Individual Volunteer Opportunities

No matter how you are involved, you are making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities!

Education Assistant

As an Art Studio Education Assistant, you would assist the art classroom instructors in the project outlined, creating a safe and inclusive educational environment by conversing with students, encouraging students’ independence, and helping with tasks that aid the flow of the studio.
As an Adult Education Assistant, you would assist the classroom instructor in the coursework outlined, creating a safe and inclusive educational environment by conversing with students, and encouraging students’ independence.
- Shift times: one shift per week, 9:00am-11:00am, or 12:00pm-2:30pm, for a minimum commitment of four months.
We pair mentors with individual students to help the students grow. This may be in the Art studio if you have an art skill, or it could be in a life-skills class, such as gardening, career education, or health & wellness. Mentors are like Assistant Instructors, but they focus their time on just one student, getting to know them in particular.
- Shift times: one shift per week, 9:00am-11:00am, or 12:00pm-2:30pm, for a minimum commitment of four months.

Events

Monthly Bowling Club occurs every second Wednesday of the month, from 2-4pm. Volunteers assist case managers at Dart Bowl – conversing with clients and getting to know them, assisting clients who are mobility-impaired in using a bowling ramp, helping clients navigate the shoe check out process, and meeting great people!
Monthly activity night occurs every 4th Wednesday of the month, from 4:45-7pm. Volunteers assist case managers by conversing with and getting to know clients, helping clients participate in activities and dog therapy, and having a great time!
Special events
- We have quarterly art shows where students sell their artwork and earn a commission. We need volunteers in the preceding week to help set up the show, as well as many volunteers the day-of. Shows are always on Thursday evenings, from 6-8pm.
- We have other occasional fundraising events, such as a summer golf tournament, and fall Gala. Training is provided on site for each event.

Educational Workshops

We want to open students to others’ hobbies, skills, business experience, etc. This could be a 1-2 hour workshop about art, a hobby, your passion for the environment, what you know about fixing cars or starting your own business!

Volunteer Ambassador

We always need volunteers, so if you would like to help connect your network to The Arc, we’d love to talk to you! We will train and equip you with information about The Arc and volunteering so that you can go out and share with your organization, business, school, or church.

Committees

On the Board of Directors, you and your fellow Board Members are responsible for setting strategic direction, safeguarding financial health, and maintaining the organization’s commitment to its mission. This involves ensuring that the non-profit’s assets are used appropriately and that it remains accountable to its donors, beneficiaries, and the general public, staying informed of the non-profit’s legal obligations, and proposing, approving, and regularly reviewing the organization’s policies and guidelines that govern how it operates.
The Ambassador Council of The Arc of the Capital Area is comprised of former Board members, valuable donors, community leaders, and other important stakeholders. These affiliations enhance the nonprofit’s status in the community, provide advice and counsel, advocate for its mission, and contribute to its financial stability. Click Here for Committee Opportunities

If you have another way you would like to get involved, just let us know!

Sign up to volunteer!

To apply:

Fill out the Interest Form
Anne Smith will reach out after reviewing your documents
1. Please take a moment to review the handbook
  1. Volunteer Training Handbook
If you are interested in volunteering in the classroom on a ongoing basis you will be required to complete a background check – Please complete these forms
1. Background Checks will be run through www.backgroundonline.com at the cost of $28.50, paid by the volunteer. This will be set up via Anne Smith.
Once backgrounds are returned Anne Smith will reach out to you to help schedule you for your first volunteer shifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why volunteer? Is it fun?

Volunteering at The Arc lets you meet some amazing people! They are fun, welcoming, and so full of joy! It also helps you build leadership skills, such as taking initiative, communicating with a team, and problem-solving. If you start volunteering, you won’t want to stop.

What do I wear?

Please wear comfortable clothing that you do mind getting paint and/or dirt on
Please do not wear revealing clothing or inappropriate graphics

Can I use this to fill court-ordered community service hours?

We are not able to fill community service hours.

Where are you located?

The Arc of the Capital Area’s building is located at 4902 Grover Avenue, Austin, TX, 78756

Where should I park?

Please park on a side street, such as Lynndale Drive, Woodrow Avenue, or 51st Street (51st is open to the public 9am-4pm)

Can my child volunteer with me?

Children from 14-18 years old may volunteer with their guardian present, after they complete the regular application and screening process.

Can I volunteer on the weekends or after hours?

The Art & Adult Education Programs are only open during the week. However, if you’d like to volunteer at occasional events instead, go ahead and fill out the volunteer application and check “Put me on the list for volunteering at events.”

Contact Information:

Anne Smith – Director of Employment and Education
Email: asmith@arcaustin.org