Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Volunteer Opportunities Fundraising – Fundraising Volunteers make a direct impact on MARF’s ability to fund future research through various types of fundraising efforts: • Event planning and coordination • Letter writing campaigns • Company fund drives and matching gift programs • Major donor solicitations Skills required: Ability to organize and mobilize groups of people, fundraising experience, and a willingness to make a difference. Public Awareness – Public Awareness Volunteers help get the word out about the current impact of Mesothelioma and the increased need for treatment, research funding, and physician education. These volunteers network with their local press and within their local community to participate in health events and other community events to raise awareness. Skills required: Public speaking ability, excellent writing skills, good understanding of Mesothelioma, ability to network within your local community. Buddy Program – Buddy Volunteers are individuals who have the time and ability to provide emotional support to Mesothelioma patients and their families via email, telephone, or in person when available. Skills required: excellent listening skills, compassionate and understanding personality, basic knowledge and understanding of Mesothelioma. Research and Treatment Sleuths – These volunteers keep up to date on the various treatments and research that is available and share their findings with MARF. This ensures that MARF is able to provide the most reliable and available information to those in need. Skills required: A good understanding of Mesothelioma, research ability, a love to read, and excellent written skills. Political Activist – Public Activist Volunteers keep informed of current legislation impacting Mesothelioma victims and their families. These volunteers are part of MARF’s Political Action Network and assist in gathering signatures and writing to various legislative bodies in order to protect the rights of those affected and impacted by Mesothelioma. Skills required: Ability to network within your local community, willingness to speak out for patient rights, good understanding of local and national government. Communications – These volunteers are skilled writers who would be willing to help write patient profiles, newsletter articles, press releases, grant writing assistance, proofreading and the like. Skills required: Excellent written skills, proofreading skills, ability to work within a set timeframe, and creative flair.
Chapter Leaders – As MARF continues to grow so does the need for Chapter leaders. Chapter Leaders are volunteers who are willing to make a large commitment to MARF through the coordination and guidance of a pool of volunteers in a specific geographic area. Chapter Leaders are responsible for all aspects of the individual chapters from volunteer coordination to annual fundraising events. If you are a natural born leader and a real gogetter – this may be the job for you. Skills required: A tremendous commitment to the cause, excellent people skills, excellent organizational skills, and a willingness and ability to make things happen. Specialized Skills Volunteers – Maybe you have a special skill, trade, or talent. Are you a writer, journalist, public relations specialist, professional fundraiser, painter, sculptor, etc? We want to know. You many have a skill that would be very helpful to MARF but wasn’t listed above. Be sure to let us know what you can do when filling out your volunteer application.