Since the Folly reopened in 1981, the Grand Lady of Twelfth Street has relied on dedicated volunteers to give their time and keep her shining. Today the Folly hosts over 100 performances a year and the demand for volunteers, both in the theater and the office, is higher than ever. If you wish to share in the common love of music, our history, or just desire to give back to the community in a historically relevant way, we invite you to join our team!



The benefits of being a Folly Volunteer include:

• The opportunity to see a wide genre of world-class entertainment


• A monthly calendar with news of upcoming events and activities


• Special pre-sale offers and discounted tickets to Folly presented events


• Recognition programs including an annual party, awards, monthly prizes, and other social activities


• Free parking in the garage next door during performances


• The personal satisfaction and positive feeling of knowing you are helping to preserve a Kansas City treasure for generations to come


• Training session to learn various historical ins and outs of the theater, usher protocol, and safety measures

In 1982, toy and miniature collectors Mary Harris Francis and Barbara Hall Marshall established a museum on the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus. Today, The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for governance, fiscal, and internal operations oversight. 

 

The Museum has the world’s largest fine-scale miniature collection and one of the nation’s largest historic toy collections on public display. The Museum’s mission is to educate, inspire, and delight people of all ages by collecting, displaying, and interpreting toys and miniatures that illuminate diverse narratives and cultural heritage.

 

Community members are invited to volunteer for positions on Board Committees. Committee members are expected to:

• Support the Museum’s mission, vision, values and policies.


• Prepare for scheduled meetings by reading all meeting materials; and notify the Museum’s Executive Director if unable to attend a meeting.


• Advocate/act as an ambassador for Museum programs and needs.


• Help identify personal connections beneficial to Museum fundraising.


• Attend Museum programs and exhibition events.


• Serve the original term appointed to, and consider continuing service.


• Participate actively in committees and complete assignments made at meetings. 

If you are interested in serving as a Community Member of a Committee (Learning & Engagement, Building & Grounds, Fundraising, etc.), please email a brief cover letter explaining your interest, and a resume to Interim Executive Director Susan Stanton at susanstanton@toyandminiaturemuseum.org.

 

The Museum is also seeking to fill vacancies (3-year terms) on the Board of Directors. Contact Susan for more information on volunteering.

VOLUNTEERING AT T/M - contact Rachel Wathen, Museum Educator/Volunteers and Group Tours

Are you a storyteller with a passion for art and history who, more importantly, loves sharing that passion with others? Then come volunteer at The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures! Volunteers are vital community partners who support T/m’s mission to educate, inspire, and delight.

All volunteers enjoy special benefits such as 20% off in the museum store, special invites to exhibit openings and volunteer appreciation events, first-hand museum experience, and a connection to a vibrant volunteer community.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

• T/m volunteers communicate primarily with the Museum Educator/Volunteers and Group Tours
• Volunteer Opportunities Include:
  • Leading Guided Tours (Docents)
  • Staffing and Prepping Educational Programs
  • Providing Educational "Pop-Up" Programs in the Galleries
  • Assisting with Development/Marketing

REQUIREMENTS

• Pass a background check
• Training on T/m's history and collection
• Commitment to one shift every three months

 

Minimum Expectations

It is expected all Chairman’s Circle members:

1. Attend and participate in scheduled meetings. (minimum of 3 out of 4 annually)
2. Active engagement on one of the Chairman’s Circle subcommittees.
3. Support the actions of the Chairman’s Circle as one.
4. Connect to local community volunteers.
5. Leverage contacts and relationships to grow the society’s revenue and advance its mission.
6. Be current with ACS cancer screening guidelines that are appropriate to each individual (colorectal cancer, breast cancer, nontobacco user, etc.)
7. Members, either individually or through their business, will make an annual minimum membership donation of $5,000.00. Become a member of American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS-CAN). Minimum annual cost is $10.00 renewed annually.

Specific Duties:

1. Understand and advocate the mission and objectives of the organization.
2. Support, individually and collectively, ACS decisions and enterprise policies.
3. Identify opportunities and resources to advance the Society’s mission.
4. Set annual membership goals and evaluate progress on a regular basis.
5. Personally support and/or otherwise engage in one of ACS’s annual events.
6. Actively support American Cancer Society community events, committees and/or projects.

About the Waldo Area Business Association

Waldo is a vibrant neighborhood and business District located in the heart of Kansas City. What began in 1841 as the farm of Dr. David Waldo, soon became a bustling neighborhood on the edge of the city – a town unto itself. Waldo has never lost its flavor of a fun, little family neighborhood on the edge of a big city. Today, you’ll find more than 600 businesses in Waldo, 60 percent of which are locally owned, surrounded by a family-oriented neighborhood. It’s a wonderful place to work, shop, live and play!

The Goals of the Organization:

• to improve and maintain a safe, clean and attractive climate for business owners, their employees and customers
• to interact with the community for the betterment of all concerned
• to lobby the City, Area Transit Authority, and elected representatives in the matters affecting the area
• to promote business growth in Waldo
• to be a source of information for members about key issues that impact the area

Mission Statement:

Serving as champions of our community while preserving and advancing our vibrant inclusive culture. 

Available Offices:

• President (1)
• Vice President (1)
• Secretary (1)
• Treasurer (1)
• Board Member (8)

Interested in becoming a board member? Contact WABA Executive Director Sean Anderson at sean@waldokc.org with any questions or concerns.

Leavenworth County Humane Society, Inc. is the only organization working to build and operate a 21st century no-kill pet animal shelter to serve all Leavenworth County residents.  We are seeking enthusiastic, innovative and committed individuals to join our Board of Directors and help bring the vision to life.  3 year commitment, normally 1 meeting per month, additional involvement welcome for volunteer activities and events!

The Sewing Labs is growing and thriving, with exciting momentum across our programs, apprenticeships, and community partnerships. To continue building on this success, we are expanding our board of directors and seeking leaders who can help guide us into the next chapter of impact.

Our Mission
The Sewing Labs is an inclusive and welcoming community teaching the legacy of sewing for employment, entrepreneurship, and enrichment.

We are a nonprofit community resource center providing job skills training, creative opportunities, and support through the textile arts. We empower individuals to build resilience, find meaningful work, and connect with community.

Our Most Pressing Needs
We are especially seeking candidates with expertise in:

• Finance / Accounting – strengthen fiscal oversight and ensure sustainable growth

• Fundraising / Development – expand our reach and resources through philanthropy and donor engagement

• Workforce / Economic Development – support and scale our registered apprenticeship program and workforce initiatives

We also welcome candidates with backgrounds in:

• Legal / Compliance (particularly nonprofit or employment law)

• Technology / Digital Strategy

• Facilities / Real Estate

• Education / Vocational Training

• Social Work / DEI / Lived Experience

Board Service Commitment

• Term: Two years

• Meetings: Quarterly (March, June, September) with an Annual Meeting in December

• Expectations:

  • Make a personally meaningful financial contribution to support The Sewing Labs’ mission

  • Uphold conflict of interest policies

  • Actively engage in strategic planning and organizational development

  • Serve as an ambassador for The Sewing Labs, sharing our mission and impact with your networks

  • Participate in fundraising efforts and help identify potential partners, donors, and supporters

  • Contribute your professional expertise to strengthen board governance and organizational sustainability

If you or someone in your network may be a strong fit, please share their name with us and a brief introduction, or forward this note and copy me. We will be glad to follow up directly.

Are you passionate about strengthening families and supporting children during some of life’s most difficult moments? Transformation Visitation Home (TVH) is seeking dedicated leaders to join our Board of Directors.

As a young nonprofit that is quickly gaining traction, TVH provides a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for children and families navigating the court system. Through supervised family visitation and wraparound services, we help build stronger connections, reduce trauma, and offer families the best chance to thrive.

Do you know someone who has been involved in the family court system—or have you been personally affected by it? This could be a powerful opportunity to use your experience to help others in similar situations. Your voice and perspective could make a meaningful difference for the families we serve.

Board members typically serve a three-year term, attend regular meetings, and support the organization through outreach and fundraising.

To learn more, visit transformationvisitationhome.org or contact Colleen Huff at support@transformationvisitationhome.org.

Join the KC Jazz ALIVE Board of Directors

Help advocate, elevate, and amplify the Kansas City jazz scene.

KC Jazz ALIVE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2013 that brings together artists, venues, educators, students, and enthusiasts to strengthen and showcase Kansas City’s vibrant jazz ecosystem. Our community work includes year‑round convenings and the signature Spotlight: Charlie Parker series each August celebrating the life and legacy of Charlie “Bird” Parker. We’re recruiting board members who love jazz, care about Kansas City, and are ready to serve. 

Who We Are

Our acronym A.L.I.V.E. captures how we serve the scene: Awareness, Listening, Ideas, Voice, and Exposure. We envision Kansas City as a premier destination for jazz—where career musicians can thrive, venues succeed, and audiences of all ages are engaged. 

What You’ll Do (Board Member Responsibilities)

• Governance & Strategy: Guide organizational goals, uphold fiduciary duties, and champion our mission across the community. 
• Ambassadorship: Represent KC Jazz ALIVE with partners, funders, and civic leaders; help amplify programs like Spotlight: Charlie Parker. 
• Fundraising & Resource Development: Make a personal annual contribution and help open doors to donors, sponsors, and community supporters. (See “Time & Giving Commitments” below.) 
• Committee Work & Events: Serve on at least one committee and support events through attendance, outreach, and inviting guests. 

Time & Giving Commitments

• Board Meetings: Second Wednesday of August, September, October, February, and April, typically 6:00–7:00 p.m. CT, held in person or via Google Meet. 
• Personal Annual Giving: Recommended minimum $500 donation; board members also purchase their own event tickets and actively assist with fundraising. 
• Committee Participation: Between meetings, contribute to committee work aligned to your skills (e.g., fundraising, marketing, education, finance/governance, partnerships). (Committee cadence varies by project.)

Location: Kansas City metro preferred; remote participation is possible for portions of the year.
Term: 3 years, with two consecutive.

Who You Are (Qualifications)

• A champion for jazz and the Kansas City arts community. 
• Experience or strong interest in one or more of the following: fundraising & sponsorships, community partnerships, marketing/PR, event production, arts education, finance/accounting, nonprofit governance, legal, or technology.
• Collaborative and community‑minded—you listen, contribute ideas, and elevate diverse voices across artists, venues, educators, and audiences. 

What You’ll Gain

• A front‑row role in shaping the future of KC jazz, meaningful relationships across the scene, and the satisfaction of helping the ecosystem thrive—from artists and venues to students and lifelong fans. 

How to Apply

• Express interest: Visit kcjazzalive.org/get-involved and use the contact options there to share a brief note about your background and areas of interest. 
• Questions? Learn more about our mission and programs at kcjazzalive.org. 

KC Jazz ALIVE is committed to inclusion and equal opportunity. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences who share a passion for jazz and community.

The Kansas City Roller Warriors (KCRW) is seeking interested individuals for open seats on our

Board of Directors. KCRW is a flat-track roller derby league that was founded in 2004 and is

one of the founding members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). We are

a 501(c)(3) nonprofit sports organization that is committed to developing its players, coaches,

referees, and volunteers to excel at the sport of roller derby while inspiring them to be leaders

who provide safe, empowering, inclusive opportunities for our community. More information on

KCRW is available at https://www.kcrollerwarriors.org/.

Board members are responsible for attending regularly scheduled meetings, providing

organizational governance and support for our league leadership, participating on board

committees, staying informed on organizational activities, and working in good faith with board

members and league members to achieve our goals. Our board needs a variety of skills and

experience, with a particular emphasis in the areas of legal, financial, real estate, and

interpersonal expertise.

Collectively, the board embraces a culture of inquiry, values transparency, accountability, and

safety, and recognizes the importance of owning mistakes and celebrating hard work. These

values are the foundation for our interactions with board members, league members,

volunteers, and the communities we seek to serve. Additionally, board members must have a

demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with preferred experience in

fostering cultural change to support an organization that seeks to be anti-racist, trans-inclusive,

and encouraging of the interpersonal growth of our board, league members, and volunteers.

The Board Recruitment Committee is accepting inquiries. If interested, please fill out our Board

of Directors Interest Form, available at https://forms.gle/LEaMooUmGUMUGz6o6. Thank you for your time and consideration. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our current Board Chair at boardchair@kcrollerwarriors.org.

Best wishes,

The KCRW Board Recruitment Committee

Are you passionate about Waldo? Do you live, work or play in our neighborhood and have ideas to make our community better? We are looking for new committee members! 

33rd Waldo Fall Festival! Saturday, October 11, 2025!
Please review the available slots to sign up. Thank you!
  SIGN-UP HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F48AEAF2EAAF9C34-57448265-fall#/

Kanbe’s Markets is a 501(c)3 non-profit on a mission to build a more inclusive food system in Kansas City by transforming food loss into food access. We achieve this through a distinctive business model that connects local food sources, supports small businesses, and uplifts communities one neighborhood at a time.

With our goal to redirect 1.25 million pounds of food in 2025, Kanbe’s Markets invites you to join us for one or more shifts to help sort donated produce into our four redirection tiers:

Kanbe's Healthy Corner Stores - bringing fresh, affordable produce to underserved areas.

Community Partners -- providing fresh produce to over 35 local food pantries for neighbors in need.

Animal Feed -- nonprofit rescue farms.

Compost - what isn't fit for human or animal consumption.

It's recommended that you wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting a little dirty, and closed-toe shoes.

The Road To Recovery Volunteer Driver provides people with transportation to and from their cancer-related medical appointments. Drivers donate their time to help people with cancer get the lifesaving treatments they need.

• Volunteers choose the rides that work best for their schedule. Most rides are scheduled during the weekday between 7am and 7pm.
• The American Cancer Society asks volunteers to commit to a minimum of 2 rides per month.

REQUIREMENTS:
• Between the ages of 18 and 84.
• Valid driver’s license and adequate automobile insurance.
• Access to a safe and reliable vehicle.
• Pass background check and motor vehicle records checks.
• Comfortable using technology with reliable internet access.
• Complete required training and follow through on ride commitments.
• Appreciation and respect for diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and cultures of patients, caregivers, volunteers, and staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Utilize mobile-friendly ride coordination tool to manage transportation requests.
• Follow safe driving procedures and disease transmission guidelines, including COVID-19 safety procedures.
• Abide by American Cancer Society privacy, confidentiality, and program guidelines.
• Participate in program evaluations and promotional opportunities, including new driver recruitment efforts, as applicable.

As a Road To Recovery driver, you can serve your community and help local people, provide support and encouragement, have rewarding one to one interactions with cancer patients, build relationships and save lives. Road To Recovery offers flexible scheduling, you drive as much or as little as you want when you want.
 

Join us to pack, sort and organize hygiene items that will be distributed to schools and shelters, police stations and senior centers.

These volunteer opportunities are available twice a day on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am - 10:30 am and 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm and Wednesdays from 1:00-2:30pm. We can take up to 30 individual Volunteers per each session.

Explore Available Dates HERE: https://givingthebasics.org/volunteer-kc/

Volunteer with RDA and join the Green Team Workdays. We are meeting every last Saturday of the month starting March 29 to October 25. We'll be picking up litter, caring for fruit trees and removing honeysuckle. Come join us!

Flourish is a nonprofit furniture bank that provides free furnishings to families overcoming housing insecurity. By collecting, repairing, and distributing donations, families can come to Flourish and pick out everything they need for their new homes - at no cost to them.

Help us out by assisting in the warehouse with various activities, including moving inventory from one part of the warehouse to another, assisting our furniture cleaning team with inventory rotation, accepting incoming donations, and more.

Must be able to move/lift furniture, push carts, and work in a warehouse environment.

Help Needed:
Tuesday: 8:30am-12:30pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-12:30pm
Thursday: 8:30am-12:30pm
Friday: 9:00am-12:00pm
Saturday: 8:30am-12:30pm

We are looking for volunteers to join the Green Team to hunt for honeysuckle and pick up litter in the trails. We meet every last Saturday of the month at Fisher Park, 3818 Springfield St. KCK 66103. If you like nature and the trails this will be a good option to volunteer. Individuals, group and students needing volunteer hours are welcome too.

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer, sworn in by a judge or commissioner, who is appointed by Jackson County CASA to advocate for a child or children who are in the Jackson County Family Court system due to abuse or neglect.

CASA Volunteers get to know the children they represent, learn and understand the circumstances of the case, develop a course of action with the attorney who serves as Guardian ad Litem, explain the court’s findings to the child, facilitate resolution and monitor progress.

Qualifications

• You must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• You must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
• You cannot be convicted of – or have charges pending for – crimes that are violent, sexual, or that demonstrate character not appropriate for a CASA Volunteer.
• You must have an interest in children and their rights.
• You must be willing to devote the time to successfully complete screening and training, to learn and develop trust with the child or children on your case, to advocate for the child’s best interests, and to participate in continuing education (approximately 5-10 hours per month after Pre-Service Training)
• You must possess the communication skills to work effectively with children, their families, and involved agencies and organizations.
• We provide training and support to Volunteers of any race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, faith, and socioeconomic background. 

Requirements

• Volunteers must complete 30 hours of volunteer training; 18 hours in-house and 12 hours of independent study.
• Volunteers must complete at least 12 hours of continuing education per year.
• Volunteers must maintain confidential records and information for the child’s case.
• Volunteers must maintain regular contact with Jackson County CASA.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Volunteers must review documents and conduct interviews with the child, family and other interested parties.
• Volunteers must maintain regular contact with the social service worker assigned to the child and family.
• Volunteers must investigate placement alternatives.
• Volunteers can attend court proceedings and related meetings or communicate with CASA staff if schedule does not allow.
• Volunteers must consult once a month with Jackson County CASA staff to report, plan, prepare, and receive evaluation and feedback.
• Volunteers must complete monthly updates.

If interested, please complete the application here or email ahuggans@casakc.org for more information.

MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization Countering Sexual Assault) exists to improve the lives of those impacted by sexual abuse and assault and to prevent sexual violence in our community. Volunteers are vital to this mission, and we offer a variety of ways for you to get involved:

• Hospital Advocate: Hospital Advocates provide crisis intervention, emotional support, information and resources to survivors during the forensic exam process. Volunteers have flexible scheduling options and staff support. As a Hospital Advocate, your presence can make a significant impact on the journey to healing. 
• Crisis Line: Help survivors and their loved ones on our 24-Hour Crisis Line. Crisis Line Volunteers navigate questions and concerns while offering resources and support. This is not a call center position - volunteer from the comfort of your couch! 
• Project Aware (Education): Help raise awareness of sexual violence in schools through MOCSA's Project Aware curriculum. This easy to learn program teaches K-5 students about body safety, identifying safe adults, and understanding consent. If you enjoy working with kids and have daytime availability, this role is for you! 

Why Volunteer With MOCSA?
As a 24-Hour organization, we always need help. Our volunteer roles offer flexible, on-call scheduling to fit your availability. No previous experience is necessary - we provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure you feel confident and prepared in your role. All you need is a compassionate heart, a willingness to learn and a commitment to making a difference. 

Volunteer Requirements:

• Complete a 40 hour training course (combination of online work and an in-person session offered quarterly) 
• Background Check for Kansas and Missouri 
• Fingerprint Registration

Interested? Fill out an application, visit our website or email us at volunteer@mocsa.org. 

Flourish: A Furniture Bank is a non-profit organization that collects donations of furniture and home essentials to provide to families overcoming housing instability. As a Showroom Host, you will assist families through the showroom and help them pick out all of the furnishings they need for their new home. While not serving guests, you will help stock the showroom floor with items such as linens, decor, kitchen wares, and more. 



Showroom hosts will be provided with training that occurs both in person and online, with a certification process to become a certified Showroom Host. 



Showroom Host/Stocker Hours are 8:30am-12:30pm, with shifts available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

We seek to help women raise their self-esteem and achieve economic independence through sustained employment. Through a strong community of support we have been able to ensure the independence and success of women in Kansas City (at no cost to them) for over 35 years.

Mock Interviewer
Conduct mock interviews with WEN clients.

Resume Writing and Review
Work with WEN clients face-to-face or remotely to help create or strengthen their resumes

Guest Presenter / Workshop Facilitator
Share an area of expertise relevant to WEN clients who are entrepreneurs or that will benefit them in the workplace.

Please complete the volunteer form online now to find out how you can connect.
kcwen.org/give-help/volunteer

We are looking for volunteers that want to help with minor home repairs for Seniors in our Rosedale, Kansas community. Contact nancy@rosedale.org

Volunteer coach needed for Rosedale Youth Soccer. Season starts on September 23 - November 6. Tuesday and Thursday Practices at Whitmore Park in KCK. 6pm-7pm.

Get involved and make a difference at the 2025 Garmin Kansas City Marathon! Support runners when they need it most at the flagship race of Kansas City. Be part of an iconic event that promotes health, fitness, and community spirit. Join us in making this year's run an unforgettable day while connecting with fellow volunteers and celebrating the heart of Kansas City! Sign up today to become a Garmin Kansas City Marathon volunteer.

Are you a nonprofit organization looking for fundraising opportunities and able to commit a minimum of 10 volunteers to assist during the Kansas City Marathon? Apply today to become a Garmin KCM Grant Group!

Qualifying volunteer groups of 10 or more will receive $15 for every volunteer. For example, if your group has 15 members register and volunteer, a donation of $225 will be made to your group.

VetBiz (The Veterans Advocacy Foundation) is seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to join our board of directors. As a board member, you’ll play a pivotal role in guiding our organization as we support Veteran Business Owners in Missouri, Southern Illinois, and Kansas with a mission to empower Veterans, military spouses and families to start, grow, scale and succeed in their businesses.

Within VetBiz’s next three-year strategic plan, we aim to significantly expand our services and impact. We currently have open positions in the following committees: Governance, Fund Development, Programs, and Finance. This is an opportunity to make a real difference, bring your expertise to the table, and support our mission with your time, talent and/or treasure.

Ideal candidates will bring expertise in leadership, fundraising, finance, or program development. Experience in governance and nonprofit strategy is highly valued.

Our board spans three major metropolitan areas—St. Louis, Kansas City, and Wichita—and board members can reside anywhere within our three-state region. This flexibility allows you to contribute meaningfully, regardless of your location, while playing an essential role in shaping the future of Veteran Entrepreneurship and business development in the region.

What’s expected of board members?

• Attend 6 board meetings per year.
• Join a committee to contribute your knowledge and experience.
• Be an ambassador for VetBiz, supporting Veteran Entrepreneurship in your community.
• Assist with Fund Development efforts by leveraging your treasure and network to fuel VetBiz success.

The Veteran Experience

Our Impact
Through VetBiz, Veteran Business Owners gain access to:

• Business Counseling and Mentorship: Tailored guidance from experienced mentors to help veterans build, grow, and scale their businesses.
• Access to Funding and Capital: Assistance with navigating financial resources, securing loans, and identifying grants for veteran entrepreneurs.
• Training and Workshops: Specialized educational programs, such as business planning, marketing, government contracting, and financial management.
• Networking and Community Support: Opportunities to connect with fellow veteran business owners, industry leaders, and local communities to foster business growth.
• Comprehensive Business Services: Consulting on legal, financial, marketing, and operational strategies to help veterans succeed in competitive markets.

Join Our Board of Directors
We look forward to hearing from you to help support this mission that results in Veterans achieving success in business.

·       Pinwheels for a Purpose (April)

·       Back-to-Basics (June-August)

·       Holiday Activities (October-December)

·       Gift Card Collection (Year-round)

·       Pajama Drive – providing new, cozy pajamas for children.

·       Book Drive – promoting literacy by collecting books for children.

·       Stuffed Animal Drive – offering comfort through stuffed toys.

·       Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age

·       Complete an application, interview, and background screening

·       Commit to at least one year of service

·       Complete the 30-hour Pre-Service Training requirement over the course of five weeks