Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County

Help the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History keep our Garden Learning Center thriving! We have worked hard to transform our surrounding grounds from a creekside jungle of invasive ivy, blackberry, and mattress wire vine into a pollinator and California native plant haven -- and there is always more work to be done! As a garden volunteer, you will help us with general landscaping, occasional watering, weeding, and replanting. You will also learn about sustainable gardening practices and California Native plants! All ages are welcome; children under 14 require adult supervision. These volunteer garden days are held on the first and third Saturday of every month, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. We will garden in light rain, but will cancel in the case of a downpour. Volunteers should wear closed toe shoes, and bring gloves (if you have them), a reusable water bottle, and sun protection. Gardening gloves, tools, and water will be provided. Email volunteer@santacruzmuseum.org to RSVP

Santa Cruz, CA

8/18/18 10:00 AM

Volunteer on the Homeless Garden Project Farm! On the farm you will meet the crew, learn more about the farm, and join that day's activities which may include: weeding, harvest, planting, building compost and more. Projects are weather dependent and defined by the day's priorities. We often can't tell you exactly what project you'll be working on in advance. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty and closed toed shoes! We have tools and gloves for you to use, but you can also bring your own for your comfort. Drop in days are Thursday - Friday. Arrive between 10am and 11am and stay as long as you want or until 2pm. On Saturday and Sunday drop in anytime between 10am-4pm. Rain cancels drop in volunteer days. **If you want to volunteer with a group of more than 5 people please contact the Homeless Garden Project office to schedule: (831) 426-3609 abundance

Santa Cruz, CA

8/18/18 10:00 AM +more

Volunteers are needed to help us prepare vegan meals on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm-3pm. No experience is needed as we always need help with the basics of washing and cutting vegetables. Experienced cooks are always welcome to share their expertise. Volunteers are welcome to join us in serving the meal at the Post Office from 4pm - 6pm and with clean up afterwards. Volunteers also support us with composting, data entry and event planning. ActsOfKindnessFL2018

Santa Cruz, CA

8/18/18 12:00 PM +more

Help visitors with hands on art projects! Every week there's a new project! Evemts are typically Saturdays from 10am to 1:30pm and Fridays from 4:30pm to 8pm Training will be provided at the event. You can sign up for a specific shift -- and learn more about all the upcoming events at the Museum of Art and History Eventbright page here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/volunteers-at-the-santa-cruz-museum-of-art-amp-history-14444764478 Get more information about volunteering for this project and others at the Museum of Art and History...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

8/19/18 10:00 AM +more

The St. Francis Soup Kitchen has been serving meals to the hungry in Santa Cruz for over 25 years! Each day a hearty meal of soup, salad, bread, coffee and milk are served to over 180 people at noon. There are an estimated 400 people who sleep outside in Santa Cruz and it’s difficult for one agency to handle all their needs. The Kitchen is one place where those in need will find a kind welcome, food and an opportunity to rest in safety. Please join us by volunteering in our kitchen. We can accomodate up to four volunteers every day. No special experience required, just a desire to work in the kitchen. **Please wear closed toed shoes! We begin cooking at 8:00 AM and finish serving the meal at 1:45 PM. Please call the kitchen manager - Richard to confirm your volunteer position: (831)459-6712 Who can eat? All in need regardless of race, creed, color or sex. When are meals served? A midday meal is served Monday thru Friday from 12:00 to 1:00. What is served? Each day a different soup is served in addition to the salad, fruit, bread and milk. A wholesome variety of filling soup and homemade salad dressings help to create a complete meal. Desserts are also served when available. What other services are available? Showers are available daily from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Clothing is distributed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Shirts, pants, socks, outerwear and clothing are available to our guests. Our guests. St. Francis Catholic Kitchen considers those who eat with us our guests. Our volunteers quickly learn that being homeless or on the streets is a serious challenge. We hope that, for at least part of the day, they can feel appreciated when they walk through the doors of the Kitchen.

Santa Cruz, CA

8/20/18 8:00 AM +more

Volunteer Responsibilities and Impact Mercy Housing California at Sycamore Street Apartments is an affordable housing community serving 60 families in Santa Cruz, California. Mercy Housing is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to assist with the after school program onsite at Sycamore Street Apartments. With staff support, volunteers will assist middle and elementary aged youth to complete homework and build literacy skills. Volunteers will also help implement physical education and art activities throughout the semester. Gain experience in an educational setting, learn about affordable housing, and give back to your community- all while having fun! Shift Days, Times, and the Expected Time Commitment The after school program runs Monday-Thursday from 3:30- 5pm. A commitment of 2-4 times a month is preferred. Volunteer Benefits UCSC academic credit or service learning hours can be arranged for education, sociology, or other related majors Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

8/20/18 3:30 PM +more

Volunteers are the heart and soul of Grey Bears. Volunteers are needed to help on the Brown Bag program: assembling bags of fresh produce for seniors on Thursday and Friday mornings between 7:30am and 9am. We also always need drivers to deliver bags of groceries to distribution sites and to homebound seniors (and we’ll reimburse your gas mileage!). The Grey Bears Brown Bag Program is one of the most efficient and successful food distribution programs in the United States. Volunteers glean the fields, help collect donated food from local stores and supermarkets, assemble bags of food in our warehouse and deliver it to a network of sites and medically homebound seniors throughout Santa Cruz County every week. This year, through our produce recovery program, Grey Bears will distribute 2.6 million pounds of fresh, nutritious food to 4,200 Santa Cruz County seniors. Get Involved...Sign up for This Opportunity: Or email Michelle using the button below. **Groups should email Michelle

Santa Cruz, CA

8/23/18 7:30 AM +more

Gardeners help maintain the Native Plant Demonstration Garden which includes weeding, planting and pruning. No particular gardening skills required, just a love of the outdoors and a zest learning about plants and gardening! Gardeners work at our main office so there isn't any strenuous walking. They generally work out on our back patio where we have benches and a cement path. We are wheelchair accessible and welcome everyone! We'll teach you whatever you need! We have field guides to help volunteers learn about the native plants of the Pajaro Valley and the names of plants that we typically restore out in the wetlands. You'll learn how to use the tools the gardeners use on site from our amazing cohort of regular volunteers. You'll learn SO MUCH about plants that exist in the wetlands of the Pajaro Valley and about restoration. Many of ou volunteers are eager birders and are always happy to share what they see around us while they work. Our volunteers come from such a large array of professions so you are guaranteed to learn something and meet some interesting people.

Watsonville, CA

8/24/18 11:00 AM +more

Restoration Saturday We invite you to participate in this family friendly outdoor volunteering activity helping to restore wetland habitat. Volunteer work includes planting native plants, removing exotic invasive plants, and helping in our native plant greenhouse. Afterwards we will go for a guided nature walk. The restoration group meets at the Fitz Wetlands Education Resource Center located at the top of the Pajaro Valley High School campus (500 Harkins Slough Rd) at 9 a.m. Please bring water, and wear layered work clothes, sturdy shoes and a sun hat. We will provide tools, gloves, and a snack. Please Note: organized groups of over 15 people or more should make sure to contact Mary K. with advance notice to ensure adequate supplies and tools Get Involved...Sign Up for This Opportunity or email the Project Coordinator for more info.

Watsonville, CA

8/25/18 9:00 AM +more

Run by the Sea is a race in Wilder Ranch that is organized as a benefit Bike Santa Cruz County. The races (4k, 12k, half-marathon) will be held from 8am to ~10:30-11am on Sunday, August 26th. Volunteers will be provided with food and coffee and are needed for positions such as: Set-up: prep food tables, help sponsors, ensure signs are placed, help with day-of registrations/check-ins, and any other miscellaneous support ​Course direction guides: guide runners to stay on the right path Water station attendants: set up and distribute water for runners Cyclist leads: must bring mountain bike (or other trail-capable bike) to guide runners around the loop and beach crossing Finish line/awards/breakdown help: assist race timers with runner bib collecting, breakdown event materials/supplies No experience is necessary- you will receive all training/orientation before the event, and volunteers will receive snacks, refreshments, our ever-lasting gratitude, and while supplies last, an awesome race t-shirt! You can sign up for a volunteer shift here: https://www.volunteersignup.org/3QHLJ Get more information about volunteering for this project and others at this event...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below to connect with the volunteer coordinator **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

8/26/18 6:45 AM

Volunteer Responsibilities and Impact Come join us for our annual Kidrageous Carnival! This day of fun is filled with pony rides, tye dye, food, arts and crafts, jump houses, and so much more. Help make this event a success and come help out! Volunteers can help set-up, run a booth, dress up as a character, or clean-up. Shift Days and Times: September 23rd Shift A: 8 am - 11 am -- Set-up Shift B: 11:30 am - 4:00 pm -- Run a booth or dress up as a character Shift C: 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm -- Run a booth and clean-up

Watsonville, CA

8/26/18 8:00 AM +more

Santa Cruz County Human Services Department will be participating in a "Yellow Command" Disaster Activation Shelter Exercise on September 6, 2018. This will be an entire day exercise where we will be activating our Care and Shelter Plan and opening several shelters within the county. Volunteers are needed to serve as “role players” to simulate people in need of shelter as a result of a catastrophic event that has hit the entire Bay Area region. Volunteers who register by August 15th will receive a free T-shirt! This is a full-scale regional preparedness exercise, in coordination with Bay Area UASI, Urban Areas Security Initiative and Urban Shield, to evaluate our existing levels and capabilities. Yellow Command is a portion of Urban Shield with focus on emergency management, effective response and recovery. Volunteers will be registered with Urban Shield. Members of the public will be subject to a background investigation. No experience is necessary, scripts will be provided. Two locations planned, Felton and Santa Cruz. Volunteers may also help with set-up or clean-up as needed. Food will be served.

Santa Cruz, CA

9/6/18 8:00 AM +more

Get ready for a dynamic orientation to the MAH. Hear the Museum's story. Learn about the mission and how you can plug in here. We'll follow that up with upcoming volunteer opportunities and an optional tour of the museum. Expect this to be an hour and a half at most-- then you can grab a taco downtown! More information about the orientation available on the Santa Cruz MAH Website Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

9/6/18 5:30 PM +more

Volunteer Responsibilities and Impact Be a part of the Mole & Mariachi Festival volunteer team! The Festival runs from 11am-5pm on Sept. 8 and is a free, family-friendly event featuring a mole tasting competition, mariachi music, dancers, kids games, a raffle and much more. This fun, annual event brings a very large number of people to the Mission grounds (at the top of the hill above the clocktower in downtown Santa Cruz). There are volunteer opportunities in a wide variety of areas, so there are plenty choices to suit your volunteer interests. Volunteers are essential to help make this event the huge success it has been in the past. You will get experience working with the public and helping to put on a large scale event. This festival also promotes community interest is the historic Mission. Any funds raised go back to the Mission's operation. Shift Days, Times, and the Expected Time Commitment On Friday, Sept 7th, the day before the festival, shifts are from 2-3 hours and volunteers can choose slots between 8am and 7pm. On Saturday, Sept 8th, the day of the festival shifts are 2-3 hours between 7am -8pm to help with setup, a variety of event logistics including ticket sales, children's activities, and drink sales, and event breakdown. Any minor needs to bring a signed waiver from a parent or guardian. You can sign up for a specific shift at: http://signup.com/go/GCMkKEG

Santa Cruz, CA

9/7/18 8:00 AM +more

Celebrate an epic First Friday with live music, food, free exhibitions, and a closed down Cooper Street filled with low rider cars. Help people of all ages with an art activity. Welcome curious visitors into the galleries and the event itself. Sign up directly for the shift you want on the Santa Cruz MAH Eventbright page here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-friday-low-riders-volunteer-for-mah-tickets-47377638793 Volunteers are needed for various projects from 2:30pm to 10pm -- sign up for a 2-3 hour shift! Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

9/7/18 2:30 PM

Make a difference in your urban ecosystem by restoring the native habitat along the San Lorenzo River! Join ecology and native plant experts as they teach you about invasive plant species, and how to remove them. Invasive species grow rapidly along the two-mile long Santa Cruz Riverwalk and hinder the growth of native plants. This adversely affects the habitat of the native bugs, birds, and fish, that all depend upon a healthy, riparian environment. River Health Days are a great introduction for anyone who is interested in learning more about invasive or native species and the San Lorenzo River ecosystem. At the end of the day, volunteers can look back on the work they’ve accomplished, the people they’ve connected with, and know that they’ve made a difference in their community that day. Equipment, gloves and refreshments are provided. More specific meeting location will be shared upon registration. Sign up to volunteer here. Location: We will be on the riverwalk in Downtown Santa Cruz. This River Health Day is about a 2 hour event that starts at 9:30 am and goes until 12:00 pm, but we encourage people to commit to however long they desire! Whether you would like to stay for half an hour, an hour, or even a little more than two hours, we are happy to see you out there! Learn more and sign up: https://coastal-watershed.org/event/river-health-days/

Santa Cruz, CA

9/8/18 9:30 AM +more

Join our volunteer crew for an exciting farm-to-table dinner! Volunteers will help us set-up, prepare, serve, clean-up and essentially run a farm-to-table dinner on a CCOF certified organic farm. As this event is almost completely volunteer driven, nearly all the proceeds go to support a job training program that provides temporary employment, and support services to folks experiencing homelessness. Volunteers also help cultivate a community of support to help remove the stigmas around being homeless and celebrate food equity and social justice. Shift Days, Times, and the Expected Time Commitment on September 15th: 10:00am- 1:30pm: Set Up 2:00pm - 4:00pm: Parking 1:00pm - 6:00pm: Kitchen Support* 3:00pm - 7:30pm: Food Servers* 2:30pm - 7:00pm: Wine & Beverage Servers* 4:00pm - 7:00pm: Dishes Shift 1 6:30pm - 9:30pm: Dishes/Clean Up Shift 2 *Kitchen Support and Server positions are required to attend a mandatory orientation Wednesday, September 12th, from 5:30pm-6:30pm at the Homeless Garden Project Farm What qualifications are we looking for? For kitchen support and food service roles, hospitality and service skills are a bonus, but not necessity. Volunteer Benefits Volunteers will receive a complementary dinner provided by the Homeless Garden Project, listen to keynote speaker farmer and activist Nikoko Masumoto, build relationships with other volunteers, and learn about the organizational needs and programs of a well known Santa Cruz non-profit.

Santa Cruz, CA

9/15/18 10:00 AM +more

Young Volunteers are Needed to Tutor Seniors in Technology Help seniors navigate in the digital age and stay connected with their community with their personal electronic devices. From e-mail to iPads, our seniors need your help and with the community center's recent upgrade to Windows 7 your assistance will be more important than ever! This opportunity is open to youth ages 11-18. The next Senior Tech Days from 12pm to 3pm are scheduled for: September 15th and 29th October 13th and 20th November 10th December 1st and 15th All Senior Tech Days are held on Saturdays from 12pm-3pm at the Louden Nelson Community Center. Sign Up by clicking on the red box below. We will confirm your attendance one week prior ot the project day.

Santa Cruz, CA

9/15/18 12:00 PM +more

Volunteers are needed to help Food What put on our primary fundraising event of the year. All funds raised go to support our powerful, transformational youth empoowerment programming. You can support local youth through healthy food, job training and personal empowerment opportunities by volunteering at this one-day event. It's a past paced event, so if you have experience working at events we need your help! Day/Time: you can volunteer for one or more shifts Set-up from 12pm to 4:30pm Food Service from 4:30pm to 6pm Clean Up from 6:30pm to 9:30pm We will provide lunch and dinner for all volunteers at the event. Volunteers who take the later shift will be able to hear FoodWhat youth share their narratives of growth over the year, which is truly the most impactful part of the year for the FoodWhat family. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

9/30/18 12:00 PM +more

Habitat for Humanity will host our Annual Fundraising Event, Saturday, October 13, at Inner Light Center, and we need your help! PRE-EVENT VOLUNTEERS: Friday, October 12, 3pm-6pm: Assist with facility and silent auction set-up, kitchen organization and light food prep. You do not need food service experience for this opportunity. Wear comfortable clothes. EXPERIENCED CULINARY VOLUNTEERS: Saturday, October 13, 3pm –10pm. Organize and tray appetizers, provide table service, pass appetizers, attend to the soup/salad station and the beverage bar, and pitch in for clean-up. Wear black Pants and white top. EVENT VOLUNTEERS: Saturday, October 13, 3pm –10pm. Work with a team of volunteers to put the finishing touches on the facility, complete silent auction set-up and pitch in for clean-up. The non-culinary tasks do not require prior experience, and are open to all interested Volunteers. Wear black Pants and white top. This is a unique opportunity to work with an experienced event coordinator and gain food and event experience. Your donation of time will be a wonderful gift to our community in support of Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing homeownership to qualified low income families in Santa Cruz and Monterey. RSVP by Monday ,September 17, for further information.

Soquel, CA

10/12/18 3:00 PM +more

Support people with disabilities as they search for employment! Access2Employment is hosting its annual Job Fair on Thursday, October 18th from 3:00 to 7:00pm at the Coconut Grove. Volunteers are needed to assist from 3:00 to 9:00pm with 3 available shifts: Set- up from 3-5pm Welcoming employers / agencies and escorting them to their booth and assisting with booth set-up as needed Assiting with parking validation and signs in front of building During the event from 5pm-7pm Greet job seekers and provide information at the welcome table Distribute T-shirts and welcome packets Assist in organizing the puclic around the resume review table Generally assist employers and agencies as needed from 4:00 - 6:30pm Assist attendees to access free parking Receive evaluations from jobseekers as they leave Clean up and take down booths from 7:00 to 9:00 Sign up below or contact Christina: (831)427-5070x117

Santa Cruz, CA

10/18/18 3:00 PM +more

We need your office skills! The Diversity Center has a number of great opportunities for administrative support staff. Volunteers are also needed as hosts at the front desk greeting visitors and answering the phone. Join us 3+ hours a week and let's work together.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 8/31/18

Helping Hands volunteers make a crucial difference in the lives of low-income senior homeowners by providing free home safety checks. Volunteers help seniors remain independent and safe, and potentially add years to their lives. The Home Safety Check Superstars provide free home safety checks in senior homes, using a Fall Prevention Checklist (provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). After the checklist is completed, Helping Hands will dispatch volunteers to complete the recommended home repairs and fix the fall hazards. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/12/18

Friday Night Live is looking for middle school and high school aged youth who want to work on projects that affect all of us in Santa Cruz County and build valuable skills to transfer in to employment. Youth will lead projects related to limiting access of substances to youth and environmental prevention policies to promote a safe and thriving community. While Friday Night Live youth work on many and varying projects, some of the projects include: Training and Special Events Coordinator: Help to plan events and trainings. Collect and order needed materials, contact venues and attendees, order food, send follow up emails, create flyers and appropriate advertising, and other event related coordination. RAMA: Responsible Alcohol Merchant Awards are given to local merchants who work to limit youth access to substances. Some duties include coordination, scheduling and conducting interviews, using a rubric to determine the level of award, promoting awardees through media press releases, working with law enforcement, and distributing awards. Choose Your Ride: is a campaign to promote safe rides and designated drivers through local restaurants and bars. Participating businesses offer promotions to designated drivers. Some duties include outreach to merchants for participation, distribution of materials, tabling at local events to promote the campaign, and project coordination. Day Out With Thomas: On July 28-30 and August4-6, Friday Night Live youth and staff volunteer and fundraise at the Day Out With Thomas events at Roaring Camp. Youth gain real job skills in food service, customer service, youth and adult engagement, taking tickets, boarding the train, and retail service. During the school year, Friday Night Live youth plan and implement a project to address a challenge in their school or community. Projects include improving school climate and promoting safe spaces, reducing substance use of young people, promoting positive social norms, and so much more. Youth leaders who volunteer for 50+ hours during summer session are eligible for a stipend and will be considered for additional youth conference and training opportunities. Volunteer for this project -- use the EXPRESS INTEREST button below to connect with the project coordinator. **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 11/30/18

Do you have a desire to better your community? Be a Nieghborhood Pride Volunteer! Neighborhood Pride Volunteers help to eliminate graffiti in their community. You will select an area that you want to monitor and clean up graffiti. This is a free-lance volunteer opportunity, meaning you create your own schedule! We provide materials and training to support your efforts. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/5/18

The Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center (Walnut Avenue) is a strength-based family center. The mission of the Family Support Services program is to ensure that everyone who enters our doors feels welcomed, respected, and cared for. This department provides support to participants of other programs. FSS manages our food bank, donation room, operations (including front office), campaigns and annual event. Please contact the front office at (831) 426-3062 to sign up for a volunteer orientation. From there, you will be connected to the opportunity coordinator. Benefits of being a Community Relations Intern · Acquire skills to provide strength-based and trauma-informed care · Learn crisis intervention techniques and communication skills in a nonprofit office setting · Opportunity to learn community relations skills including donor relations · Gain skills in supporting the daily operations of a multi-program non-profit including administrative tasks · Gain skills in project management, events and fundraising · Opportunity to learn skills for managing a Food Bank/Pantry · Support multicultural /multilingual communities · Create social change Roles of a FSS Intern: Under general supervision, provide strength-based, trauma-informed, support to participants and staff at our agency. Job duties vary upon focus of interest & time commitment. Average of 4-10 hours per week. · Front Office Support · Food Bank/Donation Room · Campaign support (Sept.-Dec. only) Requirements & Qualifications: · Complete the Walnut Avenue Volunteer Orientation · Pass criminal background check/finger printing and application process · Completion of the front office training (one-on-one with Front Office Manager) · Commit to volunteer for a minimum of 3-6 consecutive months · Attend any required meetings with agency supervisor · Complete and return timesheet and other internship paperwork in a timely manner · Strong communication skills, welcoming demeanor and the ability to maintain clear boundaries · Ability to represent the agency with integrity · Comfortable supporting participants in crisis · Available for at least one day a week (Monday-Friday) during office hours (9am-5pm) · Access to internet to communicate via email with agency on a regular basis · Over the age of 18 · Bilingual helpful but not required · Complete an exit survey upon completion of volunteer program Knowledge, Skills & Abilities · Utilize the strength-based empowerment model to provide support to participants and staff · Ability to communicate effectively with participants from diverse socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds to gain rapport, maintain confidence, and obtain confidential information in a tactful and courteous manner · Ability to establish priorities to meet the needs of participants who may be under stress, in crisis, and addressing dangerous circumstances and multiple issues simultaneously · Informed on agency programs, community programs and local resources · Detail oriented with clear communication skills (verbal and written) · Capable of working collaboratively and independently · Commitment to maintain a mutually respectful & supportive work environment that values and empowers team members to collectively accomplish program goals · Strong interpersonal skills: commitment to uphold agency Code of Conduct, confidentiality and maintain a mutually respectful, professional work environment *Intern/Internships are usually connected with an individual receiving school credit from their college for their volunteer work with us. We are also open to creating internships for individuals that may not be getting school credit, but are willing to volunteer at least 10 hours a week for 3+ consecutive months. It is the policy of Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center to provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/23/18

The Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center (Walnut Avenue) is a strength-based family center dedicated to addressing barriers to families thriving in Santa Cruz County. Our mission is to provide support and services so women, children and families have the opportunity and skills to thrive. ***We are currently looking for ECE volunteers! Please call Genevieve at (831) 426-3062, ext 215 to attend a volunteer orientation and get started!*** Description: Provide strength-based, child-centered support to children ages 0 to 5 years and their families. Volunteer duties may include: · Interacting with children on-on-one and in groups · Supporting teachers by facilitating activities: art, books, circle time, cooking, dramatic play, manipulative, sensory and songs · Conflict resolution and problem solving with children · Interacting with parents to strengthen child’s support systems · Helping with snack, lunch preparation and clean up ECE Volunteer Shifts: · Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30am-5:30pm Requirements & Qualifications · Ability to make a weekly volunteer commitment (at least one shift a week) · Ability to make a minimum of 3 consecutive month commitment · Completion of Walnut Avenue’s volunteer orientation · Completion of one-on-one training with ECE Director · Fingerprinting/background check (DOJ, FBI and Child Abuse Index check) · Proof of full immunization Please call the office at (831) 426-3062 beforehand to sign up for an orientation. From there, you will be in contact with the opportunity coordinator. Volunteers under 18 must interview in person. It is the policy of Walnut Avenue to provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/23/18

Youth N.O.W is a pro- social and enrichment program that offers free services in regards to middle school and high school students’ scholastics! Youth N.O.W envisions to empower our youth’s self- efficacy, self- worth, health, and education. Shift Days, Times, and the Expected Time Commitment High School Program runs Monday-Thursday from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm & Wednesday's 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Middle School Program runs Monday-Thursday 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Last day of program for this Spring semester at Middle School will be May 31st, & June 5th for High School. Our Summer program begins on June 25th & ends on July 27th. The middle school program is Monday- Friday from 9am-5pm. The high school program is Monday- Friday from 1:00pm-6:00pm. Fall Programming will resume in late August for those available! What qualifications are we looking for? - Be able to provide tutor and homework help in Spelling, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Writing, Reading Comprehension, and Math. - Be able to assist students on their projects, presentations, and studying for their upcoming tests. - Be able to go over and check their completed assignments - Be an encouraging and supportive peer educator Volunteer Benefits - Mentorship - Experience in educating and working with minority youth - Knowledge in reversing the school- to- prison pipeline - Letters of Recommendation upon request - Tutoring experience - Enrichment course experience - Positive relationships with our local youth - Service Learning credits - Community service hours/ credits Training Dates There are no specific training dates set prior to the Volunteer Coordinator receiving the applicant’s online volunteer application and online back ground check. The interview and training dates will be set after the Volunteer Coordinator receives all forms necessary to participate in providing assistance to the Youth N.O.W team. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Watsonville, CA

Through 8/31/18

Train to be a peer counselor for isolated seniors! Senior Outreach, Family Service Agency of the Central Coast, is offering its annual volunteer opportunity to become a Senior Outreach peer counselor- a 40 hour training course in active listening skills Jan. 23 - Feb. 14. There are eight five-hour training sessions. If you are 55 or older; a caring, non-judgemental individual; willing to attend a 40 hour training and bi-monthly meetings for ongoing training and supervision, you are a good candidate for this program. You will experience a warm, supportive group of peer counselors and personal growth. At the end of the training you will be counseling homebound seniors. Some people find it difficult to get to office appointments due to age or disability. Our peer counselors help older adults maintain both their independence and a higher quality of life by visiting them in their homes. We offer help with depression, anxiety, bereavements, illness, and family problems at no cost in both English and Spanish. Call 459-9351, Ext. 206 for more information or "EXPRESS INTEREST" below. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/14/18

The Volunteer Initiative Program has ongoing internship opportunities and special project positions within various county departments. All VIP internships and volunteer opportunites are unpaid positions designed to give students, graduates and interested community members exposure to aspects of local government. Individuals should complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume that clearly expresses your area of interest and courses taken thus far. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below **This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through 12/14/18