BREAKING NEWS: New drug approved by the FDA for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Learn more about this new treatment option.

Volunteer and Empower Lives

Choose from one of many volunteer opportunities and make a difference for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases by increasing support for our community and expanding the impact of MDA’s mission.

Be a Part of Our Volunteer Team Apply to be a Summer Camp Volunteer Volunteer at Summer Camp View Available Volunteer Opportunities

Why Volunteer with MDA?

Volunteering with MDA offers a chance to make a direct, positive impact for people living with neuromuscular diseases. By dedicating your time and skills, you join a supportive community committed to providing resources, support, and hope. Whether you're lending a hand at events, raising awareness, or offering your expertise, your efforts contribute to MDA’s work in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of families. Every volunteer action brings us closer to a brighter future for all. Make a difference with MDA today.

Read more about the hidden benefits of volunteering in Quest Magazine

Sign Up to Volunteer

Ways to Get Involved

Find different ways to volunteer for MDA

  • A picture of MDA advocates at the U.S. Capitol.

    Advocate

    MDA volunteers advocate for policies that improve access to care, accelerate therapeutic development, and empower the neuromuscular disease community to lead independent lives.

  • A picture of an MDA mentor.

    Mentors

    MDA's Mentorship Program seeks professionals from diverse career fields to empower young adults living with neuromuscular diseases to pursue their career goals. Mentors guide participants through a 4-6 week virtual program—offering career advice, encouragement, and skill development activities.

  • A picture of an MDA fundraising event.

    Fundraising Events

    MDA fundraising campaigns and special events are a fun way to join your community in raising awareness and vital funds to support families living with neuromuscular diseases. Volunteers are needed to help organize events, support MDA partners, secure auction items, connect within communities and to assist with day-of responsibilities to execute events. These special events may include golf outings and galas), Muscle Walk and/or endurance programs (Team Momentum), Fill the Boot, retail programs, and other events.

  • A picture of seven kids having fun at MDA Summer Camp.

    Summer Camp

    MDA Summer Camp offers the experience of a lifetime to youth ages 8-17 living with neuromuscular diseases who attend as campers, and to the volunteer counselors and medical staff who support the campers as they participate in adaptive camp adventures. Volunteers are needed to take on the role of 24-hour caregiver, friend, and confidence-builder in weeklong, residential Summer Camp sessions nationwide.

  • A picture of many well dressed people at an event.

    Volunteer Committees/Advisory Groups

    Support MDA by becoming a member of an MDA board, committee, or advisory group. Provide direction, support, and guidance for various areas including: Volunteer Engagement, Grant Reviewal, Research, Fundraising Event Execution, etc.

  • A picture of a woman working at a computer.

    Virtual Volunteering

    Assist MDA from the comfort of your home. Volunteers are needed to connect with MDA partners via phone.

Specialized training and/or a criminal background check may be required. COVID-19 protocols and age restrictions may be in place for certain roles.

Register to View All Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer at MDA Summer Camp

As a camp volunteer you'll be providing around-the-clock care and attention to our campers, ensuring the daily needs of each child is met. Volunteers will push wheelchairs, assist in activities, and become a youngster's friend for a week! But don't just listen to us, see what one of our volunteers has to say.

I have been able to see a level of humanity some people never get to see. It has impacted me by broadening my perspective, increasing my empathy and love for others, as well as helped me see that even in the darkest of situations joy and happiness can be found.

Doug Bristow, MDA Summer Camp Volunteer

Ready to get started?

Fill out the form below to let us know you’re interested in becoming an MDA volunteer.
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Does your employer offer the following when volunteering with non-profits?



Volunteer Waivers


Please view the photo release before accepting.

Please view the volunteer waiver before accepting.





Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc.

If the Volunteer is a minor, the individual completing this form must be the parent or legal guardian of the participant. 

Waiver of Liability

In consideration of my (my child’s) participation in the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc. (“MDA”) Event, I (my child), on behalf of myself, my family members, heirs, personal representatives, and assigns (the “Releasing Parties”), do hereby release, waive, and discharge MDA, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, chapters, licensees, cooperating entities, agencies, representatives, heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns (the “Protected Parties”) from liability arising from any and all claims, in whole or in part, resulting from participation in the Event or from the negligence of the Protected Parties to the greatest extent allowed by law. 

Assumption of Risk

I know and understand the nature of the Event and its inherent risks.  I understand the demands of the activities involved relative to my physical condition, and I appreciate the types of injuries that may occur as a result of the Event and their potential impact on my well-being and lifestyle. I hereby assert that my participation is voluntary and that I knowingly assume all such risks. 

Public Health - COVID-19

I agree to comply with any and all health and safety protocols implemented by MDA or the Event venue appropriate to public health circumstances, including with respect to COVID-19, existing at the time of the Event.  Those protocols may include vaccination, proof of COVID status, self-monitoring, use of personal protective equipment, social distancing, or other measures.  

Indemnification

I agree to hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Protected Parties from any and all claims of the Releasing Parties arising from injury or loss due to my (my child’s) participation in the Event, including those arising from the inherent risks of the Event or the negligence of the Protected Parties to the greatest extent allowed by law. 

Grant of Permission and Release and Waiver of Rights  

 I understand that MDA may photograph or make audio, video or audiovisual recordings of the Event. In consideration of my (my child’s) participation in the Event, I hereby give MDA, its assigns, licensees, and legal representatives the irrevocable right to videotape, film, photograph, record or otherwise capture my (my child’s) likeness and voice (the “Participant Likeness”) and to use, broadcast, transmit, duplicate, transcribe and/or rerecord any and/or all of the foregoing in all forms and media (including, without limitation, in digital form or in or through any other form or means now known or hereinafter developed) for any and all purposes, in perpetuity, throughout the world, and to use my (my child’s) name and biographical information in connection therewith.  Use of the Participant’s Likeness may include, but not be limited to, photographs, sound and video recordings, films, broadcasts, brochures, publications, reports, web pages, social media posts, promotional materials or any other audio-visual, electronic, printed or tangible work in any media or format (the “Materials”).  I acknowledge that I (my child) shall not have any ownership in or use of the Materials or any right of review or approval regarding the use of the Participant’s Likeness in the Materials and I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished version(s) of the Materials, including written copy that may be created in connection therewith. 

 

Except for the consideration recited above, I understand that I (my child) will not be compensated in connection with the Materials, but that MDA will be relying on this Grant of Permission and Release and Waiver of Rights (the “Release”) in determining to use the Materials. Accordingly, the Releasing Parties hereby release and hold harmless the Protected Parties from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of the creation or use of the Participant’s Likeness and Materials. 

Personal Data

 I understand and agree that my personal data may be collected as a result of my registration and participation in the Event and will be used in accordance with MDA’s Privacy Policy.   

Acknowledgment of Understanding; Severability; Jurisdiction 

I have read this Waiver, Indemnification and Grant of Permission Agreement and fully understand its terms. I further acknowledge that I am signing this Agreement freely and voluntarily and intend my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability. If any portion of this Agreement is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.  This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

Terms for MDA Volunteer Program

The following terms and conditions apply to all MDA volunteers. Please review them carefully.

As a volunteer at MDA:

  • I acknowledge that I am volunteering of my own free will.
  • I understand that I will not receive any compensation from MDA, and I have no expectation of receiving compensation or benefits from MDA.
  • I understand that the volunteer services I am providing will not displace the work of an MDA employee.
  • I understand that service as an MDA volunteer is not a first step toward employment with MDA.
  • I acknowledge that both MDA and I have the right to end my volunteer service at any time, for any or no reason.
  • I agree to always conduct myself in a professional and courteous manner and to follow MDA's rules and policies as they apply to my volunteer work, and I understand that my work will be supervised by MDA staff.