Volunteer
Volunteer Opportunities
DSANV relies on volunteers to assist with events, fundraising, outreach to new families, community awareness, operational/ administrative assistance, professional services, and other needs throughout the year. We welcome volunteers from all areas. Please complete the volunteer interest form below to start engaging.
Join Our Leadership Team
The Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV) is growing, and we are looking for passionate Leadership Volunteers to help shape our future. We are seeking community-minded individuals who bring a wealth of professional experience and a genuine willingness to see our organization thrive. These vital, non-compensated roles offer a unique opportunity to use your professional talents to expand our programs and deepen our impact within the community. If you are a visionary at heart and ready to commit your time and expertise to a cause that changes lives, we invite you to help us lead the way! Here is a list of the roles (Descriptions coming soon):
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Job Description: The Program Coordinator is a vital role responsible for the end-to-end execution of DSANV’s core programming. Working closely with the Executive Director (ED), this individual ensures that Info Sessions and specialized programs in education, skills, career development, and health are delivered effectively to support individuals with Down syndrome and their families across all life stages.
Time Commitment: 12 Months
Frequency: Approximately 3-5 hours per week (2 hours for planning & 3 hours for the programs)
Location: Northern Virginia (venue varies, including virtual)
Key Responsibilities
1. Info Session Management
Strategic Planning: Assist the ED in planning and creating an annual/seasonal calendar for Info Sessions.
Scheduling: Coordinate dates, times, and platforms (virtual or in-person) for all sessions.
Registration & Logistics: Create and manage registration forms (e.g., via Eventbrite or Google Forms); monitor attendee lists and handle troubleshooting.
Communication: Act as the primary point of contact for attendees, providing session details, reminders, and follow-up resources.
Speaker Liaison: Serve as the main contact for guest speakers, managing their scheduling, technical needs, and providing necessary organizational background.
2. Educational & Health Program Oversight
Mirroring the Info Session process, assist the ED in the planning and execution of programs focused on:
Education: Workshops on IEPs, early learning, and inclusive schooling.
Skills & Career: Life-skills workshops and career development seminars for adults.
Health & Wellness: Fitness clubs, nutrition seminars, and mental health resources.
3. Strategic Alignment & Data
Ensure all programs align with the DSANV Strategic Plan 2025-2030 goals of providing meaningful resources across all stages of life.
Collect qualitative and quantitative data (attendance, feedback surveys) to help the ED report on program impact.
Qualifications
Strong administrative and organizational skills with high attention to detail.
Proficiency in digital tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Workspace, registration platforms).
Excellent interpersonal skills for communicating with families and professional speakers.
Commitment to the mission of DSANV and the empowerment of individuals with Down syndrome.
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Job Description: The Social Media Coordinator is a creative and organized volunteer role responsible for enhancing the digital presence of DSANV. This individual will manage the scheduling and creation of engaging content to promote DSANV’s core programming, recreational events, and community initiatives, ensuring consistent communication with our members and the public.
Time Commitment: 12 Months
Frequency: Approximately 3–5 hours per week (including planning meetings, content creation, and event attendance).
Location: Northern Virginia (venue varies, including virtual)
Key Responsibilities
Content Creation & Strategy: Develop and post 2–3 high-quality posts per week across DSANV social media platforms, highlighting recreational events and organizational programs.
Collaborative Planning: Meet bi-weekly (once every two weeks) with the Regional Engagement Director and Executive Director (ED) to review the editorial calendar and align on upcoming messaging.
Graphic Design: Utilize design tools to create visually appealing graphics and layouts for all posts.
Event Coverage: Schedule and attend DSANV events to capture live photos and videos for real-time promotion via Stories and Reels.
Consistency: Ensure all content is posted on agreed-upon dates and maintains the voice and mission of the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia.
Qualifications
Proficiency in major social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) and knowledge of current trends (Reels, Stories).
Experience with basic graphic design and photo/video editing.
Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with leadership.
Reliable, organized, and passionate about supporting the Down syndrome community.
Ability to travel to local events as scheduled.
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Job Description: Oversee childcare provided at New Parent Breakfast events. NPBs give DSANV families who have a child with Down syndrome aged 0-3 an opportunity to connect with other families and DSANV staff & volunteers. Each NPB is 2 hours in length.
Time Commitment: 12 Months
Frequency: Approximately three 3.5-hour commitments per year
Location: Northern Virginia (venue varies)
Key Responsibilities
Contact Heather Trammell (Director of Family Support) no later than 1 week prior to event to discuss childcare needs. Heather will obtain the necessary supplies from DSANV storage unit beforehand.
Arrive at location 1 hour prior to event’s start to set up.
Monitor childcare activities throughout event.
Engage with young NPB participants in age-appropriate activities.
Maintain cleanliness of childcare area.
Direct other NPB volunteers assigned to childcare area.
Be warm & welcoming towards all NPB attendees.
Stay 30 minutes after event’s end to clean up.
Clean toys with sanitizing wipes.
Repack toys into storage containers.
Provide event feedback to Heather Trammell no later than 1 week after the event.
Qualifications
Experience working with young children.
Reliable, organized, and passionate about supporting the Down syndrome community.
Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with leadership.
Ability to travel to local events as scheduled.
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Job Description: Oversee food & beverage provided at New Parent Breakfast events. NPBs give DSANV families who have a child with Down syndrome aged 0-3 an opportunity to connect with other families and DSANV staff & volunteers. Each NPB is 2 hours in length.
Time Commitment: 12 Months
Frequency: Approximately three 3.5-hour commitments per year
Location: Northern Virginia (venue varies)
Key Responsibilities
Contact Heather Trammell (Director of Family Support) no later than 1 week prior to event to discuss food & beverage needs. Heather will purchase the necessary supplies beforehand.
Arrive at location 1 hour prior to event’s start to set up.
Monitor food & beverage table throughout event.
Distribute food to event participants.
Refill empty containers.
Maintain cleanliness of table.
Assist with food preparation – as needed.
Direct other NPB volunteers assigned to food & beverage area.
Be warm & welcoming towards all NPB attendees.
Stay 30 minutes after event’s end to clean up.
Clean supplies (trays, serving utensils).
Repack supplies & unused non-perishable food into storage containers.
Throw or give away unused perishable food.
Provide event feedback to Heather Trammell no later than 1 week after the event.
Qualifications
Reliable, organized, and passionate about supporting the Down syndrome community.
Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with leadership.
Ability to travel to local events as scheduled.
To apply for any of these roles and others, please fill the form below.

