Volunteering with AFSP-NCAC!

October 14, 2020 – 4 min read

Washington, D.C. Out of the Darkness Walk

Volunteering with AFSP-NCAC

Volunteers are at the heart of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and our National Capital Area Chapter (NCAC). Their passion, dedication, and commitment to suicide prevention help us reach communities across the region through education programs, support initiatives, advocacy efforts, fundraising events, and awareness campaigns. By volunteering with AFSP-NCAC, you join a network of individuals united by a shared goal: saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. Explore the opportunities below to discover how you can make a meaningful impact and become an essential part of our mission.

Mirroring Our Community

To effectively reach, engage, and serve the diverse individuals and communities throughout our chapter's service area, our volunteer base must reflect the populations we serve. We are committed to recruiting volunteers with a wide range of backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives. By fostering diverse representation and encouraging inclusive participation in chapter activities and decision-making, we strengthen our ability to advance our mission and better meet the needs of our communities.

Volunteer Resources

Online Volunteer Application Complete this form to get started. Once your application is received, our Volunteer Chair will contact you to schedule a welcome meeting where we can learn more about you, discuss available volunteer opportunities, and answer any questions you may have.
Volunteer Calendar Explore upcoming volunteer opportunities, learn more about each event, and sign up for opportunities that match your interests and availability.
Volunteering with AFSP (national website) Meet our incredible volunteers, learn what inspires them to get involved, and discover the many ways volunteers support AFSP through education, advocacy, fundraising, loss and healing programs, Out of the Darkness Walks, and chapter leadership.
Levels of Volunteer Engagement Whether you're looking for occasional volunteer opportunities or a leadership role, AFSP offers a variety of ways to get involved. Explore the different levels of engagement to find the opportunity that's right for you.
Become an Advocate Join a nationwide grassroots network dedicated to advancing suicide prevention and mental health policies. As an AFSP Volunteer Advocate, you'll have opportunities to make your voice heard at the local, state, and federal levels.
Tips for Getting Started With so many ways to get involved, getting started can sometimes feel overwhelming. This resource offers practical tips and guidance to help you identify your interests, set volunteer goals, and take the next step in your volunteer journey.

FAQ's

Are volunteers needed? Yes! Yes! Yes! A million times YES! As the largest voluntary organization dedicated to suicide prevention, we cannot serve our mission without volunteers like you.
What do volunteers do? Our chapter volunteers support a wide range of activities, from administrative tasks and advocacy efforts to fundraising, program delivery, and chapter leadership. Whether you're interested in occasional volunteer opportunities or a more involved leadership role, we're confident there's a meaningful way for you to get involved.
What's the required level of commitment? We offer volunteer opportunities for every level of interest and commitment. Whether you can lend a hand at a single event, advocate for policy change, serve on a committee, or step into a leadership role as a Board Member or Committee Lead, there are many ways to get involved. Whatever your availability or experience, we'd love to help you find a volunteer opportunity that's a great fit.
Is there any special training required to volunteer? Training requirements vary by role, but most volunteer opportunities do not require prior experience or training. For positions that do require specialized preparation, AFSP provides the onboarding and training needed for success. We do, however, strongly encourage all volunteers to attend a Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention presentation to gain a foundational understanding of suicide prevention and AFSP’s mission.
What if English isn't my first language? We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive volunteer network that reflects the communities we serve. Volunteers from all backgrounds are encouraged to join us in expanding outreach, fostering engagement, and supporting individuals and communities across our chapter’s region.
Do you have volunteer opportunities for persons under 18 years of age? Yes! While some volunteer opportunities are reserved for adults, we do offer select roles for individuals under the age of 18. We welcome youth who are interested in supporting our mission and making a difference in their communities.
Do you have opportunities for volunteers who need community service hours? Yes! We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities that can help fulfill community service requirements, and we are happy to provide documentation verifying completed service hours upon request.
What if I need accommodations? We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all volunteers. If you require any accommodations or have questions about accessibility, please don't hesitate to contact [email protected]. We are dedicated to fostering a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive experience where everyone has the opportunity to participate and contribute.