Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County

Join us for an ongoing project, creating a healthy native habitat on Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, on both the low-lying dunes and adjacent cliffside. We do this by removing invasive vegetation and replacing it with California native plants which are indigenous to local beach habitats. The native vegetation in turn is attracting an increasing number of native fauna, including bees, butterflies, and birds. During much of the year, we are removing invasive vegetation - ice plant, European annual grasses, thistle, and others. This is mostly hand pulling of the weeds, but where needed, we use tools like hori-horis, hoes, and garden forks. We put the pulled weeds on tarps, and drag the tarps to nearby designated piles. Tools and training will be provided. For a small period of time in the rainy season, we also plant new natives. We dig a small hole in the ground with a hori-hori (trowel), then plant a seedling, and water it. We may water the plants additionally later on if the winter and spring are unusually dry. Each Monday workday is at Seabright State Beach, but exactly where on this half mile long beach varies week to week. Please contact Jeb Bishop at jeb.bishop@groundswellecology.org to find out the specific location for a given workday.

Santa Cruz, CA

9/16/19 9:00 AM + more

Help seniors stay connected and learn how to use their personal electronic devices. From e-mail , texting and iPads This opportunity is open to youth ages 11-18. Weekdays M-F time 3-5 pm Minimum 1 hour 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

9/16/19 3:00 PM + more

As with all of our previous community art projects, this whole adventure is reliant on volunteers! Some of our volunteers are unable to do any of the physical work, that it is OK! In addition to folks that want to break and place tiles we need greeters, door sitters, interpreters, and photographers. Some folks help out for just an hour or two while others can’t seem to get enough and come all the time. We are INCLUSIVE! If you want to get involved we will help you find a job that is fulfilling and fun for you. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights at the Center are for Watsonville Youth. We are looking for 1 or 2 adult volunteers who can be regulars so that the returning students get to know you, bilingual preferred.

Watsonville, CA

9/16/19 3:00 PM + more

Become part of the Jacob’s Heart Volunteer Community Jacob’s Heart is an inclusive place for anyone who wants to give back and make an impact in the lives of local children with cancer and their families. Whether you have 30 minutes or a whole day, we want to find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! Volunteers can help us with any of the below projects: - Grocery Packing - Grocery Delivering - Office Support - Special Events - Pantry Program Volunteers must attend a special volunteer orientation which happens every Wednesday at 3:30pm or by appointment at the Jacob’s Heart Family Center, 680 West Beach Street, Watsonville. Volunteer applications (to fill out) are available at the Volunteer Orientation.

Watsonville, CA

9/18/19 3:30 PM + more

Call for Volunteers! Give a HOOT and JOIN our WING TEAM! The Monterey Bay Birding Festival Association hosts an annual birding festival with goals to increase public knowledge and interest in birding and the conservation of natural resources. We focus on issues affecting local native bird species of the Monterey Bay and their habitats as well as migrating birds. The Monterey Bay Birding Festival (MBBF) has volunteer opportunities September 19-22, 2019. Attached you will find an application to join us in a volunteer capacity as a member of our Wing Team. Wing Team Members are a huge part of what makes the Monterey Bay Birding Festival successful and we hope through the work you do to help MBBF run smoothly, you have an unforgettable experience! All Wing Team Members will earn a Fest T-shirt, admittance to both night Keynote Speaker Presentations, and Workshop #115, plus one field trip per 3-hour shift. Wing Team Members are required to work a minimum of 3-hour shift. *If you are looking for volunteer hours for school please note that at the bottom of the application. If you have any questions, direct them to the Wing Team Coordinators: WingTeamforthebirds@gmail.com WING TEAM Application Thanks for taking the first step towards becoming part of our Wing Team at this year’s Monterey Bay Birding Festival Please review the following information closely before filling out the application. Volunteer spots are all at Festival headquarters, unless otherwise specified. Watsonville Civic Plaza, 275 Main Street, Watsonville, CA 95076 Work day Sign-ups: Pre-Fest: work day 9/19 between noon and 6pm Mid-Fest: work days 9/20 5:30am-10pm, 9/21 5:30am-10pm, and 9/22 5:30am-7pm Post-Fest: work days 9/22 10am-2pm close based upon clean-up Parking: Wing Team Member Parking On Friday, please report to the volunteer table to receive a parking pass if you will be at the festival more than 2 hours, before 3 p.m. Parking is free on Friday after 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday parking is free. Application Process 1. Review the following information closely. Submitting an application indicates you understand the process and agree to the program’s policies. 2. You will receive a confirmation email from wingteamforthebirds@gmail.com confirming your application has been received and accepted. 3. The Wing Team Coordinator will review your application and respond with specific details regarding shifts available and your schedule within 3 days of your submission. please be patient (we have other jobs outside of coordinating this epic team). Scheduling It is at the Wing Team Coordinators’ discretion to align Wing Team Members with their assignments. Pre-Fest Wing Team can expect to receive their schedule by Thursday, September 8th. If you need more advance notice for employers/professors/family, please notify the Coordinator. Mid-Fest Wing Team can expect to receive their schedule by Saturday, September 10th. We will try to send out schedules sooner, but Festival needs are a moving target and we would prefer to be certain about your shift times versus changing them last minute. The Coordinator will not change your assigned shift times, but may change the team you’re assigned to at any point during your shift due to ever-changing needs. We will be as accommodating as possible when it comes to shift changes. In general, we prefer Wing Team Members trade shifts with other Wing Team Members to ensure all shifts are covered, however we will make exceptions on a case by case basis. This is a referral opporutnity. Please email wingteamforthebirds@gmail.com to apply to volunteer or click the EXPRESS INTEREST button below!

Watsonville, CA

9/19/19 12:00 PM + more

Grey Bears improves the health and well being of seniors through food distribution, volunteerism and community participation. Volunteers are essential to the success of Grey Bear's programs! Volunteer opportunities include packing food for the Brown Bag Delivery program, cooking lunch, ringing up sales at the thrift store, sorting recycling, assisting in the office, selling books online, facility maintenance and more! Before volunteering we ask that you attend an orientation. We hold an orientation every Thursday at 1pm in the main office of Grey Bears. At the orientation you can sign up for the project that fits your interests.

Santa Cruz, CA

9/19/19 1:00 PM + 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

9/20/19 11:00 AM + more

Help sow seeds and transplant plants for restoration projects at Watsonville Wetlands Watch. No particular gardening skills required, just a love of the outdoors and a zest learning about plants and gardening! Propagators 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 hte Pajaro Valley and the names of plants that we typically restore out in the wetlands. You'll learn propagation techniques 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

9/20/19 11:00 AM + more

On the third Saturday in September California cleans up! California Coastal Cleanup Day welcomes more than 60,000 volunteers who will pick up hundreds of thousands of pounds of trash and recyclables from beaches, lakes, and waterways each year. It brings awareness to the marine litter problem and provides a community event for direct involvement. Help us by joining in the fight to preserve wildlife by taking trash out of the environment. Volunteer alongside your families, friends, coworkers, scout troops, school groups, and service clubs. If you're not sure how to get started please let us know. Plan to spend a day outside connecting with your community to celebrate California! The event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup, organized by the Ocean Conservancy. California Coastal Cleanup Day is the largest volunteer event in the US and International Coastal Cleanup Day is the largest volunteer event on the planet! Volunteer Sign Ups Click HERE to sign up as a volunteer on Annual Coastal Cleanup Day! (View map of available sites HERE.) Print and fill out this waiver and bring it to your cleanup. For English click here. For Spanish click here. Download the Annual Coastal Cleanup Day app for recording data called CleanSwell. This will enable you to collect your data electronically. BYOG: Bring your own gear. Come to your cleanup with your own gloves, bucket, grabbers, and filled reusable water bottles. *If you are very interested in leading a cleanup and being a site captain please contact nia@saveourshores.org

Santa Cruz, CA

9/21/19 9:00 AM

Become a Literacy Tutor!! Attend a Volunteer Orientation! The Literacy Program of Santa Cruz is looking for dedicated individuals to help community members learn English. This can help them get a better job, be able to talk to their children's teachers, and be able to get help in an emergency. Volunteer tutors are trained and matched with adult students who have strong desires to learn the English language. You can tutor at your student's home, a library, a coffee shop or other community location. The FIRST step to becoming a Literacy Tutor is to attend a mandatory one hour Orientation. ORIENTATION DATES (only need to attend ONE) Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, 1740 17th Avenue: Saturday, August 3rd from 10-11AM Wednesday, August 7th from 6-7PM Tuesday, September 10th from 10-11AM Saturday, September 21st from 10-11AM Get Involved....Sign Up for This Opportunity by selecting the date you'd like to attend and using the "SIGN UP" button. You can also contact the Literacy Program of Santa Cruz County at (831) 427.5077. Website or link for further information: www.literacysantacruz.org

Santa Cruz, CA

9/21/19 10:00 AM

Sand Hill Bluff, Wilder Ranch State Park We have worked at this very special, lovely north coast site for a few years now. We will assess what further work needs to be done, and more than likely pull a variety of weedy species on the coastal bluffs. See you out there. Please wear long pants and comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Dress for the weather!\ Next Project: September 21, 2019 10 am to 1 pm Location: Wilder Ranch (will carpool to the site from the main parking lot -- Please arrive by 9:50). Directions to Wilder Ranch: Take Highway 1 North through Santa Cruz, and continue north to the turn off on the left hand side for Wilder Ranch. Watch for the sign indicating a left turn. Once at the kiosk, let the person there know you are volunteering, and they will give you a parking pass. Meet us at the interpretive sign by the bathrooms in the parking lot. Please note: Due to parking constraints at the project site, we will meet at Wilder Ranch State Park and car pool to the site. Please try to arrive by 9:50 am. We will plan on leaving and heading to the project site by 10 am. Sign up Below!

Santa Cruz, CA

9/21/19 10:00 AM

Hello Future Friends, We are looking for weekend hosts at our Friends Downtown Santa Cruz Library bookstore. If you would like to host you will learn to use a square system to receive payments as well as manage a small bookstore while you are here. Shifts available: Saturdays 10am to 1pm Saturdays 1pm to 4pm Sundays 1pm to 4pm If you want to speak directly please email mary@fscpl.org 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

9/21/19 10:00 AM + more

Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History to 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 watering, weeding, pruning and replanting. You will also learn about sustainable gardening practices and California Native plants! All ages are welcome; children under 14 require adult supervision. Tools and gloves will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you have some. 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. 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. You can also contact the coordinator directly by using the "email" link below or by visiting the program website at the top of this posting.

Santa Cruz, CA

9/21/19 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! This opportunity is open to youth ages 11-18. The next Senior Tech Days from 12pm to 3pm are scheduled for: Saturday, September 7 & 21 Saturday, October 5 & 19 Saturday, November 2 & 16 Saturday, December 7 & 21 Saturday, January 4 & 18 Saturday, Feb 1 & 15 Saturday, March 7 & 21 Saturday, April 4 & 18 Saturday, May 2 & 16 All Senior Tech Days in Santa Cruz are held on Saturdays from 12pm-3pm at the Louden Nelson Community Center. Sign Up by clicking on the red box below.

Santa Cruz, CA

9/21/19 12:00 PM + more

Volunteers are needed to help us prepare vegan meals on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 pm-3pm. No experience is needed as we always need help with the basics of washing and cutting vegetables. We will provide training for cooking volunteers that are able to commit to volunteering once a month. 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. We especially need help with clean-up after the meals from 6pm to 7pm. Food Not Bombs is entirely volunteer-run and doesn't ask their volunteers to contact them before they volunteer. If you'd like to volunteer, wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty and will be warm when you work outside, and just show up!

Santa Cruz, CA

9/21/19 12:30 PM + more

Oktoberfest Santa Cruz will be celebrating it's 20th Anniversary this year. This event is a celebration of German-Bavarian culture. Our event will be held on Sunday, September 22nd from 11:30 AM to 3 PM. The event is held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 801 High Street, Santa Cruz.. We are in desperate need of volunteers. Please contact Jonathan Mueller at 831-252-0905. Oktoberfest Santa Cruz needs volunteers to help work at our ticket/greeting tables (handling money required) and also food serving and event tear down.

Santa Cruz, CA

9/22/19 11:00 AM

Restoration Saturday Come out and help the Watsonville Wetlands Watch restoration staff work to make our wetlands healthier every fourth Saturday of the month! Work usually consists of planting native plants, removing exotic invasive plants, and helping in our native plant greenhouse. We work from 9am until 12 noon – and always make time for bird watching or a short hike around the wetlands. This is a great opportunity for students to get volunteer hours and for volunteers to get to know our amazing wetlands! Tools gloves, and snacks are provided and volunteers should be sure to bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Meet at the Wetlands Educational Resource Center at the top of the Pajaro Valley High School campus next to the basketball courts (500 Harkins Slough Rd) to carpool to sites. Please Note: organized groups of over 15 people or more should make sure to contact Yesenia 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

9/28/19 9:00 AM + more

Join us for a day full of bounce houses, face painting, slime making, and much more! Volunteer at the Kidrageous Carnival to support Jacob's Heart and local children with cancer. Whether you are helping a child mix up some slime, tie-dye a shirt, or planting a succulent, we promise you'll have a blast. We need help during the following shifts: Set-Up Crew: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Help us set-up all of our booths and activities in the Watsonville City Plaza. Booth Crew: 11:30 am - 4:00 pm Create long-lasting memories for our community by running a booth or dressing up as a child's favorite character. Clean-Up Crew: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Help us pack up from all of the fun had at the Kidrageous Carnival. This is a great way for volunteers to earn lots of volunteer hours! Planning on volunteering for more than 6 hours? Lunch will be on us!

Watsonville, CA

9/29/19 8:00 AM + more

Twice a year, Ecology Action hosts Bike to Work and School as a way to inspire more community members to leave their cars at home, enjoy the freedom and joy of two wheels, breathe in our fresh coastal air, and experience how biking can change their lives! We host 12 public breakfast sites and over 40 school sites around Santa Cruz County, serving more than 5000 community members at each event. Join our Ecology Action Bike to Work Day Volunteer Team! Help to bring the community together and inspire sustainability Bring greater health and happiness into your community by getting more people out on bikes Encourage more people to enjoy our beautiful landscape on two wheels Contribute to the health and well-being of our community and planet We couldn't make the impact we do without YOU! As a volunteer, you can help us pack food for 7000 cyclists on Wednesday, October 2nd, or help us serve free breakfast to cyclists on Thursday, October 3rd. Simply navigate to our Fall Bike to Work Volunteer Sign Up and follow the prompts. Once you've done that, we'll follow up to confirm with you and provide more details. Share this link with your community and bring your favorite people to volunteer with you! Feel free to reach out with any questions. Get ready to have fun, inspire your community, and change the world, one pedal stroke at a time! We look forward to connecting with you!

Santa Cruz, CA

10/3/19 6:00 AM

Create an exciting experience at the biggest stop along the Santa Cruz First Friday Art Tour. Bring three floors of free exhibitions (including a brand new one), an art activity, and musical performance to life as MAH volunteer. Tour and food included. Art Activity Helper | 4:30 - 7 pm OR 6:30 - 9 pm Celebrate Dia de los Muertos by helping to lead a sugar skull decorating and tissue paper flower making art activity. Sugar skulls are an integral part of Day of the Dead and honor those who've passed away. Help families connect with their histories and loved ones as an Art Activity Helper. Gallery Helper | 4:30 - 7 pm OR 6:30 - 9 pm Welcome visitors into three floors of free exhibition space. From a new photography exhibition surrounding themes of displacement and immigration to a kaleidoscopic installation of queer and feminist art, you'll bring new life to dynamic spaces. Answer visitors' quesetions and ask a few yourself. No experience necessary! We'll make sure you've got all the info you need for a great experience. Month-specific activity volunteers | Varies Sign up directly for the shift you want on the Santa Cruz MAH Eventbright page here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-friday-festival-volunteer-with-the-mah-tickets-63409640943?aff 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

10/4/19 4:30 PM + more

Make a difference in the lower San Lorenzo River ecosystem by volunteering with a Coastal Watershed Council’s River Health Day. During the December River Health Day, we will be planting native plants along the banks of the San Lorenzo River to improve biodiversity and habitat complexity in the river ecosystem. This event will take place on the east bank of the San Lorenzo River upstream of the Broadway Avenue Bridge. We will meet at the Santa Cruz Riverwalk adjacent to Mimi De Marta Dog Park on 119 Broadway Santa Cruz. We highly recommend walking or biking to the event as there is limited parking in the area. Gloves and tools provided. Wear sturdy shoes and layers. We recommend that all volunteers dress in comfortable gardening clothes, include long pants, socks and sturdy shoes. Bring sun protection and a reusable water bottle. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Call (831) 464 9200 with any questions before the event. Location: Meet at the Santa Cruz Riverwalk adjacent to Mimi De Marta Dog Park on 119 Broadway Santa Cruz Sign up here: https://coastal-watershed.org/event/river-health-day-26/ This River Health Day is about a 2.5 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!

Santa Cruz, CA

10/12/19 9:30 AM + more

The Dia de los Muertos Festival and 5K/3K will be held in Live Oak on Sunday, October 27th. We need volunteers to be along the race path to help monitor the event. We need volunteers from 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM. General event information: Join the Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz County Parks, and El Rosal Bakery for Día de los Muertos Festival & 5K/3K. This community event will bring families together for a day of fitness and fun while celebrating Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Fundraising will support youth programs in Santa Cruz County. A family-friendly 5k/3k Run/Walk along the ocean will kick off the 7th Annual Día de Los Muertos Festival in the heart of Live Oak in Santa Cruz, CA. This fun and inclusive community event will feature a diverse line-up of traditional Mexican dance, colorful costumes, face painting, special performances, homemade altars (ofrendas), and food vendors.

Santa Cruz, CA

10/27/19 8:00 AM

Are you looking for a super fun volunteer opportunity?! Support your local hospital by volunteering for the Dominican Hospital Foundation’s annual Gala. As a non-profit organization, we rely on volunteer participation to help meet the changing healthcare needs of our community and stay current with the most advanced technology. Bring your friends and have fun decorating the classically beautiful and historic Cocoanut Grove, built in 1907, which overlooks the Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf. From fabulous floral decorations to gorgeous dinner table arrangements, volunteering for the Gala is always a fun and memorable experience. If you decide to volunteer during the event, you get to dress up in your favorite formal attire and help welcome guests, assist with registration and check-out. Listed below are time slots available for the following shifts: • Friday, November 22 – 12:00pm - 7:00pm to help with decorations and set-up. • Saturday, November 23 – 12:00pm - 4:00pm to help with decorations and set-up. • Saturday, November 23 – 4:15pm - 12:00am to help with event support. Formal attire required. • Sunday, November 24 - 9:00am - 12:00pm to help with break down. There are a few ways to sign up: 1. Call the Foundation office at 831-462-7712 2. E-mail Guinevere at Guinevere.Espinoza-Krebs@DignityHealth.org We sincerely appreciate your support and participation and look forward to a successful fundraising event!

Santa Cruz, CA

11/22/19 12:00 PM + more

Join us on Family Volunteer Day to prepare for our annual Adopt A Family project. Saturday, November 23rd from 10am to 12pm at the Volunteer Center in Santa Cruz. The Adopt A Family project provides food, clothing and toys to over 400 of Santa Cruz County's neediest families during the holiday season. Every year approximately 100 families on our list go un-adopted, and we depend on our on donations from our Stars project to fill the need. Here's where you come in....we need your help to create wishing star ornaments. At our stars parties volunteers cut out foam stars, decorate them, and write gift ideas on them. These stars are displayed at local banks and businesses for members in the community to see specific gift needs of children and families who were not adopted. people pick up the stars, purchase the gift and return them to the bank or business. ***Stars making kits are also available for volunteer business groups, or student groups so you can have a party in your office or classroom. We'll provide you with precut stars that just need a creative touch! Once you've completed the stars hang them up in your business and watch as the gifts pour in, or return them to the Volunteer Center. We will provide volunteers with all the art supplies needed to complete the task. Any supplies you'd like to contribute will be greatly appreciated. If you sign up by November 15th you will be entered in a drawing for 4 all day Boardwalk tickets and 4 tickets to ride the train at Roaring Camp Railraod. Tickets will be delivered to winners when they volunteer. Get Involved... Sign Up For This Opportunity using the SIGN UP button below

Santa Cruz, CA

11/23/19 10:00 AM

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 12/12/19

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: The last weekend of July and first weekend of August, 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, family friendly activities, 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 10/30/19

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 12/23/19

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 12/23/19

Suicide Prevention Service is looking for new suicide crisis line volunteer responders. Join us for a rewarding experience while learning active listening skills, self-care, and suicide and crisis intervention techniques. Training is provided and no prior experience is required—only a willing and open heart. 18+ Volunteers receive 40+ hours of training on Tuesday and/or Thursday evenings. After training, volunteers commit to a four hour shift, once a week for one year. Training begins Thursday, October 17th, 2019! For 50 years Suicide Prevention Service has been serving Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito County residents through our services, which include a 24-hour suicide crisis hotline. More than anything, people with thoughts of suicide need a safe place to express their thoughts and feelings and be heard. For more information and to apply, please call our administrative line at (831) 459-9373 or email us at sps24hr@fsa-cc.org We look forward to hearing from you! [If you are suicidal, in crisis, or concerned for a loved one, please call our 24 hour suicide crisis hotline at 1-877-663-5433] 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 2/3/20

All VIP internships and volunteer opportunites are unpaid positions designed to give students, graduates and interested community members exposure to aspects of local government. The Volunteer Initiative Program matches interested community members with volunteer internships throughout the Santa Cruz County Government. We work with all County departments including the District Attorney's Office, the Health Services Agency, Law Library, Women's Commission, Personne, Parks, Probation, the Sheriff Office and many more. There are ongoing internship opportunities and special project positions within various county departments. A volunteer opportunity or volunteer internshipo is an ideal way to gain skills, update your resume and help County Government to serve our community. Individuals should complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume that clearly expresses your area of interest. 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 3/31/20