS Team Lead. Melia volunteered at PALS Philadelphia last summer and will be back again as a Team Lead! She enjoys building relationships with her team and ensuring the safety of each participant during the program. She guides her team through the week and helps pairs build awesome friendships.
Team Leads volunteer to provide support and build camaraderie within their team. They are the go-to person for any of their team members’ needs during the week. Team Leads are highly trained prior to the program and get to know their team before the program through the Virtual Welcome Call.
These are just a few of the Volunteer Leader roles at PALS. Each volunteer has the opportunity to engage in meaningful training before the program as they grow as a leader and develop skills to bring into their own communities as well. Our volunteers support the mission of PALS to inspire a world of belonging as they share their time, talents, and values. We can’t wait for you to meet each Volunteer Leader this summer at PALS! If you are interested in volunteering at PALS this summer, we have a few spots left. Visit our volunteer page and apply today!