Become a Volunteer

IBPF Volunteer Opportunities 

Parent-to-Parent Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to provide information and support to caregivers raising children with bipolar disorder. Candidates must be caregivers who are patient, objective, knowledgeable about bipolar disorder and familiar with the IBPF’s mission. Volunteers primarily support the objectives of providing support, linking caregivers to resources and empowering families to make informed decisions that are best for their loved ones

Volunteers will be asked to identify specific areas of expertise and/or experience that could be a resource to other volunteers. All volunteers will be able to take advantage of this valuable resource.

An interview is required, and a recommendation by an existing parent-to-parent network volunteer is preferred. Training is provided. Please contact Thomas Kelly. 

Volunteering opportunities include

Online Support Groups: Volunteers needed with a minimum of 4 months active experience in an online support group. Strong working knowledge of pediatric/adult bipolar disorder and treatments is necessary. Volunteers work in teams of at least two per group and work on a rotating schedule. Primary responsibilities are to guide parents to resources, ensure that support group rules and guidelines are followed to keep the groups safe and supportive, and ensure that questions are answered by group members or volunteers.

Our need for volunteers varies from month to month. Whether we find a match for your offer right away or not, we appreciate your offer and will keep you in mind. If you can spare just a couple of hours a week or can make a larger commitment, we invite you to join our volunteer network. You can use your current skills and learn new ones, make new friends, and help other families. We know, from our own experience, that it can be deeply satisfying and empowering to turn one's hard-won experience into valuable and compassionate assistance, advice and advocacy.

We host a variety of events including our annual gala and Mental Health Fair, as well as attend local conferences. We are always happy to have volunteers help us by doing work at home or representing IBPF at the event.

International Bipolar Foundation hosts several local, North County support groups. We are pleased to tell you we are expanding both locally and nationally. If you are interested in becoming an IBPF trained support group leader, please contact us or visit our affiliate section of this website.

Our Education Committee is always looking for more schools and community organizations that would be interested incorporating our anti-stigma campaign. The materials, training and follow-up are free of charge to you. If you know of such a group, please contact us.

If you are undecided about where you would like to help out, and would like us to match your interests with IBPF’s needs, please send a note to contact@internationalbipolarfoundation.org. Briefly describe your background and skills and your interests in working with us. We may ask for your references.