THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND FOR BELIEVING
Special Olympics Georgia is run almost entirely by volunteers. More than 40,000 volunteers are needed to help run 600-plus competitions throughout the year. We need a large and dedicated volunteer force to fulfill our mission for the athletes.
Volunteers take on numerous roles within the organization – from assisting with competitions and special events, to becoming certified coaches and serving on management teams.
Whether you can commit to a single afternoon’s event or to years of coaching a team, we have a place for you!
Volunteer positions available.
Sign up to be a volunteer:
Step 1: Read about protective behaviors with athletes.
Step 2: Take a 4-minute quiz at the end.
Step 3: Complete Volunteer and Unified Partner Profile Form and fax, e-mail or mail it to the state office.
Step 4: Complete Background Screen: www.verifiedvolunteers.com (Enter Good Deed Code: wnoc4cz)
Download Volunteer Packet. The packet includes: a Volunteer and Coach Profile form, a SOGA calendar of events, a SOGA fact sheet, a Special Olympics Young Leaders (SOYL) fact sheet, and a list of volunteer job descriptions.
**Please send all forms or contact to the information at the bottom of this page**
If you have a group of people who would like to volunteer, please indicate that on your form as well. Once you return your form, you should start to receive regular updates concerning our upcoming volunteer opportunities by e-mail.
If you live outside Metro Atlanta, your information will be given to the SOGA Program Manager in your area. That person will offer information regarding volunteer opportunities near you.
Coaches:
Our Special Olympians need proper training from devoted coaches and assistant coaches. Coaches go through a short training/certification session that will explain what is expected and what to expect during training.
Time Commitment: 1-2 times per week for 8-10 weeks prior to the state competitions
Skills: You DO NOT need to be an expert in the sport you coach. You only need a desire to work closely with the athletes.
Event Committee Members:
We have several fundraisers and special events that need planers, recruiters and participants. Whether it’s serving on the planning committee or organizing the day of the event, we have the job for you.
Time Commitment: About 2 hours once a month leading up to the event of your choice
Skills: Creativity and Organization
State Games Organizing Committee:
This is a team of individuals devoted to planning, organizing and implementing each of the 5 state competitions. We need volunteers to organize and plan every aspect of the state competitions – from the Athlete Dance to each sporting venue.
Time Commitment: Once a month for the 4 months preceding the competition
Skills: Creativity and a desire to try new things
Local Management Team Members:
The state is divided into 18 areas, with several local programs making-up each area. We need volunteers who are interested in providing leadership through service on a Local Management Team. These Teams organize and efficiently run the local or area Special Olympics program. From Public Relations to fundraising, there is a place for everyone!
Time Commitment: 2-3 days per month
Skills: Desire to lead and be creative!
Office Assistants:
There is always a need for assistance around our state office in Atlanta. Volunteers would work on mailings, phone calls, word processing, filing, data input and other tasks.
Time Commitment: Volunteers can select their hours and days Monday through Friday from 8:00-5:00.
Skills: Organization, phone courtesy, basic computer skills (not necessary)
Speakers:
We are always looking for volunteers willing and able to speak to our constituency on a wide variety of issues ranging from developmental disabilities to organizational skills. If you have the desire to grow the capacity of SOGA, let us know!
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours when giving presentations
Skills: Comfortable speaking to others, strong knowledge in one subject area
State Games and Events Volunteers:
Summer, Winter and Fall Games, Horse Show and Masters Bowling are the five state competitions. Volunteers are needed for jobs at each of these – from cheering on athletes during competitions, to assisting with equipment set-up.
Time Commitment: 2-8 hour shifts during the event(s) of your choice
Skills: There is a job for everyone at these events. The event-specific applications will ask you to indicate any specialized skills you may have.
To apply to volunteer at our upcoming State Games, please click this link: http://sogeorgia.vsyshost.com
5K & 10K Race Volunteers:
We need volunteers for races throughout Atlanta that benefit SOGA. Volunteers staff water stations, registration, finish line and other race components while supporting Special Olympics Georgia.
Time Commitment: 3-4 hours the morning of races
Skills: There’s a job for everyone at the 5K events
Fans in the Stands:
Have you ever been in a serious competition? You probably know that fans encouraging you toward the finish link makes a HUGE difference. We need fans to cheer on our athletes by creating posters, banners and just making as much noise as possible.
Time Commitment: 2-8 hour shifts during the event(s) of your choice
Skills: Volunteers of all ages are welcome to come to competitions to cheer on our athletes
Duck Pluck Committee Members:
Duck Pluck is coming back to a Post Chastain pool in August, and we need your help! We are currently looking for creative and energetic individuals to serve on the committee to help organize the event. Meetings will be held once a month starting in February. Committee members will help market the event, sell adoptions/teams, and brainstorm ideas for sales locations and ways to advertise, etc.
For more information about volunteering with Special Olympics Georgia, please contact:
Hannah Creasey
770-414-9390 ext. 1103
hannah.creasey@specialolympicsga.org
Special Olympics Georgia
3998 Inner Perimeter Road, Suite A
Valdosta, GA 31602
*Be sure to include your email address, as this is how we communicate with volunteers.