Thank you for your interest in becoming a Volunteer. GiGi's Playhouse is a volunteer-run organization and we rely on the skill and dedication of volunteers of various levels of expertise to keep our organization and our programs vibrant, educational, fun and free. Since the first Playhouse opened in 2003, GiGi's Playhouse programs have always been free for our families. Parents, family members, clinicians, and individuals who believe in the GiGi's Playhouse mission act as volunteers in GiGi's Playhouse programs, events, administrative offices, and on our Board. If you are interested in donating your time and talent, let us know!
Types of Volunteer Opportunities
Immediate Needs
Board and Committee Roles
Board Members: Seeking members of the community or willing to meet with the team virtually who are natural leaders, work well in a team environment, can bring connections to the playhouse, and want to support our mission of changing the way the world views Down syndrome! The board is responsible for ensuring the sustainable success of the playhouse. Commitment is 2 years, with a minimum of 5 hours per month. All board members must either serve in an executive role (President, Vice President, Treasurer, or Secretary) or serve as a lead for a committee.
Members at Large and/or Committee Members: Looking for a way to contribute in a way that is more hands-on, or in only one specific area of the Playhouse? Then a committee role may be for you! Committee work ranges broadly and we have a role for all kinds of skills, interests, and commitment levels.
Outreach Committee Lead and Committee Members: Build relationships with schools, therapy centers, medical professionals, community organizations, local businesses, etc. to spread the word about GiGi's Playhouse coming to this community!
Marketing Lead and Committee Members: Execute communications to families, donors, and community members including social media, monthly e-newsletter, periodic blog posts, and content updates to the website, all using GiGi’s Playhouse’s standardized templates and tools. Also seeks ways to engage with the local media to promote GiGi’s Playhouse coming to our community. Specialized technology experience is not required.
Events Committee Members: Execute fundraising events. From logistics and planning to promoting the event and filling the room to securing in-kind donations and sponsorships to making the room beautiful, the events committee knows how to throw a party, engage donors, and ensure smooth events for all guests! An Events Committee will be needed for each major fundraiser. Commitment varies widely, but is generally short-term in nature, with a strong emphasis on the 1-2 months in advance of the event.
Fundraising and Donor Relations Lead and Committee Members: Do you have a sales background or just love engaging with people and telling the story of GiGi’s Playhouse? The fundraising committee builds a fundraising execution plan to achieve funding goals from a mixture of events, grants, donations, and campaigns. Identify major donor opportunities, research, write and follow-up on grants, execute donor presentations, and ensure proper donor acknowledgments and stewardship.
Upcoming Needs
As soon as we sign a lease we will be looking for:
Site Coordinator (Paid Position): Description to come
Program Leaders: The Program Leaders play an integral role within GiGi’s Playhouse Programs – to facilitate educational and therapeutic skill development activities and connect with families. It is preferred that the Program Leader has advanced education and/or training in developmental therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral therapy, social work, special education, speech-language therapy, music, dance, art, or a related field. We provide sample lesson plans, program guides, and a host of resources to help support your success! The minimum commitment is 1 session (10-12 weeks), with programs occurring weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
Program and Facility Lead and Volunteers: Assisting the program lead, the program volunteers help support program execution in partnership with the program leader, by welcoming families, facilitating activities, supporting participants’ success, tracking outcomes, and connecting with families. Minimum commitment for 1 session (10-12 weeks), with programs occurring weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
Literacy and Math Tutors: This is an exciting opportunity to help those with Down syndrome learn to read or do math skills! The time commitment per week is 1 hour plus prep time. We ask our tutors to commit to one full session (10 weeks). You will work directly with the family of the child you are tutoring to determine when you will meet for your session each week. Tutoring programs are expected to launch within 6 months to 1 year after the playhouse opening.