VOLUNTEER
Resounding Joy enhances the human experience through the therapeutic use of music.
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
Youth, Teens, and Adults
General Volunteers
Resounding Joy’s volunteers are the many hands that contribute to making our events and programs a success. Our volunteers lend their talents in the office, at events, virtually, and throughout the community, embarking on a range of projects highlighting or expanding their existing skill sets. In the process, Resounding Joy volunteers deepen their understanding of and appreciation for music therapy. Volunteer schedules are very flexible. Some projects may require a background check.
Check our open volunteer positions at the bottom of this page.
High School & College Internships Available.
“I feel inexplicably thankful for every moment I have spent with Resounding Joy. I have learned a great deal about music therapy, and it only makes me more excited to study it in college. I’m also thankful for all of the lovely people I have had the honor of working with. Never have I been surrounded by such incredibly kind and passionate people in all my life. I admire you more than you know.”
Emma Daughters, Volunteer
“Your organization made an impression on me. I loved what I was able to accomplish and learn. Those were some of my happiest work/volunteer days to date.”
Joei Chou, Volunteer
Adults | Ages 18 Years and Older
Joy Givers
Joy Givers volunteer their time and talent in the Resounding Joy Mindful Music program to provide social / musical visits to individual older adults in skilled-nursing facilities. Resounding Joy trains Joy Giver volunteers to engage these residents in basic rhythm activities, listening to live or recorded music, simple conversation about musical preferences and experiences, and singing. It is not necessary to be a musician in order to become a Joy Giver to the many older adults yearning for personal social interaction.
Training is free of charge to Joy Giver volunteers, with the expectation that graduates will apply the musical skills they acquire to visit older adults in their communities on a voluntary basis. Joy Giver training does not qualify a volunteer to be a board-certified music therapist.
Requirements:
- At least 18 years of age
- Able to complete all required Joy Giver training
- Passionate about providing social / musical visits to older adult populations
- Supportive and eager to share comfort and joy through music
- Willing to & able to facilitate vocal & instrumental experiences with others for at least 1 year
- Willing to & able to pass a background check
Youth | Ages 6 to 18 Years
Junior Joy Givers
Junior Joy Givers volunteer their time and talent to foster intergenerational sensitivity and relationships through the use of recreational music in the Resounding Joy Mindful Music program. By training youth to initiate interactive music experiences with older adults, Mindful Music affords two widely distanced generations an opportunity to connect and find common ground. Additionally, because school budgets have reduced or eliminated arts and music curricula, Junior Joy Givers regain extracurricular learning experiences with potential to influence study and career decisions. And just as importantly, Junior Joy Giver service instills youth with the spirit of volunteerism and civic responsibility.
Junior Joy Giver volunteer training uses principles and approaches developed by professional music therapists, including use of drumming, marimba, music-making, QChord, singing, and tone chimes. Self-growth opportunities include performing and leading a group. Junior Joy Giver training is free of charge to volunteers, with the expectation that graduates will apply the musical skills they acquire to visit older adults in their communities.
Requirements:
- Between the ages of 6 and 18
- Able to complete all required Joy Giver training
- Able to volunteer one Saturday per month (3 hours each) for at least 1 year
- Passionate about providing social / musical visits to older adult populations
- Supportive and eager to share comfort and joy through music
“To more than 155 residents, from 65 to over 100 years old, Junior Joy Givers have been of immeasurable benefit. If we could have Junior Joy Givers here every week, it would be the ideal for providing joy and inspiration for all.”
Richard Kennedy, Former Executive Director- Brookdale Senior Living
Students, Adults | Professional Development
Interns
Non-Profit Operations:
We are now accepting applications on a rolling basis for Summer 2023, Fall 2023, and Winter 2024 interns, primarily at the college level. We work with applicants to determine the length of the internship, time commitment, and synchronous hours. To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to volunteers@resoundingjoyinc.org.
Current openings:
- Nonprofit Development Intern (with a focus on fundraising, marketing, and event planning)
- Community Outreach and Organizing Intern (with a focus on community engagement, event management, and volunteer coordinating)
- IT/Digital Support and Innovation Intern (with a focus on learning the technology and systems currently supporting Resounding Joy and how to improve them)
“Interning for Resounding Joy has been an absolute pleasure. I am incredibly grateful for the experiences it has given me and how it has and will continue to help me flourish in my academic, professional, and personal journey. I’ve been blessed to be a part of the amazing work that Resounding Joy does and it has been fulfilling to be able to contribute to good change in this world. The amazing people at Resounding Joy have shown me that there are forces in this world that are dedicated to helping others. I’m grateful for the kindness, flexibility, and grace that Resounding Joy instilled in my intern experience as I was able to grow in a healthy and positive environment. I hope that more people discover Resounding Joy because I have witnessed how they transform people’s lives with the magic of music. Thank you, Resounding Joy!”
Jacqueline Araujo, Winter-Spring 2023 Communications and Marketing Intern
“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work at Resounding Joy and meet all of the wonderful staff. Particularly, I wanted to thank Alyanna for being an incredible supervisor to all of the interns and for helping all of us grow immensely throughout the program.
I’ve been able to learn so much more about marketing, and how important it is to optimize your various social media platforms in order to raise awareness about a brand or organization. Through trial and error, I was able to see what content was the most engaging and brainstorm how we can improve our media presence moving forward. I also learned much more about event planning and the various elements that go into a successful event.
To me, the best thing about being an intern at Resounding Joy was being able to contribute to such an amazing cause. The organization is doing so much good for the greater San Diego area and I loved being able to witness its impact on underprivileged communities. I’m excited to see how Resounding Joy will continue to prosper in the future. Thank you so much for helping me grow and continue to learn!”
Nicole Choung, Summer 2023 Nonprofit Development Intern
Adults | Leadership
Board of Directors and Committee Service
We are actively looking for new members to join our Board of Directors and our DEI Committee.
Contribute your expertise, participate in strategic planning, represent the organization in the community, and serve as an advocate by promoting the program and services. We seek individuals who will passionately commit to our mission and goals, attend meetings and events, and help develop funding support. We support a culture that encourages board members to ask questions and challenge assumptions.