American Heart Association
About the Organization
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health, and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. We improve the health of Americans in many ways. We’re the nation’s leader in CPR education and training. We help people understand the importance of healthy lifestyle choices. We provide science based treatment guidelines for healthcare professionals to help them give quality care to their patients. We educate lawmakers, policymakers and the public as we advocate for changes to protect and improve the health of our communities. We also work with diverse partners from many sectors to build a culture of health for all. Our volunteer experts select the scientific research most worthy of funding — with great results. We are the largest private not-for-profit funding source for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease research next to the federal government, and have invested more than $4.6 billion in research, thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters. We have funded 13 Nobel Prize winners and many lifesaving research advances such as the first artificial heart valve, cholesterol-lowering drugs, heart transplantation and CPR techniques.
Values and 2028 Goals
GUIDING VALUES:
- Improving & extending people's lives
- Building powerful partnerships
- Making extraordinary impact
- Bringing science to life
- Inspiring passionate commitment
- Ensuring equable health for all
- Speaking with a trustworthy voice
- Meeting people where they are
SECOND CENTURY VISION - Advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
MISSION STATEMENT - To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
STRATEGIC VALUE PROPOSITION - The American Hearth Association is a catalyst to achieving maximum impact in equitable health and well-being.
Involvement Opportunities
Volunteerism Engagement Opportunities
Event Volunteers
Individuals can volunteer for local Heart Walk, Heart Ball and Go Red for Women campaigns throughout the year in addition to other smaller and more localized events. Opportunities include but are not limited to: event leadership roles (including serving as a campaign chair, ELT member, coach or committee member) or day of event activities (like set-up, tear down, manning a table, etc.).
Youth/Young Adult Volunteerism
Our activations give young leaders the chance to champion health and wellness in ways that matter most to them. From issue-based projects to community initiatives, volunteers can choose paths that fit their interests and age, whether that means learning new skills, taking action or stepping into leadership roles. Opportunities include:
• Advocacy: Raise your voice for heart health.
• Awareness & Education: Share life-saving knowledge with your community.
• Fundraising: Support critical research and programs.
• Service Projects: Make a tangible difference in local neighborhoods
Heart Club
Heart Clubs empower high school and college students to lead the way in building healthier communities. Through hands-on experiences, members learn, act and lead while making a real impact on the lives of their peers. Whether you are passionate about advocacy, education, fundraising or community impact, Heart Clubs offer meaningful opportunities to grow as a leader and create change in your community.
Nation of Lifesavers
Every year, over 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of a hospital, with most happening at home. Sadly, only 10% survive. By giving someone CPR you can double or even triple their chances of survival. Be ready when it matters most. Learn CPR and become part of the Nation of Lifesavers™.
Community Education Facilitators
Volunteers can serve as facilitators to deliver educational experiences to community members using detailed lesson plans, presentations, videos and resources found on heart.org. Examples include: the Healthy For Good program where volunteers can teach people how to make healthy food, nutrition and lifestyle choices and through the EmPOWERED to Serve health lessons designed to engage communities and motivate people to create an enduring culture of health.
Local, State and Federal Policy
By joining the American Heart Association’s Heart Powered Advocacy Network, volunteers can speak out and take action throughout the year on national, regional and local policies that help build healthier communities and healthier lives.
Micro-Volunteerism Opportunities
Micro-volunteer opportunities provide ways for volunteers to engage in easy, quick, low-commitment actions that benefit a worthy cause. Examples of micro-volunteering include sharing a pre-written social media message, signing a petition or taking action through the American Heart Association’s Heart Powered Advocacy Network by sending a message to a legislator.
