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Volunteering for Cancer Lifeline

Volunteers are an important part of our programs, helping to staff our Lifeline, assist in administrative tasks, as well as with fundraising, committees, mailings, events and important guidance on the Board of Directors. Volunteers provide a wide range of specialized talents and skills and we depend on their energy and enthusiasm. We invite you to become a volunteer!

Currently Recruiting for: Lifeline Specialists & Board of Directors

The volunteer process is as follows:

Cancer Lifeline is a 49 year old nonprofit based in Seattle serving those impacted by a cancer diagnosis throughout Western Washington and beyond. Our mission is to optimize the quality of life for people living with cancer. We define those people as patients, survivors, friends, family, caregivers and co-workers.  We provide this support through our free programming: telephone Lifeline, Lifeline chat, support groups, educational presentations, classes in nutrition, gentle movement/exercise, and stress management as well as one on one mental health counseling.

We are looking for new board members to help us raise our visibility, make new connections and help guide us as we grow. Board members serve a 3-yr term and meet every other month. Individuals from traditionally underserved communities are encouraged to apply!  For question or to apply, fill out the Board Application and send to Joseph at [email protected].

Download the Board Application here.

Location:  Dorothy S. O’Brien Center, 6522 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

Our telephone Lifeline provides emotional support and resource referrals to anyone who is living with cancer; patients, survivors, friends, family members, caregivers and co-workers, Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm. Volunteers must be comfortable listening to profound emotions and have the ability to be a good listener, provide non-judgmental support and understand that listening does not equate to giving advice or trying to fix some aspect of the situation.

 Volunteer Requirements:

  • Must have a telephone if connecting remotely to the Lifeline*
  • Must have access to the internet for completing log reports and assisting callers to register for programs and classes
  • Participate in Lifeline in-services
  • Make a one year commitment to role of Lifeline Volunteer
  • Provide advance notice of 2-3 months when plan to leave Lifeline Program

Training Requirements:
Participate in an 18-hour Zoom training program. After training, you will be asked to take up to four 3-hour weekday shifts per month.

Snapshot of Training Material:
  • Confidentiality
  • Lifeline Policies & Procedures
  • In-depth Education on Cancer Lifeline Programming
  • Understanding Cancer Pathways
  • Active Listening Techniques
  • Exploring the Grieving Cycle
  • Assessment of Suicidal Callers
  • The Four Needs of People Affected by Cancer
  • Creating Open-ended Responses
  • Clarifying Content
  • Exploring Caller Issues
  • Discussing Our Own Experiences With Death & Dying
  • Beliefs About Helping
  • In-class Role Plays (also conducted over the phone)

** Due to COVID, volunteers are providing support remotely.

Location: Dorothy S. O’Brien Center, 6522 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

Volunteer Requirements: 

  • Working with Excel & Microsoft Word (potential for database work)
  • Conducting Reminder Calls
  • Shredding
  • Filing
  • Event Support
  • Assisting the Development and Program Teams with Various Tasks
  • Other Needs to be Determined.

Schedule: Flexible

If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering, please call or email Blair LaFavor at 206-832-1290 or [email protected]