Vision Guide Dogs is a volunteer led organization and we are able to do what we do because we have a community of committed, active, and engaged individuals willing to help. Below are a few ways volunteers can get involved with our mission. If you have any questions or suggestions for other volunteer opportunities, please contact us at info@visionguidedogs.org.
Volunteer Roles:
Puppy Raiser
A puppy raiser socializes and works on basic obedience with a guide dog-in-training from the time the puppy is 8 weeks old until they are about 1 to 1.5 years old. It is very important that a guide dog-in-training know basic commands and be well-mannered in a variety of public settings before they enter the advanced training phase.
Puppy Sitter
A puppy sitter is trained to watch a guide dog-in-training for brief periods when a puppy raiser is out-of-town, sick, or needs a break.
Advanced Training Dog Boarder
This type of volunteer takes care of a guide dog-in-training that is in the advanced training phase on the weekends. During the advanced training phase, a guide dog-in-training works with a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI) to learn guide dog skills. On the weekends, it is their time to relax. An advanced training dog boarder provides a safe space for the guide dog-in-training to rest.
Event Support
As an Event Support volunteer, you can help prepare for, set up, and facilitate special events. Harness your social side and help make Vision Guide Dog events a success!
Social Networking Event Planning
These volunteers help conduct focus group sessions to learn about the social interests and needs of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Additionally, they plan fully inclusive social networking events for both sighted and non-sighted members of the community.
Ambassador
If you are passionate about the mission of Vision Guide Dogs and enjoy sharing it with others, the volunteer Ambassador role is perfect for you! You will have the opportunity to spread awareness about what we do at Vision Guide Dogs during special events and in front of groups who invite us to speak.
Sighted Guide Educator
Community Educators are part ambassador and part teacher. These volunteers use Vision Guide Dogs’ education material (powerpoint, practice exercises, etc.) to teach others how to safely and effectively assist individuals with low or no vision better navigate the physical spaces around them. The training provides specific skills and strategies as well as promotes empathy and understanding for the challenges their companions may be facing.
Sighted Guide
Sighted Guide volunteers first participate in the Sighted Guide training to learn how to accompany and assist an individual who is blind or visually impaired move effectively and safely in public and private settings. Sighted guides use verbal descriptions (for example, there is a chair on your left) and non-verbal communication (for example, moving your arm behind you to indicate you are walking through a narrow space) to help their companion reach their destination safely and with confidence and the greatest degree of independence possible.
Driver
If you are a safe driver who would like to assist a blind or visually impaired neighbor get to a VGD-sponsored event, this volunteer opportunity is something you would enjoy. Some individuals may use a guide dog who will need to ride in the passenger-side floor area while their human companion sits in the seat to reassure them. In order to serve as a volunteer driver, it is important that you are comfortable with transporting a dog in your vehicle. Sighted Guide training is an optional training, but recommended if you are a volunteer driver.
