## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [How You Can Help](/how-to-help) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [How You Can Help](/how-to-help) # Volunteer Volunteers help us make life better for people with Parkinson’s. ![Volunteers at Moving Day](/sites/default/files/styles/1902x600/public/images/nationalvolunteerweek2021-blog.png?h=ed9ce7df&itok=7RwK8ySd) IN THIS SECTIONIN THIS SECTION - [Understanding Parkinson’s](/understanding-parkinsons) View Menu - [Understanding Parkinson’s](/understanding-parkinsons) - [What is Parkinson's?](/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons) - [10 Early Signs](/understanding-parkinsons/10-early-signs) - [Causes](/understanding-parkinsons/causes) - [Movement Symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms) - [Non-Movement Symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms) - [Getting Diagnosed](/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed) - [Statistics](/understanding-parkinsons/statistics) - [Living with Parkinson’s](/living-with-parkinsons) View Menu - [Living With Parkinson’s](/living-with-parkinsons) - [New to Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons/new-to-parkinsons) - [Our Care Programs](/living-with-parkinsons/care-programs) - [Finding Care](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care) - [Treatment](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment) - [Management & Lifestyle](/living-with-parkinsons/management) - [Emotional & Mental Health](/living-with-parkinsons/emotional-mental-health) - [Legal, Financial & Insurance](/living-with-parkinsons/legal-financial) - [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) View Menu - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Helpline](/resources-support/helpline) - [In Your Area](/your-area) - [PD Library](/resources-support/pd-library) - [Hospital Safety Guide](/resources-support/hospital-safety-guide) - [Online Education](/resources-support/online-education) - [Events](/resources-support/events) - [Community Grants](/resources-support/community-grants) - [For Care Partners](/resources-support/carepartners) - [For Professionals](/resources-support/professionals) - [Find Your Chapter](/resources-support/find-your-chapter) - [Blog](/resources-support/blog) - [Advancing Research](/advancing-research) View Menu - [Advancing Research](/advancing-research) - [Finding A Cure](/advancing-research/finding-cure) - [Our Research](/advancing-research/our-research) - [Understanding Research](/advancing-research/understanding-research) - [Join A Study](/advancing-research/join-study) - [Advocate for Research](/advancing-research/advocate-research) - [For Researchers](/advancing-research/for-researchers) - [Drug Discovery and Development](/advancing-research/parkinsons-drug-discovery) Advancing Research Our research has led to breakthroughs in treatment and improved care that bring hope to the entire Parkinson's community. - [How You Can Help](/how-to-help) View Menu - [How You Can Help](/how-to-help) - [Donate Now](/how-to-help/donate) - [Why Support Us](/how-to-help/why-support-us) - [Make a Tribute Gift](/how-to-help/tribute) - [Fundraise](/how-to-help/fundraise) - [Volunteer](/how-to-help/volunteer) - [Corporate Sponsors](/how-to-help/corporate-sponsors) - [Planned Giving](/how-to-help/more-ways-to-give/planned-giving) - [More Ways to Give](/how-to-help/more-ways-to-give) - [Policy & Advocacy](/how-to-help/policy-advocacy-priorities) ## 💡 Quick Summary - Join the Parkinson’s Foundation volunteer community to support people with Parkinson’s disease through local events, educational programs and [fundraising initiatives.](/how-to-help/fundraise/create-fundraiser "Create Your Own Fundraiser") - Serve as a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador or advisory council member to raise awareness, engage your community and contribute to research and program development. - Volunteer opportunities are flexible, including in-person, virtual, group or event-specific roles, helping advance the Foundation’s mission. Join our team! We rely on the energy, skill, and passion of people like you to make life better for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). We are looking for individuals who are passionate about our mission and who want to advance research toward a cure. Complete the [volunteer interest form](http://www3.parkinson.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=23194) and we’ll contact you to learn more about your skills and interests. [Submit volunteer Interest FORM](http://www3.parkinson.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=23194) ![Volunteer with the Parkinson's Foundation](/sites/default/files/styles/820x460/public/images/video-volunteerwithpf.png?h=17c3cd98&itok=UHn2YVA7) ## Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassadors Become a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador to raise awareness in your [chapter](/resources-support/find-your-chapter "Find Your Chapter") about Parkinson’s disease and our work to end it! Ambassadors identify opportunities to engage in community outreach and represent the Parkinson’s Foundation at local events and community groups. Activities include tabling, community presentations, and sharing information and materials. Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassadors may also serve on various chapter committees for events and initiatives. If you are interested in serving as a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador, please fill out our [volunteer interest form](http://www3.parkinson.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=23194). Our team will contact you and walk you through the Parkinson's Foundation Ambassador orientation and training. **Already a Parkinson's Foundation Ambassador?** Find everything you need to stay connected to the Parkinson’s Foundation volunteer community. Explore our [volunteer resources](/how-to-help/volunteer/resources "Volunteer Resources") to stay informed about upcoming events, important updates and the latest news. ### Volunteer for Events Support our mission when you volunteer for local events in your chapter or [create your own fundraising event](/how-to-help/fundraise/create-fundraiser "Create Your Own Fundraiser") benefitting the Parkinson’s Foundation. ### Educational Events Promote local educational programs in your community and volunteer during events. [FIND EVENTS](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/events?_page=1&keywords=&_limit=6&event_type=33&event_category=28) ### Moving Day Help organize our signature charity walk in your local community. Walk with us and volunteer on event day. [FIND A WALK](https://www.movingdaywalk.org) ### Parkinson’s Revolution Mobilize your community for our indoor cycling event. Ride with us, join a planning committee and volunteer on event day. [FIND A RIDE](https://secure.parkinson.org/site/SPageNavigator/Parkinsons_Revolution.html) ## For People with Parkinson’s and Care Partners ### [ People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council ](/about-us/leadership/parkinsons-advisory-council) Advise the Foundation throughout the development of programs and initiatives serving the Parkinson’s community. ### [ Parkinson’s Foundation Research Advocates ](/advancing-research/advocate-research) Collaborate with scientists, industry leaders and government to improve research and teach others about clinical trials. ## Frequently Asked Questions - ### How do I become a volunteer? 1. Fill out the [volunteer interest form](http://www3.parkinson.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=23194). 2. We will reach out to you to discuss opportunities in your area and identify the best role for you. 3. Complete our volunteer orientation webinar and online volunteer training course. 4. Start volunteering and helping the Parkinson’s community! - ### What is the time commitment? Volunteer time commitments vary by role. Most volunteer opportunities are flexible, and volunteer schedules are agreed upon by the volunteer and their staff partner. - ### Can I volunteer from home or virtually? We have several ways you can help us virtually! - Submit your [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/my-pd-story/submit "Submit Your Story"). Raising awareness can help others learn more about this disease. Submit your story now. - Join our online community [PD Conversations](https://www.pdconversations.org). - Follow us on social media and help us raise awareness. - Become a [Parkinson's Champion](/how-to-help/fundraise/create-fundraiser "Create Your Own Fundraiser") and design a fundraiser that works for you. - Start your own service project from home. Contact to learn more. - ### Can I provide direct assistance for people living with Parkinson’s? Our volunteer opportunities are event based or involve general community education. If you are interested in providing direct services to people with Parkinson’s (e.g., driving someone to medical appointments) please consider volunteering for a Parkinson’s Foundation Global Care Network center or Community Grant recipient. We can help connect you, email us at . - ### What is the minimum age to volunteer? All ages are welcome to volunteer. Volunteers under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver to participate in volunteer activities. - ### Can we volunteer as a group? Yes, our events are a great opportunity for groups to volunteer! Email to discuss an event or volunteer project that works best for your group. ## National Volunteer Awards Meet our Volunteer Leadership Award recipients and find out how they are making a difference. - ### Award Winners ### Paul Oreffice Volunteer of the Year **2026 - John Poma (Mid-Atlantic Chapter)** ![John with family at a Moving Day event](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/john-poma-pd-story-hero.jpg?itok=EbJiYggf) 2025 - Vikas Chinnan 2024 - Dr. Reversa Joseph 2023 - James (Jim) Morgan 2022 - Scott Rider 2021 - Lou Eisenbrandt 2020 - Jay Phillips ### Rising Star Award **2026 - Dale Picciano (Florida Chapter)** ![Dale Picciano at a Moving Day event](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/dale-picciano-pd-story-hero.jpg?itok=OORwytv2) 2025 - Holly Bloom 2024 - Esther Labib-Kiyarash 2023 - Mark Milow 2022 - Kim Gamble 2021 - Craig Miyamoto 2020 - Ian Rodriguez ### Top Fundraisers Award **2026 - Jen & Rocky Pontikes, and Jordan Levin (Midwest Chapter)** ![Jordan Levin and Jen and Rocky Pontikes](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/pontikes-levin.jpg?itok=TpvUdG4v) 2025 - Susan Brown 2024 - Roland and Shelley Frankel 2023 - Karan Rai 2022 - Jamie Harrison 2021 - Andy Albert 2020 - Jim and Shirley Blackorby ### The Nathan Slewett Legacy Community Service Award **2026 - Cindy Finestone (New York Chapter)** ![Cindy Finestone](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/cindy-finestone-pd-story-hero-new.jpg?itok=7mxm2y9p) 2025 - Rose Lang 2024 - Debra Flynn 2023 - Benjamin (B.J.) Bement 2021 - Shelley Friedland [Read the 2026 blog](/blog/awareness/celebrating-national-volunteer-award-recipients "Celebrating Our 2026 National Volunteer Award Recipients") #### Shop Our Store Raise Parkinson’s awareness every time you sport our gear. Shop for **exclusive** Parkinson’s Foundation and Parkinson’s Champions apparel and accessories. [SHOP NOW](https://www.bonfire.com/org/parkinsons-foundation-131866796/) ![Parkinson's Foundation grey tshirt with blue logo](/sites/default/files/styles/298x194/public/images/PF-tshirt.jpg?h=f4803627&itok=ZXPhzrdg) ## [ Contact Us ](< mailto:volunteer@parkinson.org >) Sadie McCoy [ ![Envelope icon](/themes/custom/parkinson/assets/images/envelope.svg) Volunteer@Parkinson.org ](mailto:Volunteer@Parkinson.org) [ ![Phone icon](/themes/custom/parkinson/assets/images//phone.svg) 305-503-6122 ](tel:305-503-6122) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn