Volunteer
Get Involved with Disability Network Northern Michigan
Welcome to the Volunteers page of Disability Network Northern Michigan! We are thrilled to have you consider joining our community of dedicated volunteers who make a significant impact on the lives of people with disabilities in our region. Your time and effort can make a real difference, whether it’s through direct community assistance or by helping within our office.
Community Assistance
Our community members with disabilities often need a helping hand with everyday tasks that can sometimes be challenging. If you enjoy working outdoors or simply lending a hand to someone in need, we would love to connect you with individuals in the community who are looking for assistance with:
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Moving Assistance: Helping with packing, lifting, and transporting items during a move.
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Lawn Care: Mowing lawns, raking leaves, and general yard maintenance.
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Snow Removal: Shoveling driveways and sidewalks to ensure safe and accessible pathways during the winter months.
Your support in these areas not only helps those in need but also fosters a sense of community and mutual aid.
Office Volunteers
Volunteering within our office is an excellent opportunity for those who wish to:
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Meet New People: Our office is a vibrant place where you can connect with staff, other volunteers, and community members.
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Gain Valuable Skills: Office volunteers assist with a variety of tasks that can help you build skills and experience for future employment opportunities. Whether you're answering phones, organizing events, or assisting with administrative tasks, your contribution is invaluable to our daily operations and overall mission.
Board Members
Are you passionate about advocating for persons with disabilities and driving positive social change? Apply to join the Board of Directors at Disability Network Northern Michigan. Our vision is a world where individuals with disabilities in Northern Michigan achieve their full potential in a community that supports equality for all. Our mission is to promote personal empowerment and social change through outreach, advocacy, and education.
Overview of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is the governing body of Disability Network Northern Michigan (DN/NM), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an annual operational budget of over $800,000. The board, consisting of up to 15 members (with at least 51% being persons with disabilities), meets 10-12 times a year and participates in committees or task forces.
As a board member, you will provide oversight and strategic guidance, ensuring our mission and vision are upheld. You’ll help guide our efforts to:
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Assist youth with disabilities in transitioning from school to community and work.
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Advocate for systems change in healthcare, transportation, housing, employment, and recreation.
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Provide information and referral systems to empower persons with disabilities.
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Enhance access to full societal participation for persons with disabilities.
Expectations of Board Members
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Be Involved: Attend board meetings and participate in task forces or committees.
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Be Informed: Understand our vision, mission, key priorities, policies, and programs.
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Be an Advocate: Promote our mission and support policy/opinion leaders.
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Be a Financial Supporter: Make an annual financial contribution and engage others in supporting DN/NM.
Why Volunteer With Us?
By volunteering with Disability Network Northern Michigan, you become part of a dedicated team working towards a more inclusive and supportive community. Here are just a few reasons why our volunteers love working with us:
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Personal Fulfillment: Knowing that you are making a difference in someone’s life is incredibly rewarding.
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Community Impact: Your efforts directly contribute to the well-being and independence of people with disabilities.
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Skill Development: Gain practical experience and skills that can enhance your resume and open up new career opportunities. Social Connections: Build meaningful relationships with a diverse group of people.
If you're interested in volunteering or becoming a board member, please download the volunteer form here or the Board Member application here, and submit it using the form below. You may also submit the form directly at our office. Whether you have a few hours a week or can commit to a regular schedule, we appreciate any amount of time you can give.
Volunteer with our partners
Click on any of the links below to view volunteer opportunities with our partner agencies: