Join the O.A.R. Corps!

As a member of the Open Arms Relief Corps (O.A.R. Corps), you can be an ambassador for Open Arms International right in your own neighborhood and spread the word about OAI and the work we do.


Ways to Engage

Athletics: Use an organized athletic event or personal athletic pursuit (like running a marathon, riding in a bike challenge or climbing a mountain) as a way to raise funds for OAI.

Concerts: If you're a performing artist, you could partner with OAI by encouraging your audiences to become child sponsors or contribute time, talents or funding to the work of OAI. If you’re not an artist perhaps you could volunteer at an artist's event to help sign-up new child sponsors or new members of the O.A.R. Corps.

eBay Giving Works: Encourage your family and friends to donate the proceeds from their eBay auction sales to OAI through eBay’s “Giving Works” program.

Email Giving Campaign: Initiate a campaign to purchase medicine, shoes, blankets, beds, malaria nets or any one of dozens of items desperately needed in Africa and India by sending out a heartfelt email to all your friends. One email to fifty friends when forwarded can quickly spread around the world.

Youth Advocate: If you’re a young person, you can be an agent of change in your community and your country by becoming a Youth Advocate.  Start a movement for change. The United States has a powerful influence over the circumstances of poor countries.  Learn about advocacy, civic affairs and policy making and tell all your friends to do the same. Your voice can help shape laws and public policy that can have a tremendous impact on those suffering from poverty, disease and hunger in the third world. Become an instrument of influence for the protection and well-being of children in Africa, India and around the world.  Become an O.A.R Corps Youth Advocate.

Volunteer at OAI: If you live in the Pacific Northwest or plan on traveling to the Pacific Northwest, how about sharing your time and talents by volunteering at the OAI office. If you live in another region of the country, check out our Event and Trip Calendars.  There may be an opportunity to volunteer with OAI near you.

Develop Your Own Idea: Develop your own unique fundraising or awareness building strategy or event and we’ll post it on our website.


OAI Ambassadors at Linfield College

Open Arms International team members Tara Lepp, Andrew Johnston, and Brittany Inman were on the July 2008 team to Eldoret, Kenya. After they returned home, they wanted to share their experience with those around them. Tara is a professor at Linfield College, Brittany is a student, and both are involved in their school's chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Andrew, who flew in from Ireland for a visit, joined them in sharing their experience on a medical outreach in Kenya. As a result, many Linfield students have caught the vision of OAI and are interested in going on an outreach to Eldoret. The O.A.R. Corps is all about being an ambassador for Open Arms International right where you are!


Rachel's Beds


Five-year-old Rachel Anderson used to have trouble sleeping in her own bed. One evening, her mother, Angie, explained to her that there are poor children in Africa who sleep on the floor because they don't have money to buy a bed. Rachel was deeply saddened by this and immediately asked her mother what she could do to help. Little did Angie know that her daughter was determined to take action!

The next morning, Rachel emptied her own personal piggy bank and collected change from anyone she could find. She quickly raised $60 on her own to purchase a bed, mattress, and blanket for Diane Tuyishime, a child at a partner organization in Rwanda.

Rachel's vision inspired her church, Canby Foursquare, to get involved. She shared her burden to buy beds for children in Africa with teachers and children in her Sunday school class. As a result, the children raised $1,000 and the church matched every penny! Now, 35 African children are sleeping warmly and comfortably in a bed every night. You're never too young to become a member of the O.A.R. Corps!


Becoming a Member

How Do I Join?
Just email oai@openarmsinternational.com to join the team! You will get direct information and updates from Open Arms International, keeping you on the front lines of what's happening. We will send you promotional information and materials upon request that you can use to tell people about Open Arms.

Request Additional Info and Materials
Order brochures, DVDs, business cards, shirts, and other promotional materials about Open Arms International - just email oai@openarmsinternational.com and specify what sort of materials you would like and the quantity.