Volunteer | Brush Fire Painting Workshops

BE PART OF OUR COMMUNITY: VOLUNTEER!

For information about how to volunteer please send an email to volunteer@paintbrushfire.org or download this document (Word or PDF), fill it out and either scan it and email it to volunteer@paintbrushfire.org or just drop the signed form in the mail (address below). Thank you.

If you want a life changing experience, join us at Brush Fire Painting Workshops!
We have been helping children and teenagers express their feelings since 2003.

Why do we need volunteers?

As a volunteer, you are absolutely vital to our program. You really make the difference to the kids because you are able to connect out of love. Your presence as a volunteer means so much to the kids, especially after repeated appearances, because you become an outlet kids enjoy.

Who are our volunteers?

We welcome anyone who has some time to devote to others: students, stay-at-home-moms and dads, people taking time off as a result of a career change, artists, teachers, people who are new to volunteering, veteran volunteers, retired folks, people who are trying to give back to the community, people who want to get a bite out of life, people who want to share their love for art, and anyone else out there with a big heart and a few hours to dedicate to children and youth. If you are one of those people, come join us, wee need you!

WHY SHOULD YOU VOLUNTEER?

To help the youth in the San Francisco Bay area.

To gain experience working with children and teenagers to use in your workplace.

To excel in early childhood-development classes.

To connect with your community.

To network with other art lovers like you.

To share your passion for art.

To bask in the memories of how it was to be in elementary school.

To give and get love.

Join us! You will definitely get what you hope to get out if it!

How long is the volunteering period?

We ask our volunteers a minimum commitment of 8 weeks, which is also the minimum duration of most of our workshops in the schools we serve. The 8-week period is necessary to get to know the students one by one, so that they feel heard, seen, and acknowledged. During those 8 weeks, you will bond with your students and create a safe, non-judgmental environment where they can freely express their emotions and use the art-making process to channel and transform feelings. In our workshops, we ask a lot of our students: we ask them to be vulnerable and drop their inhibitions. Let’s give them a minimum: 8 weeks of your lives, 8 weeks out of love, 8 weeks to witness their lives.

WHAT DO YOU GET FROM VOLUNTEERING FOR US?

You will make the difference in somebody else’s life, and, in return, this experience will make a difference to you.

It is a learning experience. You will be amazed at what kinds can do.

You will look into the kids’ heart, but it will also be a chance for you to learn more about yourself. You will learn how you give a lot by just giving a little.

You will occupy your free time with something meaningful, unique, and highly rewarding from an emotional point of view.

You will be part of a team and will network with other people who share your same passion for art. You will be part of our community.

Learn interaction techniques and observe teaching skills you probably have not been exposed to before. Sometimes you will work side by side with Naomi, within the framework of our approach that is not based on the product but on the process.

And, don’t forget, it looks good on your résumé and scholarship applications.

WHAT DO WE LOOK FOR IN OUR VOLUNTEERS?

Children and teenagers need attention, love, and honesty. Commit to a set number of hours, and show up at every workshop you commit to, and the kinds will love you.

Over the course of our workshops, students get to know you and create a wonderful bond with you. It is important to be flexible while you work side by side with our teachers. Your contribution will make the workshops a safe space for exploration.

Are you a good listener? Our students will love your attention. Students have needs and we try to respect them, but it is important to maintain boundaries. We ask our volunteers to be non-judgmental, and accepting. Patience is a must. Remember to approach kids with a positive attitude and provide constructive positive feedback.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? LET US HEAR FROM YOU!

Where do our workshops take place?

Our workshops take place in schools and community centers. Some of the schools we collaborate with are Malcolm X Academy, Claire Lilienthal Alternative School, Miraloma Elementary School, and Ida B. Wells High School. We also work with YMCA, Juvenile Hall, and boys and girls clubs.

Who are our students?

Our focus is usually on underprivileged, public schools. We serve elementary and high schools where students come from families with mixed incomes.

What do we use in our Workshops?

We use cups for water, brushes, plastic pallets for colors, tempera colors. We keep it simple to allow as many schools as possible to have access to our program. After all, it’s about expression not materials.
Each workshop has a theme for students to explore, designed to free their creativity. There is no right or wrong, good or bad; students take the project wherever their imagination lead them. Our approach is: If you’re painting, you’re a painter!

HOW CAN YOU BECOME A VOLUNTEER?

If you want to volunteer for Brush Fire Painting, send us an e-mail at volunteer@paintbrushfire.org
We will get back to us as soon as possible. It is as easy as that