From the early days of collecting dimes for Polio research to today’s fight against prematurity, volunteers have provided the strength behind this organization’s success. A special group of our volunteers are Mission Volunteers. Mission Volunteers have personally been touched by premature birth, infant death, or birth defects and put a face on the March of Dimes and give a voice to our campaigns. Because they have benefited from the organization’s work, these volunteers are excellent spokespeople and fundraisers.

Sharing their stories – of preterm labor, premature birth, NICU experiences, birth defects, childhood diseases, pregnancy loss, or infant death – Mission Volunteers communicate the vital importance of the March of Dimes and all that it does.  Whether miraculous or tragic, each story sends a powerful message.  And, whether they talk with a friend over coffee about the March of Dimes, speak at a fundraising event, participate in an educational program, volunteer for a committee, or allow publication of their family’s story in media materials, they are joining millions of others to make a difference in the lives of babies.

There are no volunteer requirements for Mission Volunteers. Being included as a Mission Volunteers simply ensures that you receive information about upcoming activities and resources to make volunteering easy.  Each family chooses when and how they would like to volunteer – and whether or not to share their story publicly.  Most mission volunteers participate in WalkAmerica each year and some get involved in the NICU Family Support project.  Some also decide to do more. It’s a wide range, totally flexible based on your interests and availability.

Mission Volunteers are able to connect with each other through WalkAmerica, Prematurity Awareness Day activities, and through periodic Mission Volunteer events hosted by March of Dimes. Additionally, a special online group has been started to help families support and learn from each other and to get involved.

If you would like to become a Mission Volunteer, please complete the Mission Family Daya Survey (see link below) and return it to the Washington State Chapter office by email at wa655@marchofdimes.com, by fax at 206-292-8190, or by mail at 1904 Third Avenue, Suite 230, Seattle, WA 98101.