Volunteer with DBSA

DBSA is seeking to expand its volunteer base for our DBSA national headquarters in Chicago, IL. If you are interested in volunteering, we encourage you to periodically check this page for postings of volunteer opportunities:

Volunteer Postings

• DBSA Programs Intern/Volunteer
  Individual would provide project coordination and administrative support for a variety of DBSA programs. Programs are quite diverse, ranging from website(s), publications, local/national events, contests and other initiatives. Activities might include web research, coordination of mailings, content development, social media support and promotional outreach. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel would be very helpful.  Visit www.DBSAlliance.org and http://www.facingus.org/ for insight on the type and nature of DBSA programs and publications. Hours: 8 - 5PM CST. Location: Chicago, IL Please send your cover letter and resume to webmaster@dbsalliance.org. No phone calls please.

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This is a great opportunity for students and/or people with mood disorders who are seeking a volunteer opportunity in a consumer-friendly setting with flexible daytime hours. Areas of expertise that we are seeking include:

Administrative Support
A variety of tasks such as coordinating mailings, word processing and data entry into spreadsheets and/or databases. Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel helpful, but not always required.

Website Maintenance
Assistance uploading website content. Website experience required.

Event Support
A variety of tasks that may include volunteering at events with registration, coordination of travel arrangements, and general research. Event coordination experience helpful, but not always required.

Translation Services
English to Spanish translation of various content formats.

Marketing Communications
Research, copywriting, graphic design and desktop publishing. Experience required.

Other was you can help DBSA help those in need

1. Our local chapters really need people to help keep the groups going. You can work to get the word out that the groups exist by creating and distributing brochures or posters and calling the paper. You can start a support group in your community, help run support groups, help with web sites, organize meetings, develop new programs, etc... Click here to find a support group near you.

2. You can support DBSA and make others more aware of DBSA by purchasing items from the DBSA Store.

3. You can promote education about our illnesses by placing DBSA brochures in doctor's offices, libraries, grocery stores, police stations, counseling centers, churches and synagogues.

4. You can contact area schools and offer a supply of suicide cards to hand out as well as copies of our young person's brochure, Is it Just a Mood...

5. You can organize a local event to raise awareness (and money).  Just a few ideas for events are: a walk, a comedy club, a dinner, or a "market day."

6. You can work with your public library to stock some of the books our scientific and patient advisory boards recommend on mood disorders.

7. Help support DBSA and make your loved ones feel extra special by making a donation in their name. For a minimum $25.00 donation per gift, we will send the recipient one of our signature quilt notecards announcing your thoughtful donation. Click here to learn more!

8. You can write letters to the editor of your local paper when you read something that encourages the stigma of mental illness to continue.

9. You can ask your local hospital to host a DBSA support group.

10. You can ask your local cable access station and your hospital to use our videotapes to educate others about depression and bipolar disorder.

11. You can write to your legislators to support insurance parity and other issues of concern. You can track legislation and send an e-mail or fax to your legislators from the DBSA Legislative Action Center.

12. You can ask your local paper and radio station for coverage of mood disorders.

13. You can encourage friends and neighbors to go online and take a confidential depression and/or bipolar disorder screening test.  If the screening indicates that he or she may have a mood disorder, you can encourage them to seek treatment, so that no one is suffering needlessly.

14. You can donate financially and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same.

15. If you are a professional, (e.g., attorneys, accountants, computer experts, etc.) you can volunteer your professional services to your local chapter.

Do you have more ideas?  Let us know.