More than one
way to help:
Becoming a volunteer

The first step in becoming a volunteer at CASA is to complete our application and submit it to our office. Next, we'll schedule an interview — an opportunity for you to ask questions and for us to get to know you better. After that, we'll contact references and perform standard background checks (the same used for teachers and childcare workers). Once this is completed, you'll either move on to training (if you want to become an Advocate Volunteer) or we'll get you started as a volunteer.

To start, read and complete the following:

Application
(for all positions except Board)

Board Candidate Application
Advocate Volunteer
Position Description

Board Member
Position Description
Frequently Asked Questions

Once completed, email to richard@casaulster.org or mail to:

Court Appointed Special Advocates
209 Clinton Avenue
Kingston, NY 12401

Please include a short note letting us know what position you are applying for.
If you have any questions or if you would for us to send the application, position description and frequently asked questions to you, call us at 845.339.7543.
Quick Links

Volunteer Opportunities
There are unrecognized heroes among our
ordinary neighbors.
                                                                           — Harold W. Bernard
 
 
There are a number of ways you can contribute your time and talents to changing the lives of abused and neglected children in our area. Volunteering for CASA is a chance to put your compassion into action but do so on your own terms, in times and situations that are convenient to you, comfortable for you, and realistic for your schedule. There are several options for volunteers:

Advocate Volunteer
Be the difference in a child’s life. Become an Advocate Volunteer. Meet regularly with the child or siblings assigned to you, write reports to the court, advocate for the child’s best interest and work with others to ensure that children get the services they need and that there case moves forward as expeditiously as possible. Minimum eighteenth month commitment. 10 to 12 hours per month.

Office Assistance
CASA is the little engine that could — one staff person and A LOT of volunteer help. Volunteer for a regularly-scheduled time to help in our office. Great environment in cheery uptown Kingston office surrounded by the YW’s nursery school and Pre-K rooms. Answer phones, assist with database entry, help with filing, answer volunteer queries, etc. Computer experience helpful.

Publication and Website Production
Help with writing, layout, editing and/or proofreading of electronic and printed materials. This includes our eNews (published every three weeks), program brochures, our website, outreach materials, cards and materials and special event publications. Editing, writing and/or graphic design background essential.

Outreach
Become a speaker for CASA, staff a CASA table at community events or hang posters about CASA in your community. Be a "one time wonder” who helps with mailings.

Fundraising and Special Events
Serve on our fundraising committee, help coordinate an event or be a special (and highly valued) "one time wonder,” helping to staff an event.

Board of Directors
Serve on our board of directors. CASA, as a private not-for-profit, has an active board that makes policy decisions, leads fundraising activities and provides financial oversight. The board meets once a month. Committee or task group meetings occur in between monthly board meetings.

The first step?

Give us a call at 845.399.7543, contact us via email or send in your application.

For all positions other than the board of directors, complete the standard application (Links to applications in box at right). Please note that you must complete the narrative section of the application only if you are applying to become an advocate. Those interested in the board of directors should complete the board application.