How to Help

Spread the word

Guitars Not Guns is an all volunteer organization; there is no paid staff. We rely on caring people like you to tell others about whom we are and what we do. Please help us make a difference in the lives of these deserving children by telling others about us. It only takes a few minutes to learn about us by reading the sections listed under the “About Us” tab on our home page.

Volunteer

If you can help with any of the following positions or want to learn more please contact us. The Program Administrator, Teacher, and Teacher Assistant positions require 1-2 hours per week at a class location site. Time required varies for the other positions; most work can be done from home via telephone and e-mail.  The Teacher and Teacher Assistant positions are the only ones that require musical ability.

• Program Administrator – We need adults to be responsible for an eight week class session. This means making sure the facility is ready; the teacher, assistants, and students are there and have everything they need; handling any class specific problems that may arise; and coordinating/ communicating changes. A parent who volunteers is welcome to have their child participate in the lessons.
• Teacher – We need adults reasonably proficient in guitar playing to teach classes. You do not need to be a professional because our lessons are for true beginners. You may teach at one of our current locations or at a new location near your home. If your schedule does not accommodate an 8 week class perhaps you could make yourself available to host an occasional jam session for the kids, provide extra help to students who need it, or be a substitute on occasions when we need one.
• Teacher Assistant – We need two or three assistants to help the teacher during each class. Assistants do not have to be accomplished guitarists but must know enough about playing to help individual students perform the lesson as taught by the teacher. High school and college student are welcome; the time volunteered counts as community service for those who may need the hours.
• Fundraising - We have GnG t-shirts to sell, guitars to raffle off, and bands that will play benefit concerts for us. We are also members of the United Way for the National capital Area and the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign. We need adults to take the lead on these activities as well as to expand into other fundraising activities that will sustain us over the long haul. We also need people to help with grant applications.
• Business Liaison – We need adults to contact local businesses to find corporate sponsors and work deals for purchasing accessories (stands, strings, picks, etc.) that are not donated.
• Facilities – We need adults to identify and arrange for places where we can conduct classes. This includes making arrangements for any transportation issues that may arise in getting student s to and from the classes.