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Volunteers
Our volunteers are the magic.
They’re the heartbeat of our mission and the reason we’re able to reach thousands of children each year. With every visit, every smile, and every small act of joy, they remind us what’s possible when young people lead with love.
We're powered by more than 1,000 college students nationwide --
Our young leaders reflect the future we’re working to build: one rooted in empathy, inclusion, and courage.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life and all corners of the globe, each bringing their own lived experiences, cultures, and dreams to this work. They’re the type of people who bring light to others, show up when it matters most, and believe that even the smallest moment of magic can make a big difference.
They are the nurses, teachers, business leaders, doctors, and social workers of tomorrow -- but with A Moment of Magic they are making a difference today.
"I’ve learned that even though it can be easy to feel small, I can actually make a difference."
- Maya, A Moment of Magic University of Cincinnati
Our student-led chapter model allows us to bring healing, hope, and joy directly into local communities. Each chapter is run by a dedicated team of young leaders who coordinate visits, train members, fundraise, and advocate for medically vulnerable children.
This grassroots structure ensures every chapter operates with heart, accountability, and a deep commitment to our mission. It’s leadership in action and it’s creating a ripple effect of change on campuses and in communities across the country.
"A Moment of Magic has shown me who I am and the person I want to be—someone that is brave, strong, and fearless in a life dedicated to doing good.”
- Ariana, A Moment of Magic at West Chester University
Volunteering with A Moment of Magic doesn’t just change lives,
it transforms the volunteers themselves.
A recent volunteer impact survey reveals:
88
say AMoM positively impacted their life
%
feel a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment
%
88
report growth in personal confidence
%
83
gained valuable perspective on life
%
88
developed stronger communication skills
%
80
feel deeply connected to AMoM's mission
%
90
We take training seriously.
Our volunteers are equipped not just with knowledge, but with empathy, awareness, and the tools to create safe, child-led, and dignity-centered experiences.
Our students engage in continuous training, participate in hour long training sessions weekly during the academic year. Our trainings are written by our medical advisory committee made up of pediatric healthcare professionals, child life specialists, mental health experts, patients and families, survivors and peer support leaders.
Sessions include, but are not limited to:
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HIPAA and patient privacy
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Supporting children with complex medical challenges, disabilities, and special needs
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Language access, including Spanish, ASL, and nonverbal communication
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Palliative and hospice care
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Understanding the impact of secondary trauma
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High quality character training and costume care
We take a trauma-informed, dignity-centered approach to every module, ensuring that our volunteers are not only emotionally prepared, but culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate in how they serve.
We continuously update our curriculum to reflect best practices in psychosocial care, health equity, and child-centered engagement, so our volunteers can step into every interaction with confidence, compassion, and credibility.
Magic Maker Training
Our character volunteers, known lovingly as Magic Makers, don’t just wear a costume. They bring characters to life with compassion, intentionality, and joy.
Before putting on a wig or crown, each Magic Maker completes 30 hours of psychosocial support shadowing. This hands-on experience prepares them to navigate hospital settings and community spaces with confidence and care.
Express, Create, Heal Training
Volunteers in our Express, Create, Heal program receive specialized training in:
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Advanced Pediatric cancer support
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Trauma-informed care
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Social-emotional learning strategies
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Community advocacy and education
They lead workshops that combine storytelling, art, and mindfulness to support the mental health of children facing childhood cancer and the siblings and families who walk beside them.
Want to Be Part of the Magic?
Whether you're a student interested in starting a chapter, joining a team, or supporting virtually, there’s a place for you here. We’re always looking for kind hearts, creative minds, and people who believe in something bigger than themselves (and, of course, a little bit of magic).
