Our Story

https://youtu.be/VvsFC6hS2No

One Tent Health started back in 2015, when two local students, Mackenzie Copley and (now) Dr. David Schaffer, saw that an HIV screening company was turning away uninsured people from free services, and knew it was wrong. A couple years after deciding to launch One Tent (named because we didn’t have money to buy a mobile testing van), in 2017, with our first 12 volunteers, they set up our first canvas tent in front of a grocery store and screened 18 people, regardless of insurance status, all for free.

In the years since, our dream of helping people has blossomed into a reality, and we’ve gotten to test over 15,000 people for HIV and COVID-19, work with over 2,000 undergraduate and post-grad volunteers, present our results at the CDC (we never imagined), take care the people of Washington, DC during the pandemic by doing all of the city’s COVID testing on Sundays, and today we continue to set our sights higher and higher to help people as much, and as best, as we possibly can.

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Our Mission: To save and extend lives.

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Our Vision: A world where no one has to choose between life or death because they can’t afford care.

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Our Values: Honesty, Tenacity, Attention to Detail, Continuous Improvement, Solidarity, and Joy. ****

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Our Goals: Identify one new case of HIV each weekend. Ensure everyone who tests positive is linked to care within 10 days of their visit. Empower all others to leave with at least one prevention tool.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAiLyH2pklE

Becoming a Volunteer at One Tent Health

We are a volunteer-driven team offering a variety of roles, each essential to achieving our mission. Every role comes with unique responsibilities, from engaging directly with the community at our Community Care Events, to taking on leadership and strategic planning tasks. We accept applications year-round, and while you can only apply for two roles in one application, you’re welcome to submit more than one application. Most roles are flexible and can be started at any time, but all require a minimum commitment of three months after completing onboarding.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking passionate and dependable volunteers. Whether you’re bringing specific skills or just a willingness to help and grow, we encourage you to apply for a role that matches your interests and experience.

Here’s what we’re looking for in our volunteers:

• Alignment with our mission, vision, and values: You care deeply about expanding access to health services and share our vision for building healthier communities.
• Consistency and reliability: Your commitment helps us provide the best support to the people we serve. You’re ready to show up when you say you will — on time and prepared to help.
  • Since our events primarily take place on weekends, weekend availability is essential.
• Community engagement East of the River: Much of our work focuses on communities East of the River. We’re looking for volunteers who are from or can travel to these areas and approach our work with respect, care, and a genuine commitment to connecting with the people we serve.

These qualities are important for every role, whether you’re just getting started or stepping into a leadership position.

Application & Onboarding Process

Our onboarding process is designed to help you feel confident and prepared for your role:

1. Submit your application: Complete and submit your application. We’ll notify you of your acceptance by the 5th of the following month. For example, if you apply in December, you’ll hear back in January.
   • If you apply for a leadership position, you may be contacted for an interview.
   • If accepted, you’ll need to complete a background check before attending orientation.
2. Join a virtual welcome call: Attend an introductory session on either the 10th or 15th of the month to learn more about what’s ahead.
3. Complete the online training: Work through self-paced modules that cover essential information and skills for your role.
4. Attend the in-person orientation: Participate in a two-day hands-on training session held on the last weekend of the month. This is a chance to build your skills and connect with fellow volunteers.

Completing all onboarding steps is required before volunteering. Our next training will kick off in January 2025.

🚀 Ready to take the next step? Learn more about our roles and apply below!

Open Roles

On-Site Roles

Outreach Specialist

80 Open Roles

• Core responsibilities: Engage with community members at our events, invite them to use our services, and guide them through the screening process.
• Why this role? Your ability to connect with people helps us reach those who might otherwise miss out on life-saving care.
• Minimum time commitment: 2 four-hour shifts, plus 1 hour of ongoing education, per month.

Team Lead

15 Open Roles

• Core responsibilities: Manage event logistics, support volunteers on-site, and ensure a smooth, safe event experience.
• Why this role? As the on-site leader, you’ll create a positive environment for volunteers and those we serve.
• Minimum time commitment: One 4.5 hour shift, plus a 90-minute team check-in, weekly.

Screening Specialist

30 Open Roles

• Core responsibilities: Perform HIV testing and connect the people we serve with appropriate care for HIV prevention or treatment.
• Why this role? You’ll directly support our mission by providing accurate, compassionate testing and care referrals.
• Minimum time commitment: 2 four-hour shifts, plus 1 hour of ongoing education, per month.

Equipment Manager

18 Open Roles

• Core responsibilities: Transport, organize, and maintain mission-critical equipment and supplies.
• Why this Role? Reliable equipment keeps our events running smoothly, and your organizational skills make it happen.
• Minimum time commitment: 3-4 hours weekly, mainly on weekends, with occasional weekday tasks.

A valid driver’s license is required.

Behind the Scenes Roles

Linkage Specialist

5 Open Roles

• Core responsibilities: Offer follow-up support, connect the people we serve with resources, and ensure they feel cared for after screenings.
• Why this role? You’ll play a key role in bridging the gap between screening and continued care, ensuring no one is left behind.
• Minimum time commitment: 1-3 hours weekly offsite, depending on follow-up needs.

Deputy Organizer - Training Lead

12 Open Roles

• Core responsibilities: Design and deliver training sessions, ensuring all volunteers are well-prepared.
• Why this role: Training Leads empower volunteers with the skills they need to succeed and make an impact.
• Minimum time commitment: 4-8 hours weekly for meetings, training sessions, and preparation, plus 1 four-hour on-site shift monthly.

Deputy Organizer - Engagement Lead

4 Open Roles

• Core responsibilities: Organize programs to engage and motivate volunteers, plan recognition efforts, and foster community.
• Why this role: Engagement Leads create a vibrant, supportive environment where volunteers feel valued.
• Minimum time commitment: 3-5 hours weekly for meetings, planning, pizzaz, and engagement events, plus 1 four-hour on-site shift monthly.

Deputy Organizer - Communications Lead

4 Open Roles

• Core responsibilities: Develop and manage digital content to promote events, engage the public, and build awareness.
• Why this role: Communications Leads amplify One Tent Health’s mission, drawing in both volunteers and the people we serve.
• Minimum time commitment: 3-5 hours weekly for meetings, content management, and engagement, plus 1 four-hour on-site shift monthly.

Deputy Organizer - Recruitment Lead

4 Open Roles

• Core responsibilities: Plan and lead volunteer recruitment efforts, develop partnerships, and oversee volunteer onboarding.
• Why this role: Recruitment Leads bring in new talent and help build a strong, passionate volunteer base.
• Minimum time commitment: 3-5 hours weekly for meetings, tasks, and recruitment events, plus 1 four-hour on-site shift monthly.

Lead Organizer

4 Open Roles

• Core responsibilities: Oversee strategic planning, support Deputy Organizers, and ensure alignment with One Tent Health’s mission through feedback and data analysis.
• Why this Role: Lead Organizers help shape the big picture, driving impact and empowering teams to succeed.
• Minimum time commitment: 10 hours weekly for meetings, planning, and team oversight, plus 1 four-hour on-site shift monthly.

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Apply Now!

By clicking on "Apply Now", you'll access our volunteer application

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