Volunteer as a Melanoma Messenger

Wondering how  to get more involved in the fight against melanoma?  Want to help raise awareness in your community?  Volunteer as a Melanoma Messenger for the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF)!

Each year, our volunteers - or Melanoma Messengers - contribute hundreds of hours to raising funds for new research and educating the public about this serious disease.  Whether speaking to the media, organizing a grassroots event in the community, or answering phones at our national headquarters, each Melanoma Messenger plays a crucial role in our success.

The MRF Melanoma Messengers program is a national network of volunteers that help educate, build awareness, and raise money for melanoma research in their local communities.  As a Melanoma Messenger, you can bring the national voice of the MRF into your local community.

Application Process:

Step One - Apply to be a Melanoma Messenger: Complete the online volunteer application. You will receive an email notification once your application has been received.

Step Two - Messenger Orientation and Training: Since volunteers like you are an invaluable part of the MRF team, we want to provide you with every tool necessary to ensure your success and satisfaction.  After we’ve processed your Melanoma Messengers application, you will be contacted by the MRF’s community engagement manager, who will provide you with an orientation packet, explain the Melanoma Messengers Toolkit, answer any questions you may have and assist you in selecting the volunteer opportunity that works best for you.

While many of our volunteer opportunities provide “on-the-job” training, the MRF offers specialized training workshops throughout the year (quarterly), at various locations across the nation.  The workshops are typically conducted over a weekend, and cover important information about:

• Active Listening & Communication
• Melanoma 101
• Speaking to the Media
• Grassroots Fundraising
• Advocacy 101

To find the training nearest you, check out MRF's Event Calendar or contact us at volunteer@melanoma.org.

Step Three - Start Volunteering: Here are just a few examples of what you can do as an Melanoma Messenger:

Special Events Support: Get involved with an existing MRF event!  Each year, our dedicated volunteers organize annual golf tournaments, gala dinners, walks and runs to benefit the MRF.  These events always need help.  Check out our Event Calendar to find out what’s going on in your area.  If there isn’t an event in your area, consider starting one!  Contact the MRF’s community engagement manager to learn how to host a special event in your community.

Speaker’s Bureau:  Join our team of volunteers who speak to groups in their community about the MRF and the services we provide.

Administrative Support:  Our office, located in Washington, D.C., has immediate needs for office support.  Duties may range from stuffing envelopes, to answering the phone and providing light data entry.

Advocacy: Become an advocate for the melanoma community. We need volunteers to help us push our legislative goals by meeting with their members or Congress, or writing letters of support (or opposition) of anti-tanning bills, etc. Once a year, we host a Lobbying Day on the Hill, but there are things to be done all year-long, right in your own community.

For more information about the MRF's Melanoma Messenger program, or any of our volunteer opportunities, send an email to volunteer@melanoma.org.