Volunteer

Volunteers may choose from different roles, such as:

Equine Care Assistants

• Volunteers assist with the daily care of the horses, including feeding, grooming, mucking stalls, and maintaining the barn and paddocks.
• What It Looks Like: Volunteers work in morning or afternoon shifts to ensure the horses are well- cared for. This role provides hands-on experience with horse-related care and helps maintain the well-being of the animals.
  
  

Program Support Volunteers

• Volunteers help in equine-assisted learning and horsemanship sessions by setting up equipment, leading horses, and assisting participants as needed.
• What It Looks Like: Volunteers might assist with preparing the arena or trail course, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and supporting participants during sessions.

Event Planning and Coordination

• Volunteers assist in organizing and coordinating events such as peer-to-peer fundraisers, community outreach programs, and awareness campaigns for nonprofits.
• What It Looks Like: Volunteers could help with tasks like creating marketing materials, managing event logistics, and coordinating with vendors. This is a great opportunity for volunteers in marketing, public relations, or event management.

Research and Grant Writing Assistants

• Volunteers assist in researching potential funding opportunities, writing grant proposals, and developing reports for existing grants.
• What It Looks Like: Volunteers work remotely or on-site to gather data, compile grant applications, and collaborate with the nonprofit’s staff to secure funding.
  
  

Social Media and Communications Volunteers

• Volunteers manage social media accounts, create content, and engage with the online community to build community support.
• What It Looks Like: Volunteers create posts highlighting success stories, upcoming events, or content about equine-assisted services. Perfect for volunteers in communications, digital media, or journalism.
  
  

Administrative Support

• Volunteers provide general administrative support, such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and managing records.
• What It Looks Like: Volunteers work in the office, handling day-to-day administrative tasks and ensuring smooth operation. Suitable for Volunteers in business administration or nonprofit management.
  
  

Photography and Videography Volunteers

• Students will capture photos and videos of sessions, events, and the facility to be used in promotional materials and on social media.
• What It Looks Like: Volunteers will document the progress of participants, the bond between horses and humans, and special events. This role is ideal for volunteers currently in photography, film, or visual arts.
  
  

Mentorship and Education Volunteers

• Volunteer mentors in horsemanship skills, assist in facilitating equine-assisted learning activities, or help with educational workshops.
• What It Looks Like: Volunteers work directly with participants, providing guidance and support during learning sessions. Great for volunteers who have careers in education, coaching, psychology, or social work.
  
  

Grounds Maintenance

• Volunteers help maintain the facility’s grounds, including landscaping, repairing fences, and ensuring trails are safe.
• What It Looks Like: Volunteers work outdoors, helping to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for participants and horses. This is a good fit for volunteers interested in environmental science or agriculture.
  
  

Peer Support and Group Facilitation

• Volunteers (certifications required) lead or assist in peer support groups for veterans, first responders, or individuals with disabilities, incorporating equine-assisted services.
• What It Looks Like: Volunteers might facilitate discussions, and lead group activities.
  
  

Art Class Facilitator Volunteer

• Volunteers lead art classes for Mended Sparrow, Inc., helping participants express themselves through creative projects that complement equine-assisted services.
• What It Looks Like: Volunteers guide participants in activities such as painting/drawing, sculpture, art journaling and collaborative projects like murals.
  
  

Legal Volunteer

• Volunteers (Bar licensed attorney) assist with legal aspects, compliance, logo trademark, program copyrights, policy development and intellectual property matters.
• What It Looks Like: Volunteers those currently practicing law in nonprofit, contract, and equine law.
  
  

Each role has unique responsibilities, and we match volunteers to roles based on experience and interest.