All of our chapter operations are made possible with the dedication of volunteers across Montana. Join us in our mission to #StopSuicide!

Below is information about the different levels of volunteer engagement depending on how much time you are able and ready to give. We welcome you, whether it is just for the day or for much more! Don't forget to keep scrolling to read more about our chapter committees, whether you hope to join one now or simply learn more about everything we do here at AFSP Montana.

Complete our online volunteer application to get started!

Levels of Engagement

Day of Event Volunteers

Sign up to help out during the day-of at a chapter event! There are numerous opportunities throughout the year to help us with events. From set up and tear down to running stations like event registration, pickup for prizes and other goodies, craft tables, and more, we need your helping hands! Our busiest time of need for day-of volunteers is in the fall during our Out of the Darkness season. 

Committee Participation

If you are looking for more consistent and ongoing participation, join one of our chapter committees. Get to know fellow volunteers and chapter leaders, and share your good ideas to help us shape the future of this chapter. We have a range of committees, described below, some of which are seasonal planning committees while others are active year-round.

Chapter Leadership

Individuals with a desire for a higher level of involvement are encouraged to pursue leadership within the chapter. Chapter leaders develop and steward our strategic plan, and serve as a source of guidance and support for fellow volunteers. We offer leadership opportunities that vary by level of responsibility and time commitment, including both board- and non-board-level positions. It is never too early to start exploring your leadership goals within the chapter! Read about our current chapter board. We want to support your endeavor to become a leader in suicide prevention and encourage you to reach out about your interests! 

Chapter Committees 

The Montana Chapter is working hard to bring suicide prevention resources to as many people as we can across our great state. It is through a number of volunteer-run committees that we are able to do this work, and hope you will consider joining us!  The following chapter committees are described in more detail below:

• Community Walk Committees
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Committee
• Education Committee
• Spring Event Planning Committees  (Hike for Hope, Paws for Prevention)
• Loss & Healing Committee
• Public Policy Committee
• Volunteer Committee
• Youth Engagement Committee

Community Walk Committees

The annual Out of the Darkness Community Walks would not be possible without the hard work of our volunteer walk chairs and planning committees. Each fall, the Motnana Chapter hosts walks in Billings, Bozeman, Kalispell, Missoula, and Sidney. These committees are a great place to start for new volunteers looking to gain a broader understanding of our role in the community. As a committee member, you will have the opportunity to:

• Raise awareness and funds to serve our mission
• Aide in the planning of a meaningful event that attracts thousands of local attendees
• Recruit and support walk participants
• Grow community & sponsor support
• Set the groundwork for new partnerships with organizations, schools, and community leaders

Education Committee

AFSP offers a number of free education programs to the public to increase awareness and understanding of this complex health issue. Members of this committee are trained to distribute educational materials and present our programs. Committee members are also encouraged to help identify opportunities to present our programs in the community. We recommend joining one of our four subcommittees to get started by focusing on one aspect of education first. You are welcome to participate on multiple subcommittees as you gain experience.

• Talk Saves Lives (TSL)  Present our introductory suicide prevention program and its specialty modules to a range of audiences aged 18+. 

• It's Real   This program series offers modules for teens ages 12+ as well as late high school and college students. Lead these programs to encourage help-seeking with an unscripted documentary and facilitated discussion. Collaborate with schools and universities to incorporate this program into their curriculum.

• Tabling Subcommittee:  Attend a variety of community and mental health fairs to share resources and information about our work. *Must complete our tabling training beforehand. Contact [email protected] for materials.

Spring Event Planning Committees

Get involved planning some of our other annual chapter events, including our Hike for Hope, and Paws for Prevention. These committees convene between December/January and remain active through the springtime when the events take place. Get involved and help to:

• Raise awareness and funds to serve our mission
• Recruit event participants and sponsors
• Manage event logistics
• Organize Live & Silent Auctions

Loss & Healing Committee

Support for survivors of suicide loss can make a big difference to those who are grieving. If you feel ready and wish to share your compassion and empathy with those who are navigating their grief journey after a suicide loss, the Loss & Healing (L&H) Committee needs you. L&H volunteers are active in planning meaningful events and activities for loss survivors, and reaching out into the community to share our resources after loss. As a member of this committee you may:

• Help plan remembrance activities for our major community events (i.e. Out of the Darkness Walks, Hike for Hope, etc.)
• Connect with relevant community partners to raise awareness about the resources available to loss survivors
• Plan our annual International Survivors of Suicide Loss (ISOSL) Day events in the area
• Facilitate small group discussions at our ISOSL Day events
• Become a trained Healing Conversations volunteer to provide direct peer support to other survivors of loss

Public Policy Committee

Advocates looking to engage in meaningful dialogue with others about suicide prevention can apply their passion to shape changes in policy at the local, state, and federal levels. Join this committee to:

• Learn how to engage in advocacy (no prior experience is required!)
• Recruit Field Advocates to take advantage of easy ways to weigh in on policy issues
• Work with chapter and national leadership to identify advocacy opportunities at various levels of governance
• Plan, coordinate, and attend the annual State Capitol Days in Montana
• Build and maintain relationships with community leaders and elected officials to update/enact policy to enhance suicide prevention

Volunteer Committee

We strive to build a strong volunteer community and need your help to welcome and support other volunteers! Work with our Volunteer Chair to create a positive volunteer experience through:

• Direct outreach to recruit, welcome, onboard, and thank volunteers
• Planning and coordination of events to recruit, onboard, and steward volunteers (i.e. new volunteer orientations, social events, appreciation events)
• Oversight and communication of chapter volunteer opportunities to registered volunteers

Complete our online volunteer application to get started!

Still have questions about getting involved?

Contact our Executive Director, Katie Levine at [email protected] 

Interested in leadership opportunities?

Contact our Executive Director, Katie Levine at [email protected]