SAAF has a number of events each year including AIDSWALK, Jerôme Beillard Festival for Life(live and silent auction), Möda Provocateur(fashion show), the Reno Gannon Memorial Jell-O Wrestling Extravaganza and Benefit Auction and more. It takes many hands to make an event happen, and events are often a fun and exciting way to volunteer. Bring a friend to help, too!

Held every other Wednesday night from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at SAAF, this is a volunteer work party in a fun and social setting. Projects vary depending on agency needs, but typically feature hands-on work such as bulk mailings or assembling condom packets. Groups are encouraged to RSVP ahead of time, but individuals are welcome to just drop in and help. WIW is a great way to meet other volunteers and to get to know SAAF.

Some volunteer work will be unique to a particular program, such as assisting staff in a prevention program. These kinds of opportunities are dynamic and changing depending on the program needs. While a regular, consistent shift may be possible, program work often happens on a continuum, with some months being busier than others. For example, while there may be ongoing data entry work in the Development Department, the need for volunteers increases during event season. If there is a program that you would like to help with, talk with us about possible opportunities in that area.

SAAF has many programs which require volunteer support. Specifically, they require volunteers who are able to commit their time and energy on a weekly or daily basis, typically during office hours. Your availability and schedule will determine whether this type of volunteer position will work for you. Also, volunteers in these positions are required to attend training (see “Volunteer Trainings”). 

These special programs include:

• Speakers’ Bureau (AIDS Educator Training required)
• Facilitator Trainings (Facilitator Training required)
• Buddy Program (fingerprinting, Client Support and Buddy Training required)
• Peer Counseling (fingerprinting, Client Support Training required)
• Working at Reception (Reception Orientation required)
• Buyers’ Club (fingerprinting required)

Depending on your skills and interests, you may enjoy serving on a committee. Our large fundraising events require a tremendous amount of planning and behind-the-scenes work that can only be achieved through the help of volunteer committees. There are educational committees as well, such as the AIDS Educator committee, which provides training, education and outreach for SAAF’s Speakers Bureau volunteers and ensures that our materials are up-to-date and engaging. If you enjoy working as part of a team to reach a specific goal, then volunteering on a committee may be a good opportunity for you.