Volunteering
Volunteering • Positions Available
Steps to Becoming a Volunteer • Volunteer Meeting Locations
Volunteering
More than 400 volunteers from throughout the Bay Area support our mission in many ways. Because we grant approximately 300 wishes each year, our volunteers are the greatest asset we have in making sure that no eligible child is denied his or her special wish.
Volunteer Positions
Wish Granting
These positions may include interviewing wish children and their families to determine the child's favorite wish; completing necessary paperwork; Serving as a liaison between the wish family and the chapter office; making the wish special & magical for the child. This position requires a four-hour training provided by the Foundation and a subsequent observational wish. Wish Granting Trainings last 4 hours and are held approximately 6 times per year (at least one in each of the areas/divisions that our chapter serves). Must be at least 18 years of age.
Special Events/ Fundraising
These positions may include performing tasks as needed before, during and following a fundraising event. Event tasks may include: manning a ticket booth, addressing invitations, obtaining prizes and donations, setting up food tables, generating event interest, organizing an event in your area. Volunteers are encouraged to serve on our event committees to ensure successful Make-A-Wish events. Commitee members assist in securing corporate sponsorships, event participation, and items for auction.
Office / Clerical Support
These positions may include helping the chapter office with addressing donor acknowledgements, filing, preparing mailings, marketing support, data entry, answering phones, web page design and other administrative tasks as needed.
Board / Committee Member
These positions govern the entire Foundation. Prerequisites and nominations are required for Board of Directors consideration.
Professional Support
May include legal assistance, graphic design, computer support, HR, fundraising, photography, public speaking or other professional services, as needed.
Click here for a listing of positions currently available.
Steps to Becoming a Volunteer
Step 1
Review the positions currently available. Contact the Volunteer Manager at the chapter office to express interest, learn about the open position and RSVP to attend a Volunteer Orientation.
Step 2
Attend a (30-40 minute) Volunteer Orientation Session to become familiar with the Foundation's Volunteer Program, philosophy, needs, policies, procedures and expectations. Once volunteers have decided that that Foundation's program matches their needs, volunteers will be provided with a Volunteer Application and written information on the Foundation. Volunteers will then need to be fingerprinted (a requirement for the State of California) at the Volunteer Orientation Session, or by going to a separate fingerprinting location, such as a police station.
Step 3
Complete and return the Volunteer Application to the chapter office. Upon receipt, the Volunteer Manager will contact the volunteer to set up an interview.
Step 4
Participate in a one-on-one interview with the Volunteer Manager or an Area Coordinator, when applicable. Case-by-case approval will be given to participate in a telephone interview when travel to the interview is not possible. If the interview is mutually satisfactory, the Volunteer Manager will conduct reference checks and await the return of the fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice (DOJ). It could take approximately 4-8 weeks for the DOJ to return the fingerprint clearance.
Step 5
While the fingerprints and application are being processed, volunteers are welcome to participate in any of the monthly meetings or Wish Trainings, referred to in our monthly volunteer newsletter. Volunteers must attend a Wish Training, prior to meeting with wish children and their families.
Volunteer Meeting Information
San Francisco Meeting Location:
Chapter Office
120 Montgomery Street, Suite 1080
2nd Tuesday of each month
New Volunteer Orientation begins at 6:00 pm (*see note below)
Monthly Volunteer Meeting begins at 6:30 pm
East Bay Meeting Location
Nordstrom, Walnut Creek
2nd Monday of every other month
(January, March, May, July, September, November)
New Volunteer Orientation begins at 6:00 pm (*see note below)
Monthly Volunteer Meeting begins at 6:30 pm
North Bay Meeting Location
Novato Fire Station #2 -NOTE NEW LOCATION
450 Atherton Avenue, Novato
2nd Thursday of every other month
(January, March, May, July, September, November)
New Volunteer Orientation begins at 6:30 pm (*see note below)
Monthly Volunteer Meeting begins at 7:00 pm
South Bay Meeting Location
Santa Clara Marriott Hotel
2700 Mission College Blvd. Santa Clara
1st Wednesday of each month
New Volunteer Orientation begins at 6:00 pm (*see note below)
Monthly Volunteer Meeting begins at 6:30 pm
Monterey Bay Meeting Location
Holiday Inn Express
1855 Main Street, Watsonville
2nd Wednesday of each month
New Volunteer Orientation begins at 6:45 pm (*see note below)
Monthly Volunteer Meeting begins at 7:15 pm
* If you are a new volunteer, you must RSVP to Teri Wong, Volunteer Manager, either by email at twong@makewish.org or by phone at (415) 402-2775. Individuals who do not RSVP to confirm their attendence may not be allowed to attend the New Volunteer Orientation.
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