Volunteer/Donate

If you are reading this page, chances are we don't have to convince you of the value of chess. You know the intellectual discipline and cognitive skills it can foster in children. If you are a parent, you understand the need for an entertainment alternative to video games and television. If you are a player, you know how much fun the game can be.

We rely on volunteers to teach chess and keep our organization thriving.  Our instructors include (or have included) chess playing university students, retirees, parents of our chess students, full-time job holders who just want to share their chess experience.

Schools and organizations across West Alabama have asked us to teach chess to children and adults, and we do not currently have the staff to meet those needs.  If you enjoy teaching children and are an intermediate to advance level player, we would like to talk with you. Instructors have access to training materials. As an FCA volunteer you will be able to further your own personal chess study by gaining free access to commercial chess training sites such as Chess Magnet School for tacticial training) and International Chess School (for more advanced players.)  We do reimburse volunteers for mileage and out-out-of-pocket expenses.

We welcome parents of students attending classes becoming involved in learning with and assisting students.  The presence of active parents is particularly valuable in the breakout sessions after formal instruction when students get a chance to practice what they learn.  (Typically parents are able to absorb the lessons more quickly than their children and prove very helpful even if they are not accomplished chess players.  Children's interest in the game is also enhanced when they see their parent take an interest in their learning.)

We also welcome financial support. We rely on private donors to sustain current programs and develop chess clubs at interested schools and other organizations. We also will train people willing to lead chess clubs for their organizations and provide clubs with chess materials and class plans as well as scholarships to pay entry fees to tournaments for deserving students (and instructors).

If you would like to help, another way is through a donation of $50, $100,  $150 or $200. The money will be used for supplies and to share the cost of expenses of deserving students to travel to and enter area chess tournaments. As in the past, the officers and instructors of FCA work without pay. 

Freedom Chess Academy is a 501(c)3 organization, so your contribution will be tax deductible. You will receive a personal acknowledgement and thank you from our founder, Dr. Rose Marie Stutts. If you represent a business and include a business card with your check or money order, your business will be recognized as a sponsor on our website and in our chess tournament brochures.

If you might be interested in sponsoring a chess club or being a chess instructor, please e-mail president@freedomchessacademy.org.

If you are considering starting a scholastic chess club but prefer to work independently, here is a great place to help you get started: http://main.uschess.org/content/view/7574/131/. We will be glad to help out with advice, contacts, or getting your group involved in local competitions.