VOLUNTEER
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Volunteers are vital to the success of our programs
Volunteer Opportunities
HORSE-INTERACTION VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES SENIOR VOLUNTEER: A senior volunteer helps train new volunteers at orientation and during the session, helps coordinate volunteers for special events, and meets with the instructors each quarter to evaluate the program from the volunteer’s point of view. Requirements include at least 20 volunteer hours at Special Spirit, good working knowledge of tacking, grooming, and how to help with the riders. SCHOOLING VOLUNTEER: Our horses need periodic “tune ups” to keep them interested and responsive in their work in the therapeutic setting. Experienced riders capable of performing elementary equitation (leg yields, turn on the forehand, etc.), getting the horse in a round frame, and bending through turns, in addition to smooth gait transitions, are eligible to apply for the riding privilege ASSORTED SERVICE PROJECTS: Tack cleaning and repair, carpentry (finishing our classrooms, building shelves, jumps and ramps, etc.), painting, electrical or plumbing services, poster design, videotaping and photography are just some of the opportunities currently available. Clean-up and workdays are help periodically, generally prior to a special event, to give the ranch a major “sprucing up”. Contact a staff member for details.
PROGRAM GROWTH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES If you have a special interest or ability in any of the following, please let us know. FUNDRAISING: Interested individuals are welcome to join the fundraising committee and help Special Spirit to meet their financial needs. The fundraising committee plans and executes our annual fundraising drive, contacts clubs and organizations interested in offering financial assistance, helps with getting donations for special events, and contacts vendors to donate needed items, thereby reducing Special Spirit expenses. GRANT WRITING: Experienced grant writers or those people interested in learning are needed to help identify foundations or grants with a potential for donating to Special Spirit, and to write these grants. PUBLIC RELATIONS/MARKETING: Submit periodic press releases as needed. Obtain media coverage, striving for higher community visibility. Assist in writing proposals and other written material. RIDER AND VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT: Solicit new clients to maximize the utilization of the program and help create community awareness. Notify colleges, universities, schools and organizations of our need for volunteers. Place volunteer ads in the newspapers. VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR: Arrange and oversee volunteer support for the riding program, special events and office needs. Ensure that each session has sufficient volunteers. Act as liaison for volunteers needing to cancel or reschedule their volunteer hours. OFFICE HELP: Filing, answering phones, and answering questions or referring them to the appropriate staff members.
The Champions program recognizes individuals who volunteer for equine charities Learn more and sign up HERE.