Opportunities From: Metro United Way's Volunteer Connection

Dancing Well: The Soldier Project is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting military veterans and their loved ones, affected by PTSD or brain injury.

At this time, some of our programs are held online. One of these programs is a weekly dance party held on Facebook Live. We have videos of these events, which are 45 – 60 minutes each. Each party includes a welcome, a warmup, simple dances taught and led, a break when we sing a song, and a few minutes of uplifting words or sharing a coping mechanism.

We have set up a YouTube channel for our edited videos but lack an index to each video. Videos show a counter as they play. We would like to have each video viewed and noted for the exact count location for each item on the video. We will supply an outline of the contents on the video. What we need is exactly where each thing can be found. We will use these to have a professional create an index, so if someone is looking for a specific dance, they can click to access it.

The first video indexing would take the longest, but with experience volunteers will be able to judge appropriate times and then move forward or backward from there, locating precise times faster. Volunteers can donate as few or many hours as they wish, as we now have about 120 videos to index. The final product may result in nationwide viewing by veterans/families coping with challenges.

Dancing Well: The Soldier Project holds uplifting "old-time" dances for Veterans and their families impacted by PTSD or brain injury. Dances are taught and led by a professional dance leader. Excellent professional musicians provide live music. Refreshments are served and a safe environment encourages socializing. Veterans may come alone or with family or friends. Family members may come without their Veteran. Smiles abound and, over time, community forms.

An empirical study published in a peer-reviewed journal found that Veterans with PTSD who participated in the program experienced highly significant improvement in wellness in even a short time.

Volunteers are needed to attend the dance events. You may partner a Veteran in dancing. You may sit with a Veteran and provide a caring, listening ear. You may play with a child. You may oversee the registration table or assist with set-up or tear-down of the hall.

If you have a positive disposition, can set aside your own cares for 90 minutes and be there for others, we want to hear from you. All genders are needed. You may be able to bring your own family with you.

Location of events is confidential, so please phone the Executive Director, Deborah, at 502-889-6584 for details.

Please tell others about us. We love to welcome new Veterans, family members and loved ones, as well as volunteers to our sweet little community.

Get ready to have sore cheeks from smiling so much! This may be the most fun you can have volunteering!

March through May dates are set. Dates approximate/TBD for June through the end of the year.

Volunteers will be added to an on-call list to provide occasional technical support as needed, such as troubleshooting basic technology issues, assisting with software or devices, or supporting staff with short-term tech needs. Volunteers may be contacted for one-time tasks and are always free to decline based on availability. Time commitments generally range from 1–3 hours per request.

Volunteers will be placed on an on-call list to assist with one-time administrative tasks such as one-time data entry, spreadsheet support, light analysis, or other office-related projects as needed. Opportunities are offered based on current needs, and volunteers are always free to decline depending on availability. Tasks are completed remotely and typically require 1–3 hours per assignment, with time commitments varying by project. Training and clear instructions are provided as appropriate.

Prepare sweet or savory, freezer-friendly baked goods or snacks to support monthly Veterans dances during the social break. Items should serve approximately 35 people per event and can be prepared for one or multiple events (up to six). Baked goods are stored in advance and used when participants are unable to bring refreshments. Expenses are reimbursed with receipts. This role supports connection and community during a meaningful part of each dance event. Contact Executive Director in advance to discuss most needed items. Time commitment is 1 hour, once.

Show support by following and engaging with Dancing Well’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube - once Dancing Well’s YouTube channel is launched) to help expand visibility and reach. Your 'Like' or comments help us be seen by more potential attendees and funders. Time Commitment minimal, flexible.

Help attendees enroll in Kroger Community Rewards Program while at a Dancing Well event. Bring laptop. Instructions and Wi-Fi provided. Time Commitment 1.5 hours once, during regularly scheduled dance.

Register Dancing Well as your selected charity through Kroger Plus, following provided instructions, to increase ongoing support. (Must be in or around Louisville.) Enrollment takes about 5 minutes. From then on, every time you buy at area Kroger stores Dancing Well gets a small donation to help fund our dances.

Enter participant names accurately into templates for printed name tags to support friendly and welcoming interactions at events.  Time Commitment 2 hours one time. 10 minutes each month thereafter.

Plan and host a fundraiser benefiting Dancing Well, selecting the format, promoting the event, and coordinating proceeds. Advice and possible assistance from Executive Director and other volunteers. Time commitment varies.

Help connect with Veterans both online by sharing information about Dancing Well’s programs and encouraging participation through outreach and relationship-building on various online platforms. This role may also include offering ideas and support for Veteran-focused recruitment efforts. A friendly, welcoming, and respectful attitude is essential. Training is provided prior to participation. The time commitment is approximately two hours per shift, with one-time or ongoing opportunities available.

Help connect with Veterans both in person by sharing information about Dancing Well’s programs and encouraging participation through outreach and relationship-building. Volunteers will attend community fairs and other Veteran-focused events (dates to be determined) to talk with attendees about the Dancing Well’s mission and current needs. This role may also include offering ideas and support for Veteran-focused recruitment efforts. A friendly, welcoming, and respectful attitude is essential. Training is provided prior to participation. The time commitment is approximately two hours per shift, with one-time or ongoing opportunities available.

Support Dancing Well’s recruitment efforts by engaging potential volunteers online through various online platforms and help list opportunities on community and volunteer websites. Volunteers help share information about Dancing Well’s mission, programs, and current needs through friendly conversations, outreach, and follow-up communication. Representing Dancing Well with a welcoming, approachable attitude is a must. Training is provided, and staff support is available. The time commitment is approximately two hours per shift, with one-time or ongoing participation options.

Support Dancing Well’s recruitment efforts by engaging potential volunteers at in-person events, including community fairs (dates to be determined). Volunteers help share information about Dancing Well’s mission, programs, and current needs through friendly conversations, outreach, and follow-up communication. This role includes talking with fair attendees and answering basic questions. Representing Dancing Well with a welcoming, approachable attitude is a must. Volunteers may also reach out to potential volunteers through various online platforms and help list opportunities on community and volunteer websites. Training is provided, and staff support is available. The time commitment is approximately two hours per shift, with one-time or ongoing participation options.

Enter event-related data and assist with follow-up communications with other data-related volunteers after events to support accurate records and statistics for future fundraising. Time commitment is 1-2 hours, monthly. Flexible schedule.

Support community dances by assisting with event set-up or clean-up, helping with refreshments, managing the registration table, and/or dancing and socializing with Veterans and their loved ones to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment. Participation in dancing is not required. Time commitment is 2.5 hours, usually from 5:00-7:30 pm. Can be one time or recurring monthly. Dates are set through May. June through August dates to be determined.

Distribute event flyers to approved community locations in advance of scheduled events to increase local awareness and recuitment, currently once per month. Time commitment is 1 to 2 hours, flexible.

Contact and follow up with individuals who have expressed interest on social media platforms, helping build relationships and community engagement. Time commitment is 15 minutes each week or 1 hour each month.

Engage family members and loved ones of Veterans online to raise awareness of programs and encourage involvement and attendance. Also may provide ideas of ways to recruit. Training is provided. Friendly, welcoming attitude a must. Time commitment is 2 hours once or more.

Engage family members and loved ones of Veterans at in-person events to raise awareness of programs and encourage involvement and attendance. Also may provide ideas of ways to recruit. Training is provided. Friendly, welcoming attitude a must. Time commitment is 2 hours once or more.

Review and analyze current software tools and digital storage systems to identify redundancies and recommend improvements. Work with the Executive Director. Time commitment is 2 hours, once.

Create red, stretchy crocheted or knitted bracelets to be worn during monthly dance programs. Approximately 50 bracelets in varied sizes are needed so they can easily slip on and off and serve as a clear right–left visual cue while learning group dances. Bracelets are intended for Veterans, their loved ones, and participants, and replace single-use yarn ties with a more durable and welcoming option. Materials are reimbursed with receipts. Contributors may make as few or as many bracelets as they choose. This role supports accessibility, saves program time, and helps participants feel welcomed and valued. Make one or two and get feedback from Executive Director before continuing. Time commitment is 1 hour, one time.

Prepare draft grant proposals or assist with editing and refining existing grant applications to strengthen funding submissions. This is an essential task to keep the program going. You become an essential and valued part of the team by helping with fundraising. Time commitment 2 hours or more, duration one time or more.

Research and identify potential funding opportunities such as grants, foundations, major donors, and corporate or individual sponsors, with direction from Executive Director. Experience with funding research a plus. Time Commitment beginning with one hour one time. This is essential work for the continuation of the program. Feel the satisfaction of knowing your efforts are changing lives!

Support the planning and coordination of fundraising events, including brainstorming ideas, logistics support, and execution planning. Time commitment is 3-6 hours over one fundraiser. Flexible schedule with deadlines.

Draft and schedule social media posts using information provided by the Executive Director to promote events, programs, and organizational updates. Post updates from news stories about PTSD, brain injury, and the arts for wellness. Time commitment is 30 minutes per week.

Create an organized index of dance party videos by reviewing footage and documenting detailed timestamps to improve accessibility and content usability. Dance party videos will eventually be on a YouTube channel. The index will allow easy access to specific dances, songs, cultural ties and self-help techniques. Training provided. Time Commitment 30 minutes for first video, much less with additional experience. Index one or two, up to approximately 150. Flexible schedule.

Record donated time and expenses from submitted forms into tracking systems, supporting accurate reporting and recognition of contributions. There is a current backlog requiring approximately 3–4 hours to complete; once caught up, the ongoing time commitment is approximately 30 minutes per month.

Help organize, inventory, and mark bins of materials and supplies stored in the organization’s storage unit to ensure items are accessible and well-documented, assisting the Executive Director. Time commitment is 2 hours, one time. Day and time to be determined.

Create and send e-blasts and campaigns using MailChimp for upcoming events and periodic fundraising efforts, maintaining consistent messaging and branding (training and most visuals provided). This support is needed once each month, plus 2-3 mailings for fundraising purposes three times per year. Flexible schedule with deadlines.

Design visually engaging flyers to promote Dancing Well events using Canva or similar design software, typically on a once-monthly basis. Information for the flyers provided by the Executive Director. Flexible schedule with deadlines.