Have you ever thought, "The little bit I can do will never make a difference." or "What in the world can I do?" Remember the feeling you had inside when you selflessly gave help to another out of a deep, heart-felt sense of compassion Yes, it's true that no single individual can alone solve the world's many complex problems. But, whatever you can do to help makes a tremendous difference in the lives of countless others. Your gift of compassion brings hope and strength, and your unique talents and skills contribute to improving the quality of life for all those affected by Parkinson's disease. You can make life and your community a happier and healthier place to live for those whose lives you touch.

To volunteer, call 601-506-2729 and speak with Teresa Jones, President, American Parkinson Disease Association – Mississippi Chapter PO Box 5943 Brandon, MS 39047

Volunteer Opportunities

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Information & Referral (I & R) Center and the APDA MS Chapter are pleased to provide opportunities for you to volunteer through our non-profit organization.

 • Social Work: Learn about APDA programs and services, and interact with the individuals and families we serve.

• Public Relations & Marketing: Help create greater awareness of Parkinson’s disease in Mississippi and use your graphic arts and communications skills to help brand the APDA image.

• Fundraising: Help raise funds and resources needed to maintain and expand APDA programs and services throughout Mississippi.

 • Information Technology - Website Development - Social Networking: Help improve and maintain the APDA MS Chapter’s Website, and expand our reach through technology and social networking.

The Value of Volunteers

The non-profit sector cannot take the place of government programs, nor can it single-handedly cure the ills and disparities of society. However, each of us can make a tremendous difference in our own sphere, and can find ways to help that will make our efforts well worth the time we invest in others.

•  As of 2009, approximately 109 million Americans were volunteering their time annually; that's 56% of all adults. 
• Volunteers contribute an average of 3.5 hours per week totaling 20 billion hours with an estimated dollar value of $225 billion dollars.
•  59% of teenagers volunteer 3.5 hours per week; that's 13.3 million volunteers giving 2.4 billion hours at a value of $7.7 billion dollars. 
•   These volunteer time estimates simply underscores the indispensable contributions that volunteers make in enabling our country’s 1.4 million charitable organizations to serve their communities.

Best Reasons to Volunteer

Some of the best reasons to volunteer are those you may not have considered; the ones that make it worth your while to go that extra step. People who volunteering for a worthy cause report that they get back in satisfaction and joy more than they ever expend in time and effort. What you get back is immeasurable! Here are just a few of the benefits you'll receive:

                   o        Makes you feel appreciated and

                   o        Gives you new skills, strengths and life experience

                   o        Provides opportunities to make new friends and business contacts.

                   o        Expands your horizons and career opportunities.

What Skills do you have to offer?

If you knack for teaching, or just enjoy interacting with people, the APDA MS Chapter would like to incorporate these aspects of your personality for volunteer work with our nonprofit organization. Do you have familiarity with certain equipment, such as computers, or do you possess certain skills, such as ability in business or communications?                                                                              

Learn Something New

Perhaps you would like to gain exposure to a new situation. Consider seeking a volunteer opportunity where you'll learn something new. For example, volunteering to work on the newsletter for the APDA Information & Referral (I & R) Center will improve your writing and editing abilities - skills that may help you in your career. Or, volunteering can simply offer a change from your daily routine. For example, if your full-time job is in an office, you may decide to take on a more active volunteer assignment, such as leading or assisting with fundraising events. Our nonprofit organization is seeking out people who are willing to learn.

Volunteer As a Family

Think about looking for a volunteer opportunity suitable for parents and children to do together, or for a husband and wife to take on as a team. When a family volunteers to work together at a nonprofit organization, the experience can bring them closer together, teach young children the value of giving their time and effort, introduce everyone in the family to skills and experiences never before encountered, and give the entire family a shared experience as a wonderful family memory.

What is Virtual Volunteering?

Yes, there is such a thing! If you have computer access and the necessary skills, some organizations now offer the opportunity to do volunteer work over the computer. This might take the form of working with the Chapter on the APDA MS Website, assisting the I & R Center coordinator with the annual Parkinson’s newsletter, or simply keeping in contact with a shut-in who has e-mail. This sort of volunteering might be well suited to you if you have limited time, no transportation, or a physical disability that precludes you from getting about freely. Virtual volunteering can also be a way for you to give time if you simply enjoy computers and want to employ your computer skills in your volunteer work.

Give voice to your heart through your giving and volunteering! Bring your heart and your sense of humor to your volunteer service, along with your enthusiastic spirit, which in itself is a priceless gift. What you'll get back will be immeasurable!

The APDA MS Chapter May Have Questions for You

While most nonprofits are eager to find volunteer help, they have to be careful when accepting the services you offer. If you contact our organization with an offer to volunteer your time, you may be asked to come in for an interview, fill out a volunteer application, or describe your qualifications and your background just as you would at an interview for a paying job. It is in the organization's interest and more beneficial to the people it serves to make certain you have the skills needed, that you are truly committed to doing the work, and that your interests match those of the nonprofit.  The APDA MS Chapter will also require you to sign a confidentiality agreement. 

If you are interested in being a speaker on one of our events or support group meetings, please fill out our Speaker volunteer application.

Please contact us to start making a difference today!

The American Parkinson Disease Association Chapter of Mississippi Exists to Improve the Quality of Life of Those Affected by Parkinson's

Website Disclaimer & Privacy Policy
Information posted on this website and in our newsletters is provided solely for education purposes, and should never be taken as medical advice but rather to be discussed with your physician. The security of your personal information is important to us and we will never share such information with any third parties.