Being a Volunteer

Being a volunteer in your community is one of the greatest things you can give. It is unique and special because only you can give it. AIDS Services of Austin's volunteers are some of the best, caring, and giving people you could ever hope to meet. The services we are able to provide clients are heavily dependent upon the generous hearts of the volunteers in the Buddy, Helper, and Freelance Programs. Buddy volunteers provide friendship, socialization, and emotional support. Helpers give their time helping clients to keep their homes clean, assisting with laundry, picking up prescriptions, running errands, and many other tasks of daily life maintenance.

We ask that Buddies & Helpers have about six hours a week available and be able to commit for six months. Freelancers are called and assigned as needed. We offer a thorough training program for our volunteers. Our training, which occurs over a weekend, includes information on HIV/AIDS, opportunistic infections, infection control, diversity and sensitivity, substance abuse issues, peer counselling, issues of living with HIV/AIDS, coping with grief and loss, and much, much more. The training is held over a two-day weekend.

After the training, Buddies and Helpers are assigned to a team with other more experienced volunteers. The teams provide a stable source of continuing information, education, and support. Freelancers do many of the same tasks as Helpers and Buddies. Many people only need help for a very short time or a single task done. This can include a ride to the doctor, a hospital visit, baby-sitting, helping with a pet, etc.

We require all volunteers to attend one of our monthly General Orientation meetings to become acquainted with our agency and the many, varied volunteer opportunities we have available for all interests. So, if being a service to others, meeting people, making friends, and being a volunteer appeals to you... call us!! We look forward to hearing from and meeting you! Training sessions are already scheduled for the near future. Our space is limited, so sign up now! For general Information & orientation call: 406-6150. Come join the team!

-- Robert Stewart

Check out our Web site! http://www.outline.com/ASA/ASA.hp.html

email us at: ASA@fc.net