Get Involved

Elders in Action is a powerful voice for local seniors in the 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 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:

• is being threatened with eviction;
• 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 12 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.

COMMUNITY SAFETY ADVOCATE:
The Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI) and the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) are sponsoring the Community Safety Advocate program, staffed through Elders In Action that will place trained volunteers into several community policing contact offices and community centers in Portland. Volunteers will carry out a variety of duties including providing resources and referrals to walk-in's at the centers, initiating call backs to citizens who have been victims of minor crimes, and following up on quality assurance surveys. Additionally, volunteers will work with the Elder Crimes Unit of the PPB to assist that office with follow-up calls to seniors who may need referrals to specific programs.

The objectives of this project include increasing awareness and access to PPB services and Neighborhood Crime Prevention programs, while providing meaningful volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in getting involved with the Community Safety Advocate Program, please contact Jennifer Lawrence at (503) 595-7538 or by email at jennifer@eldersinaction.org

COMMUNITY EDUCATOR:
Volunteer community educators give public presentations and provide information at health fairs in order to inform seniors on important topics such as:

• aging awareness
• accessing public transportation
• how to avoid scams, fraud and ID theft
• services available through Elders in Action

Community educator volunteers are expected to attend 6 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 periodically to provide additional information. Volunteers are asked to commit to one year of service for approximately 4-6 hours each month.

ELDER FRIENDLY 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 60+. Businesses that earn Elder Friendly status are published in the Elders in Action Certified Business Directory and display the Elder Friendly logo.

ELDER FRIENDLY WEB EVALUATOR:
Volunteers evaluate web sites for their readability and ease of use to older customers. This position is ideal for someone who likes to work from home and explore the Internet. Evaluators are expected to attend 2.5 hours of training and perform 2-5 evaluations each year. Typical things that would be covered in the training include: Are fonts large enough? Is navigation easy to use? Is there a contact number for assistance? Volunteers must be age 60+. Businesses that earn Elder Friendly status are published in the EiA Certified Business Directory.

FUNDRAISING/SPECIAL EVENTS PROJECTS:
These volunteers provide help with a variety of activities, depending upon the event. Examples might include designing public relations materials, soliciting goods and/or services, and assisting with activities at events. Some special event 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.

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.