Volunteer

Volunteers are the heart of our organization. We provide a range of opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved and create a meaningful impact in the lives of those we support.

Become a Mend-tor

We are looking for volunteer Mend-tors (mentors for mending!) who care about crafting a welcoming space for social connection and are willing to learn visible mending skills. If you apply to become a volunteer Mend-tor, fear not—we will provide in-person training and help match you with a group or mending circle program.

What do Mend-tors do?

Volunteer Mend-tors assist the Lead Mend-tor in help a group launch a mending circle. They provide gentle guidance on mending skills and a welcoming, kind attitude. Mend-tors welcome people, pass out name tags, pose a fun question of the day, and guide individuals on visible mending. Art on the Mend will provide all instructional content and materials.

Mending circles can be for pre-teens, teens, adults, seniors, or intergenerational groups. Mend-tors commit to facilitating 4-6 initial sessions with the group. Sessions are typically one to two weeks apart. Each session lasts 1.5-2 hours.

At the end of these initial sessions, the group should be pretty capable to continue on their own without a Mend-tor. So, Mend-tors can choose to stay with the group and/or help another group get started. Mend-tors also can choose to whether they want to continue assisting the Lead Mend-tor again or want to lead a new group on their own.

All attendees of our programs become Mend-tors at the end of the program. No experience needed—just a kind, welcoming, can-do attitude.

Apply

Want to become a Mend-tor? Join one of our programs and then tell us a little about yourself using the form below. And we will be sure to be in touch!

Depending on the age group or location of your mending circle, you may need to apply to be a volunteer through the hosting organization. Each organization has their own required vetting process, background checks, and training. Here are the links for Arlington County Parks and Recreation, Public Schools, Libraries, and Affordable Homes and Communities.

Mend-tors for preteen and teen programs (and all age groups really) are highly encouraged to learn more about Project PEACE’s Becoming More Askable by attending a workshop, reading the brochure, or listening to the podcast. Becoming More Askable is an opportunity to ensure that every young person in Arlington has at least one askable adult (a person youth has identified as willing and able to listen, provide support and understanding, and answer questions without judgment).

Become part of the leadership team

We will need many hands on deck to launch this. Let us know if you want to lead, assist, mentor, or intern with any of the following or have some other superpower to offer:

Programming / Volunteer Coordinator

Social Media Manager – Responsible for taking photos and video at our events and posting on social media. Experience with Canva or similar basic graphic design programs helpful. 2-4 hours a week.

Photographer

Graphic Designer

Grants / Fundraising Coordinator

Finance / Treasurer / Setting us up as a nonprofit

Board Secretary

Guest speakers on fashion design, costume design, interior design, tailoring, textile artist, and other textile careers (for preteens, teens, and young adults)