BECOME A PART OF OUR GROWING COMMUNITY – VOLUNTEER!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with GiGi's Playhouse Milwaukee. We rely on dedicated volunteers of all skill levels to keep our programs vibrant, educational, fun, and, most importantly, free for our families. Since the start of the first Playhouse in 2003, parents, family members, clinicians, and individuals who believe in our mission have played pivotal roles as volunteers in various capacities, including events, administrative offices, and on our Board of Members. If you're eager to donate your time and talents, we'd love to hear from you!
We especially welcome junior high and high school students to volunteer at the Playhouse. Their positive impact is immeasurable. Parents and guardians, please encourage your children to correspond with us independently. At GiGi’s Playhouse, we not only promote the 'Best of All' for our participants but also for our volunteers. Training is provided to ensure your success as a volunteer.
Now, let's delve into the ongoing volunteer opportunities and details.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Events: Coordinate all event logistics and planning for GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee while working in various sub-committees by event.
- Aug. 18 (12:00-4:00 PM) Fashion Show at Journey21
- Oct. 24 (2:00-10:00 PM) Brew HaHa at Historic Pabst Great Hall
- Dec. 7, 2024 (2:00-4:00 PM) Cookies with Santa Party
- Dec. 27, 2024 (6:00-7:30 PM) Teen & Adult Glow Dance Party
- Dec. 31, 2024 (11:00 AM-1:00 PM) Noon Years Eve Party
- Mar. 21 & 22, 2025 Teen & Adult Talent Show
- May 2025 Dash for Down Syndrome (Run, Walk & Family Day)
Marketing: Help with social media planning, website and newsletter editing, content development, graphic design, blog writing, and media/PR by maintaining local media contacts and writing press releases.
Outreach: Increase awareness about Down syndrome and GiGi’s Playhouse in the community.
Programs: Support programs by leading or assisting with the activities and planning for participant success! Support various age groups, based on the current schedule and the volunteers’ availability.
- GiGiFIT (fitness program)
- GiGi Kitchen (cooking & nutrition program)
- Leaps & Bounds, Kids Club, TeenTastic, & Fantastic Friends (social programs)
- Tutoring in math or literacy (in-person)
Sustain our Mission: Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities and Details
Programs
Host Family: Join us to ensure no family attends programs alone, greet new families, and collaborate with the Program Leader for a one-session commitment.
Literacy and Math Tutors: Make a difference by assisting individuals with Down syndrome with reading or math skills. Training is provided, and the time commitment is 1 hour per week for a ten-week session.
Sessions run in trimesters: Spring (late Jan. to early May), Summer (June to mid-Aug.), and Fall (late Sept. to early Dec.). Registration is required for each session here: https://gigisplayhouse.org/milwaukee/one-on-one-tutoring/
Program Leader: Play an integral role in planning and facilitating skill development activities with a minimum 1-year commitment. Preferred qualifications include advanced education and/or experience in related fields. Leaders design activities based on GiGi’s design and program guidelines.
Program Assistant: Support the Program Leader in delivering purposeful programs and engaging with participants. Gain a general knowledge of Down syndrome at volunteer orientation. This is a minimum of a 1-session commitment.
Skill-Based Volunteering: Share your subject matter expertise in a presentation or special program to benefit GiGi's families and/or participants, whether in transition to adulthood, job skill training, or other areas of interest.
Program Coordinator: Mentor and support our current Program Leaders and participants in their journey to show the 'Best of All.' This is a 1-year commitment. Multiple opportunities available.
Volunteer Coordinator: Help us connect with local educational institutions and manage and celebrate our volunteer community. This is a 1-year commitment.
Events
Committee Members: Join event planning meetings with a focus on specific goals and projects, ranging from event logistics and venue to outreach and tasks for events like the Dash for Down Syndrome and Brew HaHa.
Chairperson: Oversee event committees and manage events.
Fundraisers/Sponsorships: Help secure donations for events through outreach to sustain donations and sponsorships.
Marketing/PR: Contribute to marketing and public relations efforts through content creation and media engagement.
Day of Volunteers: Provide support during events by assisting with various tasks on the day of the event
Administrative/General
Clean Team: Help maintain the Playhouse's cleanliness and organization. This is a great opportunity for youth groups, businesses, etc.
Facilities: Support general Playhouse maintenance and repairs.
Fundraising, Grant Writing or Corporate Sponsorships: Research and connect with potential sponsors, donors, and grant opportunities to support our local programs, events, and future growth.
Marketing: Assist with various marketing activities, from social media to content development.
Outreach: Increase awareness about Down syndrome and GiGi’s Playhouse in the community.
Board Of Directors: Guide the Playhouse's goals, activities, and policies, and support the Playhouse by serving on a committee. Each member supports the Playhouse by serving on a committee: Programs, Fundraising, Outreach, Events, Marketing, or Facility/IT, Donor Relations, or Family Engagement.
Site Intern: College and university students can apply for internships in non-profit management, marketing, fundraising, and other fields. This role is perfect for a person that is looking for a weekly opportunity between these times Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm. This is a semester-long commitment of 30-50 hours per semester.