Volunteer Recognition Awards

The health and safety of our families, instructors, volunteers, and staff is our top priority. Therefore, we’ve developed a phased approach to reintroducing in person programming (including volunteer opportunities). Through this phased approach, we will continue to maintain safety guidelines as recommended by health experts and government officials. We will continue to learn and adapt in the best interest of our community. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this transition time together.

We are currently in Phase 1.
 Click here to view our phased approach to in person programs.

Program Classes

Overview: Volunteers will work directly with children, teens and adults with Down syndrome as they learn a new skill from a certified instructor. 
Commitment: Program classes range from a 4-6 week commitment. Classes are held once a week for 60-90 minutes. Volunteers arrive 30 minutes before the first class and 15 minutes before the rest of the classes.
Age Requirement: At least 16 years of age. 
Experience: Although encouraged, no prior experience is necessary.
Training: Volunteers will receive a brief training the before the first class and will have continued guidance from the instructor/staff.

Social Opportunities

Overview: Volunteers will assist with the logistics of the event. This may include set-up, interacting with participants, assisting with food/beverage, and clean-up.
Commitment: Social events are a one-time commitment.
Age Requirement: At least 16 years of age. 
Experience: No prior experience is necessary.
Training: Volunteers will receive a brief training the before the event and will have continued guidance from the instructor/staff.

Fundraising Events

Overview: Volunteers will assist with specific logistics of the event.
Commitment: Fundraising events are a one-time commitment.
Age Requirement: At least 16 years of age. 
Experience: No prior experience is necessary.
Training: Volunteers will receive a brief training the before the event and will have continued guidance from the instructor/staff.

Floater Volunteer

Overview: Volunteers will contacted with little notice to fill any volunteer gaps from volunteers who cancel or do not show. This role is similar to a substitute teacher. We will keep you on a roster of volunteers to contact "in a pinch". You can still volunteer for other opportunities.
Commitment: Volunteers would be on roster for at least one year. However, the amount of times you're called may vary.
Age Requirement: At least 16 years of age. 
Experience: No prior experience is necessary.
Training: Volunteers will receive a brief training the before the event and will have continued guidance from the instructor/staff.

Register to volunteer using the sign-up form below.

Peer Partners

Peer Partners are the trusted volunteers that participate in our adult social clubs. Social clubs serve as an opportunity for our adults with Down syndrome to take a leadership role in planning and implementing their own social activities. These clubs were created to empower adults and increase independence.

There are numerous social clubs throughout our twelve-county radius. Each club consists of four to eight adults with Down syndrome and two peer partners. Social clubs meet regularly once a month, and the goal is to create a consistent schedule (ex: 1st Friday of the month at 7 pm). Typically, each member of the social club plans one monthly outing per year to give each member and peer partner an opportunity to ‘host’. Activities can include sporting events, bowling, dinners, art classes, grill outs, etc. Activities take place in one location to avoid "in between" transportation. Social club members pay for their own participation in an activity, while Peer Partners are reimbursed for their activity (up to $25).

Peer Partners will work alongside adults with Down syndrome as they plan activities, develop social skills, manage money, explore new places, and practice healthy choices.

STEPS TO BECOMING A PEER PARTNER

1. Contact Emma Daniels at EmmaD@dsagc.com or 513.761.5400.
2. Meet with DSAGC for initial interview and to complete an application.
3. Meet with DSAGC for a formal volunteer training.
4. Get paired and connected with a social club. *This includes being introduced to adults with Down syndrome and their parents.
5. Attend monthly activities and remain in communication with Emma and social club throughout the year to ensure a successful program.

PEER PARTNER QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must be at least 18 years old.
2. Have a valid driver’s license with reliable transportation.
3. Commit to the volunteer role for at least one year.
4. Remain in communication with DSAGC staff throughout the year.
5. Attend an annual training.
6. Pass an annual background check.
   *Volunteers who work with those we serve without staff present are required to complete a background check and receive additional training.

If this is something that interests you, please contact Emma Daniels at EmmaD@dsagc.com to set-up an interview!

Program Host

Program Hosts are the trusted volunteers that oversee our Empowerment Classes when DSAGC staff is unable to be present. Program Hosts are responsible for opening/closing the office and assisting the class instructor with basic necessities. Program Hosts will work alongside DSAGC staff and class instructors to maintain a safe learning environment. The need for Program Hosts vary depending on the flow of programming.

STEPS TO BECOMING A PROGRAM HOST

1. Contact Emma Ganiban at EmmaG@dsagc.com or 513.761.5400.
2. Meet with DSAGC for initial interview and to complete an application.
3. Meet with DSAGC for a formal volunteer training.
4. Reply to Emma when room host opportunities are sent.

PROGRAM HOST QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must be at least 18 years old.
2. Have a valid driver’s license with reliable transportation.
3. Commit to the volunteer role for at least one year.
4. Remain in communication with DSAGC staff throughout the year.
5. Attend an annual training.
6. Pass an annual background check.
   ​*Volunteers who work with those we serve without staff present are required to complete a background check and receive additional training.

If this is something that interests you, please contact Emma Ganiban at EmmaG@dsagc.com to set-up an interview!

VOLUNTEER WAIVER & PHOTO RELEASE 

I understand that my participation with the DSAGC programs is a voluntary activity, and that I am donating my time and my labor by my own free choice.  I agree to perform my assigned task in a responsible manner and attest that I am physically fit for my volunteer participation.  I hereby agree to assume the risk of property damage, injury, illness or death in any way associated with my volunteer participation.  I agree to release, defend, indemnify and hold harmless the DSAGC, its officials, employees, representatives, volunteers and agents for any and all rights and claims for damages, including attorney fees, I now, or may hereafter have, whether known or unknown, in law or in equity, and arising from or in any way connected with my participation in DSAGC’s volunteer activities. 

I agree that the terms stated herein shall also serve as a waiver of liability and assumption of risk for my heirs, estate, executor, administrator, assignees and all members of my family.  I acknowledge that I have carefully read this Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk and fully understand that I am waiving any right that I may now or hereafter have to bring a legal action to assert any claim against the DSAGC in connection with my participation as a volunteer.

Photo Release
I grant full permission to the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati to use quotations from and photographs of me in legitimate venues.

Confidentiality Agreement
I understand as a volunteer that I am ethically bound by the principles of confidentiality.  I also understand that I should not disclose any confidential information obtained through my association with the DSAGC with any other individuals including close friends and family members.