First and foremost, we are a team of volunteers.
Why I volunteer?
How it works
Project Selection
Requests for Help are submitted through maywehelp.org, reviewed by MWH staff, and, if appropriate, showcased on our project management platform for Volunteers to select from. Volunteers select requests that align with their skills and interests. The Volunteer assumes ownership of the Project upon selecting it, and then proceeds to schedule a Discovery Visit.
Discovery Visit
The Discovery Visit is a key component of the May We Help process. During this essential step, Volunteers meet with the Recipient to learn more about them and their environment. This collaborative meeting lays the foundation for the design process.
Design and Build
Using May We Help’s state of the art Impact 100 Workshop, Volunteers go to work designing and building the custom solution.
Delivery
The final stage is Delivery! This is where MWH volunteers get to see their hard work pay off by delivering the finished solution to the recipient. Witnessing the transformation their work brings to the recipient’s life is both exciting and fulfilling for everyone involved.
Volunteer Meetings
Volunteer meetings are held once a month. A casual dinner is served at 6:00 pm and the meeting begins at 6:30 pm. While not mandatory, many volunteers attend the majority of the meetings and enjoy connecting and brainstorming with other volunteers! At meetings, we aim to:
• Inspire by sharing one-of-a-kind solutions recently completed by volunteers
• Inform by sharing new project requests
• Educate with guest speakers on topics that expand volunteer skill sets
• Connect with the community and other volunteers
Time Commitments
May We Help volunteers are rather autonomous! They decide what projects to take and how many. Each project is unique as each recipient requires individualized attention. Last year, the average project was completed in 29 days.
Learn More
For a tour of May We help or to learn more, please contact Beau Bramer at beau@maywehelp.org or 513-400-4465
Or join us at a volunteer meeting! Volunteer meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm.
FAQs
What if I don’t have a technical skill set? Should I still apply?
While we deeply value the expertise of our skilled builders, May We Help thrives on the diverse talents of our entire community. You don’t need to be an engineer or woodworker to make a significant impact. We’re always seeking volunteers for a wide range of essential roles, including:
- Clinical Expertise: Physical therapists and adaptive equipment specialists play a vital role in assessing needs and fitting individuals with crucial equipment like wheelchairs and gait trainers from our inventory.
- Creative Support: Sewing, graphic design, and marketing are crucial for our projects and outreach.
- Event and Fundraising: Help us plan events and raise vital funds to support our mission.
- Hospitality and Logistics: preparing meals for volunteer meetings, pick up and delivery of equipment, and other logistical tasks.
Your unique skills and passion are valuable assets. Whether you’re a skilled clinician, organizer, creative thinker, or simply someone eager to lend a hand, we have a place for you. Join us and discover how you can contribute to making a real difference in the lives of others.
What are the volunteer expectations?
Project Timelines
The length of time it takes to complete a project varies greatly, and there are many factors that can impact project completion — Recipient health is often the determinant factor. On average, Projects take about a month from the time a Volunteer completes the Discovery to the time the solution is Delivered.
Communication
May We Help volunteers are expected to have frequent and timely communication with Recipients from the start of a Project through Delivery. Communication and collaboration with the Recipient is essential to each phase of the project process. Additionally, Volunteers are asked to remain in regular contact with the Project Manager. Within the provided project management software, Volunteers follow a simple workflow, updating the status (First Contact Made, Discovery Complete, Design, Build, and Delivered) as they progress through the project lifecycle.
Documentation
Volunteers are expected to provide project completion information which includes; the number of hours, pictures/videos of the device and delivery, receipts for materials, and, if available drawings and/or description of the design concept. This is all done through the provided project management software.
Will I be working alone or as part of a team?
What is the volunteer on-boarding process? Do I need a background check?
- After submitting the volunteer application, volunteers are required to complete a background check prior to beginning work at MWH. Background checks are completed through Checkr.
- Volunteers must attend a one-time orientation, workshop overview, and safety walkthrough.
- Before taking on a project, all new volunteers will be paired with a seasoned volunteer for at least one or two projects in order to experience each step of the project process, from discovery to delivery.
- Once volunteers feel comfortable with the May We Help project process, they will be able to work on projects independently or as part of a team.
Who pays for the materials?
May We Help is able to pay for project materials through the generous donations of its individual donors and corporate partners.