Volunteer with DBSA

DBSA is seeking to expand its volunteer base for our DBSA national headquarters in Chicago, IL. If you are interested in volunteering, we encourage you to periodically check this page for postings of volunteer opportunities:

Onsite Opportunities:

Chapter Relations Intern: The Chapter Relations Intern would work on projects associated with providing services to DBSA’s extensive volunteer-run chapter network. Tasks would be varied, including working within the Raiser’s Edge database; researching prospective support group and chapter leaders; responding to chapter needs; coordinating communication efforts to chapters; and developing helpful resources for chapter leaders. This position requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a strong customer service orientation. The ideal candidate will be personable and dependable. Knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite is also necessary.

Development Intern: The Development Intern would work on various projects associated with securing contributed income from corporations, foundations, and individuals. Tasks would be various, including working within the Raiser’s Edge database; researching prospective corporate and foundation donors; facilitating mailings to individual donors; coordinating logistics for cultivation and fundraising events; assisting with internal and external reports and acknowledgements; and interacting with various volunteer committees. This position requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and project management experience. Knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite, excellent writing ability, and online research skills are also necessary. Specific events-related experience is a plus.

Programs Intern: The Programs Intern would serve as project coordinator for a variety of DBSA programs such as multimedia, web-based initiatives, advocacy efforts, educational outreach, and communications. Additional support may be required for DBSA’s nantional conference and special events and/or training initiatives. This position requires excellent project management skills and a thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office programs. Tasks would be diverse, involving research, event logistics, promotional outreach, online integration, project administration, and (based on skill) copywriting.

Graphic Design Intern: The Graphic Design Intern would work closely with the Programs team to revamp the large library of brochures that DBSA offers to their constituents. Knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite is a must, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Strong attention to branding efforts and clean design are necessary. The individual may also aid the web team with banners and image representation on DBSA's multiple websites. Must have own computer and Adobe programs: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign.

Web Intern: The Web Intern would work hand in hand with our webmaster to manage DBSA's multiple websites, editing new pages or, as called for, creating new pages or sub-sites. The individual ideally would have knowledge of both html and web design software programs. The individual may also assist in e-communications and would be deeply involved in engaging social media to promote the organization and/or current programs. The intern would also be involved in audio and/or video editing as needed. Graphic design skills a plus. Must have own computer and, if necessary, web design software to complete assigned tasks.

More Ways To Help DBSA Help Those in Need

1. Our local chapters need people to help keep the groups going. You can work to get the word out that the groups exist by creating and distributing brochures or posters and calling the paper. You can start a support group in your community, help run support groups, help with web sites, organize meetings, develop new programs, etc. Find a support group near you.
2. You can support DBSA and make others more aware of DBSA by purchasing items from the DBSA Store.
3. You can promote education about our illnesses by placing DBSA brochures in doctor's offices, libraries, grocery stores, police stations, counseling centers, churches, and synagogues.
4. You can organize a local event to raise awareness (and money). You might plan to organize a walk, a comedy club, a dinner, or a market day.
5. You can work with your public library to stock some of the books our bookstore committee recommends on mood disorders.
6. You can become a DBSA Ambassador. Learn how.
7. You can write letters to the editor of your local paper when you read something that encourages the stigma of mental illness to continue.
8. You can ask your local hospital to host a DBSA support group.
9. You can ask your local cable access station and your hospital to use our DVDs to educate others about depression and bipolar disorder.
10. You can write to your legislators to support mental health issues of concern.
11. You can ask your local paper and radio station for coverage of mood disorders.
12. You can encourage friends and neighbors to go online and take a confidential depression and/or bipolar disorder screening. If the screening indicates that he or she may have a mood disorder, you can encourage them to seek treatment so that no one is suffering needlessly.
13. You can donate financially and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same.
14. If you are a professional, (e.g., attorneys, accountants, computer experts, etc.), you can volunteer your professional services to your local chapter.