Volunteers are integral partners to the organization. National Multiple Sclerosis Society volunteers across the country contribute resources, knowledge, skills, and leadership that infuse the organization with energy, and passion that will create a world free of multiple sclerosis.
Volunteer opportunities at the Greater Illinois Chapter range from one-time events and service projects to year-long commitments in our office or on a planning committee. This means that nearly everyone can find an opportunity that fits their availability, interests, and talents. However, the most important thing is to find the best “fit” for you.
Here are some questions to consider when volunteering:
- Availability:
What is the time commitment involved with this opportunity and do I have time in my life for another commitment? How flexible is my schedule?
- Interests, Strengths and Skills:
What do you consider to be your strengths working with a team, management, taking initiative, communication, support, working in stressful situations?
What do you enjoy doing? Are there projects or tasks that are undesirable to you planning, fundraising, recruiting, phone calls, clerical tasks?
What training, professional experience, or skills would you like to share graphic design, law, first aid, adaptive exercise, public relations?
- Location:
Where will you be volunteering? Because the Greater Illinois Chapter stretches over two-thirds of Illinois, knowing where you want to volunteer can help determine what opportunities will work best for you. Depending on the position, you can volunteer in your community at a Chapter event, speak as a community representative, facilitate a support group, be a local advocate, or put together a fundraiser for MS. Some volunteers are available to volunteer at our Chicago or Peoria offices during business hours. And there are other opportunities where you have the option to volunteer from your home.
- Training:
Are you available and willing to attend the appropriate training to provide you with the information you need to be successful in your volunteer role?
Some volunteer positions have a classroom training requirement; for example, many Chapter Programs volunteers and the Bike MS: Tour de Farms Route Support crew go through a comprehensive day of training in order to prepare them for their volunteer responsibilities. Other volunteer positions require a small amount of time devoted to training, such as volunteers for the MS Walk, who are trained through documents sent via email, conference calls and/or day-of training.
Taking some time to consider these aspects of volunteering will ensure the best fit for your time, your talents and your energy! See what volunteer opportunities might be best for you.