Nashville CARES offices at 633 Thompson Lane are currently closed for remodeling. All services are being provided at 442 Metroplex Drive Building D. You may also reach us at 1-800-845-4266

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Volunteer Opportunities

We Need Your Help!

For nearly 40 years, volunteers have helped Nashville CARES work toward our mission of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Middle Tennessee. With the help of an incredibly generous community, we have made huge strides in this fight over the past four decades. But as the need for Nashville CARES’ services continues, so does our need for ongoing support from folks just like you!

Volunteers support virtually every program at Nashville CARES, including Nutrition, Fundraising, Education, Administration, Special Events, and the Nashville CARES Clinic. Follow the steps below and start the process to join the CARES’ volunteer team today!

How to Become a Nashville CARES Volunteer

Go to the Nashville CARES Volunteer Portal

Click the button below to access our Nashville CARES Volunteer Portal. This is the first step in registering as a volunteer, no matter what your role.

Thanksgiving Example | Nashville Cares

Fill Out an Application

Once you are on the Nashville CARES Volunteer Portal, you can register as a volunteer by clicking “Sign Up For This Organization” and completing the online questionnaire.

STOP!  If you are simply wanting to volunteer in an Event Support role at any of CARES’ annual events (Nashville Pride Festival, Nashville AIDS Walk & 5K Run, annual Gala fundraising event, etc.), you are now eligible to sign up for these directly on the Nashville CARES Volunteer Portal. You’ll find them listed on the main page under “Available Opportunities”.  Event Support volunteer roles do not require the remaining volunteer onboarding steps listed below.

*Note* some events listed won’t be available for volunteer sign-ups until closer to the actual event date, so check back periodically.

 

ALL OTHER VOLUNTEER ROLES REQUIRE THE REMAINING ONBOARDING STEPS. Continue to next tab.

Mission Month Example | Nashville Cares

Sign Up for Ongoing Volunteer Support

Now that you’ve registered with the organization, you can explore and sign up for specific Opportunities. Aside from events mentioned previously, you’ll also see an Opportunity labeled “Ongoing Volunteer Support (Individual)”. Register for this if you would like to sign up to volunteer in any capacity other than events. Your specific role will be determined in a later step.

Community Day | Sexual Health Clinic Nashville

Complete a Mandatory Background Check

Once you attend a New Volunteer Orientation, the Volunteer Manager will email you instructions for completing a mandatory Background Check. This is a requirement for all ongoing volunteers who have direct-client interaction or may need access to sensitive client information. Please wait for your specific link with instructions so the background check gets reported back to Nashville CARES properly.

Dell Example | Sexual Health Clinic Nashville

Schedule Training

It’s finally time to schedule your initial volunteer training shift to begin your hands-on experience. Depending on your role, training could be completed in one volunteer shift or it may take several. You’ll coordinate this directly with the Volunteer Manager after your background check has been reviewed.

Lipscomb Volunteers | Nashville Cares

Start Volunteering!

Now you’re ready to jump in on your own! You’ll establish an ongoing volunteer schedule with the Volunteer Manager at the end of your last training shift. We’re so glad to have you onboard!

Go to the Nashville CARES Volunteer Portal

Click the button below to access our Nashville CARES Volunteer Portal. This is the first step in registering as a volunteer, no matter what your role.

Thanksgiving Example | Nashville Cares

Fill Out an Application

Once you are on the Nashville CARES Volunteer Portal, you can register as a volunteer by clicking “Sign Up For This Organization” and completing the online questionnaire.

STOP!  If you are simply wanting to volunteer in an Event Support role at any of CARES’ annual events (Nashville Pride Festival, Nashville AIDS Walk & 5K Run, annual Gala fundraising event, etc.), you are now eligible to sign up for these directly on the Nashville CARES Volunteer Portal. You’ll find them listed on the main page under “Available Opportunities”.  Event Support volunteer roles do not require the remaining volunteer onboarding steps listed below.

*Note* some events listed won’t be available for volunteer sign-ups until closer to the actual event date, so check back periodically.

 

ALL OTHER VOLUNTEER ROLES REQUIRE THE REMAINING ONBOARDING STEPS. Continue to next tab.

Mission Month Example | Nashville Cares

Sign Up for Ongoing Volunteer Support

Now that you’ve registered with the organization, you can explore and sign up for specific Opportunities. Aside from events mentioned previously, you’ll also see an Opportunity labeled “Ongoing Volunteer Support (Individual)”. Register for this if you would like to sign up to volunteer in any capacity other than events. Your specific role will be determined in a later step.

Community Day | Sexual Health Clinic Nashville

Complete a Mandatory Background Check

Once you attend a New Volunteer Orientation, the Volunteer Manager will email you instructions for completing a mandatory Background Check. This is a requirement for all ongoing volunteers who have direct-client interaction or may need access to sensitive client information. Please wait for your specific link with instructions so the background check gets reported back to Nashville CARES properly.

Dell Example | Sexual Health Clinic Nashville

Schedule Training

It’s finally time to schedule your initial volunteer training shift to begin your hands-on experience. Depending on your role, training could be completed in one volunteer shift or it may take several. You’ll coordinate this directly with the Volunteer Manager after your background check has been reviewed.

Lipscomb Volunteers | Nashville Cares

Start Volunteering!

Now you’re ready to jump in on your own! You’ll establish an ongoing volunteer schedule with the Volunteer Manager at the end of your last training shift. We’re so glad to have you onboard!

Siman Abara - Direct Client Care Volunteer

Siman lost her mother to AIDS and received a lot of help from people in tough times. “I just love contributing in a positive way that will make someone else’s life easier, even if it is small.”

Postmates - Corporate Volunteers

Volunteers from Postmates have participated in everything from phone banking for events, to delivering holiday meals, to packing food bags, to helping clients paint a home or a clear a yard.

Interested in Group Volunteer Opportunities?
Reach out to our Community Engagement & Volunteer Manager at volunteer@nashvillecares.org.

Eileen Wollam - Nutrition, Admin & Event Volunteer

“I knew when I retired, I wanted to volunteer. I lost several good friends to AIDS in the 80s and 90s, so I’ve always felt very strongly about supporting organizations like Nashville CARES.”

Couldn't find the answers to your questions? Email our Community Engagement & Volunteer Manager at volunteer@nashvillecares.org for any other questions related to volunteering with Nashville CARES!

Volunteer FAQs

What is the time commitment?

We are looking for volunteers who can make a commitment to CARES and who we can build a relationship with. A minimum of a 6-month time commitment is required, especially for roles where you have direct client interaction (CARE Teams, Food Delivery). The number of hours you serve is up to you.

Are there age restrictions?

Our age limit is 18 and over, due to the nature (sensitive information and/or interaction with clients) and difficulty level of our volunteer opportunities.

 

Can I work off court ordered hours?

We are not able to provide this service. Visit Hands on Nashville for a listing of non-profits in the area that do.

Apply Today!

Click the button below to fill out an application form.
A Volunteer Manager will review application and contact you for a brief in-person or over the phone interview.