Special Olympics New York is launching a new volunteer club as charity organizations across the country celebrate National Volunteer Month this April. Members of the all-new Impact Club will help drive the inclusion of people with disabilities in communities across the state by performing administrative tasks via phone and email on behalf of Special Olympics New York. Volunteers will not be asked to solicit cash donations.
Volunteers interested in joining the Impact Club are asked to contact impact@nyso.org for more information.
“Special Olympics New York is an incredible organization that allows people with disabilities to discover the champion within – it’s a critical service that would not be possible without the thousands of New Yorkers who volunteer to support our athletes,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “We are humbled and extremely grateful for the invaluable contributions of our coaches and event volunteers. We look forward to celebrating these individuals throughout Volunteer Month and to welcoming new ambassadors of inclusion who join the Impact Club.”
“I can’t wait to work with our Impact Club volunteers to support my fellow athletes and bring the magic of Special Olympics to even more families across New York,” said Capital Region Athlete & Special Olympics NY Awareness Coordinator Jude Killar. “On behalf of all the athletes, thank you to the current volunteers who help us out all year. You are our champions!”
Impact Club volunteers will be eligible for Community Service credit hours. Tasks will be assigned monthly, with an anticipated time commitment of at least two hours per week. The ideal Impact Club volunteer is organized, friendly, patient and professional.
Volunteers will be trained virtually by Special Olympics New York staff and provided with the resources needed to complete tasks such as: contacting coaches for updated information, requesting auction items from area businesses, recruiting volunteers for sports competitions and events, and surveying stakeholders.
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 42,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with more than 300 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com and a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.