BY COLTON DAVIES
PALS Communications Coordinator
What does a PALS volunteer get in return for their time? What we know for sure is this: PALS has a proven effect on volunteers. We’ve seen them emerge from a single program with renewed focus and determination, with 40 new friendships that last, and with more love, hope, and joy than they could ever know what to do with. A few have even changed their entire career trajectory after their experience!
But that’s not all – PALS believes in helping our volunteers to grow and succeed beyond our programs, both personally and professionally. Here’s how!
VOLUNTEER SERVICE HOURS
Many colleges, grad schools, scholarship foundations, employers, and membership organizations require proof of community service. This Summer 2021, participants have the opportunity to earn up to 20 volunteer service hours by joining our programs. We are always eager to propel our volunteers toward success, and we strongly recommend that all volunteers reference their service when completing applications. Upon request, PALS Staff will provide an official letter to verify time served. Additionally, any supervisor with whom you interact can write you a letter of recommendation and serve as a character reference!
Did you know? Many companies offer Volunteer Time Off (VTO), which does not deduct from your Paid Time Off (PTO) accrued hours. Check with your boss or HR department to see if this is an option for you!
PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
The PALS family is enormous, and constantly growing. We come from all over the country and the world, and we possess a wealth of diverse backgrounds and experiences. By joining the PALS family as a volunteer, you’ll gain access to a vast network that may help you get a head start in your next endeavor. To better connect the PALS network, we recently launched PALS Community, a private social networking site to connect all our PALS family, from first year participants to those who joined us at our first program in 2004. Here’s how you can use PALS Community once you join the family:
Looking for a job? No one loves PALS volunteers as much as PALS parents, many of whom own businesses or have useful connections in the workforce.
Starting a business? The majority of PALS volunteers are hardworking, service oriented college students spanning from all fields imaginable and seeking internships and employment!
Moving or traveling somewhere new? Our PALS family reside in all 50 states and several countries abroad. The PALS network can offer their wisdom, connect you with opportunities, and maybe even offer a couch to crash on when you arrive!
Feeling disconnected? The PALS family is here for you! PALS Community is also a place to build new friendships, and you’ll have the opportunity to engage in meaningful and fun conversations with PALS near and far.
LEARN TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
In return for time served, we are eager to train volunteers in skills that propel them to success in their personal and professional lives. Here are just a few things you can learn as a PALS volunteer:
Awareness and inclusion: Many volunteers join PALS having never met a person with Down syndrome. Invariably, they walk away from their experience with a renewed understanding of what it means to have an intellectual/developmental disability. Volunteers learn inclusive and appropriate language, patience and understanding, and how to build spaces where all individuals feel welcome and accepted.
Nonprofit organizational management: As a PALS volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with and learn from PALS leadership and staff, building your knowledge and preparing you for a potential future career in a nonprofit organization. Additionally, all volunteers are encouraged to recruit and fundraise for PALS, which are necessary skills for many career paths, including those outside the nonprofit sector.
Mentorship and interpersonal skills: PALS is a volunteer-led organization, and we offer several different roles for volunteers. Our head counselors and camp directors are trained in handling delicate situations and acting as role models for participants. These volunteer leaders gain skills essential to creating healthy team dynamics and leading by example.
Time management and administrative support: PALS leaders are trained in basic administrative functions and get to put their skills into practice! These individuals work alongside PALS staff to recruit, plan, and fundraise for the organization, learning and utilizing vital skills in word processing, spreadsheet building, email communications, and more!
PALS would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, and we are committed to investing our time, energy, and resources back into our community. It is our goal to equip and empower volunteers with new skills and a boost of confidence, whether that means accelerating your career path, growing your personal and professional network, or helping you to learn something new. Join us this summer!