Make-A-Wish Kansas- Volunteer Wish Granter

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Make-A-Wish (r) grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. From our humble beginnings with one boy’s wish to be a police officer, we have evolved to be one of the world’s leading children’s charities, serving children in every community in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and more than 30,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish grants a wish somewhere in the country every 37 minutes.

Summary:

A Wish Granter will meet with the child and his/her family to help determine the child’s most heartfelt wish while planning special enhancements throughout the wish process. Wish Granters work in teams of two or three alongside Make-A-Wish staff to ensure every eligible child’s wish comes true.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Partner with at least one other volunteer wish granter to grant the wishes of children throughout the chapter’s territory.
• Visit the wish child, with the goal of discerning his/her one true wish, while gaining an understanding of the reason behind the child’s most heartfelt wish.
• Complete and submit wish paperwork in a timely manner according to chapter guidelines.
• Create a magical wish experience for the wish child by planning and delivering "wish enhancements" - special, creative touches that keep the child excited about the wish throughout the process.
• Solicit in-kind donations, ensuring Make-A-Wish resources are used wisely.
• Plan "send off" party or "presentation" party for each wish, as appropriate.
• Develop a positive rapport with the wish child and family by serving as a liaison between chapter staff and the wish family, ensuring the family is updated on the status of the wish throughout the wish process.
• Act as a reliable, communicative, and productive member of the "wish team" by working closely with a volunteer partner and Make-A-Wish staff to create the best possible wish experience for the child.
  • Other duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate.

Desired Qualifications:

• Passion for children and comfort interacting with children ages 2 ½ to 18.
• Creative thinker with desire to make each wish unique and magical.
• Excellent people skills with the ability to work with people from different backgrounds and children with life-threatening medical conditions.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Resourceful with a willingness to solicit in-kind donations.
• Flexible schedule and willingness to drive up to one hour to visit with wish child and family.
• Bilingual abilities in written and spoken form a plus.

Location:

Meetings may take place at the wish family’s home or at a neutral location, such as a restaurant or hospital. Typically, wish meetings are scheduled for weekday evenings or weekends based upon the schedules of the wish team and wish family. Departure parties may be planned for the wish family’s home or a nearby venue/restaurant.

Volunteer Commitment:

• The average wish requires between 10-15 hours of volunteer work over a span of about 6-9 months. Each wish can vary greatly in the time it takes to grant depending on the requested wish and wish family circumstances.
• Agree to work on a minimum of two wishes per year.
• Complete official Make-A-Wish Wish Granter training.
• Attend continuing education courses, as offered by Make-A-Wish chapter staff.
• Ensure all photos and communications from the wish family before, during and after the wish are passed along to the office.