Opportunities From: East Mississippi HUB for Volunteers and Nonprofits

The Alzheimer's Association is looking for people who enjoy educating others. There are 6 million American's living with Alzheimer's and that number is expected to double by 2050. We are trying to change that trajectory of the disease by educating people on risk reduction and early detection. It's imperative the disease is caught early to qualify for the new treatments becoming available. Help us share information about the disease and resources.


Official description: Community educators are volunteer public speakers who deliver Association prepared presentations on topics related to Alzheimer's and caregiving. These programs could be at churches, senior centers, libraries, etc. A personal or professional connection to Alzheimer's is not required but preferred.

Alzheimer's Association Community Educators are volunteer public speakers who provide Alzheimer's Association education programs to community audiences. Community Educators:

Deliver approximately 12 presentations annually using prepared Alzheimer’s Association evidence-based consumer education programs on a variety of care and support topics. Collaborate with local Association staff to expand programs by securing community partners, scheduling presentations, delivering the programs, and managing needed materials. Serve as presenter for chapter-scheduled education programs and conferences. Connect people with additional Association services and volunteer opportunities by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline.

We are looking for members of the Hattiesburg community that can help to represent the Alzheimer's Association at various events. This could be setting up a table with our resource information at community health fairs, senior events, conferences, etc. This could also be connecting us to events, partners, organizations in your community to host educational programs. This could also be sharing a short story or awareness presentation at civic, church or business meetings. This volunteer opportunity is flexible and can be tailored to your interests and time.

People living with dementia and their caregivers need to know about the Association and our resources, help us share that information.



Official description:
Alzheimer's Association Community Representatives are community engagers that raise awareness of Alzheimer's Association programs, provide basic disease information, and link consumers to Alzheimer’s Association services. Community Representatives:

Represent the Alzheimer's Association at a target of 12 community events / year in neighborhoods, rural counties, business and civic organizations or faith communities. Offer 20-minute Introduction to Alzheimer’s presentations for community organizations, congregations, civic organizations, sororities / fraternities, clubs and other locations. Promote support groups, education programs, Alzheimer & Brain Awareness Month, Walk to End Alzheimer’s, or The Longest Day using your local connections, bulletin boards, social media and physical displays in your community. Connect the Alzheimer's Association to new community organizations and connect people with additional Association services and volunteer opportunities.

Support Group Facilitators create a safe, open environment where people share their feelings, thoughts and experiences in a combined effort to better cope with and manage the shared problems of dementia. The goal of Alzheimer's Association support groups is to provide emotional, social and/or educational support to group members. As facilitators, individuals may be responsible for general caregiver, adult children, spouse, gender-specific or language-specific groups.

KEY ACTIVITIES: Follow expectations and recommendations of the Caregiver Support Group Facilitator Manual, including participation in initial & ongoing training and submission of all required documentation to Chapter. Set up, arrange and prepare the room before and after each group. Coordinate any speakers/presenters with local chapter staff. Encourage participants to provide assistance and emotional support to one another. Present pertinent Association materials and information to group members. Connect members of the community with additional Association services by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline. QUALIFICATIONS: Ability to be empathic and separate personal needs from group needs. Strong listening and effective communication skills. Ability to redirect and facilitate discussion as well as fulfill the duties and responsibilities as described in the Facilitator Agreement. Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where participants’ thoughts and feelings are valued and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect. Commitment to promote the mission and services of the Association and willingness to act as an extension of the Association. Experience with dementia as a family member or health care professional preferred. COMMITMENT EXPECTED: Support Group Facilitators commit to a 1-year term delivering a monthly group. Terms are renewable upon successful completion of annual goal-setting conversation with your staff partner. Orientation includes: online program volunteer welcome and orientation (1 hour) + self-study or in-person role training with staff partner (~4 hours). Support Group facilitators must observe 1 -3 groups led by a staff or mentor plus review facilitation skills with a staff partner prior to deployment in the community. This is dependent on experience of the facilitator (ever run a group or attended one). Background checks are required as part of the volunteer selection process. Comply with Alzheimer’s Association volunteer policies and procedures. Participate in initial training and ongoing education about Alzheimer’s, dementia and the Alzheimer's Association. BENEFITS TO THE VOLUNTEER: Perfect your active listening and group management technique. Serve your local community and people you care about. Increase your knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Be recognized in your community as a leader and resource for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Build your resume and skill set. Join a network of other volunteers, Alzheimer's Association staff and professionals and caregivers in the aging field.