Volunteer

Go directly to the volunteer application

Volunteers are essential to the success of LIFE Mower County’s programs and services. As the backbone of our organization, volunteers make a real difference in the lives of individuals with diverse abilities. There are many exciting and meaningful ways you can get involved! You can volunteer as an Activity Assistant, a Special Olympics Coach, a member of our Board of Directors, help with our fundraisers, or volunteer with Best Buddies.
​
Whether you're interested in helping out at a one-time special event or regularly supporting individuals and families in our programs, there’s a volunteer role for everyone—both individuals and groups. Your contribution can create a lasting impact!
To learn more, contact us at 507-433-8994 or email [email protected].

Volunteer Opportunities:
​
How do I sign up to volunteer with LIFE Mower County?
  • All program and fundraising volunteers must complete a volunteer application, which can be found below. Program volunteers will be required to consent to a background check. Background checks will need to be completed within and renewed every 3 years. Fundraising volunteers do not have to complete a background check because they are not working directly with LIFE participants. A copy of your drivers license/id card is also ​required.
  • Log in (Log-in information provided by LIFE Mower County) at My Account and click Sign Up to Volunteer or View & Log Volunteer Hours

​Volunteer Opportunity Descriptions

​Volunteer Individually OR As A Group 

Adopt-A-Program
Make a commitment to a particular program or program of your choice on a seasonal basis.  Consistency is important to the participants within our programs.  Seeing the same face on a weekly basis is not only important for their routines and behavior but they also look forward to seeing those individuals that assist them and help to make the program they are at successful.  Some are offered year round, four times a year, while others may be offered once or twice a year.  Get to know the participants you help out and develop relationships with them.

Experience Based
Gain experiences by assisting with the different types of programs offered and work with a variety of populations, age groups and disabilities.  LIFE Mower County can help you to make a schedule of programs to visit that will fit the needs and experience you are looking for.  One of the benefits of this volunteer option is that you may have the opportunity to come back to volunteer for us or even work part time after your learning experience.

One Time Shot
Looking to make a short-term commitment but you don’t have a lot of time or a flexible schedule?  LIFE Mower County has a variety of annual events in which we look for large numbers of volunteers to help. We can arrange this opportunity in advance or check to see what will work with your schedule. Examples:
  • Days Off From School
  • Special Olympic Tournaments
  • Large Scale Activities
  • Fundraising Events

Community Connections 
These programs are similar to the “One Time Shot” opportunity, with a few perks!  This type of LIFE program operates like a one time field trip outing for the participants.  Depending on which event you sign up for, LIFE will cover your cost for any admissions or entertainment expenses.  Often, but not always, LIFE will also cover the cost of your meal if applicable to the program.  SO-- go to the movies, attend a sporting event, see a play or even enjoy a trip to the Mall of America…on the house, in exchange for your time in assisting people with disabilities.

Lend A Hand
Ask any  staff who works in the LIFE office….we ALWAYS have something we could use help with!  Some examples are listed below:
  • Mailings & Envelope Stuffing
  • Photo Copying & Packet Assembly
  • Filing & Alphabetizing
  • Organizing Supply Closets
  • Building Maintenance
  • Assistance With Vehicle Maintenance, Running Vehicle For Service, Washing & Cleaning Vehicle, etc.

Talent Based
Do you happen to have a special skill or talent that you would like to share with us?  Sometimes people have the skills to help us move forward that we are unaware of or it may be a matter of knowing the right people. Below are some possibly examples:
  • Fundraising
  • Marketing & Advertising
  • Photography

Tip For Volunteers

Communication
  • Believe that you can communicate. You may not be an expert but you can gesture, write a note, read body language.
  • It is OK to ask most questions regarding a person’s disability as long as it has to do with you serving them better. Ex. “It would be helpful for me to know what type of vision problems you have. Would you mind telling me what they are?”
  • Be yourself. This means talking, laughing, and giving positive/negative feedback about behaviors and actions just as you would with anyone else.
  • When talking to a person with a disability, talk directly to that individual, not the parent or interpreter who may be present. Treat adults as adults. Speak of the person first, then the disability.
  • Listen closely when talking to people who have difficulty speaking and wait for them to finish. Ask questions and clarify until you understand. Rephrase a question with different words when necessary and ask questions that require short answers or a nod. Repeat what you have heard to make sure you understand. Don’t pretend to understand if you don’t.
  • If talking with a person using a wheelchair for any length of time, try to place yourself at their eye level. This will avoid stiff necks and “talking down” to the person.
  • When greeting someone with a visual disability, identify yourself and those who may be accompanying you. When ending a conversation, let them know you are leaving, don’t just walk away.

Respect
  • Honor each person with unconditional positive regard. This means that no matter whom they are, you respect them and believe in their right to life and leisure. Avoid being overprotective or overly helpful. Avoid pity.
  • Establish a friendly environment where people value each other. Acceptance by the instructor first, is often a prerequisite to acceptance by other participants. Be a role model.

Assistance
  • Model appropriate behavior and positive interactions.
  • Do not hesitate to offer assistance, however don’t automatically give help unless the person clearly needs and wants help. If you offer assistance, wait until the offer is accepted. Respect the person’s right to do as much as possible independently.
  • Don’t move a wheelchair, crutches or other assistive devices out of the reach of a person who uses them. Also, don’t push someone in a wheelchair without getting prior approval. Never distract or pet a guide dog without the owner’s permission.
  • When walking with people who are visually impaired, allow them to take your arm and give verbal directions if appropriate. When giving assistance on stairs or seating, guide their hand to the banister or arm of the chair.
  • Allow participants the right to choose activities and participate as independently as possible.

Adaptations
  • Explain directions in multiple ways. Use verbal explanation, model the desired behavior, do hand over hand instructions when necessary, and/or re-explain and break down directions into smaller steps.
  • Value both full and partial participation. Don’t expect perfect finished projects or performance. Participating in the group is often an accomplishment in itself for the participant.
  • Behavior is not limited but redirected. Think of it as not doing “more”, but doing “different”.
  • Place the participant with higher needs (easily distracted) in the center of the group. When placed at the end or outer edge, the individual tends to withdraw themselves, become distracted or wander away. When placed in the middle of the group, the participant will be more attentive and observe other participants modeling appropriate behavior.
  • Whenever in doubt, ask the participant with the disability how they would like to be treated. They know themselves better than anybody else and will tell what they want.
  • Make adaptations to games/programs by making minor changes in the rules or procedures for the individual or the group, so success can be achieved by all. This may mean that participants can double dribble during a basketball game, etc. An option would also be to make individual projects, group/team projects.

Great Reasons to Volunteer at LIFE Mower County

1. Help others
2. Make a difference
3. Find purpose
4. Enjoy a meaningful conversation
5. Connect with your community
6. Feel involved
7. Contribute to a cause that you care about
8. Use your skills in a productive way
9. Develop new skills
10. Meet new people
11. Explore new areas of interest
12. Impress your mom
13. Impress yourself
14. Expand your horizons
15. Get out of the house
16. Make new friends
17. Strengthen your resume
18. Feel better about  yourself

Internships

LIFE Mower County provides opportunities to students and other individuals in the community to gain valuable, real-world experience and increase staff success in delivering a high-quality program to change the lives of  LIFE Mower County members and their families.  

LIFE Mower County offers internships in all areas of the organization, generally coinciding with the fall, spring and summer academic semesters.  Minimum hourly requirements and responsibilities at LIFE Mower County events and/or competitions will vary with each internship.  All internships are unpaid.  In addition to the internship opportunities specified below, candidates are welcome to propose internships of their own design for LIFE Mower County's consideration.  Questions regarding our internship program may be directed to Dawn Helgeson.