Get Involved

Elders in Action is a powerful voice of older adults in the greater Portland area. Find out more below about how your skills will ensure seniors continue to be a vibrant part in their communities.

Elders in Action offers many opportunities for volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of seniors in their community. If you are interested in volunteering with Elders in Action please fill out our online interest form and a staff member will follow up with you.

Opportunities for Involvement:

PERSONAL ADVOCATE:
Volunteer personal advocates provide free one-on-one problem-solving assistance and support to seniors (60 and over) who are experiencing problems in housing, healthcare, crime and abuse. Examples of people that might benefit from the help of a trained personal advocate include someone who:

• needs assistance talking with banks or credit card providers;
• is being threatened with eviction or forclosure;
• needs help speaking with a health care provider;
• has been a victim of ID theft.

Personal advocate volunteers are expected to pass a criminal background check and attend 6 hours of training designed to help them understand governmental and community resources, problem-solving strategies, and procedures to be followed in their volunteer role. In addition, 2 hour continuing education meetings are held each month to provide additional information about other resources. Volunteers are asked to commit to one year of service for approximately 8-10 hours each month and attend 4 continuing education meetings each year.

Learn about Personal Advocates in this article from the Portland Upside.

SPEAKER'S BUREAU:
Volunteer community educators give public presentations and provide information at workshops in order to inform older adults and community partners on important topics such as:

• Mastery of Aging Well
• Civic Education Awareness
• "Walk Smart" workshop
• RideWise presentation on accessing public transportation
• Services available through Elders in Action

Our Speaker's Bureau volunteers are expected to attend 3 hours of training designed to help them understand the role of Elders in Action and learn about speaking topics. In addition, continuing education meetings are held quarterly to provide additional information. Volunteers are asked to commit to one year of service for approximately 4-6 hours each month.

AGE FRIENDLY^TM BUSINESS EVALUATOR:
In this nationally recognized program of how to help businesses better serve the older customer, volunteers evaluate local businesses for their accessibility and service to older customers. This position is ideal for someone who likes to shop and explore new businesses. Evaluators are expected to attend 3 hours of training and perform 3-8 evaluations each year. Typical things that would be covered in the training include: Are price tags visible? Is the telephone system easy to use? Is customer service available when needed? Volunteers must be age 55+. Businesses that earn Age Friendly status are published in the Elders in Action Certified Business Directory and display the Age Friendly logo.

FUNDRAISING / DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS:
These volunteers provide help with a variety of activities, depending upon the project. Examples might include designing public relations materials, soliciting goods and/or services, and assisting with activities at events. Some fundraising volunteers work on committees for extended periods of time planning for and coordinating events. Other volunteers work on projects periodically or on the day of events. There are opportunities for group work or independent projects, depending upon volunteer interest and experience. Apply your writing skills to help write grants and proposals. We also welcome volunteers who enjoy research and identifying fundraising opportunities.

COMMISSION MEMBER:
The Elders in Action Commission, a powerful voice for local seniors since 1968, is a 31 member committee that meets monthly and provides advice, direction and advocacy regarding the issues and needs that affect older adults. As a part of this role, the Commission acts as an advisory body for Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services, the City of Portland, and Multnomah County officials. The Commission may also consider and advise on topics at the state and national level. Typical activities include writing letters, speaking to public officials, representing the Commission at community meetings, and testifying at public hearings. Volunteers must be residents of Multnomah County and are elected by the Commission to serve a three year term, with a typical monthly commitment of 6-8 hours of service. Periodically, continuing education is provided for Commission members regarding advocacy issues and strategies.

If you have interest in volunteering please fill out our online interest form.