Volunteer With Us

By volunteering, you’ll make it possible for more blind and visually impaired members of your community to go hiking, ride a bicycle, play goalball and so much more. Please help us provide visually impaired people in the Washington area with opportunities to live healthy and active lives! Register as a volunteer today!

What’s it like to volunteer? What should I know? Read a short FAQ below!

Do I need to commit to a regular schedule?

No, we do not require an ongoing commitment from our volunteers. You can volunteer at our events as frequently or infrequently as you like. But we’re confident that you’ll want to make it a regular habit after you see how rewarding it can be.

What will I be doing?

That depends on the activity you express interest in. Here are a few examples: On a hike, you would help guide fellow hikers. At goalball practice, we could use your help setting up the court or serving as a line judge. On a tandem bike ride, you would learn to ride as a “captain” on the tandem’s front seat, with a visually impaired partner riding as the “stoker” in the back seat. You can learn more about our activities here.

I am a sighted person, and I don’t know any blind or visually impaired people very well. What should I know? Do you have any tips about etiquette?

MWABA is led by blind and low-vision athletes working together with sighted participants. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, and where both beginners and advanced athletes can have fun and challenge themselves. With these objectives in mind, we offer these tips:

• Identify yourself when approaching someone who is blind, or when entering a room or space with them. Even if the person has met you before, they may not recognize you by your voice. In a group setting, address the person by name so they know when you’re talking to them. And inform the person when you depart, so they don’t continue the conversation to an empty room. 
• Understand that blindness is a spectrum, not binary. In the context of our activities, it may be useful for a sighted guide to understand the extent of another participant’s visual impairment, and it can be appropriate to ask, “Do you have some visual perception?” and “Would you like me to describe what I see during our bike ride/hike?” However, please be considerate and avoid unprompted or invasive medical questions.
• If you think someone who is blind may want help navigating on foot, ask first — it’s jarring for anyone to be touched without prior consent. For example, you may ask, “Would you like to take my arm/hand?” If someone wants help navigating, they will generally grasp the guide’s arm above the elbow.
• Don’t assume what someone is capable of doing or whether they want assistance. By all means, offer assistance, but if declined, trust that your assistance is not needed.
• If you see someone who is blind or visually impaired about to encounter danger, warn the person, using specific language, such as “there’s a curb right in front of you” or “the door in front of you is closed,” instead of “watch out!” Use directional language such as “to your left” or “directly behind you” rather than “it’s over here.” 
• Don’t pet or distract a working guide dog.

Of course, these etiquette tips are guidelines. Our formal code of conduct is available here. Our goal is to foster a relaxed, positive, welcoming environment for both blind and sighted participants. Our program coordinators are happy to discuss and to provide any further coaching as needed.

Do I need any previous experience?

Nope! We’ll provide any training, if applicable.

Where do I sign up?

Register as a volunteer here!

I have more questions. Who can I talk to?

We’re happy to discuss any questions, your potential involvement and any ideas to improve our programs. The best way to reach us is at mwaba.inc@gmail.com.

If you are so inclined, we could also use your financial support

No financial contribution is necessary for volunteers, but making a donation or paying annual membership dues helps our programs go farther. Plus, dues-paying members can apply for sponsorships, buy discounted bike jerseys, and participate in our board elections.

If you’d like to become a dues-paying member, pay $25 per year through one of these options. You can also make a donation of any amount through these same platforms:

1. Venmo: Our account is @MWABADC.

2. PayPal: Click on the button below to donate via PayPal:

3. Email: Contact us at mwaba.inc@gmail.com for other payment options.