Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County

St. Francis Soup Kitchen is distributing brown bag lunches to go to unhoused people in our community. Stop by to drop off fun and tasty packaged items to go in the bags! Please bring items between 9am and 2pm, Monday through Friday. Address: 205 Mora St, Santa Cruz (off of River Street) For more information you can call us at (831) 459-6712 PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING SHELTER-IN-PLACE **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

4/8/20 9:00 AM + more

Warming Center Program is committed to people who sleep outside and are in desperate need of storage for their bedding and personal belongings. We believe the experience of people lugging piles of belongings around, hiding them in various areas and often having them confiscated or stolen is an issue that affects every city resident. We need one person to assist our clerk with checking storage in and out on Wednesday evenings. This includes greeting clients, pulling storage bins, and using a basic computer spreadsheet. Masks, gloves, and isopropyl hand spray are provided, and safety guidelines are in effect. PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING SHELTER-IN-PLACE 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

4/8/20 5:00 PM + more

Healthy volunteers under the age of 65 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. Volunteers are also needed to deliver bags after they are assembled. Contact: Grace Mora, grace@greybears.org, (831) 479-1055x 241 PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY Click here for more information on the Healthy Food Delivery Program! 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

4/9/20 7:30 AM + more

Join us for a beach day! Help pick up trash at the beach downtown on Global Youth Service Day. Saturday, April 18th from 10am to 12pm. Main Beach is a beloved and relaxing location for Santa Cruz locals and visitors alike. The beauty of this beach also attracts large crowds all year long, especially during busy summer months. Illegal fires, partying, and inappropriate disposal of trash has been harmful to local wildlife, neighbors and tourists. Help us monitor and clean up Main Beach! Individual and group volunteers are welcome. The Volunteer Center provides all necessary supplies, and we encourage volunteers to bring their own reusable buckets, gloves, and water bottles, wear sturdy shoes, sun protection and to dress in layers. Check in will be located above the beach at 106 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (across the street from the Picnic Basket) We will be cleaning RAIN or SHINE! We will meet at 10:00 AM next to the bathrooms between the volleyball nets and Ideal Bar and Grill. Youth ages 12-17 may attend without an accompanying adult, but need to bring the following completed permission slip: https://scvolunteercenter.org/ wp-content/uploads/2019/05/YS- Permission-registration-media- form.doc

Santa Cruz, CA

4/18/20 10:00 AM

Mesa Verde Gardens seeks volunteers, individuals or groups, interested in supporting 7 community gardens in Watsonville. We are seeking people who are excited to get their hands dirty, work outdoors, and have a desire to learn or support social, food, and environmental justice work in our community. Community Workdays will occur the 4th Sunday of every month, from 10am-2pm. You are welcome to stay the entire time or for a shorter period of time.The garden location will vary, depending on needs, and will be provided upon registration. Gardens are located in the City of Watsonville and one is in Pajaro (see map of gardens). Gardening experience is a bonus, but not required. All-levels and ages welcome! Children 12 years or younger must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers will work on garden maintenance projects that vary seasonally: Removing weeds Tilling or shoveling soil Shoveling & dispersing wood-chips Tending to garden compost Trash collection Guidelines & Considerations: Complete volunteer waiver. Wear closed-toed shoes, long sleeve shirt/pants recomended, hat, and sunblock. Bring your own reusable water bottle, lunch, or snacks. We will have a water gallon for water refills. Bring gardening gloves and/or tools if you have some. We look forward to gardening with you! Mesa Verde Gardens busca voluntarios, individuos o grupos, interesados ​​en apoyar 7 jardines comunitarios en Watsonville. Estamos buscando personas que estén entusiasmadas por ensuciarse las manos, trabajar al aire libre y deseen aprender o apoyar el trabajo de justicia social, alimentaria y ambiental en nuestra comunidad. Los días de trabajo comunitario se realizarán el cuarto domingo de cada mes, de 10am-2pm. Esta invitado a quedarse todo el tiempo, o solo una parte. La ubicación del jardín variará, según las necesidades, y se proporcionará al registrarse. Los jardines están ubicados en la ciudad de Watsonville y uno está en Pájaro (ver mapa de jardines). No es necesario tener experiencia de jardinería ¡Todos los niveles y edades son bienvenidos! Los niños de 12 años o menores deben estar acompañados por un adulto. Los voluntarios trabajarán en proyectos de mantenimiento de jardines que varían según la temporada: Remover las malas hierbas y zacatae Escarbar y revolver tierra con la pala Traspalear y dispersión de astillas de madera en los caminos Cuidado del composta de jardína Recolección de basura Reglas y consideraciones: Completar la forma de exoneracion para voluntarios. Use zapatos cerrados, camisa de manga larga / pantalones recomendados, sombrero y bloqueador solar. Traiga su propia botella de agua reutilizable, almuerzo o meriendas. Tendremos un galón de agua para rellenar el agua. Traiga guantes y / o herramientas de jardinería si tiene. ¡Nos vemos en el jardin!

Watsonville, CA

4/26/20 10:00 AM + more

Join us at Evergreen cemetery for a few hours of work maintianing and restoring this historical site. We meet every Friday from 9:30 to 12:30. There are projects for all abilities. Lunch is provided at noon - please rsvp so we have an accurate head count. We are an all-volunteer effort that has been steadily uncovering, restoring, improving, and adding to Evergreen Cemetery to make it a beautiful, safe and educational site. We aim to inspire our community to learn more about local history, appreciate the many cultures represented at Evergreen, and make use of the site. Wear clothes you can get dirty and bring a bottle of water. If you have work gloves please bring a pair (we have extras for people who need them).

Santa Cruz, CA

5/1/20 9:30 AM + more

Fitness 4 Life helps youth develop skills for a healthier future through garden/nutrition education, swimming, and biking in the Watsonville community. We want you to help us celebrate the achievements these students have made this year by helping us with our biggest event of the year. About 1000 elementary and middle school students will be participating in an obstacle course and fitness challenges. You can help by: -Sharing an encouraging message as you help students onto the course -Assist along the course -High five and cheer for students at the end of the course OR If you have a fun fitness activity, carnival game, or healthy snack you would like to share, we would love to make this happen! The Superkid Race will take place on Friday, May 1st from 2-5pm. Set up will be between 12-2pm and Clean up will be from 5-7pm. You do not have to stay the entire time, but we would expect you to stay for at least 1 hour. No special qualifications required; anyone who is enthusiastic and has a good attitude would be great! If you are a high school student in need of volunteer hours, we can sign off for you. You will also be helping over 1000 students in our community have a great memorable time at our event. Months later, students still remember this day, and part of the reason is thanks to volunteers like yourself! Event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/813947642434691/

Watsonville, CA

5/1/20 12:00 PM

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! No experience is required - just a willingness to help out! The next Senior Tech Days from 12pm to 3pm are scheduled for: Saturday, March 7 Saturday, April 4 & 18 Saturday, May 2 & 16 All Senior Tech Days in Santa Cruz are held on the first and third Saturday of every month from 12pm-3pm at the Louden Nelson Community Center. Sign Up by clicking on the red box below. You can also RSVP for the event by emailing us at YS@SCVOLUNTEERCENTER.ORG

Santa Cruz, CA

5/2/20 12:00 PM + more

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

5/4/20 9:00 AM + 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

5/4/20 3:00 PM + more

Make a difference in the lower San Lorenzo River ecosystem by volunteering for a River Health Day with the Coastal Watershed Council. River Health Days focus on improving habitat conditions and biodiversity along the river by pulling pesky invasive vegetation, planting native seedlings and weeding around established native plants so they have room to grow and thrive. River Health Days occur on the second Saturday of the month. Meet on the east Santa Cruz Riverwalk (opposite side from downtown) between the Soquel Ave. and Laurel St. bridges. Please consider walking or biking to the event as parking in the area is very limited. Parking is available in the CWC/Good Times parking lot at 107 Dakota Ave. Paid parking is available along Dakota Ave. or across the river in downtown Santa Cruz. Gloves and tools provided. Volunteers should dress in comfortable gardening clothes, including long pants and sturdy closed-toe 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 x 104 with any questions before the event. Sign up here: https://coastal-watershed.org/san-lorenzo-river/our-approach/habitat/

Santa Cruz, CA

5/9/20 9:30 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 "Sign Up" 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

5/16/20 10:00 AM + more

The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is hosting a beach cleanup! Seabright State Beach is right across from the Museum, and we like to make sure our neighborhood beach is always clean. In addition, we take data to support valuable ongoing research about ocean pollutants. As a beach cleanup volunteer, you will help pick up any trash or recycling found on Seabright Beach. You will also take data marking the quantity and type of litter found. This will help researchers determine best practices for packaging and waste management, among other things. In addition, you will learn about ocean conservation and good sustainable choices we can all make. This event may get cancelled in the event of strong rain or wind. Volunteers should bring gloves (if you have them), a reusable water bottle, and sun protection. Beach clean up tools will be provided. Meet at the Museum entrance, and we will walk to the beach together. Get involved… Select the Red “Sign Up” 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

5/23/20 10:00 AM + more

A legal advocate for survivors of domestic violence attends family law restraining order hearings in person at the Watsonville courthouse to provide assistance with legal paperwork, provide peer and emotional support, answer general questions about the legal system without offering legal advice, liaise between the survivor and court employees, and offer local legal resources as needed. Previous experience in advocacy or law is not required. Training is included and meets the California legal requirements to be certified as an advocate for domestic violence survivors (California Evidence Code §1037). Why It Matters Current research shows that, in the US, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience some form of abuse from an intimate partner. Domestic violence has a reciprocal relationship with other forms of abuse of power, such as racism, transphobia, and ableism, and it is the primary cause of homelessness among women. It impacts not only the well-being of an individual but also the family, the community, and society as a whole. Because domestic violence is so prevalent, it comes up in areas outside of domestic violence agencies: hospitals, therapists’ offices, substance use recovery programs, homelessness, schools, families, friend groups, corporate workplaces, law enforcement, etc. Benefits Understanding of domestic and gendered violence in both the personal and broader political contexts Skill development in crisis intervention Skill development in peer support, emotional support, healthy boundaries, and other interpersonal skills Being a safer, more effective ally for survivors both professionally and personally Knowledge of local family law processes Additional trainings and professional development opportunities offered by guest speakers at the monthly supervisory meetings Opportunity for academic credit, work experience, and other benefits for future educational or employment options Opportunities for networking with local legal officials, employees, and groups Requirements Be 18 years or older Have not received domestic violence services as a participant with Walnut Avenue for a minimum of two years Attend a Walnut Avenue volunteer orientation Pass a fingerprinting/criminal background check Completion of the 40+ hour advocacy certification training (required by California law) Participation in our 24-hour hotline service Detail-oriented, punctual, and able to conform to structural requirements/policies Business or business-casual attire An email which is checked regularly Professional verbal and written communication with supervisor Maintain high confidentiality standard Bilingual Spanish encouraged but not required Time Commitment Commitment to 12 consecutive months of service One weekly shift on our hotline (9am-5pm or 5pm-9am), taken anywhere you have phone reception and the option for privacy One monthly professional development/supervisory meeting, attended in person (first Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm) Attending court every Thursday from 7:30am-1pm Associated Costs Certification training with commitment to 12 months: $50 materials fee Certification training without commitment to 12 months: $250 Standard background check (required for all volunteers): $45 Background check for volunteers also providing services for children and teens: $102, with option for reimbursement after 3 months of service If cost is a barrier for you, please contact the community engagement coordinator to discuss your options without judgment at mcoffey@wafwc.org. To Get Started The first step is to attend a volunteer orientation at Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center, which happen about twice a month/every two weeks. To hear upcoming dates and times and to register for the one which works best for you, please call our office at (831) 426-3062. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please contact our community engagement coordinator, Marjorie Coffey, at mcoffey@wafwc.org. It is the policy of Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center to provide equal employment, volunteer opportunities and services to participants (EEO) to all persons regardless of ancestry, age, color, national origin, disability (physical and mental, includes HIV and AIDS), genetic information, race, religion (includes religious dress and grooming), gender, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military or veteran, request for FMLA 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

Through11/30/20

Because there are many ways a cancer diagnosis can impact a woman’s life on a daily basis, our wonderful family of volunteers offers a wide array of practical support to women undergoing treatments. Transportation volunteers provide practical support to women with cancer by giving rides to and from medical appointments. This is an easy way to make a big difference in the lives of others! Volunteer Benefits: “It’s like I’ve sprinkled pixie dust over their seat because the minute that they get into the car they just outpour whatever they are going through. I’m a sounding board. I listen, I have two ears, they can talk them off… they will grow back. It just gives me so much and I learn so much from them” - WomenCARE Volunteer Driver “Every weekday for 6 weeks, WomenCARE's volunteer drivers get me safely and reliably to my radiation treatments at Stanford South Bay. Their generosity is amazing -they provide this service in their own cars and pay for the gas themselves -but best of all is their genuine friendliness and our impromptu conversations. We talk about fly fishing, cycling, bears, hiking, pets, recipes, movies, books, even politics and sometimes about cancer. Time flies with such good company and transforms this difficult trip into a pleasant one!” – WomenCARE Client 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.

Soquel, CA

Through5/29/20

Create Art with Seniors Ageless Art Project volunteers are Artists and Crafts people who lead small groups of senior residents in care facilities to create art. Volunteers share their skills and artistic talent in a variety of mediums. Additionally, volunteers have the pleasure of seeing care facility residents experience an awakening of spirit, pride, and self-worth. It is this spark of positive feelings that both the volunteers and residents receive. Ageless Art Project: • Artist volunteers lead regularly scheduled art classes using various kinds of media • Artists give ongoing support and make creative expression a positive experience • Regular exhibitions of seniors’ artwork are displayed throughout Santa Cruz County. A program of I-YOU Venture, Family Service Agency of the Central Coast For more information contact: Ageless Art Project :: (831) 459 8917 x208 medina.a@fsa-cc.org :: www.fsa-cc.org/ageless-art-program 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

Through10/1/20

Who we are: The Pigeon Light Station's goal is to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Upon successful completion of the Docent Training Course, docents will: greet visitors from around the world interpret the cultural and natural history of Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park offer free guided walks of the grounds aid guided tours of the Lighthouse Tower operate the Bookstore which sells educational materials and items related to the lighthouse authorized by a permanent park staff supervisor Shift Days, Times, and the Expected Time Commitment Docents are required to work at least one 7-hour shift (9:30 AM – 4:30 PM) each month. The park is currently staffed Thursdays – Mondays. The commitment is for a minimum of one year. Qualifications Docents must be friendly, courteous, and possess good communication skills. They must be willing to learn and share their knowledge of the park resources with visitors. Docents must possess good arithmetic skills and have experience handling money and making change. Volunteer Benefits Expanding awareness, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of the natural and cultural environment. Opportunities to continue education through ongoing enrichment and events. With at least 50 hours service a year, docents receive a free State Park day use pass for a year, in the district where volunteering. After 200 hours in a calendar year as a volunteer, docents receive a free State Park day use pass for the entire state. Training Dates Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park will be hosting a three-day training class for new volunteers in the spring of 2020. We enjoy meeting people who are willing to commit their time and energy to the educational mission of the Park, and we look forward to gathering together a new class of enthusiastic docents for our 2020 spring training. Class dates and times are TBD. There is no cost to attend the training, but you must RSVP ahead of time. 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.

Pescadero, CA

Through10/31/20

Are you 55 +? Make a difference in your communities with Monterey Bay RSVP delivering Healthy Essentials meals to those in need! Be an RSVP hero, helping to assure healthy futures for seniors and others through providing nutritious food for our neighbors. RSVP volunteers are needed as drivers in this essential function with our partner agencies throughout the tri county area with commitments typically just a few hours one or two days a week. RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience – or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. All RSVP volunteers receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and travel reimbursement. Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! Contact us to hear more about this and other opportunities and to become an RSVP member! Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below

Santa Cruz, CA

Through12/31/20

Are you 55 +? This opportunity: RSVP volunteers are needed to help assemble these much needed food bags in many of our partner agencies throughout the tri county area a couple of mornings a week. Be a part of the solution to hunger by joining a team of dedicated staff and volunteers who come together to pack and deliver food bags to seniors in need! RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience – or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. All RSVP volunteers receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and travel reimbursement. Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! Contact us to hear more about this and other opportunities and to become an RSVP member! The Monterey Bay RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) has served Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties for 40 years as a part of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below

Santa Cruz, CA

Through12/31/20

Drivers deliver bags of fresh produce and essential groceries to homebound and isolated seniors. The driving shift is flexible between 7:30am and 11am on Thursdays and Fridays. The brown bag program helps seniors stretch fixed income dollars and provides an opportunity for meaningful community connections. Driving Routes are Countywide and you can drive in a location that's convenient for you. Volunteers need to be 18 years of age or older, have a valid California driver's license, be responsible and friendly. Kids of all ages are welcome to volunteer with an adult driver. Volunteer drivers make a difference in our community and the lives of seniors. Volunteer drivers are reimbursed for their gas mileage and receive a free bag of groceries as well. Volunteers must attend an orientation before they begin. Please schedule a one-on-one orientation with the volunteer coordinator. PLEASE READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING DURING SHELTER-IN-PLACE 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

Through4/30/20

Help our young non-profit report our successes and seek needed funding by entering contact and demographic information of the people we are serving. As a volunteer, you will enter data from hardcopy to excel spreadsheets and eventually to a new database. We are working to document the great work we are teaching local kids and families about organic farming and nutrition. As we develop documentation, we are collecting a large amount of data that will tell an excellent story once it is recorded allowing us to seek much needed grant funding. Volunteers may work anytime between 9am-5pm (Monday-Friday). Volunteers need to have basic computer skills, be meticulous, and resourceful. 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

Through10/31/21

Join the RSVP movement! Are you 55 +? Why explore volunteer opportunities with RSVP? RSVP volunteers, aged 55+, choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments usually just a few hours per week. They can choose opportunities that best fit their active lifestyles and use skills they have honed through their life and job experience - or try their hand at something completely new and different! RSVP volunteers benefit because they feel productive in their community, as well as having the satisfaction of making a difference. RSVP is a national program, part of the Corporation for National and Community Service, administered through the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. Joining your friends and neighbors in the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in local communities through volunteerism can be recognized on a national level! Benefits offered by RSVP include placements and referrals to 120 non-profit agencies; liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and travel reimbursement. Contact us to hear more about our current opportunities and join our team! Email: rsvp2@scvolunteercenter.org Get Involved...Select the Red "Express Interest" button below

Santa Cruz, CA

Through12/31/20

Help us manage the Save Our Shores donor database! The volunteer will need to spend a few hours each week (2-3) here at the Save Our Shores office. Training and support in using the database will be provided. Experience using a relational database is helpful. Volunteers are expected to come into the office once a week to stay up on entering data. We have flexible hours for volunteers outside of regular business hours. We will work with you to find the right time. Volunteers are an important part of our team, are absolutely essential to the continuance of our work to protect our ocean and planet, and are embraced as a crucial part of our vibrant community. Volunteers are invited to attend all Save Our Shores community events! Please feel free to call or text Rod at 831-359-1900 for more information. 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

Through10/1/20

Friends Outside uses volunteers in a variety of capacities. Volunteers supplement our Jail Visiting, Aftercare, Re-entry, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy programs, as well as assist with administrative assistance and special projects. Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering with Friends Outside.

Santa Cruz, CA

Through8/31/20

As a Teen Kitchen Project volunteer, you have the opportunity to be involved in our kitchen side by side with many other teens to create the hundreds of beautifully delicious and nourishing meals we make every week for families in our community who are dealing with serious illness. We have two kitchens - one in Santa Cruz and one in Watsonville and teen volunteers are needed at both locations. Working at the Teen Kitchen Project is a wonderful experience. You have the opportunity to work with teens from all over the county, learn new cooking skills, meet great people, contribute to your community, and learn about how our food choices, influence not only our personal wellness but also that of the planet. With your participation, families are nourished and our community strengthened. It is as simple as that. Whether you have never cooked before, or feel confident in your skills, there is a place for you at Teen Kitchen Project. We will find the right job for your skill level and give you the opportunity to learn more. We are serving food to nourish families who need support, so the energy and intention as we work in the kitchen is really important for the healing potential of the meals. We expect everyone to focus on the positive intent of putting healing energy, nourishment and love into the food. Teens are asked to commit to at least one three-hour session per week for a minimum of 12 weeks. On most days we finish before 7:00 p.m., so the latest you may arrive is 4:00 p.m. A Teen Kitchen Project Teen: 1. Works as part of a unified team. 2. Takes responsibility. 3. Keeps their energy positive and enthusiastic. 4. Honors commitments. 5. Is caring and welcoming to all. 6. Puts passion and love into the food. 7. Looks for what is needed and does it! Teen chefs will be given the opportunity to grow by learning new cooking techniques, new ways of eating, and by collaborating with others to create meals for those in need. Volunteers are needed in Watsonville and Santa Cruz! 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.

Soquel, CA

Through9/5/20

Help create a generation of empowered skillful young cyclists! Volunteers for the Bike Smart Youth Bicycle Safety Program will be assisting elementary and middle school youth learn about bike safety. We set up a bicycle safety skills obstacle course, called a "rodeo" and bring bikes for the students to ride. We also fit helmets and guide the students through different stations in the obstacle course. This is a fun, active and outdoor activity! In the ten years that BikeSmart has been active, we have provided hands-on bike safety training to over 18,000 youth in Santa Cruz County. We aim at creating a safe and fun learning environment for young cyclist of all skill levels. Bike Smart operates during the school year and school hours, and volunteers are always needed. We encourage volunteers to commit to a minimum of 2 hours per month. 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

Through10/1/20

WomenCARE provides emotional and practical support to women with any type of cancer, and their loved ones. We need someone to assist the Event Chair with our annual event, Strike Out Against Cancer bowling fundraiser. Duties will be dependent on skill set and interest but may include any of the following: -Team development -Raffle and Silent Auction item follow-up -Follow up calls to bowlers -Advertising on event calendars and social media -Mailing bowling packets -Data entry -Distributing posters and flyers around Santa Cruz County -Community outreach This event is our biggest fundraiser of the year and is VERY important to keep our program's door's open so we can continue to provide cancer support services free of charge. Flexible days/times during: Monday & Wednesday 10am - 1pm; Tuesday & Thursday 1pm - 5pm (if working in-office). Work that is done outside of office (picking up raffle items, distributing flyers, outreach, etc) can be done when convenient (as long as deadlines are met). Depending on the tasks assigned, we would like someone who is comfortable speaking to others in person and on the phone, has a working knowledge of computers, can work independently once they are trained to do specific tasks. You will gain event planning experience, professional growth, and have the opportunity to work with a wonderful program and fun people! http://strikeoutagainstcancer.org/

Soquel, CA

Through5/31/20

Join RSVP Today. Are you 55+? Love meeting and greeting and helping people? Volunteers are needed to meet and greet veterans who are coming in to the office for services. Skills and duties are: to be pleasant, to answer phones, to help folks get where they are needing to go, and to do light office work. If you love meeting people and helping veterans, this volunteer opportunity is for you! Shifts can work around your schedule but are typically one or two mornings or afternoons per week. The Monterey Bay RSVP program has served Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties for 40 years, and is designed to meet the critical needs in the community by fostering volunteerism by persons age 55 and over. RSVP provides a critical link between folks in the community and our partner non profit agencies, and then highlights the tremendous impact that folks like you are making in our community by reporting their volunteer hours at a national level. RSVP promotes the true story of baby boomers as the active contributing members of their community that they are! Being a part of the RSVP movement means that more of the collective power of those 55+ making a difference in our local communities can be recognized on a national level! All RSVP volunteers receive membership in the national RSVP program; personalized recruitment effort targeted toward finding just the right volunteer opportunity; additional liability, personal injury, and excess automobile coverage; an annual recognition event; a quarterly newsletter; and possible travel reimbursement. Contact us and let's chat!

Capitola, CA

Through12/31/20

Do you love working with children? Are you excited to inspire future environmental stewards? Help us lead educational programs for school groups, grades K-5, weekday morning. Our programs run throughout the school year Sept- June. Volunteer shifts vary based on the program, but are typically on weekday mornings (Tues- Fri), 8am-­12pm. Docents are asked to commit to 1 shift per week. Shifts are approximately 2.5 hours long. Museum Docent Programs: Ohlone Program (K-4th grade) Our Animal Neighbors Program (K-2nd grade) Field Docent Programs: Neary Lagoon Wetland Walk (3rd grade) Neary Lagoon Watershed Walk (5th grade) Pogonip Nature Rangers Program (4th grade). All volunteers receive training and support. 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

Through5/31/20

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION 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 Commission on Disabilities was established in 1979 by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors to promote the interests and address the specific needs of people with disabilities through community organization, advocacy, and education and advises the Board of Supervisors on policies, legislation, and issues affecting people with disabilities. The Intern will work with County Staff and Commissioners to create a comprehensive history of the Commission, including activities, membership, leadership, recommendations, and legislative and community impact. The history will eventually be presented in a variety of visually appealing and easily accessible formats. Key Responsibilities Include: • Develop a work plan with County Staff containing outcomes, tasks, benchmarks, resources, and a timeline for completion. • Research County and other available records to collect Commission history information • Organize, analyze and prioritize information (with Commissioners/County Staff) for presentation. • Develop interesting, creative, accessible ways to display historical data in a variety of spaces (mobile display for community events and impactful Commission history for website). Desired Intern Characteristics: The ideal candidate would possess the following characteristics: • Coursework in and/or experience with research methods, data collection and analysis • Organization, accuracy and time management skills • Creativity and an interest in visual representation of historical data in digital & physical spaces • Interest in public policy and advancing the interests of people with disabilities • Collaborative work style with the ability to take direction as well as initiative when appropriate • Ability to perform essential tasks and functions related to the expected outcomes, work products and knowledge described herein • Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, graphic arts software and current business technology Special Considerations: Because this internship is with a County government agency, candidate must be able and willing to conduct themselves in a manner that best represents the Commission and the County during outreach efforts and interactions Minimum required hours: 16 hours per week for five weeks or 8 hours per week for 10 weeks 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

Through11/1/20