Volunteer Opportunities From: Special Olympics Southern California - Southern Counties

Description

Additional Details:

Here are SOSC’s sports seasons that currently offer Unified Sports competition. Orange County programs may differ.

Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) 

Description

Additional Details:

Here are SOSC’s sports seasons that currently offer Unified Sports competition. San Diego programs may differ.

Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) 

Description

Additional Details:

Here are SOSC’s sports seasons that currently offer Unified Sports competition. Orange County programs may differ.

Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) 

Description

Additional Details:

Here are SOSC’s sports seasons that currently offer Unified Sports competition:

Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) 

Description

Additional Details:

Here are SOSC’s sports seasons that currently offer Unified Sports competition. San Diego programs may differ. 

Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) 

Description

Additional Details:

Here are SOSC’s sports seasons that currently offer Unified Sports competition:

Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) 

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

* MUST BE FIRST AID CERTIFIED *

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Assist with putting together Silent Auction baskets and general event prep. Wear comfortable clothing and close-toed shoes.

*Snacks and beverages will be provided.

Assist with overall flow of auction. Additionally, be available to walk through event and administer raffle and answer raffle questions. 

Shift start time is 3:00pm. Please give yourself time to navigate through valet parking (paid for by SOSC), find the venue location, check-in and be ready for a volunteer orientation and dinner break. 

Take photos/videos of constituents, athlete presentations and awards, and silent auction. Send photos/video to event lead after event. Please take note that there will be parts of this event that will be in low light settings.

MUST HAVE OWN EQUIPMENT. Ideal to have equipment suited for action photography in various lighting situations, including low-light areas.

Additionally, registrant must sign a photo release and In-Kind donation form, which will be sent to you after registration

Assist with overall event set up. Includes tasks like; setting center pieces in main dining hall, setting up athlete sport activations, setting up auction,  assisting staff with various tasks. 

Assist with overall silent auction process. Once silent auction is closed, prepare auction items for gathering and guest check-out  

Assist with wine pull set-up. Additionally, be available to assist with wine distribution to guests and answer wine pull questions.  

Registrants must be 21+ years old.

Bocce Volunteer – Linesperson & Scorekeeper
Inland Empire Spring Games

Help support our athletes by assisting with Bocce competitions at the Inland Empire Spring Games. Bocce volunteers play an essential role in keeping games running smoothly, fairly, and on schedule. No prior bocce experience is required—training and guidance will be provided on site.

Volunteer Roles May Include:

Linesperson: Assist with observing court boundaries, watching ball placement, and supporting officials during play

Scorekeeper: Track scores, record results, and communicate outcomes to event staff

General Support: Help reset courts between matches and encourage athlete

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities:

Once registration is complete, an SOSC staff member will reach out with 2 additional forms to sign and complete: an In-Kind Donation form and a Photo Release after the Competition.

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Shift Responsibilities:

Shift Responsibilities:

Medical Volunteers provide on-site support by responding to minor injuries or medical concerns and assisting with basic first aid as needed. They help ensure a safe event environment by monitoring participant well-being and coordinating with event staff or emergency services if necessary.

Shift Responsibilities

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a volunteer role.

Key Responsibilities

After successfully completing the required qualifications and acknowledging the Background Check disclosure, a member of our staff will process your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, SOSC staff will contact you about next steps. 

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a volunteer role.

Key Responsibilities

After successfully completing the required qualifications and acknowledging the Background Check disclosure, a member of our staff will process your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, SOSC staff will contact you about next steps.

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred.

Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a coaching role. After completing the required qualifications successfully, a member of our staff will contact you about next steps. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities

We are looking for Coaches in the following locations across multiple sports:

After successfully completing the required qualifications and acknowledging the Background Check disclosure, a member of our staff will process your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, SOSC staff will contact you about next steps. 

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to complete the required qualifications.

After completing the required qualifications successfully, a member of our staff will contact you about next steps. 

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a volunteer role.

Key Responsibilities

Position Description Here 

After successfully completing the required qualifications and acknowledging the Background Check disclosure, a member of our staff will process your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, SOSC staff will contact you about next steps.

Work with the Special Olympics Southern California team to maintain our social media presence across our entire footprint. Assist with the creation of social media posts based on social media promotion calendar; produce videos; write articles; respond to and interact with the Special Olympics Southern California audience through social media channels; attend events and provide live social media coverage.

Key Responsibilities

Training & Support

Commitment

After successfully completing the required qualifications, a member of our staff will contact you about next steps in the application process.

Intern Description: UCS & SO College Internship

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Unified Champion Schools is an inclusive school-based strategy designed to bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities to participate in activities in three core areas:  sport and fitness, youth leadership, and campus engagement. This strategy aims to develop leadership and advocacy skills for all students in the K-12 school community and throughout college and university campuses in SOSC’s footprint. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

This individual has a passion for inclusion and wants to make a difference within their campus and surrounding communities. They have a drive for connecting people to each other through encouragement, inclusion, and acceptance. They will leave with an increased understanding of the inclusive school programming listed above, the important role of a college within the SOSC community, as well as experience working with a large nonprofit organization.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

The Unified Champion Schools (UCS) internship is open to current college students or recent graduates majoring in a variety of fields. The UCS internship may count toward course credits.

Some characteristics we are looking for in an intern and that will make them successful in this position:

TRAINING & SUPPORT

COMMITMENT & WORK SITE

APPLY

To apply, please send resume or cover letter to Darlene Partida, Administrator at dpartida@sosc.org

GOAL/IMPACT

Special Olympics Southern California’s (SOSC) vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion, and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities, serving more than 4.4 million athletes in over 170 countries. Through the power of sports, athletes discover new strengths and abilities, build confidence, develop skills, and experience success both on the playing field and in life.

The Health Initiatives Internship offers students an opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to nonprofit public health programming while supporting Special Olympics Southern California’s Healthy Athletes initiatives. Interns will learn about inclusive health programming, athlete wellness initiatives, volunteer engagement, and community outreach that support the health and well-being of athletes with intellectual disabilities.

To learn more about SOSC programs and initiatives, please visit our website.

Key responsibilities

·       Support the planning and coordination of health initiative events.

·       Assist with event preparation such as organizing materials, equipment, and supplies.

·       Assist with inventory preparation and organization of health supplies before and after events.

·       Provide support with basic data entry related to athlete participation, volunteer engagement, and program tracking.

·       Assist with outreach efforts, including regional health events and community engagement activities.

·       Support health initiatives communications, including assistance with social media content or program promotion.

·       Participate in team meetings and provide general program support to the Health Initiatives team.

TRAINING & SUPPORT

·       Supervision and mentorship from the Senior Manager, Health Initiatives with regular check-ins and guidance.

·       Orientation to Special Olympics Southern California, Healthy Athletes programming, and organizational protocols.

·       Hands-on learning opportunities related to nonprofit public health initiatives, event planning, volunteer coordination, and community outreach.

·       Exposure to collaboration across multiple program areas within SOSC.

COMMITMENT & WORK SITE

·       This internship requires at least a 3 month commitment.

·       Interns are expected to contribute approximately 6–12 hours per week, depending on availability and academic schedule.

·       Internship activities primarily take place at the SOSC Headquarters Office – 1600 Forbes Way, Suite 200, Long Beach, CA 90810, with occasional opportunities to attend regional events or Healthy Athletes screenings.

·       Some evenings or weekends may be available for those interested in observing or supporting Healthy Athletes screenings or Special Olympics events.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

·       Interest in public health, nonprofit programming, health equity, or community health initiatives.

·       Strong organizational and communication skills.

·       Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

·       Comfortable working with diverse communities and individuals with intellectual disabilities.

·       Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office programs and willingness to learn new systems.

·       Dependable, organized, and eager to gain experience in nonprofit health programming.

·       Must complete a volunteer application, required training, and background check.

BENEFITS

·       Opportunity to make a direct impact on the health and well-being of Special Olympics athletes.

·       Hands-on learning experience within a large nonprofit organization focused on inclusive health and sports programming.

·       Exposure to Healthy Athletes screenings, community health initiatives, volunteer coordination, and nonprofit program operations.

·       Experience working with a collaborative team dedicated to advancing inclusion, wellness, and opportunity for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

·       Opportunity to build professional skills in nonprofit programming, event coordination, outreach, and health initiatives.

Local Program Coordinators manage the oversight of the program, including recruitment of athletes and coaches, coordination of practices and competitions, and administrative tasks.

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a volunteering role.

Key Responsibilities

After completing the required qualifications successfully, a member of our staff will contact you about next steps. 

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a coaching role.

Key Responsibilities

After successfully completing the required qualifications and acknowledging the Background Check disclosure, a member of our staff will process your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, SOSC staff will contact you about next steps. 

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a coaching role.

Key Responsibilities

After successfully completing the required qualifications and acknowledging the Background Check disclosure, a member of our staff will process your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, SOSC staff will contact you about next steps. 

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a coaching role.

Key Responsibilities

After successfully completing the required qualifications and acknowledging the Background Check disclosure, a member of our staff will process your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, SOSC staff will contact you about next steps.

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QUALIFICATIONS: CPR & First Aid Certified. Experience in heat related issues and seizures

Description:

Capture photos of athletes, coaches, volunteers during event. Will shoot during Opening Ceremony and Athletics competitions. MUST HAVE OWN PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT. Ideal to have equipment suited for action photography in various lighting situations, including low-light areas.

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The Event Set-Up crew will assist with the set-up of event layout and equipment. This position will require walking and some lifting. Please dress comfortably with close toed shoes. 

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WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

Fundraising Ambassadors play a vital role in spreading awareness of SOSC’s mission by engaging with the public at fundraising events, presentations, and outreach opportunities. Their efforts directly support fundraising and awareness opportunities while building broader community support.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Represent SOSC at fundraising events, community gatherings, and lunch & learn sessions

·         Distribute informational materials and answer questions about SOSC programs, fundraising opportunities, and athlete involvement

·         Manage funds and pledge forms at fundraising events, such as Tip-A-Cop events

·         Assist in identifying and encouraging prospective volunteers, event participants, and athletes (individuals with intellectual disabilities) to join SOSC programs

·         Collaborate with SOSC staff to tailor messaging based on the event audience

·         Report on outreach efforts, fundraising, and engagement results post-event

TRAINING & SUPPORT

·         Training provided by SOSC staff or regional volunteer coordinator

·         Ongoing support and updated messaging guidance for events

·         Access to SOSC marketing materials, banners, brochures, and giveaways

COMMITMENT & WORK SITE

·         Flexible volunteer commitment: events occur on weekdays, evenings, and/or weekends

·         Events may take place at restaurants, law enforcement offices, community centers, businesses, or public events across Southern California

·         Volunteers may choose events based on availability and interest

·         Attend minimum of 6 event per calendar year

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

·         Minimum age of 18.

·         Comfortable speaking to individuals and groups in a friendly, engaging manner

·         Passion for promoting inclusion and the mission of SOSC

·         Access to transportation to and from event sites

·         Capacity to carry 30lbs

·         General understanding of SOSC programs & Events (Training Provided)

VOLUNTEER PERKS

·         Make a measurable impact by expanding awareness and growing the SOSC community

·         Resume Building: develop public speaking, outreach, and communication skills

·         Meet people passionate about inclusion and disability advocacy

·         Be part of a movement that creates joy and empowerment through sports

Special Olympics Southern California’s (SOSC) vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion, and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities: with 4.4 million athletes in 170 countries. Through the power of sports, our athletes discover new strengths and abilities, skills, and success - on the playing field and in life.  Check out our website for more information related to SOSC- sosc.org  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Assist with social media related to events. 

Create personal interest stories to share on social media. 

Meet with athletes, families and volunteers to capture their journeys and their “why.” 

Develop flyers and posters for events. 

Sharing SOSC posts to community accounts.  

TRAINING & SUPPORT 

Training in social media guidelines and policies 

Training on creating social media posts 

Orientation of SOSC history and protocols 

COMMITMENT & WORK SITE 

This volunteer opportunity is year-round with a minimum of 6-month commitment. Attendance at local sports competitions and fundraising events is encouraged.  

1- 2 hours/week at remotely 

Must have a personal Facebook page 

- Must have working knowledge of Facebook and Instagram 

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS 

Strong organizational skills with superb customer service skills 

High proficiency in Microsoft Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook plus ability to learn new programs 

Event planning experience is preferred, but not required 

Must complete a volunteer application, required training, and background check 

 BENEFITS 

Direct impact on the SOSC athletes! 

Building a strong team to work together to achieve our vision of acceptance, inclusion, and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports 

Gain experience with user generated content, content creation, grassroots marketing, large and small events, various campaigns, and corporate sponsorships. 

Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) is dedicated to creating opportunities for our athletes to find strength, success, confidence, and joy on and off the playing field. Making each competition meaningful to the athletes and to their families is important.

Volunteer Ambassadors play a vital role in spreading awareness of SOSC’s mission by engaging with the public at community events, presentations, and outreach opportunities. Their efforts directly support the recruitment of volunteers and participants while building broader community support.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

·        Represent SOSC at tabling events, community gatherings, and lunch & learn sessions

·        Distribute informational materials and answer questions about SOSC programs, volunteer opportunities, and athlete involvement

·        Share stories about the impact of SOSC to inspire volunteer sign-ups and community support

·        Assist in identifying and encouraging prospective volunteers, businesses, and athletes (individuals with intellectual disabilities) to join SOSC programs

·        Collaborate with SOSC staff to tailor messaging based on the event audience

·        Report on outreach efforts and engagement results post-event

TRAINING & SUPPORT

·        Training provided by SOSC staff 

·        Ongoing support and updated messaging guidance for events

·        Access to SOSC marketing materials, banners, brochures, and giveaways

COMMITMENT & WORK SITE

·        Flexible volunteer commitment: events occur on weekdays, evenings, and/or weekends

·        Events may take place at schools, community centers, businesses, or public festivals across SOSC

·        Volunteers may choose events based on availability and interest

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

·        Minimum age 18 years old or older.

·        Comfortable speaking to individuals and groups in a friendly, engaging manner

·        Passion for promoting inclusion and the mission of SOSC

·        Access to transportation to and from event sites

BENEFITS

·        Make a measurable impact by expanding awareness and growing the SOSC community

·        Develop public speaking, outreach, and communication skills

·        Meet people passionate about inclusion and disability advocacy

·        Be part of a movement that creates joy and empowerment through sports

Volunteers serving as Bocce Officials must have prior knowledge of the rules and basic gameplay of bocce.

Description:

Description: 

QUALIFICATIONS: CPR & First Aid Certified. Experience in heat related issues and seizures

Description:

MUST HAVE OWN PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT. Ideal to have equipment suited for action photography in various lighting situations, including low-light areas. 

Description:

The Event Set-Up crew will assist with the set-up of event layout and equipment. This position will require walking and some lifting. Please dress comfortably with close toed shoes. After set-up Opening Ceremony will begin, where we will have volunteers and 'fans' like up on the football field to welcome in all athletes competing!

We’re looking for volunteers to help us assemble and organize our brand‑new event signage! This is a one‑day, one‑time office volunteer shift focused on preparing signage so it’s event‑ready for the season ahead.

Volunteers will help unpack, assemble, and sort signage materials including:

Each set will be assembled and packed into its own bag for easy distribution at future events.

This shift will take place at our office, is hands‑on but not physically strenuous, and is a great way to support our programs behind the scenes. Training and instructions will be provided on site, no experience needed!

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a coaching role.  

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities

After successfully completing the required qualifications and acknowledging the Background Check disclosure, a member of our staff will process your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, SOSC staff will contact you about next steps.

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a coaching role. After completing the required qualifications successfully, a member of our staff will contact you about next steps. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities

After successfully completing the required qualifications and acknowledging the Background Check disclosure, a member of our staff will process your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, SOSC staff will contact you about next steps. 

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a coaching role. After completing the required qualifications successfully, a member of our staff will contact you about next steps. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a coaching role. After completing the required qualifications successfully, a member of our staff will contact you about next steps. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a coaching role. After completing the required qualifications successfully, a member of our staff will contact you about next steps. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a coaching role. After completing the required qualifications successfully, a member of our staff will contact you about next steps. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities

We are looking for Team Volunteers in the following locations across multiple sports:

After successfully completing the required qualifications and acknowledging the Background Check disclosure, a member of our staff will process your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, SOSC staff will contact you about next steps. 

GOAL/IMPACT 

Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) is dedicated to creating opportunities for our athletes to find strength, success, confidence, and joy on and off the playing field. Making each competition meaningful to the athletes and to their families is important.  

The Games Management Team (GMT) is a group of volunteers that manages all aspects of the games.  The GMT concept incorporates several groups within a team to alleviate overload on one person. The GMT consists of the Games Director, Competition Director, Managers and Leads. Combined they are responsible for carrying out the mission, goals, planning and conducting high quality games while adhering to the predetermined timelines.  

 Volunteer Management Team (VMT) members assist with the overall check-in process at competitions and events. VMT members are typically the first face a volunteer sees upon arrival, and will help provide direction and instruction to volunteers.    

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

TRAINING & SUPPORT 

Commitment and Work-Site 

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS 

BENEFITS 

Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing, and offers families, teachers, caregivers and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children. Young Athletes classified as ages 2-7 years old. 

This role will be supporting a brand new Young Athletes Program ran by Rady Children's Health. This program is set to start early 2026 with a Volunteer Training scheduled on January 24th, 2026. The Young Athletes Program is tentative to start on Saturdays from 10:00am-12:30pm. This will run from February 7th to March 14th, 2026. 

Key Responsibilities

Click on the REGISTER button to become pre-qualified for a volunteer role. After successfully completing the required qualifications and acknowledging the Background Check disclosure, a member of our staff will process your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, SOSC staff will contact you about next steps. 

Description: 

Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing, and offers families, teachers, caregivers and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children. Young Athletes classified as ages 2-7 years old. 

Key Responsibilities

Click "Start Registration" to show an interest, a member of our staff will contact you about next steps to complete the required qualifications.