2007-2008 Volunteer Opportunities

If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, the Epilepsy Foundation is a great place to start. As a volunteer, you may choose short-term, fast-turnaround activities or longer-term commitments. You may wish to offer your professional or business skills, or you may choose to do something new to you! Here are our major events and programs:

• • Become a “Buddy” – One of thebiggest challenges facing many people living with epilepsy is the isolation they encounter due to the inability to drive and multiple seizures. A buddy is a volunteer willing to dedicate a few hours each week to spend time with a person living with epilepsy. This could mean playing board games, taking them grocery shopping or whatever they come up with. All volunteers in this program will go through a criminal background check and sign a release waiver.
  • Support Group Leader – If you are living with epilepsy or are a family member and feel you have leadership skills and would like to begin a support group in your area, this volunteer opportunity is for you. All peer led support group leaders go through a training and are picked by Foundation staff. Call for next training.
  • Blue Jean, Boots and Bow Tie Ball: In 1994, the Board of Directors of the Epilepsy Foundation of Kansas and Western Missouri combined two of its fund raising activities into one. Out of this combination of events came the Blue Jean Ball & BBQ. In 2002 this event became known as the Blue Jean Ball and BBQ and this year is called the Blue Jeans, Boots and Bow Tie Ball. The purpose of this activity is to raise funds for the programs and services provided by the foundation, raise public awareness, and honor the 'Excellence in Caring' recipient. The Blue Jeans, Boots and Bow Tie Ball will be held on November 10, 2007 at Mission Hills Country Club. Volunteers are needed to help coordinate the event.
  • CampShing: Camp Shing began in 1994 as a weekend camp for children with epilepsy/seizure disorders ages six through seventeen.  Camp Shing was expanded to a family retreat in 1996.  Volunteer counselors are needed. Counselors must be at least 18 years of age. Camp Shing is held in June each year at Tall Oaks Conference Center in Linwood Kansas.
  • Board Member Candidate:  A vital part of the Epilepsy Foundation is the Board of Directors. We are looking for people meeting a variety of criteria to participate as a board member. The board meets six times per year. The major role of the board is to raise funds, set policy and direction and assist with programs. If you are interested in serving as a board member, contact (816) 444-2800.
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