Find Community Engagement Opportunities
The following list of opportunities are not directly coordinated by the CSLC. Please be sure to sign up with the listed contact person.
The views and opinions represented by these organizations are not affiliated with Grand Valley State University.
September 2017
Transportation Driver
Community Partner
CultureWorks
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
September 28, 2017
Contact
Jaunine Hackmon
jaunine@cultureworksica.com
616-393-5013
Duties of Volunteer
We offer transportation to and from CultureWorks for those living within a 5 mile radius. Currently we are looking for drivers to take students home in our van after classes. This takes place on Tuesdays from 5:30pm-7pm and Thursdays from 5:30pm-7:30pm. You may sign up for one or both days as your schedule allows. Volunteers will be paired with 1-2 driving chaperones that will assist in navigation and safety of students. All drivers must be at least 21 years old and have a clean driving record of the last 3 years.
Ottawa County
Community Partner
Ottawa County
Opportunity Type
Event
Event Date
September 30, 2017 from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Deadline
September 30, 2017
Contact
Shannon Felgner
sfelgner@miottawa.org
616-738-4672
Duties of Volunteer
Help with registration, hand out water, gear check, barricade pick up, packet pick up, course marshal, etc.
October 2017
Migrant Mentoring Program
Community Partner
Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
October 1, 2017
Contact
Alfredo Hernandez
program@ethnicdiversity.org
616-846-9074
Duties of Volunteer
The Migrant Mentoring Program matches children from local migrant camps with community volunteers. The program is designed to build cultural bridges between the larger community and the migrant worker population, while meeting the social and educational needs of the children. Volunteer mentors agree to meet with a child on a weekly basis to provide social opportunities and academic support for the duration of the migrant family's stay. The goal of the program is to increase the comfort level of the children and their families in the local community, increase access to community resources, build cultural bridges, and assist with academic achievement of migrant children.
An understanding of the Spanish language is not required.
Hospitality and Visitor Services volunteer Opportunities with ArtPrize!
Community Partner
ArtPrize
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
October 6, 2017
Contact
Megan Steenwyk
volunteer@artprize.org
616-214-7927
Duties of Volunteer
Join the nearly 1,000 volunteers who step forward to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to ArtPrize each fall.
Visitor Services:
Volunteer positions with Visitor Services can vary from welcoming visitors, providing directions, answering questions, helping in the retail store and promoting activities and venues in your area. Other visitor services positions consist of helping visitors set up their voter registration accounts and complete the registration process.
ArtPrize Volunteering
Community Partner
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
October 8, 2017
Contact
Allison Bazaire
abazaire@artmuseumgr.org
616-831-2933
Duties of Volunteer
Volunteers help many ways during ArtPrize! We could never hold this event without them. For 2017, the shifts run Sept. 20 through Oct. 8, in increments of every two hours.
The many areas to choose from are:
1 - Guest Services (greeting/assisting/directing guests, and helping with item check - available all days of ArtPrize)
2 - Voter Registration (registering people to vote during ArtPrize - available Sept. 21st to Oct. 6th). Simple data entry skills are needed.
3 - Elevator Attendant (greeting and running the passenger elevator for guests to ensure it runs smoothly). Available Fridays - Sundays.
4 - Member Terrace (Greeting and helping members check in through the Member Terrace outside - available all days of ArtPrize from)
5 - Group Tour Greeter (greeting group tours as they arrive, giving a brief introduction to the GRAM - these shifts are available 10:00 am - 12:00 Noon M-F)
Qualifications: Must be 16 Years of age, 14 years old if working with a parent/guardian
An ArtPrize orientation/training will be held on Sept 16th. It is highly encouraged that all volunteers attend. Additional training may be given at the beginning of each shift, if needed.
Directions: All shifts will take place at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center.
Volunteers are provided parking. During evenings after 5:30 and weekends, it is available under the GRAM by entering by the Louis Street entrance. During the week or if GRAM's ramp is full, park at the Monroe Center (enter on Ionia by Louis Street) or Ottawa ramps across the street and we will give you a parking voucher.
Community Ministries Volunteer
Community Partner
Trinity United Methodist Church
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
October 24, 2017
Contact
Matthew Witkowski
m.witkowski@grtumc.org
616-456-7260
Duties of Volunteer
On Wednesday nights from 4:45 - 7:15 pm Trinity United Methodist Church has an after-school program for community children in 2nd-5th grades. They do an activity, family style meal, gym time and homework/games. They are looking for a few college age students to be involved in the program working with the children and especially taking an active leadership role in coordinating gym time activities and helping with homework studies. They would love to have volunteers who have an interest working with children from various backgrounds. They work closely with Congress Elementary School students as well to help offer additional education opportunities.
First Tech Challenge Mentors
Community Partner
Grand Rapids Montessori Robotics
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
October 24, 2017
Contact
Beth Martin
mecha.montessori.ftc@gmail.com
906-370-0092
Duties of Volunteer
The Mecha Montessori FIRST Tech Challenge team is seeking assistance with their season. They need students who are familiar with FIRST to assist our middle school students (from North Park Montessori and Grand Rapids Montessori) to build, design, program (JAVA) the robot, as well as design website, t-shirts, team building, creating a business plan and public speaking. They meet every Monday from 4pm-6pm at North Park Montessori, 3375 Cheney Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.
Energizing Our World
Community Partner
GVSU Regional Math and Science Center - Science Olympiad Volunteering
Opportunity Type
Event
Event Date
October 14, 2017 from 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Deadline
October 29, 2017
Contact
Ginger Rohwer
rohwergi@gvsu.edu
616-331-2267
Duties of Volunteer
Are you interested in renewable energy? Do you enjoy working with middle school aged students? Come help at Energizing Our World, a one-day camp being offered by Grand Valley State University and the Regional Math and Science Center. Volunteers will be supervising students and chaperoning them in groups through fun and engaging activities facilitated by Grand Valley State University faculty.
November 2017
College Coaching/Tutoring/SAT Tutors/Summer Program Leaders
Community Partner
TRiO Talent Search - GVSU
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
November 8, 2017
Contact
Sarah Keranen-Lopez
keranesa@gvsu.edu
616-331-7110
Duties of Volunteer
Help is needed during the school year for 6-12 grade youth, assisting them to prepare for college. Includes daytime school visits helping advisors, working with seniors on college applications, scholarships and more, providing after school tutoring, assistance in calling students, helping students prepare for the SAT test.
December 2017
Tutor/Music Teacher
Community Partner
New City Kids - Grand Rapids
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
December 12, 2017
Contact
Gordon Lee
gordon@newcitykids.org
408-883-3479
Duties of Volunteer
Volunteers duties include tutoring our kids or teens on a consistent, weekly basis. Volunteers can tutor the 1st-8th graders Monday through Thursday from 3:30pm-6pm. If volunteers would rather tutor at a high-school level, we hold a tutoring night for our teens on Tuesdays from 6-8:30pm.
Music teachers are also welcome for kids and teens.
Donation Sorters- Fridays and Saturdays
Community Partner
Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM)
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
December 19, 2017
Contact
Diane K
dianek@fromlowell.org
616-897-8260
Duties of Volunteer
We are looking for people to help sort donations who like to organize, but don't mind the mess that comes with a busy donation room! Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and enjoy working with others. The job will require bringing donated goods to the appropriate departments (carts available, but the ideal candidate must be able to walk and push the cart).
Flexible schedule but looking for someone who can volunteer at least 3 hours at a time on Friday or Saturday mornings or afternoons.
This is a great opportunity for those who want to be a little more active while also giving back to their community.
All volunteers will be trained and must attend a volunteer orientation. Volunteers receive a Treasures Thrift Shop discount after volunteering 10 hours.
All proceeds from Treasures Thrift Shop help support our mission of helping our neighbors in need.
GR Community for Transformation Center Tutoring
Community Partner
Bethany Christian Services
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
December 21, 2017
Contact
Elliot Barrett
ebarrett@bethany.org
616-284-3283
Duties of Volunteer
Help at-risk youth between ages 17-24 work to accomplish their goal of receiving their GED. Areas of focus include science, social studies, language arts and math!
Thrift Shop Cashiers- all shifts!
Community Partner
Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM)
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
December 31, 2017
Contact
Diane K
dianek@fromlowell.org
616-897-8260
Duties of Volunteer
Flat River Outreach Ministries is looking for volunteers to run the cash register in our Treasures Thrift Shop. A variety of shifts are available including days, nights, and weekends.
Treasures Thrift Shop is a volunteer run store with all proceeds going to support our mission of helping our Lowell neighbors in need.
Grand Rapids Symphony Volunteer
Community Partner
Grand Rapids Symphony
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
December 31, 2017
Contact
Nancy Hopkins
nhopkins@grsymphony.org
616-454-945-1149
Duties of Volunteer
Symphony volunteers assist guests at concerts and special events, at our Education programs and assist staff with projects in the office.
Food Pantry Assistance
Community Partner
Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM)
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
December 31, 2017
Contact
Diane K
dianek@fromlowell.org
616-897-8260
Duties of Volunteer
We are looking for someone who can work in the Food Pantry on Fridays from 10-12:00 p.m. and/or every other Tuesday from 2:00-4:30 pm. Responsibilities may include greeting customers, bagging items, and other duties as needed. Ideal candidate will be friendly and willing to help others. No experience necessary as training will be provided
Adopt-A-Beach Team Leaders and Volunteers
Community Partner
Alliance for the Great Lakes - Michigan Federation
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
December 31, 2017
Contact
Jillian Edwards
jedwards@greatlakes.org
616-850-0745
Duties of Volunteer
Here are two ways you can participate:
1) Volunteer: Join a group that has already organized an Adopt-a-Beach" cleanup. Find an open event near you at www.greatlakesadopt.org. In addition to picking up debris, volunteers record what they find to help guide education and solutions.
2) Lead: You can become a team leader and coordinate your own event at your favorite beach. Team leaders help to recruit volunteers, coordinate the day of the event and submit results from their event online.
Check-In, Check-Out, and Stocking
Community Partner
Community Food Club of Greater Grand Rapids
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
December 31, 2017
Contact
Kendra Valkema
kendra.valkema@communityfoodclubgr.org
616-288-5550
Duties of Volunteer
The Food Club is a collaborative systemic response to hunger promoting food security, choice and dignity for low-income Member Households. It is a membership-based, grocery store environment in which Members access various educational sessions relating to food and health, and shop with points determined by household size. The Food Club offers an opportunity and a place for low and moderate income households to increase their food security and to improve their healthy eating by accessing nutritious food on a consistent basis. It allows member households to experience increased self-reliance and respect. They belong to the Food Club and they choose whether and when to participate.
The Food Club is open Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Volunteer shifts typically last 1-2 hours. Volunteers can sign up for the following roles:
Check-In: Welcome our members to the Food Club! Check their ID, and confirm their membership status and points at greeter station. Computer training provided.
Check-Out: Assist our members at check-out by ringing up their products and bagging their groceries. Computer training provided.
Stocking & Repacking/General Assistance: Organize product by category. Stock shelves and displays out on the store floor. Wipe down shelves, carts, displays, and coolers. Reach out!
Volunteers are essential to what we do and we'd love to work alongside you! Volunteers must be 16 or older. Volunteers must complete a registration form, waiver, and submit to a Michigan state background check. Minors (under 18 years of age) must be authorized to volunteer by a parent or guardian. Once paperwork has been received and processed, a Food Club staff member will reach out regarding a volunteer orientation. The Food Club is located at Stop #243 along the Rapid's Silver Line route. Transfer to the Silver Line at the following stops: Michigan & Bostwick, DeVos Place, Monroe & Louis
January 2018
Construction Volunteer
Community Partner
Habitat for Humanity of Kent County
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
January 1, 2018
Contact
Sarah Brandt
sbrandt@habitatkent.org
616-588-5226
Duties of Volunteer
Habitat Kent has an on-going need for construction volunteers, no skills are required, we will teach you! Projects can range from deconstruction, framing, carpentry work, painting, and landscaping. To select an opportunity visit our calendar here; http://kentcountyhabitat.volunteerhub.com/.
New City After School Training
Community Partner
New City Neighbors
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
January 2, 2018
Contact
Holly Hetherington
hollyh@newcityneighbors.org
616-301-4768
Duties of Volunteer
New City Afterschool (NCA) is a program open to all youth in the Creston neighborhood in 1st to 5th grade, with special leadership opportunities for Middle School students. The program meets every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:30 to 6:00pm. NCA is focused on academic support, growing in faith, leadership, and learning new skills.
Volunteers will work one on one with a student or in a small group doing academic activities. This is an incredibly important part of our program as we strive to help students stay on track with their education. (T,W,TR- 4pm to 5pm)
Volunteers may come one to three days a week. If you are interested in volunteering to help during other parts of New City Afterschool, please contact us as well.
Young Athletes
Community Partner
Special Olympics Michigan Young Athletes
Category
Education
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
January 23, 2018
Contact
Kathryn Dirkmaat
dirkmaak@mail.gvsu.edu
616-916-4471
Duties of Volunteer
Special Olympics is looking for volunteers for our Young Athletes Program. We have sessions each week at various GRPS elementary schools throughout the semester. Young Athletes is for kids with disabilities ages 2-7, and includes sports and other activities.
Our sessions are:
Monday, Kent Hills Elementary 1:30-2:30pm
Tuesday, Martin Luther King Academy 9:30-10:30am
Tuesday, Sibley Elementary 1:30-2:30pm
Wednesday, Ken-O-Sha Early Childhood Center 9:30-10:45am, and 1-2pm
Thursday, Ken-O-Sha VanAuken 9:45-11am, and 1:30-2:45pm
Thursday, Dickinson Elementary 9:30-10:30am
A typical session involves a warm-up activity or song, 4-5 stations (obstacle course, basketball drills, soccer, hockey, etc), and a cool down activity or song. Our volunteers will assist with each station and may need to work one on one with a few students who require additional help.
March 2018
Administrative/Development Volunteer
Community Partner
Kids Hope USA
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
March 1, 2018
Contact
Theresa Casey
tcasey@kidshopeusa.org
616-546-3580
Duties of Volunteer
- Greeting guests/answering phones at reception desk.
- Helping send mailings to donors/volunteers
- Help conduct a semi-annual "thank-a-thon" to supporters of Kids Hope USA
- Participate as a volunteer at two summer events.
- Help with data entry and volunteer list cleanup.
- Jump on board with any projects that you feel fit your skill set. Chances are, we have a project for you!
- Participate in our workday "fun," including luncheons, potlucks, family time gatherings and volunteer appreciation.
April 2018
Green Team Waste Bin Monitoring
Community Partner
GVSU Campus Dining Green Team
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
April 30, 2018
Contact
Mara Spears
spearsm@mail.gvsu.edu
978-807-6406
Duties of Volunteer
Green Team volunteers will report to specified Campus Dining locations to volunteer. Students will stand by waste bins and monitor them by talking with patrons of dining locations and educating them on how to properly dispose of waste. Students get paid in debit dollars, although they can also do this without being paid if they are looking for volunteering hours.
May 2018
Child Care or Mom Mentor or Meal Prep
Community Partner
WestPointe Church Cradles of Grace
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 1, 2018
Contact
Mary Sepanik
marys@westpointegr.com
616-340-4598
Duties of Volunteer
Kids Center :Once a week, 2 hrs., interacting with children of single moms. Dinner,Bible story, games, songs, take home craft
Center - adult. 2 1/2 hrs once a week. Meal prep, table setting, fellowship with moms, praise & worship, prayer support and small groups
YMCA Spartan Stores
Community Partner
YMCA Spartan Stores
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 10, 2018
Contact
Sheryl Baas
sbaas@grymca.org
616-885-5515
Duties of Volunteer
At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. That's why we focus our work in three areas: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We need volunteers in several areas to help us meet our cause, including coaching sports teams, assisting in youth and family programs, working in the Kid Zone (childcare), greeting at the front desk and assisting in our facilities department. Contact the Spartan Stores Volunteer Coordinator Sheryl Baas at sbaas@grymca.org or 616-885-5515 to learn more about this opportunity.
New City Afterschool Tutor
Community Partner
New City Neighbors
Opportunity Type
On Going
Deadline
May 25, 2018
Contact
Holly Hetherington
hollyh@newcityneighbors.org
616-301-4768
Duties of Volunteer
New City Afterschool is an exciting afterschool program that serves students from the 1st-5th grade on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 to 6:00pm. Each day involves homework and tutoring time, a snack, as well as an activity. We especially need volunteer tutors between 4:00 and 5:00 PM each of those days. Come once a week or all three days. Stay for an hour or come for the whole time. You do not need to be an expert. Just come spend time with the students, build relationships and help them with their homework. (Must pass a background check to work with children, training will be provided)