VOLUNTEERS

THE NEED TO DO MORE.

Volunteers drive Special Olympics Illinois forward. By getting involved, you’re not just helping our athletes grow and succeed in sports—you’re contributing toward a life-changing movement of inclusion, courage, joy and so much more.

We need your help to grow our community and our impact. Sign up and learn more below.

Visit Our Volunteer (COE) Portal

HOW TO GET STARTED

VOLUNTEER GRANTS

Your company may donate for your volunteer time. Use the tool below to search and see if they offer volunteer grants or donations based on volunteer hours.

Search Your Company

EVENT VOLUNTEERS

To volunteer at an event, head to our online portal, log in, and find events to attend near you. You’ll need to create an account if you don’t yet have one.

View Our Event Calendar

SPECIALIZED VOLUNTEERS

If you’re interested in a more specialized volunteer role, or need some guidance on how you can get involved, please reach out to your local region staff. Click below to find your regional office and get in contact.

Contact Your Regional Office

VOLUNTEER AS A GROUP

We partner with corporate teams, schools, and community groups to create meaningful, customized volunteer experiences aligned with your goals and availability, strengthening connections while making a real impact in our community.

Get Your Group Involved

QUESTIONS ABOUT VOLUNTEERING

Have a special skill to share or simply want to learn more about getting involved? We’re happy to help. Whether you’re exploring volunteer opportunities, looking for ways to use your talents, or just need more information, a member of our team will be glad to connect with you and help guide your next steps.

Connect with Us

EVENT VOLUNTEER ROLES

REGION OR STATE EVENT VOLUNTEER

Help for a minimum of four hours at a region or state Special Olympics Illinois event. Must be at least 10 years of age.

EVENT COMMITTEE MEMBER

Help for a minimum of four hours at a region or state Special Olympics Illinois event. Must be at least 10 years of age.

SPECIALIZED VOLUNTEER ROLES

OFFICIALS, JUDGES & REFEREES

Needed at all levels of competition. Each volunteer should be certified by the IHSA or a National Governing Body in their respective sport.

COACHES

Coach athletes a few hours each week during a three to four-month season with training from Special Olympics Illinois. Background checks and certifications are required.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Positions include photography, graphic designing, writing, public relations, marketing, fundraising, and more.

MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS

Lend your skills as an RN, doctor, medical or nursing student, trainer, etc. at a regional or state event. Medical field experience required.

OFFICE ASSISTANTS

Provide administrative assistance to Special Olympics Illinois office staff. Tasks include data entry, mailings and event preparation.

FAMILY LEADERSHIP TEAM

Develop and implement strategies that engage, enhance, educate and empower families of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

LEADERSHIP VOLUNTEER ROLES

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BOARD

Join a network of young business professionals strengthening the Special Olympics Illinois community through philanthropy and volunteerism.

Join Our Young Professionals Board

LEADERS COUNCIL

Team up with a diverse group of mid- to senior-level professionals and philanthropists in Chicagoland to enhance SOILL fundraising, programming, leadership and awareness.

Learn about Our Leaders Council

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Collaborate with passionate, experienced leaders to guide the strategic direction, governance and financial stewardship of Special Olympics Illinois.

Meet the Board of Directors

CLASS A VOLUNTEER CERTIFICATIONS

Please note that some volunteer roles require a Class A certification. These apply to volunteers 14 years of age or older, with 1-on-1 unsupervised contact with athletes—including coaches, chaperones and those with fundraising responsibilities. Background checks and additional training/certifications are required.

To begin the process of obtaining a Class A certification, or to look up/renew your current certification, please visit the online portal. You may need to create an account if you have not already.

Visit the Online Portal

VOLUNTEER GRANTS

Did you know many companies support their employees’ volunteer efforts by offering volunteer grants or donations based on hours served? Some even extend these programs to retirees and family members!

By logging your volunteer hours with your employer, you could help unlock additional funding for Special Olympics Illinois—just for giving your time. Whether you volunteer once or regularly, your impact could be doubled or even tripled through these programs.

Use the search field below to see if your company offers volunteer grants or donates based on hours volunteered.