By Laura Warne
Communications Coordinator
It truly does take a village to make a non-profit organization run smoothly. At Passaic County CASA, there are three types of volunteers who are essential to the success of our mission, each with a special role to play.
First, the 115+ Court Appointed Special Advocates, who serve as direct, hands-on advocates for children in foster care. They are on the front lines of advocating for children in foster homes across Passaic County.
Then there are CASA’s 10 board members, who help the organization operate at maximum effectiveness and plan for short and long term strategic growth. They regularly attend planning meetings, spearhead fundraising, and essentially help “steer the ship.”
But there is also a third group of volunteer, who help fill the gaps between the duties of staff, board, and advocates. These volunteers are known as Ambassadors.
The role of an Ambassador is to assist as-needed with the operations of Passaic County CASA. What this looks like in execution depends a great deal on the skill set and interests of the individuals in question. Ambassadors are basically the people we call on for assistance as needs come up, and the people who work remotely on our behalf within their communities. At an organization where no two days are often alike, that can mean a wide variety of tasks!
For example, in the past year, Ambassadors have performed the following duties:
- Stuffing envelopes and preparing mailings
- Staffing tabling events in the community
- Staffing special events like the Passaic County Fair, CASA’s Tricky Tray Fundraiser, and School Supply Pop-Up Shop
- Wrapping holiday wish drive gifts
- Organizing school supplies and other donations
- Sharing social media content
- Soliciting donations for CASA’s Tricky Tray and Gala
- Serve as a liaison between houses of worship, schools, community organizations, and other non-profits, coordinating fundraisers and securing donations
Many Ambassadors assume this role after they learn about Passaic County CASA and decide they want to get involved, but may not have the necessary time or flexibility in their schedule to serve as Advocates. They may be retired and spend extended periods of time in another state, but want to help when their schedules allow. They may be active in their communities and see being a CASA Ambassador as an easy way to make connections between people who are all trying to make the world a better place. Or they may just be interested in volunteering digitally, helping us expand the reach of social media content and posting links for their family and friends.
Whatever the reason that someone decided to become an Ambassador, we are grateful for their support. It is a relief for staff members to know that there is a pool of eager individuals waiting in the wings who will come to help when it is needed.
In order to become an Ambassador, interested individuals must attend a two-hour training class where they will learn more about Passaic County CASA and meet some of the staff. They must be at least 18 years old and complete a basic background check.
If this opportunity sounds like something you or someone you know might be interested in, please visit here to see when our next Ambassador Training Class will be held.