Volunteer Positions Getting Started Wishwords (newsletter) Volunteer Appreciation Internships Upcoming Volunteer    Opportunities FAQs Step one: contact us If you are over the age of 18 and interested in volunteering, please contact Karen Callahan, Volunteer Coordinator, at kcallahan@stlouis.wish.org or 314-918-9474. Lori will send you an informational packet with application. Kids for Wish Kids If you are under the age of 18, you can contact us at 314-918-9474 or kgoszewski@stlouis.wish.org to learn more about our Kids for Wish Kids program. Step two: introductory interview After you receive the information, take some time and look everything over. If you decide that that Make-A-Wish Foundation is a good fit, fill out the application and mail it back to our office. Once we receive your application, you will be contacted for a brief get-to-know you interview. This is simply a time for us to get to know each other and determine your volunteer motivations and interests. Step three: attend an orientation meeting Once you complete your introductory interview, Karen will tell you when the next orientation is scheduled. Orientation meetings are planned on an as-needed basis. At this meeting you will learn more about the history of the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, specifics about our volunteer opportunities and how to stay actively involved as a Make-A-Wish volunteer. Because we work closely with children, we perform a reference and criminal background check on all applicants. To simply this process, we will be taking your fingerprints at orientation. We ask that you please bring three references to include in your application at this meeting and $9.00 to cover processing of your background check and orientation materials. All information attained in the application process will remain confidential and be used only for screening and placement purposes. Step four: stay tuned while we process your background check Following orientation, we’ll run a background check and follow up with your references provided to us in your application. The process typically takes about two to four weeks. While we are completing these details, you will be added to your mailing and contact lists. Please contact Karen if you have questions regarding information you receive. Step five: officially join our team Karen, the Volunteer Coordinator, will contact you when your background check is complete. From this point, you may participate in any volunteer opportunities that peak your interests. As different opportunities arise, you will be notified through our volunteer newsletter, Wish Words, phone and/or e-mail. To remain an active volunteer, we ask that you participate in at least three volunteer opportunities a year and attend a yearly recommitment event. Some volunteer positions, like Wish Granting and public speaking, require additional and ongoing training beyond the volunteer orientation. Please let Karen know if you are interested in these opportunities and she will let you know when the next training is scheduled.