Volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities
Thank you for your interest in becoming a GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities Volunteer!
Many of our programs and daily operations are led by volunteers, and we rely on their passion and dedication to keep our programs vibrant, educational, fun, and free for the Quad Cities Down syndrome community.
Who:
Parents, family members, clinicians, and individuals who believe in the GiGi’s Playhouse mission!
What:
Program leaders and assistants, tutors, special events, administrative tasks, board members, and more.
Why:
Volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse gives you the opportunity to support individuals with Down syndrome in achieving their goals, while making lifelong connections and gaining new skills. Your time and talents will help us continue to provide free programs and create a welcoming community for all!
How to Become a GiGi’s Playhouse Volunteer
To become a volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse you must complete the following steps:
1. Submit the Volunteer Interest Form
Share about yourself and what areas you would like to help support GiGi’s Playhouse!
After completing the form, you will receive a confirmation email letting you know that we’ve received your interest. From there, please wait for a follow-up email from our team with details about upcoming volunteer orientations.
*Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. Anyone under 18 will need parent or guardian approval. Additional details about teenage volunteers are provided below. Children under 14 may have opportunities to volunteer alongside a parent or guardian if arranged in advance with staff.
2. Attend Volunteer Orientation
You will be provided with information about any upcoming orientations scheduled. Orientations are held virtually 3 times a month with our national office and/or a one-on-one meeting can be scheduled with our staff.
Orientations provide:
- important information about Down syndrome.
- an overview of GiGi’s Playhouse.
- various ways volunteers can get involved.
- a virtual look into a playhouse.
- a chance to ask questions.
3. Complete Onboarding & Observation
Once you complete the orientation our team will send additional information and the required onboarding documents (see list below) You will be invited to meet with staff and observe two upcoming programs. You will then receive your volunteer handbook.
After a discussion with staff regarding volunteer roles, you will be assigned required training and asked to complete the appropriate background check.
At GiGi's Playhouse Quad Cities safety is our #1 priority.
To protect our volunteers and program participants, we require all volunteers to submit the interest form/application and all onboarding requirements. We sincerely appreciate your willingness to step up for your community and thank you for your patience during the volunteer onboarding process. You will be contacted with further instructions after all onboarding steps have been completed.
Onboarding documents and steps:
- Volunteer Interest Form/Application (see button above)
- Code of Ethics, Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement
- Volunteer Code of Conduct
- Hold Harmless and Photo Release Form
- Conflict of Interest (if required)
- Background Check (provided by GiGi’s via Checkr once all other steps have been completed and volunteer role has been determined)
- Complete Required Training (dependent on volunteer role)
For any questions, concerns or status updates on your application, please email [email protected] or call 309-762-7529.
Volunteer Opportunities
Current Opportunities
A list of current volunteer opportunities can be found at the link below.
This may include special events, administrative needs, cleaning, holiday decorating, and/or specific program needs. If you’re interested in volunteering in a way that isn’t listed below or on our current volunteer opportunities list, we encourage you to reach out to our staff and share your interests, we’d love to find a way to get you involved!
Become a Tutor
One-on-One 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 approximately 1 hour per week per session. We offer three sessions a year in spring, summer and fall. Additional information and applications can be found using the links below. Please contact our Education Coordinator via email or call 309-762-7529 with any questions.
Group Program Leaders & Assistants
A list of our group programs can be seen here. You will see them broken down by age groups but also a list of programs that we are not currently offering because we are in need of a leader to make them possible. If you are interested in sharing your time and talents with one or more of our group programs, please use the link below to begin a conversation with our Program & Volunteer Coordinator. Grab a friend and co-lead a program of your choice!
Email our Program & Volunteer Coordinator
*New volunteers will need to complete the steps listed above. Current volunteers may need to complete additional training and/or an upgraded background check.
Board Members
Our Board of Managers is made up of community leaders devoted to making GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities a better place. We’re always looking for good people willing to devote their time and talents to our mission. Board Members attend monthly meetings and take leadership positions on various committees along with attending special events and programs.
Learn more at the link below or contact a member of our team with any questions you may have.
Committee Members
Teamwork makes the dream work here at GiGi’s and many of our teams are in the form of committees. There are committees who work together to plan and make decisions for various areas of the playhouse. Including but not limited to programs, finance/fundraising, events (Gala, 5K, Art Show), and marketing. Most committees only meet occasionally, and the days/times vary depending on event season and committee member availability.
List of Committees Located Here
Please contact a staff or board member to get connected to a committee or ask any questions you may have.
Special Event Volunteers
GiGi's Playhouse Quad Cities has many events throughout the year, and they all need volunteers like you to make them run smoothly and be fun too! You can be part of planning and coordinating holiday parties, outreach activities, fundraisers (Gala, 5K, Art Show) and more! We put the FUN in fundraiser!
Group Volunteer Opportunities
Does your company, class, sports team, or service group want to volunteer as a group? We’d love to have your help with bigger projects, cleaning, organizing, event prep, special events, and holidays.
Contact our Program & Volunteer Coordinator to find out how you can support GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities as a group.
Teen Volunteers
We love having middle and high school students (ages 14+) volunteer here at the Playhouse, what an incredible impact they make! Parents and guardians, we encourage you to have your child connect with us directly. At GiGi’s Playhouse, we promote the “Best of All” not only for our participants, but for our volunteers as well, helping them build confidence, independence, and valuable life skills. We look forward to hearing from your child and getting them involved!
Interns
We love partnering with our local colleges and universities to offer internship opportunities. Internships require thoughtful coordination to ensure students have a meaningful, productive, and educational experience while also meeting the requirements of their institution or coursework, as well as the needs of GiGi’s programs.
Community Partners
Together, we’re giving individuals with Down syndrome the resources to reach their full potential all while building more inclusive communities and a better “us.” Our community partners connect with us in many meaningful ways. Some volunteer as a group at events, others sponsor programs or initiatives, and some spend time together at the playhouse. No matter how they get involved, we are incredibly grateful for their support. Interested in partnering with us? We’d love to connect with your company, social group, or team to explore how we can work together!
Contact the Playhouse by calling 309-762-7529 or sending us an email.
Benefits of Volunteering
- Make a Lasting Impact: Support individuals with Down syndrome as they develop skills and build confidence.
- Learn New Skills: Gain valuable experience working with children, teens, and adults in a variety of programs.
- Connect with Others: Meet new friends, network with other passionate volunteers, and be part of an inclusive community.
- Personal Growth: Enhance your resume and build on your leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
How we Support our Volunteers
We value and support each of our volunteers by offering ongoing training, guidance, and flexibility to ensure you have a positive experience. Our Volunteer Coordinator and/or Education Coordinator will be your go-to resource, helping you every step of the way.