2026 Williams Syndrome Association National Convention

When: Tuesday, July 7 - Saturday, July 11, 2026

Where: Buffalo/Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Volunteers are key to making our biennial conventions a huge success! Over 150 volunteers each day ensure that our programs run safely and smoothly. We're looking for volunteers in the following areas:

  • Childcare - Infant, Toddler Programs: Be a play partner for children with Williams syndrome* and their siblings while their parents attend important medical and educational sessions on Williams syndrome.

  • School-Age Program: Be a “camp counselor” at our on-site day camp program for children ages 6 – 12 with WS and their siblings. Multiple-day availability is a plus!

  • Teen and Adult Companions: (in hotel and community): Go “out and about” in the Phoenix area with groups of our teens (most of whom have WS) and adults with WS as they enjoy local attractions and in-house programming. Teen and/or adult program volunteers must take responsibility for the well-being of three or more individuals with WS who need mild to moderate assistance. Typical assistance can include: money management, restroom guidance, managing an assigned group at all times, helping them make good choices, and serving as a good role model. Full-day availability required.

  • General: Program registration tables, evening activities, and more.

Volunteers are needed Wednesday, July 10 – Saturday, July 13

  • Infants and Toddlers (onsite): 7:45 am – 12:45 pm and 12:30 pm – 4:45 pm
  • School-aged camp (onsite): full day – 7:45 am – 4:45 pm
  • Teens (combination of on and offsite):  full day – 7:45 am – 4:45 pm
  • Adults with Williams syndrome (combination of on and offsite): full day – 7:45 am – 4:45 pm

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS AND PROVISIONS

  • Volunteers must be 16 or older to work in the infant and toddler programs.
  • Volunteers must be 16 or older to work in the school-age program.
  • Volunteers must be 18 or older to work in teen and/or adult programs.
  • Age exceptions may be made for mature siblings of individuals with WS. Please contact the WSA.
  • Lunch will be provided for all volunteers working a shift of six or more hours in a day.
  • Entry fees for off-site program excursions during your shift will be covered by the WSA.
  • To ensure the best experience for everyone, volunteers with Williams syndrome are asked to serve in age groups other than their own participant group.
  • Volunteers working in any program will be required to wear volunteer t-shirts provided by the WSA. You may bring volunteer shirts you've worn from previous conventions. Extra shirts may be purchased onsite, pending size availability. 

For more information, contact Kristin Boxall at kboxall@williams-syndrome.org  or the WSA Team at convention@williams-syndrome.org.