Volunteer Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in becoming a GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego Volunteer!
97% of GiGi’s Playhouse’s programs and operations are managed by volunteers and we rely on the passion and dedication of those volunteers to keep our programs vibrant, educational, fun and free for San Diego’s Down syndrome community.
Parents, family members, clinicians, and individuals who believe in the GiGi’s Playhouse mission act as volunteers in GiGi’s Playhouse programs, tutoring, events, administrative offices, and more. If you are interested in donating your time and talent, let us know!
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!
2. Attend Volunteer Orientation
Held virtually or in-person every few weeks, you will be able to learn important information about Down syndrome and GiGi’s Playhouse.
3. Complete Onboarding & Observation
Once you complete the orientation our team will send you onboarding documents then you‘ll observe two GiGi's Playhouse programs by scheduling with our staff.
After your observations, you're ready to start making a difference as a volunteer!
Please note: All volunteers are required to undergo a background check to ensure the safety and well-being of our participants.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Explore the various ways you can contribute to GiGi's Playhouse San Diego and make a difference in our community.
Program Leads and Assistants
- GiGi's Kitchen (Teens and Adults) is a program designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, food preparation, social activities and a shared meal/snack. Under the guidance of program leaders, participants will learn about and progress through skills including measurements, food handling, knife skills, ingredient identification, palate expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to various cooking techniques. The GiGi’s Kitchen Adult program will build participants self-esteem and self-confidence through nutrition and wellness.
- TeenTastic focuses on building social skills with friends with and without Down syndrome by participating in team-based activities in a casual and fun setting. Skill development includes understanding compromise, turn-taking and problem-solving abilities.
- LMNOP - Language Music N' Our Peeps is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication while using music and language-based activities.
- Playhouse Pals supports the development of social skills and language through peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program also supports gross motor skills through active games, as well as fine motor skills & self-help skills.
- Social Skills for Teens focuses on social skills needed to function within the community. Target skills will include conversation starters, perspective taking and teamwork/problem solving. Games and other activities will be incorporated to strengthen social interaction and practice skills.
Committees for special events:
- Golf with a Purpose
- Oktoberfest
- GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge
Fundraising & Development Committee
- Volunteers in the Fundraising and Development Committee are vital to the success of GiGi's Playhouse San Diego. Under the direction of the Fundraising Chair, this role includes securing grants, initiating fundraising partnerships with local restaurants and businesses, obtaining sponsorships, and showing appreciation to our donors. Your efforts will help us sustain and expand our programs, making a significant impact in our community. Regardless of experience, if you are passionate about GiGi's Playhouse and love connecting with people, this is for you!
Board Opportunities:
- Volunteer Committee Chair ensure volunteers are trained and available for each program, with assistance from Site Coordinator. Occasionally attend programs to ensure they are representing the playhouse well. Contact groups of volunteers as needed for events and programs.
- Events Committee Chair plans and oversees all events in the playhouse, including scheduling, food, and activities.
- Outreach Committee Chair plan and oversees all outreach opportunities raising awareness in the community
If you would like to volunteer in a role not outlined above, we would love to hear about it! Just contact our team at SanDiego@GiGisPlayhouse.org with the details and we can see how we might be able to work together.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now and you can start to make a meaningful impact in the San Diego Down syndrome community and help support our mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all!