Get Involved with Fostering Great Ideas®
There are many ways to join our mission!
We encourage you to begin your journey by learning about Fostering Great Ideas. Several options are listed below. Find the one that is the best fit for you.
Want to Talk?
Contact Kendal below.
(She will reach out to you within 1-2 business days.)
Ready to Learn?
Plug In: Become a Volunteer or Advocate
This in-depth, interactive training helps you understand the unique perspectives of children and youth in foster care, the child welfare system, and the volunteer opportunities available. The training requires your full attention and participation on screen.
Who's it for? Anyone who is ready to plug in and serve - as a volunteer or simply to spread the word about our mission. This training is required before serving as a volunteer with Fostering Great Ideas.
Format: 2.5 hour interactive online session - includes 2.0 hr training (with breaks) and 0.5 hr screening
Ready to Volunteer?
Tutor
Become a Tutor Match volunteer for a child in foster care. Tutors must be at least 18 years old and commit to one hour (or more) of tutoring each week for a semester. Math and English (reading comprehension, grammar, writing) are the most common subject areas addressed, but there is a need for all subjects. Many students need overall academic support and guidance, as children in foster care often fall years behind their grade level.
All volunteers must complete our 2.5 hour training "Plug In: Become a Volunteer or Advocate".
Mentor
Become a Life Support mentor for a youth in foster care. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and commit to visiting their youth twice per month for as long as the youth remains in foster care. Many of the mentor relationships last for multiple years. Mentoring is a long-term commitment, but it will change two lives for the better - yours and the youth!
All volunteers must complete our 2.5 hour training "Plug In: Become a Volunteer or Advocate".
Driver
"Be the Link" when you become a Sib-Link driver for siblings who are living apart. Volunteers must be at least 25 years old with a good driving record and must own or lease a vehicle no more than 10 years old. Volunteers commit to driving the child(ren) to sibling visits twice each month (average of 100 miles round trip). The smiles you provide are priceless!
All volunteers must complete our 2.5 hour training "Plug In: Become a Volunteer or Advocate".
More Ways to Get Involved
Lunch & Learn
Dive deeper on topics related to child welfare: family stability, child development, and community partnership. This 1-hour lunchtime discussion is offered by appointment.
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Experience Life in Limbo®
Build your empathy to a new level through our interactive workshop. Discover how children and their families feel and respond to foster care. This 2.0 hour workshop is offered by appointment.
Host or Sponsor an Event or Fundraiser
Help host fundraising or themed events to benefit Fostering Great Ideas and the client groups we serve. We love to partner with community groups, faith groups, and corporations.
Offer Your Expertise
Provide life lessons, job shadowing, or general guidance for young adults navigating life after foster care.
Become an Ambassador
Ambassadors are representatives of Fostering Great Ideas to the greater community.
Our Ambassador program is a dynamic way we engage individual volunteers, corporations, civic and faith-based partners, and state-wide changemakers.
Find more details in this Ambassador Overview PDF.
Upcoming Trainings
Upcoming Events:
Need More Information?
Fill out the form below to ask further questions about getting involved with Fostering Great Ideas.