Volunteer

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Make-A-Wish volunteer celebrating wish child Kelani's shopping spree wish with him, and both are wearing blue Make-A-Wish t-shirts
Join a caring community of volunteers who transform lives

Together, we can make countless wishes come true.

Your time and unique talents are critical to bringing strength and hope to wish children when they need it the most. In fact, our volunteers are at the heart of every wish experience. 

Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island volunteers consider their work impactful and meaningful. And, their efforts are rewarded—not in dollars or cents, but in the incredible difference they make in the lives of our wish children. Volunteers have the flexibility to choose when and how they would like to help transform lives in our community. 

Check out the list of focus areas below to see where you can best contribute your skills and time to help make wishes come true. 

Volunteer Types 

Wish-Granting Volunteer

Work with a partner to meet with wish children and their families to help determine children’s heartfelt wishes, and then work with our staff to make those wishes a reality. 

Translator/Interpreter

Help facilitate wish experiences for non-English-speaking families or assist with translation requests (as needed). 

Office Volunteer

Assist with various projects in one of our offices (Boston, West Springfield, East Providence), including data entry, phone calls, mailings, and research. 

Events Volunteer

Help to plan, organize, and implement successful fundraising events by working on committees, helping on event day, and/or participating in an event.

Skill-Based Volunteer

Use your professional expertise on an as-needed basis to provide much-needed skills such as reading and writing in multiple languages, graphic design, photography, landscaping, carpentry, painting, interior design and interior decorating, and more. 

Speaker’s Bureau Volunteer

Present key information and share stories about Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island to increase support and educate audiences on our mission. 

Outreach Volunteer

Interact with interested parties at volunteer recruitment and medical outreach events with the intent of recruiting more volunteers. 

Wish Family Ambassador

Wish alumni and their families can represent Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island at a number of external outreach and fundraising events to share your wish experience. 

Your Make-A-Wish Journey Starts Today

At every level of the organization, volunteers are critical to our mission. Get started today and soon you can bring hope and joy to local children with critical illnesses as a Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island volunteer. 

  1. Attend a virtual training/information session: At this session you will learn about our mission, the steps to granting wishes, and hear about the many ways volunteers can support the organization. (See below for available dates and the link to rsvp.)
     
  2. Complete the volunteer application: Once you complete the training, you will receive a link to complete the online volunteer application. Your application, which is initiated online through DocUSign, must be completed within two weeks of your training date.
     
  3. Set up a time to speak with an active volunteer: We will provide you the contact information of an active and experienced Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island volunteer who will gather additional information about your skills, interests and availability, and answer any remaining questions you may have before you commit to volunteer. This step must be completed within 30 days of your training date.
     
  4. Complete the required criminal background check: A link to complete the criminal background check will be sent to you (via email) from our vendor First Advantage. The cost of the background check is $30.00 and is valid for three years at our chapter or (should you relocate) at any Make-A-Wish chapter across the country. 
     
  5. Welcome! Once you have completed all of the steps above, you are officially a Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island volunteer. You will begin to receive Volunteer Opportunity emails that will list all wishes, events, and other chapter activities needing volunteer support. We look forward to working with you!
New Volunteer Trainings

UPCOMING VIRTUAL TRAININGS

Click here to register for a training.
All trainings are online. Login link will be emailed to registrants prior to each training.

  • October 26 - 9:00-11:00 am (Saturday)
  • October 29 - 8:00-10:00 am (Tuesday)
  • November 20 -  4:00-6:00 pm (Wednesday)
  • November 23 - 9:00-11:00 am (Saturday)
  • December 16 - Noon-2:00 pm (Monday)
  • January 11 - 9:00-11:00 am (Saturday)
  • January 23 - 8:00-10:00 am (Thursday)
  • February 3 - 8:00- 10:00 am (Monday)
  • February 22 - 9:00-11:00 am (Saturday)
  • March 24 - Noon-2:00 pm (Monday)
  • March 29 - 9:00-11:00 am (Saturday)
  • May 1 - 8:00-10:00am (Thursday)
  • May 17 - 9:00-11:00 am (Saturday)
  • June 10 - Noon-2:00 pm (Tuesday)
  • June 21 - 9:00-11:00 am (Saturday)
  • July 17 - 1:00-3:00 pm (Thursday)
  • July 26 - 9:00 -11:00 am (Saturday)
  • August 12 - 8:00-10:00 am (Tuesday)