Aging Studies Grad Student Completes Internship with Alzheimer's Association
Seeking volunteers in the Mankato Area
Aging Studies graduate student Danielle Freitag is currently completing her internship with the Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter. She shares this recap of her work with the organization:
I am a community education intern with the Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter. Because of current social distancing practices, I am located remotely but work out of the Edina office. My experience thus far has been nothing short of amazing, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunities the Association has given me and continues to give. Part of my responsibilities includes connecting with community education volunteers in the surrounding area and assisting them with virtual presentations. I also will conduct educations about Alzheimer's as needed and organize some of the communication about the presentations via email. These are presented to individuals in the community as well as corporate businesses who would like to learn more about the disease. Another large part of my internship is to expand the community education volunteer base throughout the Mankato area. I am assisting in recruitment and training in the future to bring more education to Mankato. Community education and volunteer recruitment are the main areas of focus but are among several other duties. Again, I am so grateful for my opportunity with the Alzheimer's Association and know that this will help me grow personally, professionally, and academically.
Interested in volunteering with the Alzheimer's Association?
The Alzheimer’s Association is seeking volunteers in the Mankato who are willing and able to be a community educator.
Community Educators are volunteer speakers who help provide education and expand the reach of Alzheimer's Association programs. Community Educators deliver Alzheimer's Association programs on topics related to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias using prepared materials.
These volunteers provide programs scheduled by Association staff and help identify potential community partners and education venues using their established community networks. Community educators assure that the general public, caregivers and people living with Alzheimer's or dementia are linked to Alzheimer's Association programs and our free 24/7 Helpline. They are true partners with our staff and extend the reach of our programs to all communities.
KEY ACTIVITIES:
- Communicate effectively and deliver Core Curriculum (Common Programs) presentations and information to the community.
- Adhere to Alzheimer's Association’s established curricula and position statements.
- Work with Alzheimer’s Association staff partners to identify and coordinate education programs that reach target audiences. Coordination includes securing program partner, scheduling, preparing presentations, and managing needed materials.
- Serve as presenter for chapter-scheduled education programs and conferences.
- Connect members of the community with additional Association services by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline.
- Complete necessary paperwork for reporting.
Currently, the role looks a little different as community educators are conducting educations via an online video platform. However, in the future, as we are able to transition back to face-to-face, we are hoping to provide more education in the Mankato area.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Danielle, at dafreitag@alz.org or visit the Alzheimer’s Association website for more information or to apply.
