VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
Local & global
|
We have volunteer opportunities available both locally, and globally. Since a lot of the work Ricochet does is via social media, we're always looking for help in that regard, as well as clerical, secretarial, etc. Just scroll down for all the opportunities. Local ones are listed first, followed by global. If you have skills that could help our efforts and they're not listed, please let us know. We are eager to see this program blossom with empowerment! Click here to register as a LOCAL volunteer Click here to register as a GLOBAL volunteer Click here for more info on the Waves of Empowerment program. Click here to watch a video of a surf session. |
Local opportunities
Buddy-up Mentors A one-on one mentor role where you will be matched with a new participant for the day. You’ll take this individual under your wing and ensure they have everything they need (towel, wetsuit, etc), offer encouragement, cheer them on when surfing and participating in empowerment activities, etc. You'll share your knowledge, experience and skills while cultivating a relationship that is fun and rewarding for you, the participant and their family. Buddy-up Mentors can be adults or children, military or civilian, able-bodied or disabled. Sometimes a child with special needs who has experience surfing with Ricochet becomes a Buddy-up Mentor to an adult who is surfing with her for the first time. Wave Warriors Part of the water team that helps Ricochet surf with participants. They help in the water, carry boards, provide water transfer, ensure safety, etc. A good position if you love being in the ocean and sharing the stoke! Big Kahuna (Surf instructors) This is a great choice for people who have significant experience with adaptive surfing. It is the responsibility of this person to coordinate the efforts of the entire water team, directing them where they need to be positioned in the water, etc. They will assign a specific individual to assist Ricochet in the water, which includes carrying her onto the board if it's not close enough to shore. But, as with the human surfers, anyone can provide assistance. Puppy/Dog Handler Help with handling of Ricochet and Cori at events. If you've ever been interested in training service dogs, this is a great opportunity. Sometimes it may just be hanging out on the beach, other times it could be making sure Cori is well behaved at an indoor event. You'll be right in the thick of things as the dogs create magic! Cabana Boy or girl This position can be either a male or female, and it’s basically a paw'ssistant to our Executive Director, Judy Fridono. Kind of being her right hand (paw) man/woman. Helps with logistics, media, requests by attendees and participants, etc. Also includes dog treat management, handing out business cards to raise awareness on the beach, prepping Ricochet for surfing (putting her wetsuit & lifejacket on her) GoFURs Runs errands and delivers items to volunteers, participants and families. They will also be in charge of delivering lunch from specified venue if it's not delivered by restaurant. Hang 10 time keeper This person is in charge of the day's schedule, making sure we're running on time, ensuring surfers are on deck for the next session, etc. Surf squadron The people in this role assist on the shoreline, catching the surfboard when it comes to shore. Ensuring that Ricochet doesn’t run off to chase birds! Wetsuit Wrangler Ensures everyone who needs a wetsuit and/or pink rashguard is provided with one during the surf session. This person helps individuals get in/out of their wetsuits and lifejackets and makes sure all items are accounted for after the surf session. Operation mess hall These individuals set the table for lunch with plates, napkins, utensils, water, etc. They work with the person who delivers or goes to get lunch, announce when lunch is served, and finally clean up afterwards. Groms helping Groms We encourage kids who have surfed with Ricochet to help new kids get on board with her. Often, after a child finishes their rides, they will hop off the board, ready to help the next surfer. Watch Dog This person ensures that the only dogs on the beach are service dogs, shows service dog handlers where to toilet their dogs, makes sure the sand isn’t too hot for dog paws, monitors that the dogs have water, etc. Flip Flop zone This person ensures that the people who aren’t volunteering or participating have what they need so they can sit back, relax and watch the festivities Grocery shopper There is always a need to go grocery shopping prior to an event. This person will pick up everything we need for the day like ice, water, soda, cookies, etc. |
StandUP With a Warrior These are active duty service members or veterans who have the opportunity to continue their life of service and find new purpose by helping kids with special needs through stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and other activities. More info can be found at StandUP With a Warrior Soldiers of play This position can be done both locally and globally. Soldiers of play are creative and come up with ideas, games and fun for the kids to engage in during a Playing with Purpose session. For more info, go to the canine-assisted playing page. Volunteer coordinator This person will ensure that all volunteers are in the places they need to be, doing what they signed up to do. You will act as the liaison between the volunteers, participants, families, etc. This individual will also round everyone up for group introductions, safety clinics, etc. EMT/nurse/first aid This person is on site for any medical issues that may come up. They coordinate with the lifeguards and ensure first aid kit is available, etc. Greeter/host This person greets all attendees as they arrive to the beach. Answers any questions, directs them where they need to go, has sunscreen available, etc. This person also gets the beach wheelchair from the lifeguard tower upon arrival so it’s ready when the surfers arrive. Rip Curl Registrar This person is responsible for making sure everyone who attends has registered for the event. If they haven’t, they will have an iPad so the individual can quickly register on-site. They will also provide color coded Paw-it Forward wristbands that distinguish the folks who are interested in being interviewed by the media vs those who have no interest. Pink wristbands are for those who DON’T want to be interviewed. Surf’s up These individuals get things ready in the morning, set up chairs, easy ups, helps people carry gear from their car, etc. It's also the responsibility of this position to make sure the beach is left clean. Wipe out At the end of the day, these volunteers take down easy ups, folds chairs, helps people carry things to their car, etc. Safety clinic instructor This position leads the safety instruction clinic prior to getting in the water, as well as the water team while surfing. Anyone helping that day is required to attend. This person also provides a warm up session for anyone who will be surfing, directs the water team on where they need to be positioned in the water, etc. The Big Kahuna and safety clinic instructor could be the same person. GoPro Manager This person ensures that the GoPro camera(s) are mounted to the surfboard, are on and positioned correctly. When the board comes to shore, the camera is turned off until the next ride. Photographer This person takes photos of everything that happens during the event. They ensure a group photo is taken, and they also take notice of those who don’t want to be photographed. Videographer This person takes video of the activities throughout the day. They also help with the GoPro to ensure that it’s been taken care of. Live Stream host Keeping our theme of local and global opportunities, we often broadcast our surf sessions on Ricochet's Facebook page. If you're outgoing, interactive and a great conversationalist, this is the perfect opportunity for you! Cheer(leaders) of the pack These are people who cheer on the surfers, give encouragement and pep talks before going out in the waves, and congratulating them on their successful experience Helping hands in the sand This person oversees kids, siblings, child volunteers, etc. They often build sandcastles, forts and provide other activities on the sand. Board Room Manager This position is responsible for ensuring we have surfboards on the beach for each person's disability. This person is also in charge of loading/unloading boards, and coordinating with the Board transporter(s). Sometimes we bring an inflatable SUP, so that is part of this role as well. |
Global opps
Paw'sistants
This position is the global cousin of the local Cabana Boy/Girl position. It can be a male or female, and is basically a Paw'ssistant to our Executive Director, Judy Fridono. Kind of being her right hand (paw) man/woman via the internet.
Soldiers of play
This position can be done both locally and globally. Soldiers of play are creative and come up with ideas, games and fun for the kids to engage in during a canine-assisted play session.
Office/Clerical
This can be anything office related that can be done via the internet. As things come up, tasks are given.
Social Media
These folks are active on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc. They actively seek opportunities where awareness can be raised by sharing posts, leaving direct messages, identifying pages that have supported Ricochet, etc.
Grant Writer
We are always looking for someone who can write grants in an effort to receive funding for our programs.
Vendor relations
This person contacts vendors such as wetsuit companies, restaurants, hotels, pet stores, surf stores, etc for sponsorships and donations.
Media liaison
This person keeps track of news items that have to do with our efforts, disabilities, surfing, PTSD, empowerment, etc.
Pro-Bono Legal Services
Unfortunately, there are times when legal issues arise. Whether it's copyright infringement, trademark filing or a number of other things, we look to attorney's that are willing to help us pro-bone-o.
Website SEO
This position monitors our SEO rankings, does website searches, and makes sure our online presence is raising awareness.
Adaptive Surfing Collaborator
This person researches other adaptive surfing organizations in an effort to identify potential collaborate, supportive relationships.
This position is the global cousin of the local Cabana Boy/Girl position. It can be a male or female, and is basically a Paw'ssistant to our Executive Director, Judy Fridono. Kind of being her right hand (paw) man/woman via the internet.
Soldiers of play
This position can be done both locally and globally. Soldiers of play are creative and come up with ideas, games and fun for the kids to engage in during a canine-assisted play session.
Office/Clerical
This can be anything office related that can be done via the internet. As things come up, tasks are given.
Social Media
These folks are active on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc. They actively seek opportunities where awareness can be raised by sharing posts, leaving direct messages, identifying pages that have supported Ricochet, etc.
Grant Writer
We are always looking for someone who can write grants in an effort to receive funding for our programs.
Vendor relations
This person contacts vendors such as wetsuit companies, restaurants, hotels, pet stores, surf stores, etc for sponsorships and donations.
Media liaison
This person keeps track of news items that have to do with our efforts, disabilities, surfing, PTSD, empowerment, etc.
Pro-Bono Legal Services
Unfortunately, there are times when legal issues arise. Whether it's copyright infringement, trademark filing or a number of other things, we look to attorney's that are willing to help us pro-bone-o.
Website SEO
This position monitors our SEO rankings, does website searches, and makes sure our online presence is raising awareness.
Adaptive Surfing Collaborator
This person researches other adaptive surfing organizations in an effort to identify potential collaborate, supportive relationships.