Volunteers are one of FIRE’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 FIRE.

Special events (one-time tasks)
September 5th and 6th, 8am-4pm
FIRE is doing some minor renovations on our building to help spruce up our digs until we can (eventually) buy a new building. A new building is a few years off, and we need more space for clients to come meet with their specialist(s) here and want to make our space more accessible. We also need storage space for the new Early Intervention children’s toys, as well as the ever needed independent living supplies and canes.

So…
Do you want to help FIRE improve our building for our clients, staff & volunteers?
Are you good with your hands?
Have a power drill and/or extension cord?
OK with lifting cabinets?
Like pizza and soft drinks? (lunch is on us!)

If so, here are some of our plans. On Friday, September 5th, we will get started at 8am by unloading all of the supplies in the standing cabinets and some bookshelves into boxes, and getting the boxes out of the building. Then we will move the empty furniture out, too – Frank is going to sell them to make FIRE a little bit of money. This will create a lot more floor space for clients to make use of the building.

Next, we will start rearranging furniture and mounting cabinets high up on the walls in practically every room. I imagine this will be the bulk of the work on Friday and most of Saturday, September 6th. We will also be mounting a sliding accordion wall on the ceiling in the multi-purpose classroom, to divide that space into two classrooms so two groups can meet at the same time. While people are working on the ceiling, we will put some electrical outlets on the ceiling for easy access for students. And speaking of access, we will smooth the thresholds for both doors to enable people in wheelchairs to enter much more easily. We may even be able to install a louder more “splashy” fountain (that doesn’t leak!) by the front door, to be more of an actual auditory landmark.

Saturday afternoon, we will hopefully be finished with the cabinets, and begin moving items back into the building to their new storage space. We’ll clean up, pack up the tools, and our new home will be ready for business, come Monday morning!

To get involved: Call Barbara at 942-3658 x 201, or email her at fireinformation@earthlink.net

On-Going Tasks
Administrative Services
Assist FIRE 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 – 7PM 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. Volunteers are also needed to assist students in the lab as they work independently. Classes range from 2-5 hours per week. PC experience and reliability a must. Also must know modern assistive technology.

Fundraising
Assist in creating FIRE’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.

Speaker's Bureau
FIRE has occasional requests to speak to groups about FIRE'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 FIRE if you need directions. To find out more about volunteering opportunities at FIRE, please e-mail fireinformation@earthlink.net or call (850) 942-3658 extension 204.

Applications
If you are interested in applying to be a volunteer at FIRE, please complete a Volunteer Application.
If you are interested in applying to be a member of the FIRE Board of Directors, please complete a Board Member Application.


Updated 9/3/08