How to Become a Volunteer for Special Olympics of Howard County
Looking for a place to volunteer? Want to feel the joy of watching athletes with intellectual disabilities work hard and excel in the various sports? Need to earn Community Service Requirements for high school graduation or church requirements? Whether you are looking for a few hours a week or month or a larger commitment, whether you can help with administrative/office work, fundraising or want to work hands-on coaching the athletes, Special Olympics Howard County can use you!
Volunteer Opportunities & Requirements
Additional training may be required based on your selected volunteer opportunity. Documentation for all application and training requirements must be submitted to the Special Olympics Howard County office. Click on the volunteer opportunity below for more information.
General Volunteer
Sport Volunteer
Assistant Coach
Head Coach
Advanced Coach
Sports Coordinator
Attend a Volunteer Orientation
Anyone interested in volunteering must attend a volunteer orientation, complete a volunteer application and on-line Protective Behaviors and Concussion Courses. Parents are highly encouraged to attend an orientation. Volunteer orientations are scheduled for 7:00pm-8:00pm on the following dates:
Monday, November 13, 2023
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Monday, March 18, 2024
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 (held via Zoom)
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Monday, June 10, 2024
Except where noted, orientations are held at the Special Olympics Howard County office at 8970 Route 108, Suite A-1, Columbia, MD. For more information and to register, contact Volunteer Coordinator Megan Larson (meganlarson@somdhc.org).
Complete a Volunteer Application
In accordance with the Special Olympics Volunteer Screening Policy and with the interest of the health and safety of all participants in mind, we ask your cooperation by fully completing the Volunteer application below – all information is required and confidential. Please fill out and send to our Special Olympics Howard County office address. Volunteers under the age of 18 must also ask two adult, non-family references to complete the below Student-Minor Reference Form (e.g., teacher, school counselor, sports coach). Volunteer Applications must be updated every three years. For minors, Volunteer Applications must be updated upon reaching age 18.
Complete Protective Behaviors Training & Quiz
Click below to access the Protective Behaviors Training Program video and quiz. Type your name on the certificate at the end and print the certificate. Protective Behaviors Quiz must be re-taken every three years and is typically re-taken in conjunction with updating Volunteer Application.
Complete Concussion Training
Volunteers can choose one of the below concussion courses. Courses are completed on-line. At the end of either of these courses, volunteers must print a certificate to verify completion.
Our Sponsors
