Opportunities From: Volunteer Spokane

Our Support Groups provide an invaluable network that caregivers for people with Dementia and Alzheimer's can turn to for advice and encouragement. We recognize that caregiving is impossible alone and our support group facilitators create a place for that important interaction by encouraging conversation and maintaining a positive and caring environment.

Our volunteers continuously learn and grow alongside the support group participants while serving a population in need of great support. "I couldn't care for mom alone," said Maria a caregiver "We Latinos are very close, but we also need resources. I want my community to know that there are government resources and community resources that are available to help us. The Alzheimer's Association helped connect us to some things we needed." Support Group Facilitators help us reach more individuals by sharing resources and providing a safe space to discuss the challenges associated with caregiving.

We currently have over 80 support groups for caregivers and want to expand our reach by training new volunteers from throughout Washington State. Help provide support and hope to those who work everyday to care for loved ones with Dementia by joining us as a volunteer.

 

Support Group Facilitators are asked to commit at least 10 months as a volunteer

Our education programs feature information on topics such as diagnosis, warning signs, communication,
living with Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving techniques. Family caregivers, people living with dementia
and the general public can learn about how life may be changed by an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis
Education can be an empowering first step to take control of the disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers a number of education programs to help people understand what to
expect, how to prepare for changes ahead and ways to live well for as long as possible.

In the position of Community Educator, volunteers will primarily deliver Common Programs which are 60-90 minute interactive sessions with clear learning objectives that result in increased understanding, development of new skills and changes in attitude and/or behavior.

Once assigned, the Community Educator will be responsible for these pre-program activities:

» Confirming the host location. Contact the host as soon as possible to learn about the audience needs, confirm location and discuss promotional opportunities. If the host requests additional promotional materials, please forward that request to your staff partner to coordinate delivery.
Follow up with the host location a week before the event to confirm details.

» Preparing all materials for the presentation. Community Educators are asked to carefully review the curricula and prepare for Q&A. Before delivering any new curricula or program for the first time, each Community Educator is required to deliver a mock presentation to your staff partner or mentor. The Association’s curricula often have supplemental brochures for audience members, which will be provided by your staff partner.

» Testing technology. The Association’s programs rely on technology such as PowerPoint or another learning platform. Community Educators need to practice with this technology to feel comfortable speaking while advancing the program. Familiarize yourself with the technology so you are comfortable and ready to interact with the audience.

Being a volunteer at the Spokane Dementia Community Café offers an opportunity to serve community members who experience some form of memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, or other dementia and a companion. You will be an integral part of creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging atmosphere for people with memory loss and their care companions.  Café volunteers plan, implement, and assure a positive experience during cafe events/activities.

In collaboration with staff confirm, set up, and clean up the café space each month. Meet and greet café attendees at the door, sign them in, welcome them and provide name badges and parking passes. Facilitate member engagement in conversation and activities at monthly gatherings. Assist in planning and organizing monthly café activities. Help organize and distribute Association materials and information to group members and assure a positive experience for attendees. Connect people with additional Association services and volunteer opportunities by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline. Strong listening and effective communication skills with demonstrated success in working with a team. Enjoys interacting with aging individuals of all abilities and able to develop connections. Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where participants’ thoughts and feelings are valued and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect. Passionate about the Alzheimer’s Association mission with personal or professional experience with dementia preferred. Must be age 18 to apply. Background checks are required.