Volunteer

You can help make the wishes of children in our community come true when you become a Make-A-Wish^® Tri-Counties volunteer. Our mission is possible only with the dedication of our volunteers.

Each year, more than 100 dedicated volunteers in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties give their time and talents to make magic happen for the very special children and families we serve. There is nothing more rewarding than helping make a child's most cherished dream a reality, so see what this life-changing organization is all about!

There is a volunteer position at Make-A-Wish® Tri-Counties to fit any skill or time commitment.

We currently have a critical need for volunteers in Santa Barbara County. Bilingual volunteers are especially encouraged. 

We have six volunteer positions available for adults: Wish Granters, Community Representatives, Office Volunteer, Board Member, Interns and Special Event Volunteers.

Wish Granting Volunteers 

The wish granting process begins by interviewing each child to determine the wish, then making it come true. 

Volunteers working teams of two to help plan and fulfill each wish. This volunteer position is best suited for those over the age of 18 with creative energy, entrepreneurial enthusiasm and the ability to give freely of their time.  

Requirements: Completion of "Wish Granting 101 and 201" volunteer application including application form, background check, signature form and online on-boarding orientation. 

Community Representative Volunteers 

Help increase Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties visibility within the community by representing the organization when media is covering a wish, at check presentations, at speaking engagements and other events. 

We provide the information while these volunteers provide the passion to tell our story. This volunteer position is best suited for individuals over the age of 18 with flexible schedules and a knack for storytelling. 

Requirements: Completion of "Community Rep 101" volunteer application including application form, background check, signature form and online onboarding orientation 

Special Events Volunteers 

Wishes are not possible without the support of the community! 

Volunteers provide the people-power to help plan, set up and staff fundraising events. This volunteer role is best suited for people over the age of 18 with creative determination, a passion for people and a commitment to getting the job done.  

Requirements: volunteer application including application form, background check, signature form and online onboarding orientation 

Office Volunteers 

Work at the Ventura Wish Center assisting with data entry, answering phones, photocopying and sorting and sending correspondence. The position is best suited for individuals over the age of 18 who are dependable self-starters ready to do whatever tasks are the most needed.  

Requirements: Completion of volunteer application including application form, background check, signature form and online onboarding orientation 

Board Members 

The Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties board helps chart the Foundation's course. 

They contribute a vast array of experience and skills that helps maintain our status as the nation’s largest wish-granting organization. As a whole, the board determines the Foundation’s mission and vision. It selects, evaluates and supports the chief executive officer. The board also protects the Foundation’s assets, enhances its public standing, ensures accountability, maintains legal integrity and assesses its own performance.  Board members make a significant financial commitment to the chapter. 

Requirements: Meet the CEO and several board members, Completion " volunteer application including application form, background check, signature form and online onboarding orientation including additional classes required for board members 

Internships 

Make-A-Wish® Tri-Counties offers students an excellent way to gain real world experience at our Ventura Wish Center. 

Internships are available in program services (wish granting), marketing, special events, volunteer management and communications. 

For more information about our Internship program and how to apply, please visit the Employment & Internships section of our website. 

Your Make-A-Wish Journey Starts Today

At every level of the organization, volunteers are critical to the mission. Get started today and soon you can bring hope and joy to local children with critical illnesses as a Make-A-Wish volunteer.

Attend a volunteer information session: Sit in on a digital webinar and learn about our mission to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses and how you can help. You can find upcoming dates on the calendar page to register.

Fill out application: Once you attend a webinar, you will receive a link to complete the volunteer application from a Make-A-Wish staff member. This is used as a preliminary screening tool, and incomplete applications will not be considered.

Chat with a volunteer: After we receive your completed application, you will speak with a current volunteer to get your questions answered and allow time to learn more about you and your interests.

Submit your paperwork: After your conversation, you will be asked to complete a criminal background check and submit final paperwork.

Welcome! You are officially now a volunteer for Make-A-Wish Tri Counties! You will be an integral part of delivering our mission forward.