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Volunteer Animation Substitute Tutor

Department: Programs & Arts Education

Organization: A Free Bird | 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Position Type: Unpaid Volunteer

Location: Remote (Volunteers must reside in the United States)

Commitment: Approximately 1 hour per week, as needed | Minimum 1-Month Commitment

Do you love animation and digital art and want to give back to your community? Volunteer with A Free Bird and share your creativity with children and teens affected by cancer, helping them build confidence, imagination, and joy through the arts.

About A Free Bird

A Free Bird is a technology-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and teens affected by cancer through the healing power of the arts. Through programs in visual arts, music, writing, acting, dance, photography, and other creative experiences, we help children build confidence, resilience, and hope during their cancer journey.

We believe passionate volunteers are at the heart of our mission. At A Free Bird, you'll join a supportive, collaborative community where volunteers learn from one another, gain valuable experience, and make a meaningful impact on children's lives.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for passionate, dependable volunteer animation educators or practitioners to serve as substitute tutors in our virtual arts program.

As a Volunteer Animation Substitute Tutor, you'll step in when a scheduled tutor is unavailable, helping children continue receiving engaging, high-quality animation instruction without interruption.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with children, sharing their skills, and making a meaningful difference through visual storytelling and self-expression.

Commitment Expectations

To help ensure continuity for our students, volunteers are expected to:

• Commit to at least 1 month
• Be available to substitute for approximately 1 hour per week, as needed
• Communicate promptly regarding availability and scheduling

We're looking for volunteers who are reliable, flexible, and excited to support children through creativity.

Position Overview

The Volunteer Animation Substitute Tutor provides virtual animation instruction for children and teens affected by cancer when regularly scheduled tutors are unavailable. Tutors create engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences that build skills, confidence, creativity, and self-expression while maintaining a supportive and encouraging environment.

Key Responsibilities

Animation Instruction

• Facilitate engaging virtual animation sessions for children ages 4-18
• Introduce age-appropriate concepts such as character design, storyboarding, movement, timing, sequencing, and visual storytelling
• Adapt projects based on each child's interests, age, skill level, and available digital or traditional tools
• Encourage creativity, confidence, problem-solving, and self-expression through animation
• Foster an inclusive, supportive, and positive learning environment

Program Support

• Follow existing lesson plans or adapt activities as needed
• Communicate with the Programs team regarding session updates
• Complete required pre-session and post-session evaluations
• Submit required session documentation when applicable
• Notify program staff of any concerns regarding participant well-being

Collaboration

• Communicate professionally with children, parents, caregivers, and fellow volunteers
• Support A Free Bird's mission and maintain a positive learning experience for every child

Qualifications

We're looking for candidates with:

• Experience in animation, digital arts, illustration, visual arts, or a related field (students and recent graduates are welcome to apply)
• Familiarity with animation concepts and the ability to guide projects using accessible digital or traditional tools
• Experience teaching, tutoring, mentoring, or working with children preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Creativity, patience, flexibility, and reliability
• Ability to facilitate engaging virtual learning experiences
• Access to a reliable computer and internet connection
• Volunteers must reside within the United States

Experience working with children affected by serious illness is a plus but not required.

What You'll Gain

After successfully completing your 1-month commitment, you'll receive:

• Professional reference letter
• Certificate of completion
• Hands-on experience teaching animation and digital arts in a nonprofit setting
• Experience working with children through creative arts education
• Opportunities to collaborate with experienced educators, volunteers, and nonprofit professionals
• Valuable networking opportunities within A Free Bird's nationwide volunteer community
• Access to free educational workshops and open classes across multiple departments within A Free Bird
• The opportunity to directly inspire and support children affected by cancer through creativity

Our Culture

At A Free Bird, we believe our volunteers are family.

We foster a friendly, collaborative, and positive environment where volunteers support one another, share ideas, and work together toward one shared mission: empowering children battling cancer through creativity.

As a technology-driven nonprofit, we embrace innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning to maximize our impact and better serve children and families.

How to Apply

Please send your resume and a brief introduction to HR@afreebird.org.

Subject Line:

Volunteer Animation Substitute Tutor Application - A Free Bird