Volunteering

Imagine three counties: Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas. Now, think of each dwelling of each rider that Ride Connection serves, and each destination that we drive to. Imagine bright lines on a map that connect them all. Whether you picture someone's home in a house, apartment, retirement facility or assisted living facility; whether the rider is from the inner city, a suburban area or a rural community, each one is important, each one is counting on us. You can be part of the "Mobility Fleet" of volunteers who provides caring service to people who really need it. Join Ride Connection's "Mobility Fleet"! You can volunteer to drive in your Portland metropolitan area community.

Volunteer Driver

• SW or NW Portland area volunteer driver
• SE Portland area volunteer driver
• N or NE Portland area volunteer driver
• East Multnomah County volunteer driver
• Washington County volunteer driver
• Clackamas County volunteer driver
  
  Drive your own vehicle or a Ride Connection community partner's vehicle. By volunteering to drive, you give the gift of mobility to a senior or disabled neighbor. You will provide door-to-door transportation with flexible hours. Our community partners work with you to create a schedule that works.
  
  Less time available? Volunteer to join our driver pool. Two kinds of driver pools are available.

1. Special event driver. Drive for special events such as Holiday Lights and weekend field trips. You can schedule this volunteer opportunity in advance.
2. Fleet maintenance pool. Drive a vehicle for required service appointments. A flexible schedule is available.

• Volunteer application
• A good driving record (DMV check is required)
• A criminal history check is required
• Possess a valid driver's license with a minimum of five years licensed driving experience
• Patience and flexibility
• Approximately 1/2 day per week is requested
• Training is required. Ride Connection provides the necessary training
• Ride Ambassador
  
  Volunteer to show new riders how to become more independent using public transportation. Join a group of people who are interested in mobility and independence for seniors and people with disabilities. We invite you to get involved!

Gresham Area needs Four Wheel Drive vehicles (and drivers) to donate their time to assist during inclement weather

Wanting to connect with the community but don’t know how?  Ride Connection may be the answer!  Join others who are making their own lives and the lives of others better with every mile driven!  When unique weather conditions, disasters or emergencies occur four wheel drive owners are needed to help deliver food and medication, and to transport older adults and people with disabilities to various life sustaining destinations such as to medical appointments. Sign up in advance of the bad weather so all the paperwork and training may be completed prior to going out!

Opportunities are flexible, and drivers may choose to provide rides that are convenient to their homes throughout the East County. Excellent orientation and free driver training provided. For more information please call Leslie Garth, East County’s U-Ride Transportation Coordinator at 503.988.3840 #29981 or at lgarth@rideconnection.org. 

Ride Ambassador volunteer requirements:

• Experience riding bus and light rail
• Volunteer application and three references
• Interview with Ride Connection's Volunteer Recruiter/Coordinator
• Criminal background check with fingerprinting
• Six hour training provided by Ride Connection

Volunteer Concierges/Escorts

Wanting to be out and about with others but don’t know about all the opportunities awaiting you?  Ride Connection may be the answer!  Join hundreds of volunteers who are making their lives and the lives of others better with every mile driven!   Ride Connection needs volunteer concierges/escorts to safely assist riders who are older adults and people with disabilities in and out of the vehicle in a safe and efficient manner. When on grocery shopping trips, volunteers may be asked help read labels, push carts and to compare prices.  Volunteers may also choose to carry the rider’s packages/sacks when needed, requested and appropriate. For more information, call Community Outreach Specialist Trink Easterday at 503.528.1738 or at teasterday@rideconnection.org 

Ride Connection office volunteer
Volunteer in Ride Connection's office. Help with quarterly newsletter mailings, assist with data entry or help with a special project. Office hours are 8:30 am until 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Intern/Service Learning/Practicum students
Ride Connection welcomes interns, practicum students and individuals involved with service learning. Prospective volunteers meet individually with Ride Connection's Volunteer Recruiter/Coordinator to determine the best placement. Please consider Ride Connection for your student learning experience.

Trainer
If you're comfortable in front of a group, consider volunteering as a trainer. Teach defensive driving or mobility awareness classes or orient drivers and escorts on vehicle operations and wheelchair securement. Training is required and provided by Ride Connection. A minimum six month commitment is requested.