Volunteers
Would you like to volunteer for StarJam?
StarJam could not exist without the huge support from our volunteers. Volunteers make an enormous contribution to the success of StarJam’s weekly performance workshops, monthly gatherings and events. Becoming a volunteer with StarJam is the opportunity to get involved in a supportive community and really make a difference in the lives of StarJam’s young people. It is also a whole lot of fun!
Current vacancies
Become a volunteer at a CoolJam workshop (various locations around Auckland )
Two hours a week (including traveling time). Volunteers play a cruicial role in supporting the young people involved in the workshops. Duties involve being responsible for opening and closing workshop venues and assisting the Jammers where necessary. Volunteers can participate on a weekly basis, or be involved as a ‘back up’ person as required.
At your place
Sewing sequins on T Shirts – can you help to put even more sparkle into the StarJam performances – even one T shirt? All materials supplied (and delivered if required).
Someone wishing to offer their services as a volunteer should complete the Interested in Becoming a Volunteer form and a team member will be in touch with you.
Listed below are the profiles of some of the key volunteers who really do help make the StarJam dream a reality.
Wayne Ross
What attracted you to become a StarJam volunteer?
I initially answered the StarJam ad for a couple of different reasons:
- I had not been involved in charitable or community based work previously and was also considering starting a new career at the time. I was keen to “freshen up” and get involved in new initiatives outside the 80hrs a week corporate slog. StarJam gave me an opportunity to put my experience and expertise to good use.
- Having experienced first hand the difficulties an organisation can face when it has to deal with legacy issues it was appealing to me that StarJam was a lean, start-up operation (so no baggage to slow it down) and it was also adopting a fresh approach by turning the charitable model on its head.
- And finally I can’t claim completely altruistic motives. I recognised that as I intended to offer asset management services to the charitable sector it made good business sense for me to become involved in the hope that opportunities would arise some time in the future.
What do you like best about being involved with StarJam?
What I like best is working with passionate and inspiring people. Its great being part of an organisation that is making a difference and I feel I get back way more than I put in.
What do you do when you’re not being “Jammed”?
I run a private asset management business that assists individuals, family trusts and charitable trusts to preserve and growth their wealth. Details of who we are and what we offer can be found on our website at www.selectam.co.nz .
What’s been your StarJam highlight so far?
While the Stars Thru Their Eyes events have been great experiences I think I have enjoyed being part of the StarJam planning meetings the most. Its great being part of the evolutionary process.
Zol Attwell
What attracted you to become a StarJam volunteer?
I have absolutely no idea, it kind of developed as a natural process in the atmosphere of total enthusiasm generated by Julie and Roy. The excitement of “Stars Thru Their Eyes” meant that the volunteer aspect took on a life of it’s own, one that I enjoyed so much that it seemed a natural extension to continue. Plus, of course, I have so much fun being with everyone, and I get the reward of the buzz when concerts go so well!
What do you like best about being involved with StarJam?
The nature of the word volunteer is simply that it is my choice to be involved, so the rewards definitely must be on-going - which is really my cue to say thanks to StarJam and all those involved, who make it such a fun and fantastic group for me and my family to be a part of. We have absolutely been Jammed!
What do you do when you’re not being“Jammed”?
My normal “occupation” is not easily described as I do a variety of things - we own a Hire A Hubby Franchise, and I help my husband with the general running and accountancy side of that. I also have my own business, in Therapeutic Massage, which I love. And on top of that, I have two young children who, out of school hours, require lots of love, care and attention, not to mention ferrying around to their various sports, activities and friends!
What’s been your StarJam highlight so far?
My StarJam highlight so far would have to be “Stars Thru Their Eyes” 2004. Need I say any more?
Final words?
What would I like to add - nothing really, other than another vote of thanks for you ALL - without everyone involved, from our young folk to our management, from celebrities to visitors, there would be no StarJam, and no need for volunteers. It is a privilege and a pleasure (and a huge amount of fun) to be part of the group, so thanks to all involved.
Sue Child
What attracted you to become a StarJam volunteer?
It happened more by accident, I saw Bob trying to give everyone his time. Bob makes the class so much fun I couldn’t help myself but join in.
What do you like best about being involved with StarJam?
Just seeing these special young people greet each other, they make such good friends at StarJam, things we take for granted but they are so often excluded from. The energy enthusiasm and freedom they experience at StarJam I believe gives them much more balance and feeling of self-worth.
It is great to know that all the work they put into the workshops is often rewarded by a show and the shows are just such a buzz.
What do you do when you’re not being “Jammed”?
I have a busy life in-between working full time, I have been renovating my house. I enjoy socializing, I always make sure there is time to catch up with friends. My promise to myself for this year is to walk the Able Tasman and take up golf.
Final words?
I love my involvement in StarJam not only to see what my son, Nathan gets out of it but I know I benefit greatly from the environment, it seems like you just step out of your busy life and put life into the right perspective.
Lorraine Cummins
What attracted you to become a StarJam volunteer?
The work done to help children and young people with disabilities is outstanding and has helped my daughter Erin tremendously. I would like to give back to StarJam some of the effort that has been put into others.
What do you like best about being involved with StarJam?
The camaraderie, the intensity of love between the participants.
What do you do when you’re not being “Jammed”?
I work part-time for Focus 2000 with the disabled with knitting, cooking and sewing.
Liz DarvillWhat attracted you to become a StarJam volunteer?
Julie, the founder, is my mate and it’s a bit contagious.
What do you like best about being involved with StarJam?
Love the shows but I’m enjoying being Jono’s (an original Jammer and now CoolJam tutor) chauffer at the moment.
What do you do when your not being “Jammed”?
Oh just learning to live a good quality life on all levels.
Marion Gourlay
What attracted you to become a StarJam volunteer?
It just happened. I cannot remember putting my hand up but I was there at the right time, at the right place.
What do you like best about being involved with StarJam?
Being Jammed. Seeing the confidence, growth, change, independence and friendships made. The Jammers make me laugh and cry at the same time.
What do you do when you’re not being “Jammed”?
Afternoon tea, anything and everything that’s needed at the time. When not at StarJam I am a homemaker, medic and Red Crosss volunteer. My son calls me Mrs Fix It!
Final words?
It has just been awesome to be a part of it. You never know whats around the corner.
Maree Lane
What attracted you to become a StarJam volunteer?
I became very involved when my son joined StarJam. Very soon, it became an event not to be missed!
What do you like best about being involved with StarJam?
The joy & happiness it brings to others. The opportunity to give back to a community that has supported us for years. The friendships that cross all sorts of boundaries.
What do you do when you’re not being “Jammed”?
I manage a very busy early childhood centre in Hobsonville and also function as “wife to a Hire-A-Hubby” doing the accounts and keeping him too busy to get into mischief!
Final words?
StarJam is something we wouldn’t miss for quids - the laughter, the tears, just being able to be ourselves.
Janene Laughton
What attracted you to become a StarJam volunteer?
My daughter Jade is Down Syndrome and wanted to give StarJam a try. We went to the Sensational Singing Workshop in West Auckland and we were both instantly ‘Jammed’ on the first night. I was blown away with the jammers and really enjoyed every minute of the night so when I was asked to help out with the workshop I jumped at the chance to get involved.
What do you like best about being involved with StarJam?
That is not a fair question because there are so many best things…
The Jammers are awesome, the parents have become friends, the team at StarJam are amazing people and the room just has the most positive energy bouncing off the walls when everyone is together.
They are all unbelievably courageous young people with no hang ups, so encouraging to each other, and all have lovely manners. They respect one another and have formed great friendships giving unconditional love .They shine and every week they improve. I go home on a high and feel very privileged to have been a part of something that makes such a difference to these young peoples outlook on their lives.
My jaw hurts most nights from smiling and laughing with them. Lauren, Jade’s singing tutor, has just released a CD and has an amazing voice. She wants to teach and they want to learn, it is a win - win situation for everyone.
What do you do when you’re not being Jammed?
I own a business with my husband Jim based in West Auckland called J & J Laughton Shredding Services Limited. We collect used tyres within the Auckland area and with the help of various heavy duty machines, recycle them for other uses an example being rubber for horse arenas. I run the office and Jim runs the yard so our business meetings are usually held in the spa with a bottle of wine on our farm at Bethells. I also have two sons James in the Army and Jesse at High School so keeping tabs on everyone, the usual juggling that women do with running a household and StarJam manage to fill my days and nights.
When I do get a chance to relax I am on a spiritual enlightenment journey and enjoy Sundays going to ‘The Church of the Golden Light’ where my husband does Healing and I get to meet some more positive wonderful new people.
Final Words?
I would like to end this by saying that I am so thankful that StarJam was created by Julie and Roy. My wish is that it goes New Zealand wide in small towns as well so every special needs child has the opportunity to experience the workshops and every family can feel hope and acceptance as they watch their loved ones blossom. Confidence is so important for these youngsters and StarJam creates an environment where they are not only accepted for who they are but their disability is never an issue. I have been bought to tears many times by just being there witnessing some amazing life changing moments. Once you have been to see StarJam in action you can never be the same. You will never take anything for granted again and you will be left wondering what you ever had to complain about.
The Jammers are the true teachers….. We all have a lot to learn from them.
Jan Leonard
What attracted you to become a StarJam volunteer?
Being a care-giver for Daniel (a Jammer) and seeing the interaction at StarJam meetings.
What do you like best about being involved with StarJam?
Watching the faces especially at concerts. The positive feeling of all the performers.
What do you do when you’re not being “Jammed”?
I’m a callipgrapher and gardener for old folks.
Final words?
May we continue to grow and include more members.
Susan Patullo
What attracted you to become a StarJam volunteer?
I was attracted to StarJam by the originality of its thinking about disability, its passionate people and its impeccable integrity. And the fun!
What do you like best about being involved with StarJam?
It’s humbling to be around such talent, and to be involved is to have your faith in humanity constantly renewed. StarJam has unimaginable potential for all of us in how we learn to see and treat others.
What do you do when you’re not being “Jammed”?
I work in public relations for the University of Auckland.
What’s been your StarJam highlight so far?
The love that audiences feel at the end of any StarJam event, expressed in standing ovations.
Final words?
StarJammers never cease to amaze you! Anything’s possible. Through public events, this unique, creative and uplifting experience is available to all people.
Paul Warwick
What attracted you to become a StarJam volunteer?
I was an observing parent but the “Jammed” bug is highly infectious.
What do you like best about being involved with StarJam?
I have to say it’s the kids and the team. The kids especially never cease to amaze me. We have a lot of talent waiting to be untapped.
What do you do when you’re not being “Jammed”?
I am a Sales Engineer for a company called RS Components Ltd.
What’s been your StarJam highlight so far?
At the moment it’s been one big highlight. Lots of talent and potential waiting to be discovered.
Final words?
I’d just like to say I enjoy being involved and helping in the evolution of StarJam.
A big Thank You to Patrick Bellett for his photography which is featured on this site.
Loading ...