Community chapters are comprised of passionate individuals 18 years and older who are interested in community service and dedicated to Project Sunshine’s mission.
Volunteers deliver two types of programs. The first program called TelePlay, is when small groups of patients and trained volunteers meet by video conference to engage in play and activities. The second program occurs in the medical facilities where volunteers facilitate creative arts and crafts with patients and their families.
Through volunteering, individuals have the opportunity to give back to the communities where they live and work, broaden their personal networks, and connect with other compassionate volunteers.
Our community volunteers are a diverse group – all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, and professions. From business executives to stay-at-home parents, from retirees to young professionals, our volunteers are united by their dedication to brightening the stays of hospitalized children and their families.
FAQs
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How do I sign up?
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What if there isn't a chapter in my area?
You can apply to start your own chapter – contact us for more information with the subject line “new chapter request.” Sometimes we have a waitlist. We appreciate your interest and patience!
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Is there a minimum time commitment?
If you are starting your own chapter, we ask for one-year commitment, otherwise volunteering with Project Sunshine is flexible. Frequency requirements vary per chapter.
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Will you train me?
You got it! All of Project Sunshine’s volunteers are trained by staff or trained Chapter Leaders.
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What if I'm not 18 years old yet?
Please visit our Kids for Kids page to find out more about youth service.
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Can you be affiliated with both a College and Community Chapter?
Yes, Project Sunshine can affiliate you with both your current College Chapter and your local Community Chapter which is grouped by regional location.
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How do I become a Community Chapter Leader?
You can become a Chapter Leader by submitting an application on our website https://projectsunshine.org/community-volunteer-application/ and then email us at community@projectsunshine.org to organize a Zoom Conference “interview” with our Volunteer Enagagement Team.
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How long does the Chapter Leader process take?
Chapter Leaders serve a minimum one-year term and it can take up to a month for them to complete training in both TelePlay procedures and In-Hospital safety. As a Chapter Leader you will learn how to use programs like Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, Zoom, Calendar Anything, and more.
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Following Activation how long until I hear from my Chapter Leader?
Regular volunteers will apply and attend a “New Volunteer Training” that includes Teleplay instructions. Depending on the Chapter and the active involvement of the Chapter Leader(s), they will typically reach out following their Chapter Leader training and practice sessions.
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How long are program sessions?
Teleplay Program sessions can be anywhere between 45-60 minutes. They are hosted by the Chapter Leaders who send out registration links for volunteers to sign up and assist in our HIPAA compliant Zoom Platforms. Volunteers and Chapter Leaders can also assist in furthering patient outreach and Project Sunshine values by recruiting, posting, sharing, commenting, and liking, via social media and personal networks.
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When are program sessions scheduled?
Teleplay Program sessions can be scheduled any day of the week including weekends. They can also be held at any time depending on your USA location. Our National Calendar can be changed and viewed in any preferred time zone. Speak to your local Chapter Leaders about choosing times that fit both of your schedules. https://projectsunshine.secure.force.com/?calendar=Teleplay_National_Programs&uc=y
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What types of Programs are there?
There are programs and activities for all patients of all ages. From Trivia, to Bingo, we have games that engage all audiences and their families. Resources are provided.
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How many volunteers per session?
We have capped the number of regular volunteers per session to 4 including the Chapter Leaders. This means that there is a limited amount of regular volunteers per session, but do not worry as there are many sessions being held each week.
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Is there a minimum requirement of hours committed per month?
As a regular volunteer, there is no minimum amount of hours required to be an ACTIVE member. You can be as involved as you want, however, Project Sunshine asks that you participate in a Teleplay session at least once a month or bi-monthly.
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Can Project Sunshine verify volunteer hours?
Yes we can. Please email community@projectsunshine.org or college@projectsunshine.org depending on which department you need your hours confirmed by.
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Do regular volunteers need a background check?
Project Sunshine does not require regular volunteers to undergo a background check unless they are in the process of becoming a Chapter Leader. If you are a regular volunteer with a chapter that has a hospital partner who requires all volunteers to undergo a background check then you will need to follow your specific hospital’s instructions.
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I am a New Volunteer, do I need to sign up for training?
Yes, following the submission of your application you will be prompted to sign up for a New Volunteer Training which can last 45-60 minutes. Following the training, you will take a short 10 question quiz and then once you are activated you will wait for your Chapter Leaders to reach out to you about when they are scheduling Teleplay Sessions.
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I am a Previous Volunteer, do I need to go through training again?
Yes, following your return to Project Sunshine you will need to sign up for a Teleplay Training which can be anywhere between 30-45 minutes. Once that is complete, we will update your records and you will be on a list of Active Teleplay volunteers so that your Chapter Leaders can reach out to you when they are confident following their special training. If you have been inactive for over a year you will also need to complete a new training.
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Is there an age limit to participate or volunteer with Project Sunshine?
In order for you to volunteer with us, you MUST be 18 years or older. If you are under the age of 18 we typically have a Kids for Kids Program that has various activities that you can do. Currently due to COVID-19 our Kids for Kids Programs are paused until further notice. As for patients, there is no age limit, we can provide healing through the power of play for medically challenged kids up until the age of 18.