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How to Help

Volunteer

 

Volunteer for the MRF

Volunteers are the MRF’s most valuable resource. Each year, our volunteers contribute hundreds of hours to raising funds for new research and educating the public about melanoma. Whether joining us to lend a helping hand at an MRF event or organizing a grassroots event in the community, each volunteer plays a crucial role in our success.

Our national network of volunteers help to educate, build awareness, and raise money for melanoma research. By affirming the statement of core values and guidelines for success as an MRF volunteer, you can make a difference in your local community and to the melanoma community at large.

Volunteer Opportunities

MRF volunteers are critical to our success!

You can get involved in a variety of different ways:

  • MRF Sponsored Events: Get involved with an existing MRF event! Check out our event calendar to find out what’s going on in your area.
    • Gala series: Galas are the organization’s premiere fundraising events. Onsite volunteers will help with registration, greeting, end of night checkout, auction assistance and set up/tear down. 
    • Miles for Melanoma 5k series: Held across the country, Miles for Melanoma 5k Run/Walks are community fundraising events that support the critical research for viable melanoma treatments so desperately in need. Volunteers will help with set up/tear down, registration, distributing t-shirts and course monitoring.
  • Local (CommUNITY) Fundraising Events: Each year our volunteer fundraisers raise almost a quarter million dollars to support the MRF’s mission. They do this by hosting cookouts, organizing group bike rides, dart or poker tournaments, attending professional sports games and many other creative events. These events always need help. Find more information here.
  • Advocacy: Become an advocate and help represent the patient and caregiver voice by sharing powerful stories and the collective needs of the melanoma community. The MRF staff and volunteers work at the local, state, federal and regulatory levels to promote increased funding for new and innovative science, access to affordable, quality health care, access to sunscreen in schools, tanning bed legislation and more. Whether you are attending our annual Advocacy Days, meeting with your local lawmakers or providing feedback on regulatory issues, YOUR voice is critical in the fight against melanoma!
  • Certified Melanoma Educators: Join our team of Certified Melanoma Educators who raise awareness by educating members of their community, distribute educational materials to schools, doctors’ offices and health fairs, etc.
  • Advocate Grant Reviewer: Beginning in 2019, melanoma patient advocates were invited to participate in the grant review process to share their perspective on which areas of research should receive grant funding. The MRF is currently seeking melanoma patient advocates to join this year’s research grant review panel. Formal scientific training is not required, but those with such a background are welcome to apply. For any additional information or any questions, please email [email protected].
  • Share your Story: As part of our effort to raise awareness of melanoma, the MRF frequently speaks with members of the media. If you are interested in sharing your story about your personal experience with melanoma, please complete this questionnaire (responses are kept private and not released publicly) or email us at [email protected].
  • Special Projects (remote opportunities and internships): Please email us at [email protected] for additional opportunities.

Volunteer Contact

Are you a Dermatologist or Medical Oncologist looking to get more involved?

There are many ways dermatologists and medical oncologists can get involved with the MRF. Your community members rely heavily on experts like you to provide them with accurate and trustworthy information on things like sunscreen use, melanoma prevention, diagnosing melanoma early and the latest information on melanoma treatment options. Here are some simple ways you can help make a difference.

  • Attend and promote the MRF’s fundraising and educational events
    • Volunteer to provide free skin checks at an event near you, such as our Miles for Melanoma 5k run/walks or educational symposia. Research shows detecting melanoma early can dramatically improve a prognosis. Help us catch any potential issues by donating your time to provide skin checks. Email us at [email protected].
    • Create a team and participate in a Miles for Melanoma 5k Run/Walk near you! Gather your friends, family and colleagues and register as a team. This is a fun way to get involved in a local community event while having a big impact on the fight against melanoma!
    • Volunteer onsite at a Miles for Melanoma 5k run/walk! Held across the country, Miles for Melanoma 5k Run/Walks are community fundraising events that support the critical research for viable melanoma treatments so desperately in need. Volunteers will help with set up/tear down, registration, distributing t-shirts and course monitoring.
    • Join us at one of our Galas! Galas are the organization’s premiere fundraising events. Onsite volunteers will help with registration, greeting, end of night checkout, auction assistance and set up/tear down.
    • Attend a Patient Symposium! Help us expand our reach into local communities so we can educate as many people as possible about melanoma prevention and early detection, by encouraging your patients/clients to attend our events. Or, if you’re interested in co-hosting a patient symposium with the MRF, email [email protected].
  • Advocacy: Become an advocate and help represent the patient and caregiver voice by sharing powerful stories and the collective needs of the melanoma community. The MRF staff and volunteers work at the local, state, federal and regulatory levels to promote increased funding for new and innovative science, access to affordable, quality health care, access to sunscreen in schools, tanning bed legislation and more. Whether you are attending our annual Advocacy Days, meeting with your local lawmakers or providing feedback on regulatory issues, YOUR voice is critical in the fight against melanoma!
  • Share free MRF education materials at your office, such as the Melanoma Patient Guide, Caregiver’s Guide, melanoma fact sheet, bookmark or others. By having this important literature available to your patients or clients, you will make a difference in your local community and to the melanoma community at large. Don’t forget…you can order these materials for free! If you have any questions about our educational materials, email [email protected].
  • Serve as a media expert on behalf of the MRF. As part of our awareness-building efforts, we work with reporters who often want to speak to an expert on melanoma prevention and detection. If you’d like to volunteer with the MRF in this manner, email [email protected].
  • For additional opportunities – please contact our Partnerships and Clinical Engagement Manager at [email protected].

Dermatologists or Medical Oncologists Contact

Volunteer Resources

Here are a few free resources to help you as you work to educate others about melanoma:

Melanoma Education

Keep up to date on the latest information about melanoma. Click here for free printable educational materials.

MRF Logo Use Guidelines

MRF logos are available upon approved request of the marketing team. If you have any questions about logo usage, please contact [email protected].