From ghosts to kittens: Sacramento offers lots of ways to volunteer
Farm to Fork Festival 2018
The Farm-to-Fork Festival will return to Capitol Mall showcasing the farms, food, drinks and everything that make Sacramento America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital. This free event will take place on Saturday, September 29th on the Capitol Mall Greens, Sacramento 95814 and volunteers are needed from 11 am to 6 pm. Volunteers will assist in the beer/wine pavilion, information booth, serve as stage hands for chefs and assist with vendor move-in. If you’d like to help, please join the Sac Event Crew: www.saceventcrew.com
Are You a Cat Lover? Join the Kitten/Cat Foster Class September 8th
Calling all cat lovers: Come on down to Front Street Animal Shelter September 8th, 10 a.m.-noon, to learn how you can become a foster volunteer! The event takes place at 2127 Front St. Learn more about fostering and register online for the September 8th class.
Help with Community Days at Sacramento Adventure Playground
Greetings from Fairytale Town! Volunteers are needed to help with the monthly Sacramento Adventure Playground activities. Community Days are held on the second Saturday of the month (except December and January) from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
This month it's September 8. Volunteers must be 18 or older, or with an approved service club. Volunteer shifts are 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Adventure Playground is located at the Maple Neighborhood Center (formerly Maple Elementary School), 3301 37th Ave., Sacramento. To volunteer, contact Steve Caudle, Play Manager: scaudle@fairytaletown.org or (916) 222-3831.
Saturday, September 8th Lewis/Didion Park Spruce-Up
Volunteers are needed on Saturday, September 8th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.!
Join Councilmember Rick Jennings, Trustee Darrel Woo and District 7 Parks Commissioner Devin Lavelle to help repaint, clean, and do some light weeding at Lewis/Didion Park, 6570 Park Riviera Way, Sacramento 95831.
All equipment provided. Snacks provided by Commissioner Devin Lavelle.
Wear sunscreen, closed-toed shoes and clothes that can get dirty. RSVP requested to parks@devinlavelle.com or call (916) 808-7192. More information at www.cityofsacramento.org/Mayor-Council/Districts/District7
Don't Miss the September 10th Dog-Fostering Class at Front Street Shelter
Are you a dog lover? Want to make a difference? Help save Man's best friend by fostering dogs with the Front Street Animal Shelter!
You're invited to the next dog-fostering class taking place Monday, September 10th, 6 - 7 p.m., at 2127 Front St. Find out more and register online today!
Ghost Tour Volunteers
Old Sacramento Living History is looking for volunteers for Ghost Tours this October! Ghost Tour performances are Friday and Saturday evenings, the last three weeks of October (October 12-27). We’re looking for a few more volunteer actors.
Costumes and make-up will be provided. No experience necessary, just a desire to perform in front of a crowd.
We’re also looking for volunteer groups (6-10 individuals) to help set-up scenes and props around the museum before each performance. Please email livinghistory@cityofsacramento.org for more details.
Make History Come Alive at the Sacramento History Museum
The Sacramento History Museum is looking for new docents and docent assistants. Museum docents lead a variety of educational programs for K-8 students; docent assistants help behind the scenes to ensure programs run smoothly.
Please download and fill out the volunteer application, which can be submitted via email or dropped off.
Please note: docents and docent assistants work closely with school-aged children and applicants will undergo an interview. Contact Zoey Jennings at zjennings@cityofsacramento.org or (916) 808-6896 for more information.
Powerhouse Science Center Features STEM Volunteer Opportunities
Where: 3615 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento
When: Ongoing
Do you have a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning or museum education? The Public Programs Team at the Powerhouse Science Center offers hands-on learning experiences throughout the year, often facilitated by our volunteer pool. Our goal is to make science and technology fun and accessible to all. You do not have to be a scientist to join us: All we ask is that you are excited to inspire tomorrow’s scientists today! You must be aged 16 or older, available on weekends, willing to work with visitors of all ages and backgrounds, personal or professional background in science, education, or museums is desired, but not necessary, ability to follow instructions from staff, ability to be flexible and creative when necessary, attend orientation and required skill-builder workshops throughout the year. For more information, contact Diana Shibko at volunteers@powerhousesc.org or complete the online form.
McKinley Park Rose Garden Rose Pruning🌹
Where: Corner of 33rd and H Streets
When: Saturday, September 8th
Yes, this is the rose garden shown in the movie "Lady Bird!" Located at the corner of 33rd and H Streets, and overseen by the nonprofit Friends of East Sacramento, we welcome volunteers of all ages, all 12 months of the year. Our 1.5-acre garden has 1,200 roses and eight perennial beds. In 2018, we've started monthly volunteer events open to the public each second Saturday of the month. Saturday, September 8th, 9 a.m. - noon, please join us to deadhead the roses. We will be pruning off anything that wouldn't look gorgeous in a bouquet. We'll be doing this for the rest of the year up through November. Trainers will be on hand to show you how it's done. We do have some supplies we loan out on a first-come, first served basis. If you can bring your own garden gloves, buckets, hand trowel or bypass clippers, please do, and we recommend wearing a hat or visor, and closed-toed shoes are a must! Any minors attending the events will need to bring a signed volunteer waiver form. Please come out and help us keep the Rose Garden beautiful, healthy and movie-worthy! There are also opportunities for individual volunteer orientations: Once trained, you can come volunteer on your own schedule. For more information or to get the volunteer waiver form, please contact friendsofeastsac@aol.com. Hope to see you there!
Land Park Volunteer Corps
Where: William Land Park, 3901 Land Park Dr., Sacramento
When: Saturday, September 8th
Join members of the community for the next Land Park Volunteer Corps workday in William Land Park Saturday, September 8th, at 8 a.m. Come out to help trim, clean, weed, mulch and otherwise spiff up Land Park. So grab a pair of gloves and pitch in (you’ll even get a breakfast boost from Espresso Metro at the beginning of the day and a free lunch after you finish at 11 a.m.). The group meets directly behind Fairytale Town (3901 Land Park Drive). Groups and individuals are welcome. For more information, contact lead coordinator Craig Powell at (916) 718-3030 or ckpinsacto@aol.com.
Seymour/Wenzel Park Spruce-Up
Where: Seymour/Wenzel Park, 845 Florin Road, Sacramento 95831
When: Saturday October 6th
Join Councilmember Rick Jennings, Trustee Darrel Woo and District 7 Parks Commissioner Devin Lavelle for the Seymour/Wenzel Park Spruce-Up on Saturday, October 6th from 1 pm to 4 pm. The park is located at 845 Florin Road, Sacramento 95831. Volunteers are needed to help repaint, clean and weed. All equipment will be provided. Commissioner Lavelle will also provide snacks. All we need is you! Please wear sunscreen, closed-toe shoes and clothes you can get dirty. RSVP requested to parks@devinlavelle.com or call (916) 808-7192. More information at www.cityofsacramento.org/Mayor-Council/Districts/District7
Mesa Grande/Willie Caston Park Spruce-Up
Where: Mesa Grande/Willie Caston Park, 4325 Valley Hi Drive, Sacramento
When: Saturday, October 20th
Join Councilmember Rick Jennings and District 7 Parks Commissioner Devin Lavelle for the Mesa Grande/Willie Caston Park Spruce-Up on Saturday, October 20th from 1 pm to 4 pm. The park is located at 4325 Valley Hi Drive, Sacramento. Volunteers are needed to help repaint, clean and weed. All equipment will be provided. Commissioner Lavelle will also provide snacks. All we need is you! Please wear sunscreen, closed-toe shoes and clothes you can get dirty. RSVP requested to parks@devinlavelle.com or call (916) 808-7192. More information at www.cityofsacramento.org/Mayor-Council/Districts/District7
Sacramento Fire Community Emergency Response Team Needs You
Sacramento CERT is a team of community members in the Sacramento region who work in cooperation with the Sacramento City Fire Department to respond to emergencies in neighborhoods, workplaces or wherever needs may arise. The Sacramento Fire Department Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is looking for volunteer victims to assist at our Spring Academy on September 1st at 2409 Dean Street, McClellan Park, CA. Volunteers will be 'victims' for the Spring Academy class. Each victim will be given a set of symptoms to act out and CERT graduates will be sent in to locate, stabilize, rescue, triage, transport, and treat patients. Youth and teens are welcome to participate if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Community Service Hours for youth are provided - please be sure to bring your letter for signature by the Operations Chief. More information can be found on the ticketing website (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sacramento-fire-community-emergency-response-team-cert-graduation-drill-2018-02-tickets-46997659264). Questions can be directed to Robert Ross at robr@sfdcert.org
Sacramento Fire Department and Community Foundation Seeks CPA
The Sacramento Fire Department and Community Foundation seeks an experienced Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who specializes in nonprofit accounting and taxes. The CPA volunteer will review the foundation's ledgers and assist with filing tax forms and will be welcomed at all board meetings. Interested in volunteering? Contact Robert Ross at info@sfdcert.org or (916) 426-2697.
Sacramento Cross Country Capital Cross Challenge
Where: Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, 3645 Fulton Avenue, Sacramento 95821
When: Saturday, September 29th
This will be the fourth annual Capital Cross Challenge and will take place at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, 3645 Fulton Avenue, Sacramento 95821 on Saturday, September 29th. For this event, along with the collegiate races, there will be several other races which will include high school, middle school, and youth athletes. This year’s meet will be the largest in the race’s history with nearly 4,000 athletes competing. The meet is co-hosted by Sacramento State, the Sacramento Sports Commission and the Sacramento Running Association. Volunteers are needed to serve as parking attendants. If you’d like to help, please join the Sac Event Crew: www.saceventcrew.com
Haggin Oaks Golf - Super Shop - Player Assistant Volunteers
Where: Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, 3645 Fulton Avenue, Sacramento
When: Ongoing
Love golf? Come volunteer as a Super Shop - Player Assistant for Haggin Oaks Golf Course, 3645 Fulton Ave. in Sacramento. Volunteers are needed who have exceptional customer service and communications skills, are highly organized and team-oriented, have a valid California driver’s license, are computer literate and available weekdays, weekends and holidays. Golf and golf club knowledge preferred. For more information contact Bill Dixon at bdixon@hagginoaks.com or call (916) 808-2533.
Legends of Wine 2018
Celebrating the region’s wine production, local legends Darrell Corti and David Berkley hand-pick their favorite varietals for a celebration on the West Steps of the Capitol. Volunteers are needed Thursday, September 20th from 6-9 pm at the California State Capitol, 1315 10th Street, Sacramento 95814. Volunteers will help with set-up, bussing, volunteer check-in and more. If you'd like to help, please join the Sac Event Crew:
ScholarShare Children's Book Festival
Join Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento 95822 for the 18th annual ScholarShare Children’s Book Festival on Saturday, September 29th and Sunday, September 30th, the largest early childhood literacy event in the Sacramento region! Enjoy back-to-back readings and presentations from authors and illustrators on the Mother Goose Stage, then shop at our official bookseller, Time Tested Books booth, to purchase your favorite story. Authors and illustrators will be available to sign books immediately following their presentations.
Volunteers are needed both days from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from noon to 4 p.m.
For Children's Book Festival we are asking volunteers to wear children's book themed clothing or costumes! Dr. Seuss or other literary costumes are encouraged! (you must be able to perform a variety of tasks if you dress up please keep this in mind). To volunteer, please sign up here: http://bttr.im/iqvwz
Youth Volunteer Directory - New and Updated!
The City of Sacramento Volunteer Program and Directors of Volunteers in Agencies (DOVIA) recently published the Youth Volunteer Directory, a resource for parents, students and teachers who seek volunteer opportunities and other ways to help the community.
The publication is a comprehensive directory of nonprofit organizations and government agencies that welcome youth as volunteers in the Sacramento region. The directory can be accessed online at http://bit.ly/YouthVolunteerDirectory2018
Robin Simpson, Director of Volunteer Services and Community Engagement, Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services commented, “As a Director of Volunteer Services, I use the directory frequently when interacting with youth and families inquiring about volunteer service. If a family is unable to volunteer at SFBFS it is so nice to be able to provide them a plethora of other options to explore. Upon reviewing the directory and finding so much information about youth volunteer opportunities in one easy-to-read format, families express relief and gratitude. They also express excitement about connecting with a meaningful volunteer assignment and making a difference in our community. Our fellow colleagues in DOVIA, who also regularly share the Youth Volunteer Directory, also attest to its tremendous value.”
For more information, contact Mary Lynn Perry, at (916) 808-8317 or mperry@cityofsacramento.org.
Sacramento Youth Commission Is All About You
The Sacramento Youth Commission is a youth-led advocacy commission whose mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance the quality of life for Sacramento youth by advising the City Council and public on issues relating to youth policies, programs and opportunities. The presence of youth across the City of Sacramento is encouraged and requested at all public meetings -- we hope to see you there! Meetings are every first Monday 6 - 8 p.m. on the second floor of Historic City Hall, 915 I St., Sacramento. For more information or to be a youth commissioner, contact Maggie White at mnwhite@cityofsacramento.org or (916) 808-6525.
Angelique Ashby’s Youth Action Corps
Councilmember Ashby’s youth volunteer programs want you!
Middle school through college-age individuals are invited to come learn how the District One youth programs can be a gateway to your future! Last year, we connected our youth to TONS of volunteer opportunities, scholarships, paid internships, and jobs. When you come be sure to bring a completed waiver: www.AngeliqueAshby.com/youth If you have any further questions, please contact AFavila@cityofsacramento.org Upcoming orientations will be held at the North Natomas Public Library, 4660 Via Ingoglia, Sacramento, CA 95835. The meetings will take place in the Community Room. Next orientations will be Wednesday, September 5th from 3:30-4:30 pm, and Thursday, September 20th from 3:30-4:30 pm.
City of Sacramento Offers Internships for Students and Volunteers
Did you know the City of Sacramento offers internships? It's true! The City and its non-profit partners have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and internships for youth and adults.These include unpaid internships as well as short-term and ongoing volunteer activities. For further information, see current opportunities online or contact Mary Lynn Perry at (916) 808-8317 or mperry@cityofsacramento.org.
Ethel Hart Senior Center Seeks Computer-Skills Volunteers
Are you one of the millions of Americans who can barely visualize life before computers and smartphones? It might be hard to imagine, but there are many older adults here in Sacramento who haven’t yet had the opportunity to join the technology revolution. Hart Senior Center’s TechConnections Program is out to fix that! With the help of volunteers who love technology (or at least see its many benefits!), TechConnections provides small group classes, workshops, and one-on-one tutorials to help seniors get into the computer age. We’re currently seeking new volunteers for our Fall 2018 session to teach or assist in classes ranging from Introduction to Computers to Microsoft Office programs, internet, email, and systems maintenance. Volunteers are needed to show seniors how to use devices like tablets and smart phones. Our cozy classroom for six students, set up with equipment to project our pre-planned lessons onto a large screen, makes a great learning environment for students and a rewarding experience for volunteer teachers. Classes are typically 90 minutes in length and range from one-time workshops to six-part sessions, all provided during weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. We provide all the support that new instructors might need. Help seniors bridge the digital divide by becoming a TechConnections volunteer! For more details, contact Program Coordinator Quincia Burleson at QBurleson@cityofsacramento.org, call (916) 808-5462 or provide your name to the staff at the Hart Center’s front desk.
Friendly Folks Needed to Serve Seniors Meals
Ethel Hart Senior Center seeks individuals who can assist with our daily lunch program and help promote a friendly, efficient environment. Greet guests, record meals served, orient and help new guests complete intake forms, socialize with seniors, assist with individual needs and other tasks to create a welcoming, supportive atmosphere. Volunteers work from approximately 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. Length of commitment is a three-month minimum with opportunity for long-term volunteering. Interested? Please contact Sabrina Stewart at sstewart@cityofsacramento.org to request a Hart Senior Center volunteer application.
Tahoe Park Clean up
For the third straight year, the Tahoe Park Neighborhood Association is partnering with the United Way California Capital Region and their annual Day Of Caring campaign with a family friendly park beautification event Saturday, September 22nd from 9 a.m. to noon to help beautify Tahoe Park! We provide the tools, gloves, and snacks! Family friendly with activities for all ages. Please wear closed-toed shoes and pants. Please click on the "tickets" link to officially sign up, or copy this URL into your browser: http://www.yourlocalunitedway.org/post/tahoe-park-clean-tahoe-park-neighborhood-association
Stop and Help the Roses with the Friends of East Sac
Volunteers are needed for the United Way Day of Caring to help prune, mulch, weed, dead-head roses, rake, pick up litter, smell the roses, feel the sun and find some friends in the McKinley Park Rose Garden on Friday, September 21st from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will be meeting at the rose garden in McKinley Park at 601 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento 95816. Please wear close-toed shoes and sunscreen, and bring garden gloves, water and sharp rose clippers (these items can also be provided.) Sign up here: http://www.yourlocalunitedway.org/post/stop-and-help-roses-friends-east-sac
AARP Sacramento Experience Corps Promotes Child Literacy
AARP's Sacramento Experience Corps is expanding and needs more volunteers like you! By helping young students become better readers, Experience Corps seeks to ensure a lasting legacy of strong futures, supported schools and empowered volunteers. Training and information are provided. If you are age 50 or above, please contact (916) 442-4228 ext. 121 or volunteers@sccsc.org.
River City Food Bank Needs Saturday Volunteers
Volunteers needed at River City Food Bank - Center at St. Matthew’s! Volunteer hours are on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food distribution takes place between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Help with food prep and set up in the morning and/or give out food to the 200+ families that come during food distribution hours. We serve a diverse population in the Arden Arcade neighborhood and would love to have you join us! Contact Jena Robinson at jrobinson@rivercityfoodbank.org or call: (916) 217-1213.
Black College Expo Sacramento
The Black College Expo will be held at Sacramento Sate University, University Union Ballroom #3, 6000 J Street, Sacramento 95818 on Saturday, November 17th. Volunteers are needed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day to assist with escorting students between the expo, the informational seminars and helping with campus tours. Volunteers will also assist students with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - free training will be provided. The minimum age for volunteers is 18. To volunteer, contact Patti Colston at (916) 208-3844 or volunteer@csac.ca.gov
