Volunteers are one of the Lighthouse’s most valuable resources.

There are many opportunities to help; you can volunteer during the day or for special projects. You can help once, or you can volunteer on a weekly basis. Our programs draw on a wide array of skills, so that we can make the most of your talents. All volunteers are carefully screened and trained. They are required to uphold confidentiality and observe all policies and procedures of the Lighthouse.

Special Project Volunteer Opportunities
Newsletter mailouts
The Lighthouse publishes a quarterly newsletter, "As We See It" and holds mailout parties to fold, tape & label the 1,900 newsletters for mailing. Our next newsletter mailout date is Wednesday, March 4th, 3pm until 7pm. Fell free to come for an hour or two, or stay the whole time. Pizza is provided for dinner.

Annual Spring Cleaning
Each Spring the Lighthouse holds an anual spring cleaning day, scheduled this year for Saturday, April 11, from 8am until 3pm. Whether you like sprucing up outdoors or organizing things inside, we have lots of things for helping hands to do! We are starting at 8am, and will be here until at least 3pm so you can come anytime in between, whatever fits your schedule. Come volunteer for an hour or two, or stay as long as you like. We'll pick up pizzas and soda for lunch.


On-Going Tasks
Administrative Services
Assist the Lighthouse on special projects with newsletter mailouts, packet assembly, filing, reception, etc. Clerical volunteers must be able to follow and remember directions, work independently if necessary and be reliable. Hours: 8AM – 5PM as scheduled.

Computer Lab Volunteer
Assist students in the Employment Computer/Information Access lab. Depending on your level of expertise, you may teach a class on beginning MS Word, surfing the internet, using email or other topics. Classes range from 2-5 hours per week. PC experience and reliability a must. Also must know modern assistive technology.

Fundraising
Assist in creating the Lighthouse’s annual fundraising event “Dining in the Dark.” Join the committee which meets monthly (March – October) and complete tasks related to marketing, obtaining sponsorships, etc. The introductory meeting for 2009 is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, from 6pm until 7:30pm.

Speaker's Bureau
The Lighthouse has occasional requests to speak to groups about Lighthouse's services and the experiences of people who are visually impaired or blind. Often it is helpful for groups to hear from the perspective of a family member, as well. If you are interested in talking about your own experiences with a visual impairment, or sharing your experiences of being a family member of someone who has a visual impairment, there may be opportunities for you to tell your "story" and educate others. Most people who do not personally know someone who is blind have huge misconceptions. We hope to dispel myths and let others know that just because someone has a visual impairment does not mean they are limited in any way (except prehaps the ability to drive!).


Location
Most volunteer opportunities take place at 1286 Cedar Center Dr. Tallahassee, FL 32301. Check out the map to the Lighthouse if you need directions. To find out more about volunteering opportunities at the Lighthouse, please e-mail info@lighthousebigbend.org or call (850) 942-3658 extension 204.


Applications
If you are interested in applying to be a volunteer at the Lighthouse, please complete a Volunteer Application.

If you are interested in applying to be a member of the Lighthouse Board of Directors, please complete a Board Member Application.


Updated 6/25/09