introducing ibd connects volunteer program what does it mean to be a volunteer

Have you ever wanted to volunteer your time and make a difference in the lives of pediatric IBD patients and their families? With the recent launch of IBD Connect's Volunteer Program, you now have a meaningful way to contribute and make a lasting impact. In today's blog post, we'll unpack the details of this program and discuss what it truly means to be a volunteer at IBD Connect, addressing these fundamental questions:

What is IBD Connect's Volunteer Program?

What impact and importance does volunteering have?

Who can participate in IBD Connect's Volunteer Program?

How can I participate in IBD Connect's Volunteer Program?

If I have questions about the program, where can I go for help?

We hope this post is both informative and inspiring! Remember, your actions and attitude can make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Don't hesitate to give back to the IBD community!

What is IBD Connect's Volunteer Program?

As many of you know, IBD Connect Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to support, engage, and empower pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and their families. Our comprehensive programs and educational resources are specifically designed to do one or more of the following: support IBD families in need, engage IBD families in building a strong community, and empower IBD families to make a difference in the lives of other families in need.

Our Volunteer Program is a cornerstone of this mission. We believe that our Volunteer Program truly embodies each of these core principles. Volunteers play a pivotal role in providing support to IBD families in need. Through their active engagement with the IBD community, volunteers facilitate connections, share experiences, and cultivate a sense of belonging and understanding amongst other IBD families. Moreover, volunteers serve as catalysts for empowerment, equipping IBD families with the tools, knowledge, and support network needed to advocate for themselves and others.

IBD Connect's Connect's Volunteer Program offers several avenues for your unique skills and talents to be utilized. There are several positions listed on the “Volunteer” page under the “Get Involved” tab of our main website. These positions include:

Grant Writer Volunteer

Event Coordinator Volunteer

Support Group Facilitator Volunteer (Occasional)

Social Media Associate Volunteer

You can read more about these specific positions, as well as view the responsibilities and skills required for each position, on our main website. In addition to our listed open positions, we also offer a “Volunteer Inquiry Form,” available on our main website. If you possess a particular skill or expertise that is not currently listed in our available open volunteer positions, you can complete this form to express your interest in volunteering your unique talent.

What Impact Does Volunteering Have?

At IBD Connect, we believe that volunteering is more than just a way to give back; it's an opportunity to create lasting change and make a profound difference in the lives of those in need. Let's explore the significant impact of volunteering with IBD Connect through our available positions.

Supporting Families: Volunteers provide essential support to IBD families, helping them navigate the challenges of managing IBD through shared experiences and resources. Whether through organizing events, facilitating support groups, or crafting engaging social media content, volunteers offer crucial assistance that can make a real difference in the lives of real families facing IBD.

Building Community: By fostering connections and a sense of belonging, volunteers help create a strong, supportive IBD community where families feel understood and less isolated. Event coordinators play a key role in bringing people together through thoughtfully planned activities, while support group facilitators ensure that families have a safe space to share their experiences and offer mutual support.

Empowering Others: Volunteers empower IBD patients and their families by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for themselves and others. Social media associates amplify the reach of IBD Connect's educational resources and advocacy messages, while grant writers secure essential funding to support programs that equip families with necessary information and tools.

Personal Growth: Volunteering offers personal rewards, including the development of new skills, increased self-awareness, and the fulfillment that comes from making a difference. Grant writers enhance their research and writing abilities, social media associates refine their digital communication skills, support group facilitators build leadership and empathy, and event coordinators develop organizational and planning expertise.

Raising Awareness: Volunteers play a crucial role in spreading awareness about pediatric IBD and the challenges faced by those affected, helping to educate the broader community and reduce stigma. Social media associates create compelling content that highlights these issues, while event coordinators plan impactful events that draw public attention and support.

By volunteering with IBD Connect, individuals contribute to the well-being of others but also experience significant personal growth and satisfaction. The impact of their efforts ripples through the community, creating a more informed, connected, and empowered network of families and advocates. Whether through direct support, community building, empowerment initiatives, personal development, or awareness-raising, volunteers at IBD Connect make a lasting and meaningful difference.

Who Can Participate in IBD Connect's Volunteer Program?

All potential volunteers must be 18 years of age or older to apply. However, for certain positions (as specified in the position applications) individuals under 18 are welcome to assist an adult volunteer (e.g., a child assisting a parent). In such cases, the adult volunteer must apply for the position and assume full responsibility for supervising all volunteer activities. This policy ensures the safety and well-being of our young volunteers while adhering to our organizational standards. Additionally, IBD Connect's Nondiscrimination Clause is listed below for your review.

Nondiscrimination Clause:

IBD Connect Inc. is committed to upholding equal opportunity principles within our Volunteer Program. We are dedicated to providing access to volunteer opportunities and their associated benefits without regard to age (must be 18 years or older), race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected status, as outlined by relevant federal, state, and local regulations. This commitment applies to all aspects of our volunteer program, including the recruitment, selection, and engagement of volunteers. Discrimination has no place within the operations of our organization.

How Can I Participate in IBD Connect's Volunteer Program?

If volunteering your time and talents with IBD Connect is something that interests you, you can participate in IBD Connect's Volunteer Program via our main website. Find our “Volunteer” page under the “Get Involved” tab. On this page, you'll find more information about this program, our available volunteer opportunities, and our “Volunteer Inquiry Form.” If you possess a particular skill or expertise that is not currently listed in our available open volunteer positions, you can complete this form to express your interest in volunteering your unique talent. You can also feel free to email IBD Connect's Executive Director, Lisa Forunier, via email at for more information. We look forward to your participation and the unique contributions you can bring to our community!

If I Have Questions About the Program, Where Can I Go for Help?

For any questions, concerns, or additional information about our Volunteer Program, please don't hesitate to contact our Executive Director, Lisa Fournier, via email at . We're here to support you every step of the way! You may also view all of the information discussed above in greater detail, or apply to specific positions, on the “Volunteer” page under the “Get Involved” tab on our main website, .

In conclusion, the launch of our Volunteer Program provides an exciting opportunity for others to join us in our mission to support, engage, and empower pediatric IBD patients and their families. Your contributions will help build a supportive, empowered, and informed community. The personal growth and fulfillment that come from volunteering are invaluable, and your efforts will play a crucial role in raising awareness and reducing stigma associated with pediatric IBD. We invite you to join us in this rewarding journey and make a difference. Visit our main website to learn more and get started. We look forward to exploring potential opportunities for collaboration and creating a positive impact together. As always, stay strong IBD Warrior families!