Volunteer FAQ’s

Answers to common questions you may have about volunteering at Gilda’s Club Minnesota

Why should I volunteer at Gilda’s Club Minnesota? 

Are you kidding? Let us count the ways! Volunteering is a great way to give back or pay it forward in a meaningful way and have a real impact on the lives of others. And you’ll reap many personal benefits:

  • knowing you’re helping to improve the lives of those impacted by cancer
  • building connections with people who share your interests or expanding your professional network
  • strengthening relationships with others through collaborative activities
  • developing valuable skills 
  • fulfilling service hours for school or church 
  • improving your overall happiness, lowering your stress levels and increasing self-confidence (Seriously! Studies confirm it.)
  • experiencing a sense of purpose and fulfillment 
  • and more!

Ready to help? Submit an application here.

What do volunteers do at Gilda’s Club Minnesota? 

Our stellar volunteers play a ton of different roles at Gilda’s Club: from outreach to administrative support, event staffing and program leadership to research, consulting and so much more. Check out some of our current volunteer opportunities here.

How often do I need to volunteer?

Volunteer as much and as often as you’d like! Some roles require a regular commitment (such as Program Instructors and Gilda Greeters) while other roles are as-needed or one-time (such as event volunteering or post-program clean-up). We’ll work with your schedule to find a role that works for you. 

Where do volunteer opportunities take place? 

Many of our volunteer opportunities take place at our clubhouse, on the north side of Interstate 394, just west of US Hwy 169, and only 10 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Other opportunities take place throughout the Twin Cities at events such as medical conferences, street fairs, 5Ks and more. 

Can I work remotely? 

Depends on the role. Some roles require you to be at the clubhouse, while others are more flexible and could enable you to work off-site. If remote volunteering is something you’re interested in, be sure to mention this on your volunteer application.  

Do I need certain skills to volunteer at Gilda’s Club? 

Nope! We have plenty of roles that don’t require you to have an advanced degree (say, in astrophysics) to be a fitting applicant. However, if you do have a particular skill set you’d like to bring to the table (even astrophysics), be sure to highlight that in your volunteer application. You never know where it might fit!

Can I be a member and a volunteer?

At Gilda’s Club, we want our members to take care of themselves, first and foremost, before assisting others. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup. We address the question of volunteering while being a member on a case-by-case basis to assure that your needs are being met both as a member and as a volunteer. Feel free to contact our Administrative and Volunteer Coordinator, Renee Anderson (952.767.2591) to discuss your options.  

Can I bring a group?

Please do! Volunteering is a great experience to share with your friends, colleagues, or civic groups. To learn more about group volunteering, check out our page on Volunteering as a Group.

What are the steps to becoming a volunteer?

Great question! First submit a Volunteer Interest Form and our Administrative and Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to get you into the next available volunteer orientation. After attending an orientation, you’ll submit an application and then have a brief interview with our coordinator to determine the best placement for both you and the organization. Easy.

Do you have a volunteer email list or Facebook page that I can join?

Yes! Join our email list here.

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Gilda’s Club depends on the support of people like you. An independent and locally funded nonprofit, all our services are delivered free of charge—because the last thing someone dealing with cancer needs is another expense.

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