LIGHT A PATH Volunteer APPLICATION
DUE TO THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 OUR PROGRAMMING IS LIMITED AND WE ARE NOT PLACING NEW VOLUNTEERS AT THIS TIME.
However, as of January 2022, we are accepting volunteer applications. We will process them and then reach out to you directly as opportunities become available.
However, as of January 2022, we are accepting volunteer applications. We will process them and then reach out to you directly as opportunities become available.
Please subscribe to our mailing list for additional updates, or contact us directly at info@lightapath.org.
Thanks for your interest in volunteering with Light a Path!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the different volunteer options with LAP?
- teaching (yoga, meditation, strength training, walking/running, dance, and other somatic practices)
- fundraising support
- social media support
- flyer distribution
- photography/videography
- additional opportunities based on skill/expertise (please feel free to let us know your ideas!)
2. Where do people currently volunteer?
Due to the pandemic, most of our programs are on-hold at this time. We continue to work closely with our partners and aim to phase in offerings in 2022. We primarily work in Buncombe county and in a few surrounding counties. Our key program areas are:
- Incarcerated
- Re-entry & Transition
- Youth & Families
- Older Adults
- Recovery
- Veterans
3. What are the requirements for teaching?
- We require proof of certification and liability insurance for yoga and strength training volunteers. If you do not currently have it, please feel free to still apply and you can purchase it once we have a placement for you.
- We ask for three references of people who are familiar with your teaching and who can vouch for why you would be a good fit in volunteering with us.
- We prefer a one-year commitment. Depending on the program you choose this could be a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly offering. New volunteers may shadow another instructor for a period of time.
- You must go through our eight hour orientation, which occurs seasonally.
- Depending on the placement, there could be additional training and a background check.
4. What are the requirements for other types of volunteering?
- Complete the application.
- We ask for three references of people who are familiar with you and can vouch for why you would be a good fit in volunteering with us.
- We prefer a one-year commitment. Depending on the program you choose this could be a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly offering.
- You must go through our eight-hour orientation, which occurs seasonally.
5. How do I start volunteering?
- Reading through these FAQs is a great place to begin!
- Fill out an application. From there, the Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch with you.
- Attend a volunteer orientation, after which we will find a placement that fits both your and our needs.
6. What does the orientation involve? Do I have to be in attendance?
- Yes, our orientation is required. Covered in the orientation is LAP’s mission, vision, a workshop on trauma-informed/trauma-sensitive instruction, a workshop on racial equity, an in-depth understanding of our programs and current needs, volunteer agreements/expectations/procedures, and an opportunity to connect with the community to discover what ‘lights your path’ within this organization.
7. Can I shadow a class before deciding if this is a fit for me?
- Sometimes this is an option and in some cases we may require it. It depends on the program and partner facility as well as your experience and comfort level.
8. What kind of support do I receive as a LAP Volunteer?
- All of our programs have Program Heads, which help facilitate the scheduling and mentoring of their volunteers. There are opportunities to connect with other volunteers on our Facebook page as well as in- person/ virtual gatherings. We also have continued learning events from time to time and are planning on offering continuing education classes in the future.
9. Can I volunteer if I don’t live in Western NC?
- Currently, all of our volunteer positions require living in the surrounding area, however if you’re interested in our non-teaching opportunities we can discuss options.