Milwaukee Volunteer Opportunities for:
Students, Service Clubs, Colleges, High Schools, Groups, Corporations, or Anyone!
America SCORES Milwaukee | 7101 W Good Hope Road | Milwaukee, WI 53223 | 414.358.2510
© 2011 America SCORES Milwaukee
What are YOU interested in...
Nick Kasza
Having a lifelong interest in soccer, Nick considered volunteering for SCORES a no-brainer. He's played soccer his entire life and is an avid fan of the game -- most notably a fan of the European team Arsenal Football Club. As a strong community advocate, Nick says, "I wanted to make sure others have the opportunity to foster memories and friendships that develop from being part of a team. At a time when school budgets are shrinking, it's important for kids to have afterschool opportunities that allow them to be creative and active. I saw volunteering for SCORES as a way to preserve this opportunity for the kids."
Get Involved - Soccer - Soccer Coach Assistant
Description:
Help a soccer coach lead a practice sessions for a group of 16 students. Soccer practices cover fundamental game skills as well as discussions about teamwork and healthy behaviors.
Who Is Involved?
Group of 16 boys or girls, led by a writing ‘coach’
Frequency:
2 days/week, 1-2 hours after school – days and times dependent on school schedule.
Typical Day:
15min Stretching & other warm-up activities
35min Skill-based drills (dribbling, throw-ins, shooting)
30min Scrimmage
10min Discussion
Your Tasks:
Help the soccer coach oversee the children, and have fun by playing along with skill-building games. Lead a stretching routine while talking about healthy snacks or behaviors that are beneficial to the children. Referee a scrimmage, pass out balls, etc.
Commitment:
A lengthy commitment is not necessary, but we’re sure you’ll have fun playing; so you are welcome to come to every practice… remember to bring appropriate attire!

Get Involved - Soccer - Game Day Assistant
Description:
SCORES game days happen each week, and bring together over 150 kids from schools around the Milwaukee area. Each week the ‘poet-athletes’ play against a different team and occasionally have a bye week where volunteers help run fun activities.
Who Is Involved?
SCORES staff, ~200 children, parents, teachers, and other volunteers.
Frequency:
1 day per week – although the majority of games are on Friday, we do occasionally have games on other days. Each game day is subject to school availability, weather, etc.
Typical Day:
Teams arrive by bus between 3:45-4:00pm. A brief group introduction by SCORES staff sets up the day, instructing teams which field they will play on. Games run from 4:00-5:00pm with a short halftime. Teams assist in goal take-down and are back on the bus by 5:10.
Your Tasks:
1) Referee one game (boys or girls) for 1 hour.
-Although beneficial, no soccer background is necessary. SCORES soccer is learn-by-example, with lenient rules.
-Typical referee calls: out of bounds, goals, kick offs, etc.
-OR-
2) Goal Setup and takedown, Put out corner flags, Field Lining, Fill Water Jugs, Count and distribute snacks, Direct schools to appropriate field.
..or both! – just be sure to wear appropriate attire (it may be cold and muddy)
Commitment:
One day per week - 3:00-5:30
Get Involved - Creative Writing
Description:
Help a writing ‘coach’ lead a creative writing workshop for a group of 16 students. Fall writing workshops are poetry-based, while Spring workshops are creative-writing based, incorporating community service aspects.
Who Is Involved?
Group of 16 boys or girls, led by a writing ‘coach’.
Frequency:
2 days/week, 1-2 hours after school – days and times dependent on school schedule.
Typical Day:
15min Journaling
60min Lesson
15min Presenting Work/Reciting Poems
Your Tasks:
Help the writing coach oversee the children. Answer general questions children may have. Assist with word spelling and brainstorming writing topics. Maybe even write your own poems to share with the class!
Commitment:
Consistency is a key aspect to the SCORES programming. The children who participate look forward to working with mentors who are frequent visitors. Although not mandatory, we request that Writing Assistants volunteer at least once per week.

Get Involved - Community Service Projects
Spring Season Only
Description:
Help a writing ‘coach’ lead a community exploration and service project planning workshop for a group of 16 students.
Previous SCORES student's community service projects included: school-wide health initiatives, park cleanup and beautification, creating activity booklets for extended-stay patients at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, creating beaded safety whistles for younger students, and supply drives for homeless shelters.
Who Is Involved?
Group of 16 boys or girls, led by a writing ‘coach’.
Frequency:
2 days/week, 1-2 hours after school – days and times dependent on school schedule.
Typical Day:
15min Journaling
60min Lesson
15min Presenting Work/Reciting Poems
Your Tasks:
Help the writing coach oversee the children. Answer general questions children may have. Assist with creativity and brainstorming.
Commitment:
Consistency is a key aspect to the SCORES programming. The children who participate look forward to working with mentors who are frequent visitors. Although not mandatory, we request that Writing Assistants volunteer at least once per week.
Get Involved - Special Events
Description:
America SCORES Milwaukee hosts several special events throughout the year. Many program related, and others which are strictly fundraising and do not deal with children. Although not all events are listed, the primary SCORES events include:
America SCORES Milwaukee students participate in a round-robin soccer tournament with all participating schools.
A newly-developed fundraiser that matches local artists with SCORES student’s poetry. Inspired pieces of art will be auctioned.
America SCORES Milwaukee students gather to perform their original works of poetry.
SCORES students celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday while working with Starbucks partners to make collective poems.
SCORES students, coaches and families take part in our annual ‘day of action’. Previous years SCORES has partnered with Keeping Greater Milwaukee Beautiful – picking up trash along the Menomonee River Parkway. The 2011 event and date is TBD.
America SCORES Milwaukee’s annual indoor soccer tournament to raise funds for the expansion of programming to additional MPS schools.
A soccer festival and culminating event of the SCORES program year and a chance for our poet-athletes, coaches, and parents to celebrate their accomplishments.
Get Involved - Photography
Description:
America SCORES Milwaukee, as well as the national organization frequently use photographs of children, families, and volunteers in action on several different media types. America SCORES Milwaukee uses numerous pictures on the website, in email and print newsletters, for advertising posters, at special events and the list goes on. Nationally, America SCORES uses pictures from each city to use in national publications.
Who Is Involved?
You choose! Are you an expert in sport photography, or an amateur who is comfortable taking pictures in the classroom? No matter your skill level, America SCORES Milwaukee is looking for digital pictures of from all schools and all events!
Frequency:
At your convenience. Games are held once a week, but since we are a five day per week program, pictures can be taken when YOU are available.
Your Tasks:
Take as many or as few pictures as you’re comfortable. Digital images can be emailed to the SCORES office at HERE, or mailed on CD to:
7101 W Good Hope Rd
Milwaukee, WI 53223
Location:
All schools during the week, on the field or in the classroom, most Fridays at Baran Park for soccer games, or at special events/fundraisers!
Get Involved - Equipment Drives
Description:
America SCORES Milwaukee tries it’s hardest to provide soccer equipment and writing supplies to all teams. Though discounted prices are available through our national sponsors, there is limited funding available. Because of this, SCORES relies on donated items including: new or gently used soccer cleats, balls, jerseys, etc. and notebooks, markers, pencils, poster board, etc.
If you or your organization are capable and willing to run, or help run an equipment drive, please contact the SCORES office to determine what equipment and supplies are of the greatest need at the time.
Get Involved - General Volunteering & Internships
Description:
America SCORES Milwaukee will work with you on an individual basis to determine you interests and how they can benefit the organization. Whether you are a retiree, a high school student needing volunteer hours, a college student looking for an internship placement, or even a full-time employee - we'll do our best to Get You Involved!
Past Volunteer Spotlights
Amanda Woit
As a Cardinal Stritch University Alumni, Amanda reflects on her experiences as a SCORES volunteer:
“I volunteered for a service learning project my freshmen year and once I saw what this program was about I wanted to get involved. I’ve learned so much about the organization and its reach across the US. The kids are hilarious, the parents are so nice and the staff runs the program so well it is just fun to be a part of it.”
Often volunteering as a Friday game day referee, Amanda finds the poet-athletes enthusiasm and sportsmanship inspiring. She stated, “I love how much fun they have and how respectful they are even when they’re losing. They are not the best soccer players but they are learning.”
Amanda clearly remembers a conversation with one young poet-athlete: “The best conversation I had was with a little boy who asked me if I was in college, I told him yes, and he said he was not going to college but instead he would be a soccer star. I told him I thought that was great but college would be fun and he could be soccer star after that so maybe he should think about college and he told me... ‘yea I guess I could cure cancer or something first’.”


Tammy Gilpin-Ripp
Tammy began volunteering with SCORES in 2009 as one of the founding members of our Young Professionals Development Board. Now with over 20 members, Tammy has the opportunity to use her skill set of public relations to effectively raise awareness of SCORES in our community. As an Advertising Agency Account Director she has been a tremendous asset to the organization by leveraging her contacts to obtain coverage in web, print, and television media.
When asked why she chose to become involved with SCORES, Tammy responds, "I was looking for an organization that promoted physical fitness for children at a time when childhood obesity rates were rising. The program gives children who might not have physical activity included in their school programs or available play areas in their neighborhoods the chance to enjoy the benefits of exercise and team building. The writing component of the SCORES program offers a nice balance and creative outlet as well."
As America SCORES Milwaukee continues to grow, what Tammy finds the most interesting about the organization is the commitment from all of the people involved. She mentions, "I’ve found that SCORES members are actively involved in making the program a success which is key to improving the lives of the children the program serves."
While Tammy enjoys cycling, reading, writing, and the Milwaukee Bucks, she also leads an adventurous life -- she has traveled to over 10 countries outside of the United States!

During the SCORES season, Nick has always been a dependable game day volunteer. As a referee, he had the opportunity to meet numerous children and talk with them about SCORES programming as a whole. He finds the program intriguing in that, "It's not just about soccer -- it's also about fitness and creativity. While promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles, the program also challenges kids to use their imaginations and build creative writing skills."
An alumnus of the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Nick currently is the International Program Coordinator for the Milwaukee Community Service Corps. As a startup program, he researches potential locations, projects, and funding sources; and is the liaison between MCSC and potential partners. While not busy at work Nick likes following Badger football and basketball, enjoys reading, exercising, hiking, spending time outdoors, as well as traveling around the US and overseas.

Volunteer Application
All persons interested in volunteering must complete the America SCORES Milwaukee Volunteer Application.

Complete the form, print, and mail to: America SCORES Milwaukee 7101 W Good Hope Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53223
If you have trouble opening the documents, or have other questions please contact us by Email or phone: 414.358.2510