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City Volunteer Engagement: 100+ Volunteer Roles for Volunteers

This article originally appeared on www.mavanetwork.org and is featured here in partnership with the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement.

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Are you searching for innovative ways that cities can engage volunteers?

Look no further!

This comprehensive list, created by the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA), showcases ideal roles for volunteers, gathered from various cities across Minnesota.

Discover how you can harness volunteers to make a positive impact + apply these ideas in your own city! Let's get started. 

Administrative Support & Clerical Work

  • Administrative Support & Clerical Work: Provide essential office support and manage administrative tasks.
  • Finance Volunteer: Assist with financial tasks and management in a volunteer capacity.
  • Archiver: Organize and maintain records and files for easy access and retrieval.
  • Data Entry: Input and update information in databases or systems accurately.
  • General Office Support: Offer various office assistance to ensure smooth operations.
  • Document Imaging Assistant/Scanner: Scan and digitize documents for efficient storage and access.
  • Interpreter/Translator: Convert spoken or written content from one language to another.
  • Clerical Aide: Support clerical staff with various administrative duties.
  • Customer Service Volunteer: Engage with community members and provide assistance as a volunteer.
  • Document Imaging: Manage the process of converting physical documents into digital formats.
  • Scheduling Assistant: Help coordinate appointments and schedules for teams or individuals.
  • Front Desk Volunteer: Greet visitors and manage front desk operations in a volunteer role.
  • Display Case Designer: Create visually appealing displays for showcasing items or information.

Marketing/Outreach

  • Public speaking: Engage audiences with compelling presentations and effective communication skills.
  • Writing: Craft clear and impactful content across various mediums.
  • Photography: Capture moments and create visual stories through expert photography skills.
  • Donation Procurement: Secure financial support through targeted fundraising efforts.
  • Poster/Flyer Hanging: Promote events and initiatives by strategically displaying promotional materials.

Committees, Boards & Commissions

  • Planning Commissioners: Oversee land use and zoning regulations.
  • Charter Commissioners: Review and recommend changes to the city charter.
  • Festival in the Park Committee: Organize and plan community festivals.
  • Economic Development Commission: Promote local business growth and development.
  • Streets and Utilities Committee: Manage infrastructure and utility services.
  • Parks Recreation and Forestry Commission: Enhance parks and recreational facilities.
  • Measurement Team Member: Analyze performance metrics for various initiatives.
  • Core Planning Team Member: Contribute to strategic planning efforts.
  • Welcome Wagon Committee: Welcome new residents to the community.
  • Parade Planning Committee: Plan and coordinate local parades.

Public Works & Inspections 

  • Zoning Enforcement: Ensures compliance with local zoning laws to maintain community standards.
  • Fire Hydrant Painting: Keeps fire hydrants visible and well-maintained for emergency response.
  • Public Works Volunteer: Assists in various community projects aimed at improving public infrastructure.
  • Property Maintenance/Code Enforcement Administration: Oversees property upkeep and enforces building codes to ensure safety and compliance.
  • Storm Drain Stenciling: Provides clear markings on storm drains to promote awareness and prevent pollution.
  • Storm Drain Monitor: Regularly checks storm drains to ensure they are functioning properly and are free of blockages.

Volunteer Administration

  • On-call/Special Projects: Engage in urgent tasks or unique assignments as needed.
  • Out-going Phone Calls to Volunteers: Reach out to volunteers for updates, coordination, or appreciation
Like this article?

Get more like it, plus access to exclusive reports, training, and networking events by joining MAVA's network of Volunteer Engagement Professionals.

Youth/Teen Volunteer Engagement

  • Summer Teen Volunteer Program: Offers teens the opportunity to engage in community service during the summer, helping to develop skills and make a positive impact.
  • Teen Advisory Group (TAG): Teens who provide input and feedback on programs and services, helping to ensure that the needs and interests of youth are represented in decision-making.
  • Mayor's Youth Task Force: A task force that focuses on addressing issues affecting young people in the community, promoting youth advocacy and involvement in local governance.

Parks & Recreation

Recreation Roles

  • Outdoor Ice Rink Volunteers: Assist with maintaining and managing the outdoor ice rink for community use.
  • Coaches: Lead teams in various sports including T-Ball, Youth Baseball, Softball, Adaptive Softball, and Soccer, fostering skills and teamwork.
  • Junior Golf League Leader: Organize and oversee junior golf activities, promoting the sport among young players.
  • Adaptive Softball Volunteers: Support participants in adaptive softball programs to ensure an inclusive and enjoyable experience.
  • Golf Course Volunteer: Help maintain the golf course, assisting with various tasks to enhance its appeal and function.
  • Hockey Ticket-Taker: Manage ticket sales and entry at hockey events, ensuring a smooth admission process for attendees.
  • Hiking Club Van Driver: Transport hiking club members to various trailheads, ensuring they reach their outdoor adventures safely.
  • Card Group Leaders: Facilitate card games and social gatherings for group members, encouraging camaraderie and fun.

Events & Educational Volunteer Roles

  • Junior Counselors: Assist in supervising and mentoring younger campers.
  • Day Camp Assistant: Support camp activities and ensure a fun environment for participants.
  • Arts and Crafts: Lead creative projects and help campers express their artistic side.
  • Aquatic Assistant: Ensure safety and facilitate fun activities at the swimming area.
  • Public Educator (Interpreter): Provide informative tours and educational programs for visitors.
  • Special Events Assistant/Volunteers: Help plan and execute special events for the community.
  • Visitor Greeter: Welcome guests and provide them with information about the facility.
  • Nature Center Volunteers: Assist with educational programs and maintenance of the nature center.
  • Recreation Center Booster Club: Support programs and activities that enhance community engagement.
  • Activity Leaders: Organize and lead various recreational activities for participants.
  • Club Leaders: Guide clubs and groups to foster teamwork and skill development.

Park & Nature-Oriented Roles

  • Natural Resources Volunteer: Assist in various conservation activities.
  • Blue Bird Nest Monitor: Observe and report on bluebird nesting success.
  • Breeding Bird Survey Routes: Conduct surveys to track breeding bird populations.
  • Endangered Species Volunteer: Help protect and monitor endangered species.
  • Park Pet Patrol: Ensure pet owners follow park regulations and keep areas clean.
  • Citizen Park Patrol: Volunteer to monitor park activities and report issues.
  • Invasive Plant/Tree Removal: Participate in removing harmful invasive species.
  • Weed-Be-Goners: Assist in weed management efforts in natural areas.
  • Emerald Ash Borer: Tree Census Project: Survey and document ash trees affected by this invasive pest.
  • Parks Pick-A-Project: Choose and collaborate on various park improvement projects.
  • Natural Resource Restoration Steward: Oversee and participate in restoring natural habitats.
  • Habitat Restoration: Work on projects aimed at restoring ecosystems.
  • Restoration Supervisors: Lead teams in habitat restoration efforts.
  • Wetland Health Evaluation Program: Assess and monitor the health of wetland areas.
  • Litter-Free Team: Organize efforts to keep parks and natural spaces free of litter.
  • Clean and Green Project: Participate in initiatives focused on environmental cleanliness.
  • Spring/Fall Cleanup: Join seasonal clean-up events in parks and nature areas.
  • Beach Clean-up: Help remove trash and debris from beach areas.
  • Park Clean-Up Volunteers: Assist in general park maintenance and cleanup.
  • Garbage Pick Up: Volunteer to collect litter in parks and public spaces.
  • Park Beautification/Gardening: Contribute to beautifying park landscapes.
  • Garden/Landscaping Assistance: Help with garden maintenance and landscaping projects.
  • Gardener Aide: Support gardeners in their tasks and initiatives.
  • Garden Stewards: Take responsibility for maintaining specific garden areas.
  • EcoStewards: Promote sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
  • Park Stewards: Act as a guardian for park resources and educate visitors.

Adopt a…

  • Neighborhood
  • Hydrant
  • Park
  • Trail
  • Disc Golf Course
  • Planter Box
  • Flower Basket
  • Rain Garden
  • Street

Animal Control

  • Dog Walkers: Responsible for walking dogs, ensuring they get exercise and fresh air.
  • Cat Cuddlers: Provide love and attention to cats, helping them feel comfortable and happy.
  • Photographers: Capture adorable moments of pets, creating lasting memories for their owners.
  • Paw Patrol (events): Organize and manage pet-related events, bringing the community together for fun activities.
  • Admin Team: Handles the administrative tasks that keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Public Safety

Fire Department

  • Fire Department Community Education & Outreach: Engages the community through educational programs and fire safety awareness.
  • Fire Department Educator: Provides instruction and training on fire safety and emergency preparedness.
  • Fire Dept. Analyst: Analyzes data and trends to improve fire department operations and effectiveness.
  • Fire Dept. Operations Team: Handles day-to-day fire response operations and emergency management.
  • Fire Prevention Assistant: Supports initiatives aimed at preventing fires and promoting safety measures.
  • Fire Chaplains: Offers emotional and spiritual support to firefighters and the community in times of crisis.

Police

  • Police Reserves: Volunteer officers who assist with various law enforcement duties.
  • Police Explorers: Youth program that teaches participants about careers in law enforcement.
  • Police Chaplains: Provide spiritual support and guidance to officers and the community.
  • Police Department Assistant Volunteer: Help with administrative tasks and support services.
  • Citizen Park Patrol: Volunteers monitor parks and recreational areas for safety and security.
  • Traffic Control: Assist in managing traffic flow during events or emergencies.
  • Police Records: Support the management and organization of police documentation.
  • Police Property Room Volunteer: Help maintain and organize evidence and property storage.
  • Checking Homes of Residents on Vacation: Ensure the safety of homes while owners are away.
  • Parking Enforcement: Monitor and enforce parking regulations to ensure compliance.
  • Monitoring Handicap Parking Spaces and Fire Lanes: Ensure accessibility and safety in designated areas.
  • Conducting Traffic and Other Studies: Gather data to assess traffic patterns and public safety issues.
Like this article?

Get more like it, plus access to exclusive reports, training, and networking events by joining MAVA's network of Volunteer Engagement Professionals.

Public Safety: Committees, Events & Panels

  • Restorative Justice Panels: Facilitates dialogue between victims and offenders to promote healing and accountability.
  • Juvenile Diversion Program Leader: Guides at-risk youth away from the juvenile justice system through support and mentorship.
  • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): Trains volunteers to assist in emergency situations and disaster preparedness.
  • Team Restart: Supports individuals in overcoming challenges and reintegrating into the community through collaborative efforts.
  • Mobile Volunteer Network (MVN): Connects volunteers with immediate opportunities to serve in their communities.
  • MN Night to Unite Volunteer: Engages in community-building events that promote safety and neighborhood unity.
  • Neighborhood Watch: Works with residents to prevent crime and enhance security through vigilance and communication.

Other Volunteer Roles

  • Special Events Assistance: Support planning and execution of community events.
  • Facility/Maintenance Volunteer: Help maintain and care for local facilities.
  • Senior Initiative: Engage and assist senior citizens in various programs.
  • Senior Computer Instructors: Teach computer skills to seniors for better digital literacy.
  • Homebound Volunteers: Provide support and companionship to individuals unable to leave home.
  • Library: Adopt-A-Shelf: Help organize and maintain library shelves.
  • Cemeteries: Help with maintenance and care of cemetery grounds.
  • Theater; Usher: Guide guests and ensure smooth operations during performances.
  • City Facilities Guide/Greeter/Docent: Welcome visitors and provide information about city facilities.

In conclusion, getting volunteers involved in the community opens up a wonderful range of fulfilling opportunities for everyone! It not only allows individuals to give back and make a meaningful impact but also fosters a sense of belonging and connection among community members.

By engaging in various projects and activities, volunteers can develop new skills, meet diverse groups of people, and experience the satisfaction that comes from contributing to a greater cause.

This information is from a survey conducted by the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA)  as part of an initiative on city volunteer engagement.

Thank you to Bush Foundation for funding for this initiative

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