Volunteer

Volunteer

Watch the video for an overview of Richmond Aging and Engaging, our volunteer opportunities, and the volunteer registration process!

Whether you’re a new volunteer eager to get started or a dedicated member of our community, we’re excited to have you here! New volunteers can sign up to join our mission and access opportunities to make an impact. If you’re a returning volunteer, simply log in to manage your activities, track your progress, and stay updated on upcoming events. Together, we’re making a difference, and we’re thrilled to have you on board!

Volunteer Registration Process

  1. Submit Application (5 Minutes)
  2. Schedule and Complete Interview (15 Minutes)
  3. Complete Online Orientation & Sign Waivers (30 Minutes)
  4. Schedule Training (Online or In-Person)(If Required)
  5. Sign Up for Shifts

General Volunteer Requirements

Please note we only take volunteers over the age of 18.

Our programming occurs in apartment buildings throughout the city of Richmond. Volunteers are responsible for transportation to the sites.

New Volunteer Registration
Current Volunteer Log-In
Older lady participant showing green artwork with volunteer.
Two volunteers assist older adult participant in painting abstract art.
Older adult participant shows her painting with a volunteer.
Older lady participant poses with volunteer as she paints on newspaper.

What Programs Do Volunteers Engage In?

Opening Minds Through Art

OMA is an evidenced-based intergenerational art program. Student volunteers are paired with older adults to guide them through art making. Using a “fail-free” process of layering several easy steps, OMA artists create incredibly beautiful, complex abstract art pieces. OMA supports the well-being of older adults with a focus on relationship-building, active engagement, sense of purpose, and accomplishment.

General Leisure and Recreation

The Leisure and Recreation Program provides activities to support the cognitive, social, and physical health of our participants. Activities will vary, but may include: crafts (such as making door wreaths and painting picture frames), games (such as family feud, card games, or team-building games), and physical activity (chair aerobics, corn hole, balance/strength to prevent falls).

Bingocize®

 Bingocize® is an evidence-based falls prevention program. The 20-week standardized program combines, exercise, health education, and the game of bingo.

Rollator Repair

A rollator is a four-wheeled walker with a seat.  They are used by many older adults for balance and stability.  Richmond Aging and Engaging trains volunteers in basic rollator repairs and maintenance. The volunteers (“Rollator Repair Corps”) provide repairs for free at community pop-up clinics.

Volunteer FAQ

Opening Minds Through Art

  • OMA volunteers are paired with an older adult(s) and will guide the older adult through the art making process.
  • OMA volunteers are trained on the process. No art experience is needed!
  • In addition to art making, OMA volunteers will help with the set-up and the clean-up of each session.
  • There is an additional opportunity to assist with the art show towards the end of the program.
  • OMA is an eight-week art program (plus an additional art show).  Volunteers are expected to attend all sessions.
  • Each weekly OMA session runs approximately two hours (this includes set-up/clean-up and about 1 hour of artmaking with the older adults).
  • A minimum of two hours of in-person training on the OMA process is required.
  • TBD

General Leisure and Programming

  • Depending on the activity of the day, volunteers may assist participants with a craft project, lead a small group in a game, or simply converse with participants and provide social connection!
  • No experience required – we’ll provide instructions for each week’s activity.
  • Assistance with set-up and clean-up is always appreciated.
  • Preference is given to volunteers who can attend a minimum of twice per month throughout the academic semester (our participants get attached to the volunteers!)
  • TBD

Bingocize

  • Assist participants in completing forms.
  • Help to demonstrate exercises.
  • Call bingo numbers.
  • General participant support.
  • Help with set up and clean up.
  • Preference is given to volunteers who can attend a minimum of 2x month throughout the academic semester.
  • TBD

Rollator Repair

  • Complete rollator repair training.
    • One hour of online didactic training.
    • One to Two hours of in-person practice.
  • Attend rollator repair pop-up clinics.
    • We coordinate with senior housing, health fairs, and other community organizations to schedule pop-up clinics.
    • We typically have 1-3 pop-up clinics scheduled each month.
  • In addition to the training required, we expect volunteers to attend at least one pop-up clinic every 6 months.
  • TBD
Volunteer and participant showing off their handmade charm bracelets.
Volunteer poses with a couple and their repaired rollator.
Older adult participant sitting on rollator shows off custom crochet square with volunteer.
Volunteer calling out participants during a round of Bingocize.
Volunteer and older adult participant smiling.
Trainer assisting an older adult participant on repairing a rollator.