About Volunteering

“Seek to do good, and you will find that happiness will run after you.” —James Freeman Clarke

Volunteers are at the heart of the mission of the National MS Society, Colorado Chapter. Last year more than 1,800 volunteers donated their time, energy and talents to make a difference in the lives of Coloradoans with MS and their families. Volunteers play an invaluable role in supporting fund-raising events, client programs and services, community outreach, and general operations of the chapter.

How to Get Involved

To learn more about volunteering for the Colorado Chapter, first take a look at the Volunteer Opportunities.

Volunteer Opportunities

As a volunteer-driven organization, the Colorado Chapter offers a range of experiences for people interested in donating their time, from day-of-event to short-term to ongoing positions.

OFFICE SUPPORT

Front Desk Receptionist

6 to 8 hours/week (two shifts/week from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.)

Answer incoming phone calls and assist or refer callers to other staff members. Take accurate and complete messages and ensure that messages are delivered to correct staff members in a timely manner. Ensure that office answering machines are activated nightly, review tapes in morning and deliver messages to appropriate staff members. Greet all visitors to the office and assist them as needed. Miscellaneous clerical work included during quieter times. Skills, Attitude & Knowledge: Excellent interpersonal skills and manual dexterity required; receptionist experience a plus.

Data Entry Clerical Assistant

3 to 5 hours/week (flexible scheduling, 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday)

Assist the data entry staff with tracking event pledges and matching gifts. Job duties include photocopying, organizing paperwork, filing, and entering data. Skills, Attitude & Knowledge: Manual dexterity and accuracy with numbers required.

Programs Clerical Assistant

8 hours/week (flexible scheduling, 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday)

Support the programs department with data entry, bulk mailing and filing. Volunteer will be trained in society-specific database and the nature of the programs department. Skills, Attitude & Knowledge: Comfortable using a computer with some experience with MS Word and Excel, attention to detail, and ability to learn new information quickly.

Information Resource Center Assistant

2 to 4 hours/week (flexible scheduling, 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday)

The Information Resource Center (IRC) recently opened for business for clients of select National MS Society offices nationwide (including the Colorado Chapter). Information & Referral Specialists manage telephone inquiries, provide information about MS, and refer clients to local programs and resources. Volunteers assist the IRC staff with administrative tasks of this service and by processing and getting information out to clients in a timely manner. Skills, Attitude & Knowledge: Attention to detail, ability to learn new information quickly, and clerical/organizational skills.

On-Call Office Assistants

times vary during Monday – Friday office hours

Support the office staff with bulk mailings, stuffing invitations, putting together event-related materials, and other volunteer projects as needed (and in conjunction with when you are available). These are often group projects, and therefore offer the chance to get to spend time with other volunteers. Skills, Attitude & Knowledge: Can volunteer during business hours and comfortable working with a group or on your own.

CLIENT PROGRAMS

Client Companions & Project Assistants

time/week varies; minimum 6-month commitment

Volunteers for our Independent Living Empowerment and Advocacy Program (ILEAP) make daily life a little easier for Coloradans who have significant limitations as a result of MS.  Volunteers are matched with clients on an ongoing basis as companions to read to clients; write letters for them; play games; escort them to appointments; and simply sit, talk and be a friend. Volunteers also support clients on a short-term basis by helping with projects around the house such as yard work, walking the dog, writing letters, etc. Skills, Attitude & Knowledge: Mature individual with patience and strong communication and social skills.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Our special event season is March through September and hundreds of volunteers contribute to the success of these events. Day-of-event volunteers help with areas such as registration, road marshaling, finish line support, handing out medals, food & beverage, and much more. Click on the links for each event for more information.

COMMITTEES

MS Challenge Walk Athletic Shop Coordinator

8 to 12 hours/month

Assist in the marketing and promotion of our three-day, 50-mile walk and support participants by securing athletic shop sponsors. Work with the events staff and committee to develop pre-event training clinics for participants. Skills, Attitude & Knowledge: Good interpersonal and communication skills, comfortable following up with last year’s athletic shop sponsors and making cold calls/visits to recruit new ones; and marketing experience preferred. The Committee meets one Wednesday evening per month.

MS Challenge Walk Route Development Coordinator

12 to 16 hours/month

Work with the MS Challenge Walk Coordinator and planning committee to coordinate a safe route of sufficient variety to provide an enjoyable and challenging three-day, 50-mile walk for participants. Working with chapter events staff and committee members, utilize maps and knowledge of Denver metro area to select route consistent with Start, Finish, Overnight and Rest Stop requirements. Determine distances and assess difficulty and risks by driving, bicycling and walking the route. Skills, Attitude & Knowledge: Understand walker needs and concerns when developing route; ability to evaluate route options in view of a wide range of walkers and in relation to traffic laws and safety concerns; and physical ability to be outdoors for extended periods of time. The Commiteee meets one Wednesdsay evening per month.

Contact Information

For more information about volunteering, please contact Christine Moniak, Volunteer Development Manager, at 303.813.6697 or send e-mail to christine.moniak@coc.nmss.org