VOLUNTEER

Why Volunteer?

YMCAs are among the nation's leading volunteer organizations. Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Their time and talent go a long way. Every hour spent as a YMCA volunteer translates into the caring attention a child or teen needs to grow up healthy, happy, strong, and successful.

Educational Development Volunteers
Tutors  | Mentors (must be 21)  |  Literacy Volunteers

Children and Teen Program Volunteer
Child Care Volunteer  |  Teen Program Volunteer

Event Planning and Fundraising Volunteers
Fundraising Volunteer  |  Special Events Volunteer

Marketing Volunteers
Publication Assistant

Policy Volunteers
Public Policy Volunteer  |  Task Force Volunteer

Program Volunteers:

Workshop/Activity Host
Provide training in leadership, professional development, child care, technology, or other interesting topics for YMCA staff, youth groups, seniors, and families.

Recommended requirements: Leadership experience. Depending on position, experience with workshop skill.

Hobby/Club Leader
Share your time, talent, and interest in a special hobby to youth groups, senior citizens, and families. Teach specialties in quilting, photography, jewelry making, painting, clock building, models, cooking, sewing, singing, writing, dance, etc.

Recommended requirements: Knowledge of a skill. Enthusiasm to share and teach hobby. Resourcefulness.

Duties: Guide persons through the introduction, implementation, and follow-through of your hobby/skill. Encourage creativity and enjoyment.

Computer Assistant
Help set up a computer lab for children with your expertise. Guide children, teens, and/or adults as they learn computer skills.

Recommended requirements: Knowledge of computer technology and computer programming.

Duties: Lead computer skill classes/camps (keyboarding, graphic design, etc.) or efficiently set up computer equipment.

Sport and Aquatics Volunteer
Exercise assistant and aquatics coaches for all ages.

Recommended requirements: Motivational, creative minds. Knowledge of wellness/fitness. Aquatic volunteers need basic swimming skills. CPR/Lifesaving Certification helpful.

Duties: Provide coaching and supervision for persons participating in your program.

Programs: Aquatic programs (swim lessons, stroke improvement, water aerobics, scuba, lifeguarding) for children and adults.
Personal training (weights, toning, customized plans) available.
Fitness classes (cardio, step, kickboxing, yoga, pilates, karate, dance)

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Clerical and Support Volunteers

Office Support Volunteer
Help with administrative activities to include typing, phones, mailings, etc.

Recommended requirements: Clerical skills/experience helpful. Organized, responsible, personable.

Duties: Assist branch offices with clerical duties like typing, answering phones, contacting members, mailings, filing.

Facility Volunteer
Help with the activities at YMCA facilities and child care units. Greeters, physical education assistants, lobby assistants, etc.

Recommended requirements: None

Duties: Work with facility managers in greeting members, maintain lobby area and health and fitness centers, etc. Assist with physical education activities or camps.

Managerial Volunteer
Serve in the management and administration of the YMCA and manage special events.

Duties: Lend special skills or talent such as in accounting, architecture, public  relations, etc.

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Educational Development Volunteers

Tutors
Work with children and teens on academic reinforcement and support in after school programs and summer camps.

Recommended requirements: Good interpersonal communication skills with children or young adults. Knowledge of academic material.

Duties: To teach a lesson and support various learning styles.

Mentors
Empower children in our community to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their potential.

Recommended requirements: Must be a mature, stable person at least 21 years old. Reside in Washington, D.C. metro area. Must have a sincere interest in helping young people. Ability to listen and communicate with children of various backgrounds. Must have access to automobile, auto insurance, and a good driving record.

Duties: Support, guide, and be a friend to a young person for a period of at least a year. Spend a minimum of one hour per week one-to-one with mentee. Attend an initial two-hour training session and additional training sessions throughout the year. Attend mentor/mentee group events, mentor support groups, and program recognition events. 

Literacy Volunteers
Work with Family Literacy Program to guide children and adults to read more and develop better reading skills. Reading coaches, activities assistants, motivators, special event assistants, and Book Club hosts.

Recommended requirements: Good interpersonal communication skills.

Duties: Teach literacy and have enthusiasm for encouraging reading for growth and pleasure.

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Children and Teen Program Volunteer

Child Care Volunteer
To help in the delivery of the child care program for preschool and school-age children. Direct involvement with day-to-day activities that nurture children.

Recommended requirements: Responsible, caring individuals. Experience with children recommended. Familiar with positive support systems.

Duties: Provide responsible care. Conduct creative activities and inspire learning and fun.

Teen Program Volunteer
Work with teens in drop-in settings or in specific teen prevention models.

Recommended requirements: Good interpersonal communication skills with teenagers. Familiar with positive support systems.

Duties: Provide responsible care. Conduct creative activities and inspire learning and fun. Exhibit positive peer influence and mentoring.

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Event Planning and Fundraising Volunteers

Fundraising Volunteer
Be a part of an active fundraising campaign.

Recommended requirements: None. Great for people with public relations, community outreach, and event planning experience. Good planning, organization, writing, and communication skills.

Duties: Join a fundraising campaign and work to provide resources for YMCA programs. Plan and volunteer at events, organize/contact groups, write grant applications/proposals, etc.

Special Events Volunteer
Work on the many special projects at the YMCA.

Recommended requirements: Consult project director. Great for people with fundraising, community outreach, or event planning experience.

Duties: Assist at your branch'ss specific events or events your branch is participating in. Help fundraise, set up, clean up, host activities, organize groups, etc.

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Marketing Volunteers

Publication Assistant
Communication skills for newsletters, flyers, promotion literature.

Recommended requirements: Knowledge of writing and/or editing. Artistic creativity and graphic design helpful, but not required.

Duties: Help create publications and direct resources. Help to provide and promote publications to members and staff.

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Policy Volunteers

Public Policy Volunteer
Work on YMCA boards and committees in local communities.

Recommended requirements: none. Great for people with public relations, fundraising, community outreach, or event/strategic planning experience.

Duties: Provide support for your branch board and committees by getting involved in planning, fundraising, and community outreach.

Task Force Volunteer
Advise management or program staff as an individual or part of a group.

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