Volunteers Make It Happen

Volunteers are truly the "manpower" behind our program and absolutely make it possible for Lift Me Up! to offer lessons seven days a week, rain or shine! Whether sidewalking with a student, leading a horse in a lesson, fielding phone calls, or assisting with on-site and off-site events, our volunteers generously give their time, energy, and talents in support of our mission. Volunteers often say that they "get more than they give" in meeting new friends, making a difference in the community, and bringing joy to the lives of our riders. We appreciate your interest in our program and look forward to hearing from you!

How you can make a difference
There are many volunteer opportunities at Lift Me Up!, but most of our volunteers help in our lesson program by helping grooming and tacking program horses, leading a horse in a riding lesson, or assisting a rider as a sidewalker. Lesson volunteers actively engage with the horse, rider, and instructor, and should be comfortable walking and doing some light jogging. All volunteers are trained and must be capable of executing an emergency dismount.

You can also make a difference by helping us with a number of important administrative activities such as word processing projects, grant writing, and fundraising. If you are interested in lending a hand in this capacity, please inquire below to discuss potential projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum age requirement: 14 years old

• All volunteers must complete the online Volunteer Application Form.

• Lesson volunteers are asked to sign up for a minimum of one lesson per week for one session.

• Barn and facility volunteers are encouraged to maintain a consistent schedule to ensure adequate coverage. Morning, afternoons and early evening shifts are available Monday through Sunday.

• Administrative volunteers may lend their assistance during our normal working hours (8:30AM to 6:30PM)

• Volunteers must be able to adhere to safety standards, follow directions of program staff, and perform duties independently and consistent with the particular volunteer function.

• Training: You do not need to be a "horsey" person to help out. We provide on-the-job training as needed and host formal trainings four times a year.

Groups Projects

Lift Me Up! is thankful for the many local school, civic, corporate, and other groups that visit our farm throughout the year to improve our facilities. For example, Eagle Scouts have built ramps to facilitate instructors with mounting our most challenged riders; repaired fence lines to keep our horses safe; and constructed our gravel parking lot for the benefit of all who visit the property. Over the last several years, Lift Me Up! has been selected as one of a few local non-profit organizations to participate in corporate volunteer events including Deloitte IMPACT Day, Ernst & Young Cares, ASTRO, and Lockheed Martin, that have painted fences, completed landscaping projects, and made other general improvements to our farm. We have accommodated groups as large as 65 volunteers.

If your group is interested in completing a service project with us, please send an inquiry to the Program Director or Volunteer Coordinator by emailing info@liftmeup.org or calling 703-759-6221. Thanks!

Online Volunteer Application Form.