SADS Foundation :: Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes Foundation

Volunteer Job Descriptions

We are excited about our revised volunteer network and the new job descriptions! Many of you have been volunteering for years and will recognize these jobs-even with their new names. When you sign up for a specific job description, you will be sent detailed "How To" instructions for that position. You can sign up now by completing the volunteer application and mentioning which job(s) interests you in the comments box.

Local Network Coordinator - Allow SADS families in your area the opportunity to meet each other and provide an important forum for education and informal support. A local Network Coordinator hosts a local meeting, coordinates a contact list of interested people and continues as the point person for group communication and coordinates future meetings. The person volunteering for this position will have a phone number and email posted on the website so they can be contacted directly.

Speakers Bureau Volunteer - Help save a life by sharing your story! Use the SADS Power Point presentation to provide an overview of SADS conditions and risk assessment questions. This is an excellent opportunity to speak to local community groups (PTA, Rotary, etc.). You can also speak to federal employees for the Combined Federal Giving Campaign, where federal employee can be donate to SADS.

Fundraising Volunteer- Plan an event in your community to raise funds to support SADS programs and to raise awareness about SADS conditions. There are many opportunities and types of events - letter writing campaigns, No Ball At All, Jump-A-Thons, Fun Runs, etc.

Telephone/Email Support Volunteer- This volunteer is a person who agrees to be available by phone or e-mail to people in their area who are looking for more information about SADS conditions and wish to network with individuals in their own area. The role of the Telephone Support Volunteer is very important. He/she is often the first person with whom the caller is able to discuss the SADS condition on a more personal level.

If you have previously been involved as a National Contact Person or have a good knowledge of The SADS Foundation and its services, you would be a great candidate for this job!

Medical Education Volunteer - Assist SADS in getting this life-saving information into local medical societies, hospitals, physician groups, and clinics by identifying an appropriate person (education coordinator, site manager, nursing trainer, department chair, etc) to schedule the training. We will provide you with a packet of information and sample letters to assist in your outreach and promotion of medical education.

SADS Safe Schools Initiative Advocate -Help promote proper screening of middle and high school athletes by disseminating important information about SADS to local school nurses, athletics directors and coaches. Find out what your local school district's policy is regarding pre-participation physical examinations, and advocate for improvements as necessary. We will provide you with a packet of information to help in making your initial contacts with school personnel.

Media Awareness Volunteer. Help improve awareness in your local community by telling your story to your local media. Work with other local volunteers to have a "pitch" other stories to the media. These stories can be linked to national stories, local fund raising events, or local awareness and education activities.

Formal Support Group Coordinator. At some point, a Local Networking Coordinator or Telephone Support volunteer may feel that there is interest in going to the next step to a formal Support Group. This can be accomplished by recruiting an experienced person - a social worker, psychologist, physician, etc., who can help explore the emotional issues surrounding a chronic health condition.

Chapter Leader. When the members of a Local Support Group decide that they are ready to have a formal structure with a core governing board consisting of a President, Secretary and Vice President (with additional officers as the chapter grows), and they have become financially active through fundraising, etc., it is time for them to consider forming a Chapter. A Chapter must be approved by the SADS Board of Directors.
Awareness 2010 Campaign volunteer. The 2010 awareness campaign features brand new posters to be distributed to various areas during each quarter of the year. There are also specific volunteer actions scheduled throughout the year. Click here to read more about the campaign and the current action item.

For questions, contact Joanne ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 1-800-Stop SAD).

There are many ways you can help the SADS Foundation by volunteering your time: