BY SHELBY JONES
Volunteer Development Coordinator
Our programs have always been, and will always be, volunteer-led. This is not only core to our mission but it is the impetus of the creativity, thoughtfulness, uniqueness, and impact of our programs. With a strategic plan guiding us forward, American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation holding us to the highest safety standards, the PALS Promise reminding us to be more inclusive and accepting of all of our community members, and a big return to camp after two years without our typical program model, our volunteer leaders are more important than ever!
So, what’s new?
The Strategic Plan focuses our attention on 10 regional hubs around the country with flourishing communities. With this in mind, we are launching new volunteer leadership roles that will help us continue to grow and build these local communities!
In alignment with ACA accreditation, all of our volunteer leaders will be receiving significant training to ensure they feel prepared and confident to lead safe and inclusive programs. Additionally, we have increased the number of leadership roles at programs in order to bring more support to our leaders and participants and ensure the ratio of leaders:participants is in alignment with ACA guidelines.
Our mission of building a world of belonging starts with our PALS community; a community of people of all backgrounds, localities, ages, experiences, and strengths. PALS relies on volunteers to serve in every facet of the organization, not only during the week-long programs. We are excited to see all of our community members serve in these different leadership roles; parents, siblings, donors, alumni, people with and without Down syndrome.
So, what are the Leadership Roles?
You can learn more about all of these roles on the Volunteer Leadership page on our website. Want to get involved with PALS but not sure how or what role? Email our team at support@palsprogram.org!
★ Do you live in one of our 10 regional HUBs and want meaningful yearly engagement with PALS that caters to your current life schedule? Check out our new Local Lead role.
★Are you a parent, sibling pair, alumni, and/or PALS participant that would like an opportunity to welcome people to PALS during their very first encounter with us? Consider applying to be a Welcome Lead!
★Are you eager to share your creativity and unique perspective by planning and executing one of our week-long programs? Consider applying to be a Program Lead.
★Do you have strong interpersonal skills and want to lead and support a team of participants through their experience at camp? Consider applying to be a Team Lead.
★Do you have strengths in making a vision come to life and supporting the inner workings of a program on-site? Consider applying to be a Support Lead.
★Do you have a unique talent or skill set you can bring to a program activity? Or maybe you are a strong facilitator! Consider applying to be an Activity Lead.
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We will be providing more information about all of the above roles over the next few months; including virtual town halls to learn more and speak with PALS Staff. We are excited to launch these volunteer leadership roles as they will be pivotal in reaching our strategic plan and building a world of belonging. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at support@palsprograms.org.