Becoming a Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Special Olympics! Our volunteers make our programs and mission possible.

Special Olympics Rhode Island offers a variety of year-round opportunities for volunteers. There are two levels of service:

Class B - Event Volunteers

From our well-known State Winter and Summer Games to the Fall Sports Festival, event volunteers provide the “people power” essential to our year-round competition and fundraising events. 

Note:  Event volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.  However, there may be opportunities for youth to participate in non-sport related venues when accompanied by an adult chaperone.

Event Volunteer opportunities are posted on an as needed basis.
 

Class A Volunteers

Our Class A volunteers work directly with athletes and serve in a position of authority, supervision, and trust. They include coaches, unified partners, chaperones, drivers, overnight hosts and others.  All Class A Volunteers must be 16 years of age and older. Click here for more Class A information.

All Class A volunteers must complete a volunteer registration form, the 10-minute Protective Behaviors Training Course, the General Orientation Training and General Orientation Quiz before they can start their volunteer assignment.  Criminal background checks are conducted on all volunteers who complete a Class A Volunteer Form.  If the volunteer remains active, a criminal background check is conducted every three years.

Class A Volunteers under the age of 18 must complete the Minor Reference Form along with the Class A Volunteer Registration Form.

A General Orientation is provided for all first-time volunteers as well as training for any specific duties. For information, email Louise Miller at louise@specialolympicsri.org. We look forward to welcoming you into our family!