VOLUNTEERING OPTIONS

Some volunteering opportunities at AFA involve interacting directly with children or adults with autism in the clinical services offered at AFA such as the Open Door Day programme, Aadhaar Vocational Centre for young adults with autism, the Parent-Child Training Programme among others. These programmes run from Monday – Friday, 9:00- 1:00 pm. Others involve assisting with organizing activities/materials for the classrooms and being around the children and adults at AFA. Or you can help in planning, organizing and managing tasks. You may choose to volunteer from out of home or be based at AFA. Read on and decide how you would like to join the autism movement.

The volunteer would be responsible for assisting teachers during school hours in the classrooms. This involves participating in individual and group activities, helping to prepare worksheets and assignments, and accompanying children and teachers on outings and cultural events. The volunteer is required to be energetic, enthusiastic, and comfortable with children. Prior teaching experience is appreciated, but not mandatory.

Time Requirement:

Duration: At least 3 months
Days: At least three weekdays
Timings: 8.45 am – 12.30 pm

The volunteer would participate in sessions of singing/playing an instrument to small groups of children (around 10). If convenient, the volunteer may be asked to accompany children and teachers on picnics, outings, or any special events, and aid the children and teachers to practice for performances during a cultural event. The volunteer must be energetic, passionate, and comfortable around children, must possess skills with a musical instrument, and enjoy singing.

Time Requirement:

Duration: At least 3 months
Days: At least two weekdays
Timings: 8.45 am – 5:00 pm (flexible)

The volunteer would be responsible for a “crafts hour” with a group of about 5 children, in which he/she would teach and help children to paint and make crafts (cards, wrapping paper, etc.). The volunteer may also be asked to assist others during cultural events. The volunteer must be energetic, enthusiastic, and have a passion for working with children. It is preferred that the volunteer be skilled in drawing, painting, and other fine arts.

Time Requirement:

Duration: At least 3 months
Days: At least two weekdays
Timings: 8.45 am – 5:00 pm (flexible)

The volunteer would assist the special educators and caregivers during respite care organized for children of AFA staff members. The volunteer must be energetic, enthusiastic, and have a passion for working with children and youngsters.

Time Requirement:

Duration: At least 3 months
Days: At least two weekdays
Timings: 12:30 pm - 5:00pm (flexible)

The volunteer would be responsible for teaching computer skills to children and adults with autism, alongside a special educator, as well as, teaching basic computer skills to typically developing children. The volunteer must have good communication skills and be interested and motivated to work with children. S/he must also have a good grasp of the English language, be skilled with computers and have knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Time Requirement:

Duration: At least 3 months
Days: At least two weekdays
Timings: 8:45 am – 5.00 pm (flexible)

The volunteer would film the programs being conducted at the organisation for the purposes of documentation and training of parents and professionals. The volunteer would have to be comfortable around children, some of whom may have unusual and challenging behaviours; and comfortable handling a digital video camera. Skills at editing on the computer would be welcome. Basic understanding of autism / child development would be an added advantage.

Time Requirement:

Duration: 3 months
Days: At least two weekdays
Timings: 8:45 am – 5.00 pm (flexible)

The volunteer would be responsible for helping the librarian with library maintenance and handle various aspects like issuing books, maintaining records etc. The volunteer would need to be organized, with a good command over the English language, and good interpersonal skills.

Time Requirement:

Duration: At least 3 months
Days: At least three weekdays
Timings: 8:45 am - 2:00 pm (flexible)

The volunteer would be responsible for enhancing the ‘look’ of the centre to make it more child-friendly. This may include activities such as decorating display boards; painting walls and /or windows panes; helping in the garden; and organizing stores at the centre. The volunteer may come individually or in a group of up to 10 members. The volunteer must be energetic, enthusiastic, and creative. Skills in painting and other fine arts are appreciated, but not required.

Time Requirement:

Duration: As and when basis;
Days: Flexible
Timings: Flexible

The volunteer would be responsible for desk research including data entry and clean up on MS Excel, video recording, and organizing data as part of research projects carried out by AFA’s Anvay unit of Research & Trainings. The volunteer may also assist with transcribing audio recordings in English / Hindi and translation and proof reading of research documents in Hindi and English languages. The volunteer must have an excellent grasp of the English & Hindi languages and be skilled with computers.

Time Requirement:

Duration: At least 3 months
Days: At least two weekdays
Timings: Flexible

The volunteer would be responsible for helping various administrative works and setting up systems in the office including documentation on organization development, personnel, AFA projects. The volunteer will require good organizational skills, attention to details and computer skills. Basic understanding of autism / development sector / NGO setup would be an added advantage

Time Requirement:

Duration: 2 - 3 months
Days: At least two weekdays
Timings: Flexible

The volunteer would be responsible for helping maintaining the new AFA website and uploading and updating information on it. The volunteer must be skilled with computers, content writing and have an excellent grasp of the English language.

Time Requirement:

Duration: At least 3 months
Days: At least one weekday
Timings: Flexible

The volunteer will be responsible for assisting with running of a variety of volunteer programs at AFA. The volunteer will be required to communicate with other volunteers and manage and update database of volunteers at AFA. Volunteers will require good organizational skills and interpersonal skills.

Time Requirement:

Duration: At least 1 month
Days: Flexible
Timings: Flexible

The volunteer would be responsible for assisting in planning and executing cultural events such as melas, awareness campaigns, concerts, workshops, and walks organized by AFA. The volunteer must be energetic, motivated, and creative.

Time Requirement:

Duration: As per the event
Days: Flexible
Timings: Flexible

The volunteer would be responsible for tracking and contacting possible companies/organizations in order to raise funds and also may be required to draft letters and follow up correspondences to initiate dialogues. The volunteer must have an excellent grasp of the English language, good interpersonal skills and be skilled with computers. A sales & marketing background is desired.

Time Requirement:

Duration: As and when basis
Days: Flexible
Timings: Flexible

The volunteer will be responsible for assisting with increasing the efficiency of the organization and work towards developing and improving processes and systems.

Time Requirement:

Duration: As and when basis
Days: Flexible
Timings: Flexible