About Us

Muscular Dystrophy Association Raises Awareness of Need for Volunteers to Donate Time at MDA Summer Camp

MDA launches #WhyIvolunteerForMDA campaign during National Volunteer Month.

NEW YORK, NY - April 5, 2023 - Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with neuromuscular diseases, is kicking off April's National Volunteer Month with "#WhyIvolunteerForMDA." This campaign will showcase the benefits of joining the MDA community and encourage volunteer participation.

Each week for April's National Volunteer Month, MDA will feature a volunteer across its social media channels to share why they volunteer for the organization. MDA will also have a different volunteer "take over" its Instagram channel from now through December to share their experience. The goal for the campaign is to increase the number of volunteers donating their time in support of both mission and fundraising programs for hundreds of thousands of people diagnosed with neuromuscular disease across the country.

MDA is seeking in-person and virtual volunteers for a variety of programs including MDA Summer Camp, Advocacy, Fill the Boot, Team Momentum, Golf and Gala events and other fundraising activities. MDA offers flexible volunteer opportunities for those 16 and older, and MDA Summer Camp counselors must be 18 and older and are vetted and trained by the organization.

About MDA Summer Camp

During a week-long summer camp taking place at 22 in-person locations nationwide as well as a virtual option, MDA provides empowering and life-changing summer camp experiences to hundreds of children and young adults ages 8-17, at no cost to families. Campers forge lifelong friendships and learn vital-life skills, including how to advocate for themselves. Supported by their counselors and medical staff, campers also gain independence and confidence.

"Before MDA Summer Camp begins, volunteers receive training and orientation at camp the day before campers arrive. This training provides information about neuromuscular disease, considerations for working with youth, hands on experience to practice lifts and transfers, and much more," said Alicia Dobosz, Vice President, Community Engagement, MDA.

"Muscular Dystrophy Association has an impressive base of dedicated volunteers. However, as we provide more opportunities and support more families in the neuromuscular disease community, it is necessary for us to increase our volunteer base to reflect these evolving demands. Our most immediate need is to secure the volunteer counselor roles for the MDA Summer Camp. Simply stated, without the volunteer counselors, we can't hold the camps. Our goal for this campaign is to increase the awareness and visibility of these essential roles, and to share how much our volunteers enjoy being a part of MDA," said Wendi Dressen, Senior Director, Volunteer Programs, MDA.

When MDA Summer Camp volunteer counselor Devin Jensen was asked what he would say to someone thinking about volunteering with MDA, he said he would tell them "GO FOR IT. Seriously. You'll get to work with some amazing people doing work that makes the world a better place. The people who come back to volunteer for MDA year after year, are some of the best, most kindhearted people I've ever met. The difference you can make is extraordinary."

"Volunteers are motivated to participate by an organization's mission and the positive impact they can have on the community an organization serves," said Dressen. Research from the Mayo Clinic, an MDA Care Center Network location identifies additional benefits. "Volunteering improves physical and mental health, provides a sense of purpose, and teaches valuable skills while nurturing new and existing relationships."

MDA will be posting throughout the campaign on social media using @MDAorg with #WhyIvolunteerForMDA.

About Muscular Dystrophy Association

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of our families. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org and follow MDA on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.