Volunteers
“KEEN's transformed my idea of capability within the disabled community. No one is alike, it's taught me variety and diversity, not just between the kids but the volunteers, the people who come and support us".
-KEEN Coach
In addition to working with some great kids and young adults with disabilities, KEEN volunteers, or “coaches,” meet a variety of interesting community-minded people.
Volunteering for KEEN is fun and offers opportunities for occasional participation, regular involvement, and leadership. Volunteers don't need any prior experience working with disabled individuals – KEEN provides training prior to each session. Coaches don't need to be athletic, either. Our athletes will love you just as you are!
KEEN’s programs are structured so that each volunteer is assigned one program participant, or “athlete.” A coach’s job is to help athletes take part in different sports activities and to have a good time. Just before the athletes arrive and the session begins, coaches receive a profile with details about their athlete’s abilities as well as helpful coaching hints for that particular athlete. Our programs offer athletes a variety of options to ensure an activity is available to meet their needs.
Sometimes we do facilitate structured activities within our programming in order to maintain social distance to the best of our ability; coaches with particular skillsets are invited to guide us in structured activities during our programs.
In addition to coaching individual athletes, KEEN volunteers have the opportunity to become a member of our Coaches Committee, our program leadership group. This group plans and directs all KEEN activities, and provides a rewarding opportunity for leadership within KEEN.
Individuals/Young Professionals from surrounding areas are the core of KEEN’s volunteer base. KEEN understands the demands on these dedicated coaches, and does not ask them to make a formal commitment of time – they are welcome to show up when they can. But the rewards from interaction with their athlete and the other volunteers make them want to come back, time and again.
High School volunteers are welcome and KEEN provides student service hours. Spaces for high school student volunteers are limited, and to reserve a space, they need to register for each session. High school volunteers must be at least 15 years of age.
Corporate/University/Community Groups are welcome to volunteer at KEEN. Groups wishing to volunteer are asked to contact their local KEEN to reserve a program and a date.
To volunteer with KEEN, click the location nearest you.
Our Address
1900 K Street NW, Suite 100
Washington, DC 20006
Get Social With Us
KEENusa is a national, non-profit 501(c)3 organization with affiliates operating in
Chicago, Greater Washington DC, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and St. Louis