Volunteer at the UC Davis MIND Institute
Becoming a volunteer means joining a caring team of professionals who are dedicated to helping individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The volunteer team at the MIND Institute is made up of people from different backgrounds, including high school and college students, retirees, and working professionals.
As a volunteer at the MIND Institute, you'll have the chance to contribute to the well-being of the community alongside a diverse group of people. This mix of backgrounds creates a range of experiences and skills that enhance the team's efforts. By working with professionals at the MIND Institute, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of community members. Whether you provide direct support, assist with administrative tasks, organize events, or participate in community outreach, your volunteer work will help improve the lives of the individuals we serve.
Volunteering also offers personal growth and development. You can learn new skills, expand your knowledge, and gain a deeper understanding of neurodevelopmental disabilities. Being part of a dedicated team that shares a common mission can create a sense of camaraderie, connection, and fulfillment.
If you're interested in volunteering with the MIND Institute, we encourage you to reach out to Diane Larzelere, Administrator for the MIND Institute's Volunteer Team (larzelere@ucdavis.edu), Veronica Tuss, Administrator for the MIND Institute's Child Life Program (vntuss@ucdavis.edu) who can provide more information about the application process and point you in the direction of possible volunteer opportunities
To ensure consistency and commitment, volunteers are expected to make a minimum 4-month commitment and be available for 4-6 hours per week. The minimum age requirement for volunteers is 18 years old.
Volunteering can be a highly rewarding experience, and we wish you the best as you embark on your journey as a member of the MIND Institute's volunteer team.
Some possible MIND Institute Volunteer opportunities:
When you volunteer with the Child Life Program, you'll work alongside Child Life Specialists. Your main responsibilities will involve engaging children in play activities and supervising them during their visits to the research clinic and Massie Family evaluation clinic. Additionally, you may be asked to help maintain the play and common areas, clean toys, assist with special events, handle administrative tasks, and support other departments with specific projects. As a volunteer, you may also have the opportunity to observe children in research or evaluation settings, which can provide valuable educational experiences.
Volunteers in the Resource Center play a key role in welcoming visitors and providing assistance. Their primary responsibility is to help visitors navigate the center and find the resources they need.
Volunteers also contribute to community workshops and assistive technology demonstrations. They may help in organizing and facilitating these events. Volunteers may also be involved in identifying and restocking resource materials to ensure that the center is well-stocked and up-to-date.
Volunteers can assist with special projects based on their areas of interest and expertise. This may include tasks such as updating web pages, creating content, or assisting with research-related projects.