Volunteer Opportunity Details

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Western New York Chapter Early-Stage Social Engagement Leaders


Summary:

Early stage social engagement leaders

Early-Stage Social Engagement Leaders plan, implement and assure positive experience during social engagement events/activities for people living with memory loss and their care partners. As leaders, individuals provide hospitality, support and volunteer oversight at social engagement events.

Key Activities:

  • Consult with staff and early-stage advisors to schedule early-stage engagement activities, secure event logistics, assure group safety, and coordinate volunteers to provide hospitality.
  • At social engagement events, provide hospitality and support needed to attendees by working with additional volunteers to provide a positive experience for ES groups.
  • Responsible for the management of early-stage attendance statistics & rosters.
  • Collect, distribute, and manage additional materials & literature needed by early-stage attendees at events.
  • Follow expectations and recommendations of the Early-Stage Social Engagement Manual, including the handling of transition/termination of group members, participation in ongoing training and record keeping.
  • Connect members of the community with additional Association services by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline.

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated success in working independently and with a team.
  • Organized with a strong attention to detail.
  • Successful in engaging people with dementia.
  • 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.
  • Commitment to promote the mission and services of the Association and willingness to act as an extension of the Association.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

Commitment Expected:

  • Early-Stage Social Engagement Leaders commit to a 1-year term delivering a monthly group. Terms are renewable upon successful completion of annual goal-setting conversation with your staff partner.
  • Orientation for the role includes: online program volunteer welcome and orientation (1 hour) + self-study or in-person training with local chapter staff (~2 hours).
  • Early-Stage Social Engagement Leaders must observe 1 social engagement activity in the community led by a staff or mentor + demonstrate working with people with cognitive impairment prior to deployment in the community.
  • Background checks are required as part of the volunteer selection process.
  • Comply with Alzheimer’s Association volunteer policies and procedures.
  • Participate in initial training and ongoing education about Alzheimer’s, dementia and the Alzheimer's Association.

Benefits to the Volunteer:

  • Serve your local community and people you care about.
  • Increase your knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
  • Be recognized in your community as a leader and resource for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
  • Join a network of other volunteers, Alzheimer's Association staff and professionals and caregivers in the aging field.
  • Build your resume and skill set.
  • Perfect your community engagement technique and help mobilize your community to create a world without Alzheimer’s.

Contact:

Maggie Meyers