Welcome to the 2024 Giving Is Good (GIG) Program!
Are you a teenager ready to embark on a journey of compassion and discovery? Look no further than the GIG Program – where Giving Is Good becomes an unforgettable summer adventure.
Qualified applicants are:
- Entering 8th – 12 Grades
- Comfortable working with children under the age of 5
- Comfortable interacting with individuals with disabilities
- Responsible and reliable
Program Dates:
June 10 – July 26, 2024
Service location:
Hand In Hand Children's Early Learning Program on the United Ability campus – 120 Oslo Circle – off of Lakeshore Parkway (between Red Mountain Park and Ross Bridge)
Schedule:
8 am-Noon and/or 2 pm-5 pm, Monday through Friday
- Volunteers are expected to sign up for a minimum of 5 shifts during the entire 7-week period.
Important Dates
Application opens:
February 12, 2024
Application Closes:
May 10, 2024
Acceptance notifications:
May 17, 2024
Volunteer hour letters mailed:
Week of August 15
What is GIG?
The GIG program stands for “Giving Is Good." It is a Summer Volunteer Program providing an opportunity for teenagers…
- to learn about helping children with different levels of ability
- to gain firsthand experience with early childhood education and rehabilitative therapies (i.e., physical, occupational, and speech) to explore potential career interests
- to return to Hand In Hand and relive fond memories for those who attended as a child
What does a GIG do?
Volunteers serve in classrooms at our Hand In Hand Early Learning Program. Activities include:
- Assist with classroom lessons
- Participate in Water Play Days on the playground
- Assist Office Staff
- Help staff prepare lessons, supplies, etc.
What is expected of a GIG?
Shifts
Volunteers are expected to sign up for a minimum of five shifts during the entire seven week period
Accountability
All scheduling is done online using When I Work, which is accessible by computer or cellphone app. Volunteers are assigned ONE account, and volunteers and parents are responsible for deciding how to manage scheduled sign-ups and notifications.
Orientation
New and returning GIGs must attend an orientation on June 7 or 10.
Cell Phone Usage
Volunteers are expected to engage with their assigned duties during service and expected to store their phones in a secure assigned area. Phones are only retrieved at the end of a shift. Volunteers who are reprimanded for cell phone usage may be terminated from service for the day or (with continued issues) from the overall program.
What if I have a conflict with orientation?
Unfortunately, we can not accommodate orientations outside of the scheduled sessions.
All volunteers (returning and new) must attend orientation to ensure everyone is up-to-date on program operations and expectations.
Questions?
Contact Gena Hyatt
ghyatt@unitedability.org
205-944-3907
