Volunteering Programs
Available across Smileys Daycare
We run weekend volunteering programs in Bangalore where anyone can join us to support persons with disabilities through dance, art, sports, social meetups, and creative projects at our dedicated volunteering hub.
Pricing Guide
Grassroots Weekend Volunteering
Logistics & Access
- Venues: Entry permissions for 25+ government and special schools or the central Karmasthan hub.
- Scheduling: Inclusion in internal scheduling WhatsApp groups.
- Mentorship: On-ground guidance from senior volunteers regarding PwD interactions.
Activity Essentials
- Materials: Scrap-based DIY supplies (cardboard, chart paper) and student-grade stationery (scissors, fevicol).
- Sports Gear: Shared plastic cricket sets, footballs, and playing cards.
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours per session.
Facilities & Environment
- Seating: Floor mats (Chatai) only; no furniture provided.
- Cooling: Non-AC environments (Fans/Natural ventilation).
Social Fundraiser & Community Events
Event Specifications
- Access: Entry to the specific themed fundraiser (Paint with Strangers, Holi, Open Mic).
- Venue: Typically public parks (e.g., Cubbon Park) or school grounds.
- Vibe: Loud music via rented speakers/Dhol and megaphone-led coordination.
Materials Provided
- Art Events: 1 Canvas board/chart paper, shared palette of student-grade acrylics, and synthetic brushes.
- Festivals: Limited organic dry colors (Gulal) or basic rain dance setup.
Food & Beverage
- In-ticket: One basic beverage (Tea/Coffee/Cool drink).
- Meals: Access to Pay & Eat stalls serving simple South Indian items.
Sponsored Inclusive Day Trek
Transport & Logistics
- Vehicle: Seat in a hired Non-AC School Bus or Tempo Traveller.
- Entry Fees: Forest department or park tickets for locations 1.5 hours from the city.
- Safety: Basic first-aid support and volunteer leads.
Meals (Per Person)
- Breakfast: South Indian packet (Idli/Vada) served en route.
- Lunch: Vegetarian box meal (Rice bath/Curd Rice).
- Snacks: Tetra-pack juice and biscuits.
Volunteer Role
- Buddy Duty: Mandatory 1:1 pairing with a student with disability for assistance in walking and eating.
- Engagement: Leading group bus activities and nature walks.
About Volunteering Programs
Our Energy? Always High
I believe everyone can do something, even if no one can do everything. Smileys started as a small group just wanting to spread some joy, and now we’re a buzzing community. Our josh (energy) is always high - you’ll feel it the moment you join in.
What We’re About
I’m all about breaking stereotypes and building a real inclusive vibe, especially for persons with disabilities. We do this through dance, art, sports, and just hanging out together. Our space, Karmasthan in BTM Layout, is where strangers become family. It’s the first of its kind - a social hub just for volunteering.
How You Can Join
- Weekend volunteering in Bangalore is our main thing. If you can give a few hours on weekends, you’ll fit right in.
- Play & Learn: Play games or sports with students in special schools. It’s more about fun and connection than anything else.
- Craft for a Cause: Get creative with tactile storybooks and eco-friendly decor.
- The Buddy Project: Just be a friend to someone who needs it.
- Event-based fun: Inclusive treks, festival volunteering, and Indian Sign Language workshops at Cubbon Park.
- Home team: Record audiobooks, help set up Karmasthan, or create content for our social media.
What to Expect
Anyone can join - students, working folks, whoever. No experience needed, just an open heart. Most activities are free, sometimes we chip in for food during picnics.
More Than Just Volunteering
It’s not just about giving time. It’s about connection, joy, and being part of something bigger. If you want to feel the vibe, come join us. Let’s Tandav together!
Meet your Expert
Smileys
167 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Started out as a bunch of friends, painting and laughing on Sundays, just wanting to give back. We called ourselves Smileys. Instagram went wild in 2023, and suddenly, we grew big - like, really big. So, we got serious, built structure, started The Inclusion Movement. Now, every weekend, we’re at special schools, but we missed the old vibe, the art, the fun. Karmasthan came to life - a space in Bangalore where anyone can walk in, create, belong. Still all about the smiles, always.
My Work
Inclusive Festivals & Events - We run Tandav, an inclusive dance festival, and host events like Happy Festival and Satrangi Re for differently-abled kids.
Community Art Platforms - Our open mic nights like Voices In The Spotlight welcome stand-up, poetry, singing, and more, all for social causes.
Karmasthan - Volunteering Hub - Karmasthan in BTM Layout is our volunteering hub. Join eco-friendly workshops, sign language classes, or just drop in.
Weekend Volunteering at Special Schools - Every weekend, our crew volunteers at 25+ special schools, bringing dance and joy to kids with disabilities.
