ONGOING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Appalachia Service Project
ASP offers transformational volunteer opportunities for adults and youth throughout the year. More than 17,000 volunteers from around the country served with ASP in rural Central Appalachia last year, repairing homes for low-income families. But ASP is more than just a building program. Yes, Appalachia’s poorest families urgently need your help, but they can help change your life, too.
Through their eyes, you’ll see yourself as the person you’ve always wanted to be. Compassionate. Committed. With the power to make a difference.
We like to say that our goal is to make homes “warmer, safer and drier” for needy families. And for more than 46 years, we’ve done exactly that for thousands of families. Yet for all that, we are only able to serve one in ten families who apply to us for help. We need many, many more volunteers to make a lasting dent in Appalachian poverty.
Assistance League of Charlotte,through its Mecklenburg County Teen Court program, provides an alternative justice system for youthful offenders between the ages of twelve and seventeen. It is designed to provide juveniles with no previous convictions a second chance when they admit their guilt, agree to be tried by a jury of their peers, and take responsibility for their actions. Successful program completion allows the offender to avoid a permanent criminal record. This juvenile-based justice system places strong emphasis on accountability,positive peer influence and youth empowerment and involvement. Assistance League recruits and trains volunteer teens to be jurors, clerks,bailiffs, jury foremen and attorneys.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
In the last year, more than 1,300 volunteers donated 59,000 hours of their time to support our Library – valued at more than $1.3 million in donated services! The Library is very fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers helping us create a more educated community! It's a big job but a rewarding opportunity, why don't you join us?
Click the link below to register to volunteer.
Charlotte Rescue Mission
Serving with the Mission allows volunteers to demonstrate the unconditional love and acceptance of Jesus to our residents, many of whom have lost their belief that they are worthy of such a gift.
All Rebound men’s campus meal volunteer opportunities can be viewed and registered for by clicking the button below. All weekend meal opportunities require financial sponsorship of the meal. For opportunities other than meals or for additional information, please contact Christy Baker.
Crisis Assistance Ministry
Volunteers perform 1/3 of the work at Crisis Assistance Ministry, a total of more than 57,000 hours annually! Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds support projects and programs that help prevent homelessness and preserve dignity for our neighbors in need.
To make the most of our volunteers’ valuable time, we offer individual and group volunteer opportunities -- one-time and long-term commitments -- customized to unique needs and goals. These opportunities include combinations of advocacy activities and service and are developed in partnership with volunteer coordinators.
Individuals perform jobs ranging from serving customers in the Free Store, to helping with clerical projects in our offices, to helping at the Furniture Bank, to interviewing customers who need help during a financial crisis. Individual volunteers are invited to volunteer orientation sessions to get to know the agency and to learn about specific opportunities available.
Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk
The Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk is a community event with the bulk of the work being done by teams of volunteers captained by a chairperson. Each team determines its meeting schedule and team captains are members of the Planning Committee which has regular monthly meetings. We are always looking for concerned, energetic individuals who have a passion for fighting hunger.
Click the link below for descriptions of the various tasks associated with putting on a successful walk.
Discovery Place (Teen Volunteer Opportunities)
As part of our Apprentice Leadership Program, students gain real world knowledge about early childhood, science, education and the non-profit industry while taking on important responsibilities within our Museums. The program focuses on four key developmental areas for future leaders:
-
Embrace diversity while working with audiences from varying backgrounds.
-
Discover what it takes to work together and what can be accomplished when working as a team.
-
Experience the opportunity to speak in a public forum and lead presentations.
-
Enhance the ability to interact with others.
The Apprentice Leadership Program is for ages 13-17 and has limited availability. Applicants will be chosen based on a completed application, reference letters and an interview. Students must submit their application and provide two reference letters from their current school during the application window.
Both the summer and school year sessions of the Apprentice Leadership Program require a 70-hour commitment. Participants may take part in camps, work directly with the public in the Museum or play a part in other Museum-related activities to complete the 70-hour commitment. Upon completion of the summer or school year session, participants will receive a Family Membership to all Museums valued at $200.00.
Applications will be available mid-March.
The Echo Foundation
It is the tireless efforts of Echo volunteers that help make our projects successful every year! Below are some of our opportunities for volunteers:
■ Office Assistant-Answer phones, make copies, file, take messages, write letters and thank you notes, help organize and complete Echo’s mass mailings, research data on the internet, and manage day-to-day operations to help us run the most efficient office possible.
■ Event Assistant-Help Echo staff on tasks which relate to the current annual project, such as research, liaison responsibilities, art projects, etc.
■ Grant Research/Writing-Conduct web research on potential grant opportunities for Echo, write grant proposals and help secure funding through grants, donations, and underwriting. Manage individual grants to completion. Write follow-up reports which speak to the outcomes of the specific grant.
■ Education-Assist the project manager with various tasks associated with upcoming projects, including but not limited to: communicating and interacting with area public and private high schools, managing the schools’ partnerships with Echo, facilitating curriculum development, printing and distribution, and planning/conducting teacher workshops.
■ Annual Award Dinner-Help with the annual awards ceremony. Responsibilities include: greeting guests, acting as an Echo ambassador during the event, and any other duties that will help ensure the success of the event.
■ Judging Art & Writing Contest-Evaluate submissions for our annual student art and writing competitions.
■ Data Entry & Management-Manage and update databases for contributions, company and individual contacts.
■ Other opportunities and projects may be available as needed.
If you are interested in any of the above listings, please complete the volunteer application below.
Friendship Trays (Meals on Wheels)
Volunteer to be a delivery driver for Friendship Trays and brighten someone’s day. See firsthand what kind of a difference you make in someone’s life through food and friendship. Help our staff of chefs and cooks in the Friendship Trays kitchen with the preparation and packaging of the meals our recipients look forward to every day.
Of course being in the kitchen or behind the wheel aren’t the only ways you can help out at Friendship Trays. Learn what is takes to make our whole operation a success by clicking the link below.
Habitat for Humanity
Since our founding in 1983, more than 1,500 families have realized their dream of safe, affordable homeownership in partnership with Habitat Charlotte. This is only possible because of the hard work and consistent dedication of community volunteers.
There are plenty of ways to get involved . . . click below to find out how.
The Matthews Community Farmers' Market, a non-profit organization located in downtown Matthews, is currently seeking volunteers. The organization's mission is to bring locally grown produce from farm to table. It is run by local farmers for the benefit of the community. Current volunteer opportunities include:
-
Early Shift: Arrive by 7 AM to help open the market to the community
-
During Market: Help with activities such as local chef demos and fundraising efforts
-
Closing Shift: Assist with market closing procedures beginning at 12 PM
Volunteers should meet the following criteria:
-
Maintain strong work ethic
-
Be at least 16 years of age
-
Have a positive attitude.
Matthews Help Center
Matthews HELP Center offers a variety of volunteer opportunities to match the interest of anyone 14 years of age or older. Volunteers normally work one four-hour shift per week.
For more information about the volunteer program at Matthews HELP Center, contact Sandra Conway, Human Resource Manager, at sandra@matthewshelpcenter.org or 704-847-8383 ext. 300.
Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation
Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation always has a list of opportunities in our parks! We can set you up with a Turn Key project in one of our parks… all you need is ENERGY!!! Volunteers would be assist with all types of initiatives. Click the registration link to see what current opportunities are available.
Misty Meadows Mitey Riders
Volunteering at Mitey Riders is much more than donating ones time and service – it requires a willingness to be an active part of a larger community a team that is vital to our continued success. Whatever your experience, your willingness to give yourself and your time, talents and energy is what is needed to support the people we serve. Volunteers are the backbone of our program. Without them our riders simply could not ride!
My Sister's House
My Sister's House is a program of Friendship Community Development Corporation (FCDC). My Sister’s House helps to empower single, adult women to become self-sufficient by providing safe, temporary housing and life skills training. The program is currently accepting volunteers for various projects. To find out more information on volunteering please contact Mrs. Rosemary Lawrence at 704 200-2807.
Samaritan's Purse International Relief
Volunteer as an Individual or Group. We need all kinds of people to join in and help, regardless of skill level. Must be 14 years old or older to volunteer. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Please see our Youth Policy for more information.
The Sandbox (Youth Volunteer Programs)
The Sandbox – and the children and teens they serve – rely on the support of youth in the Charlotte community. Youth are an integral part of achieving the mission of the Sandbox. There are opportunities for teens to be matched with Honorees and become a “buddy” to walk alongside them throughout the year. Youth can also gain community service experience, including fundraising and event support. Click the link below to see all of the exciting opportunities available to high school students.
The Sandbox has opened up applications for the Youth volunteer program for the current year, giving rising 9th to 12th graders the opportunity to work with The Sandbox as it serves families with children facing cancer or life-altering illnesses. For all of the available volunteer and service opportunities and requirements for teens, as well as an online application, visit The Sandbox Youth Application<https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E254801&id=5>.
Susan G. Komen Charlotte
Our volunteers come in all sizes, shapes and colors, but their hearts are pink and their caring has no limit. Are you a leader, a thinker or a doer? Use your talents in our promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever! We need you now more than ever. Volunteers provide countless hours contributing their skills to further the Susan G. Komen® promise. We will work with your availability. Every minute you spend helping gives another minute of hope to those affected by breast cancer.
Program areas include:
-
Development/Special Events
-
Community Programs/ Advocacy
-
Administrative
-
To be considered for one of the above volunteer positions, please click below to fill out an application online.
Urban Ministry Center
The Urban Ministry Center depends on the generosity of volunteers to meet the daily needs of our homeless neighbors. Every year, nearly 10,000 regular, seasonal and one-time volunteers lend their heart and hands to our work. Our hope is that the work at Urban Ministry Center brings change in people’s lives – in the lives of our homeless neighbors and in the lives of volunteers. We invite you to become a part of this ministry.
Learn more about the opportunities to make a difference and take the first step by completing our individual volunteer form or group volunteer form. Once we receive your form, we will be in touch about next steps. Please click the link below to access the form.
The YMCA
We believe that lasting personal and social change happens when we all work together. When you volunteer at the Y, you take an active role in changing and strengthening our community. No matter how you devote your time, you’ll work alongside other volunteers and Y professionals to impact the lives of kids, families and adults. When you help a neighbor, you make a difference in their life...and yours.
A variety of volunteer opportunities are available. Click the link below to learn more.