Join Our Team of Volunteer Advocates!

Did you know that xMinds provides free consultations to help families with autistic children navigate the MCPS special education system? We’re looking for volunteer advocates who can help guide and support families through what is often a windy and bumpy road. Selected applicants will work as part of a collaborative team that provides families with valuable information and connects them with resources, including educational consultants and attorneys, if needed. Each volunteer is assigned families to help directly and also provides input to other volunteers as they assist families. Volunteer advocates offer general guidance and do not provide specific legal advice or attend IEP meetings. 

What we’re looking for from volunteers:

• A compassionate attitude and a desire to help families navigate the MCPS special education system

• Experience advocating for students’ educational needs — even if only for your own child(ren)

• Strong interpersonal skills and unwavering patience

• Eagerness to learn more about MCPS’s special education system and about special education law

• A collaborative spirit in which you welcome the suggestions of team members and generously offer your input

• A commitment to spend 5 to 6 hours of your time each month, for at least one year, to support families directly and to collaborate with other volunteer advocates

What we offer:

• Free training on special education advocacy and law, the IEP process, and the various special education programs and services offered by MCPS. Volunteers will receive training from local professional advocates as well as participate in Wrightslaw training paid for by xMinds.

• The opportunity to collaborate with a team of volunteer advocates, benefiting all members as they learn from others’ experience and expertise how to navigate the special education system and the IEP process

• The chance to form friendships and make connections with others in the autism/special education community

• The joy and satisfaction of helping autistic children in Montgomery County get the educational services and supports they need

If you're passionate about helping families get the support they need for their autistic kids, apply today to join our team of volunteer advocates!   We'll start our training during August 2022.  

Apply Here