GIG Summer Volunteer Program

Welcome to the 2024 Giving Is Good (GIG) Program!

Are you a teenager ready to embark on a journey of compassion and discovery? Look no further than the GIG Program – where Giving Is Good becomes an unforgettable summer adventure.

Empowering teens
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” — Audrey Hepburn
Through service
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." ― Mahatma Gandhi

Applications Are Now Open

Qualified applicants are:

  • Entering 8th – 12 Grades
  • Comfortable working with children under the age of 5
  • Comfortable interacting with individuals with disabilities
  • Responsible and reliable

Program Dates: 

June 10 – July 26, 2024

Service location:

Hand In Hand Children’s Early Learning Program on the United Ability campus – 120 Oslo Circle – off of Lakeshore Parkway (between Red Mountain Park and Ross Bridge)

Schedule: 

8 am-Noon and/or 2 pm-5 pm, Monday through Friday 

  • Volunteers are expected to sign up for a minimum of 5 shifts during the entire 7-week period.

Important Dates

Application opens:

February 12, 2024

Application Closes:

May 10, 2024

Acceptance notifications:

May 17, 2024

Volunteer hour letters mailed:

Week of August 15

What is GIG?

The GIG program stands for “Giving Is Good." It is a Summer Volunteer Program providing an opportunity for teenagers…

  • to learn about helping children with different levels of ability
  • to gain firsthand experience with early childhood education and rehabilitative therapies (i.e., physical, occupational, and speech) to explore potential career interests
  • to return to Hand In Hand and relive fond memories for those who attended as a child

What does a GIG do?

Volunteers serve in classrooms at our Hand In Hand Early Learning Program. Activities include:

  • Assist with classroom lessons
  • Participate in Water Play Days on the playground
  • Assist Office Staff
  • Help staff prepare lessons, supplies, etc.

What is expected of a GIG?

Shifts
Volunteers are expected to sign up for a minimum of five shifts during the entire seven week period

Accountability
All scheduling is done online using When I Work, which is accessible by computer or cellphone app. Volunteers are assigned ONE account, and volunteers and parents are responsible for deciding how to manage scheduled sign-ups and notifications.

Orientation
New and returning GIGs must attend an orientation on June 7 or 10.

Cell Phone Usage
Volunteers are expected to engage with their assigned duties during service and expected to store their phones in a secure assigned area. Phones are only retrieved at the end of a shift. Volunteers who are reprimanded for cell phone usage may be terminated from service for the day or (with continued issues) from the overall program.

What if I have a conflict with orientation?

Unfortunately, we can not accommodate orientations outside of the scheduled sessions.

All volunteers (returning and new) must attend orientation to ensure everyone is up-to-date on program operations and expectations.

Questions?

Contact Gena Hyatt

ghyatt@unitedability.org

205-944-3907

Bailey Graves
Junior Board Member & GIG Alumnus

Bailey Graves

"When I was 2 - I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. I can speak firsthand on what inclusion and integration mean for not only those facing a disability but also for the able-bodied. Know that by saying "Yes" to this opportunity, you will not only be making a positive impact on the children you will be working alongside. You will also be challenged in your everyday situations - to treat others with a more open perspective and inclusive mindset because if these precious kids can lead a life that is neither defining nor limiting, then so can you!"