If you are a 10th or 11th grader who is interested and invested in driving conversations on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, we want you to be part of this group. The time commitment is 1.5-2 hours every three months.
When
Typically late afternoon/evening. 1.5-2 hours every three months for one calendar year
Where
Civic Center, 221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
This advisory board is integral in ensuring DMPA’s messaging and programming is representative of its community and continues to challenge and expand perspectives culturally and artistically. Members of this board play a vital role in helping DMPA learn how best to serve various aspects of our community. The social and educational benefits to participants are great in that they will work alongside other community members to help guide decisions and practices for DMPA as they pertain to EDAI.
We need your help packaging life-saving meals for the hungry in Iowa, across the nation and around the world at the Meals From the Heartland packaging center in West Des Moines. Most people package over 400 meals during their two-hour shift, so you are making a huge difference in the lives of lots of children. We have a variety of shifts available Tuesday through Saturday each week. Individuals (ages 8-105), small teams and large groups are all welcome! Bring your friends, teams, coworkers and family. People work as a team to scoop dry food ingredients into bags, weigh and seal them and put them in boxes.
Our gift shop will be a year old in November, so the employees are our primary customer base until we get the word out. They scan their badges for purchases which gives them a payroll deduct on all purchases.
Watch a group of children while the parents are in a meeting down the hall to ensure children are safe. We are hoping for a couple of volunteers each month depending on amount of interest.
Meeting dates are Sept 5th, Oct 3rd, Nov 6th, Jan 9th, Feb 5th, March 5th, April 2nd and May 7th.
Split the Pot Fundraiser
What
Selling raffle tickets at Iowa Wild games to fundraise for people with physical disabilities served by Adaptive Sports Iowa.
The Iowa Wild hockey team has invited Adaptive Sports Iowa to be the recipients of the “Split the Pot” raffle that takes place at all home games throughout the 2023-24 season. The volunteers will assist in selling raffle tickets throughout the games up until the end of the second intermission. At that point, a drawing will take place and the proceeds raised during the game will be split between the winning ticket and Adaptive Sports Iowa. This is a tremendous fundraising opportunity for our organization that will have profound effects on our ability to serve our mission.
The system in place for the volunteers is extremely user-friendly. Each volunteer will have a wireless device that will print the ticket as well as update a real-time amount ticker on the scoreboard. Each volunteer will receive free admission into the game as a volunteer.
Volunteers will be asked to greet guests, provide directions, help with activity stations (minimal "messiness" expected) and provide general assistance throughout the event. The time commitment for volunteers is 2.25 hours + the performance time, which we hope you will stay and enjoy.
There are THREE opportunities to volunteer this season. Using the signup form, you can select which ones you’re able to attend: Nov. 4, Feb. 17 and Apr. 20.
Discovery Parties take place in the hour prior to a public performance in the Civic Center lobbies and are intended to provide young audiences and their families with interactive experiences that are culturally and/or thematically tied to the performance they will attend. Guests will be invited to explore, learn and create. Each Discovery Party is unique to the performance it precedes.
Volunteers will be asked to greet guests, provide directions, help with art stations (minimal “messiness” expected) and provide general assistance throughout the event.
The time commitment for volunteers is 2.25 hours + the performance time, which we hope you will stay and enjoy.
Volunteer Description of Duties
Job Title: Gift Shop Volunteer
General Description:
Work as a cashier in the Medical Center’s Gift Shop.
Characteristic Duties:
May perform any of the duties listed below:
Interact with staff, visitors, and patients in helping them locate desired gift shop items.
Operate computerized register system.
Answer the phone.
Take payment for purchases and make changes when necessary.
Assist in stocking supplies when needed.
Assist in keeping the Gift Shop clean and tidy.
Provide directions and give non-medical information when requested.
Open the gift shop and run opening reports.
Close the gift shop, run closing reports, and call Security to pick up End of Day Tender Bag with sales receipts at end of day.
Minimum Qualifications:
Must be at least 16 years of age.
Ability to volunteer for a weekly 4-hour shift.
6-month commitment (non-consecutive).
Ability to communicate with people of all backgrounds.
Familiarity with principles of retailing.
Ability to count money and make change.
Volunteers are essential to the work that we are doing. We provide great volunteer opportunities for those looking for a powerful experience and a way to give back. We want to give you the opportunity to serve, grow, and become a part of our loving community while coming alongside us in our mission to Transforming Together, to be Love in Action, in a broken world!
We are looking for volunteer coaches for our 2024 Opportunity Soccer programs. Join elementary-grade participants who are eager to have fun and learn new soccer skills and techniques! Sign up for one date or come each day, whatever fits best into your schedule.
We are looking for volunteer coaches for our 2024 Opportunity Soccer programs. Join elementary participants who are eager to have fun and learn new soccer skills and techniques! Sign up for one date or come each day, whatever fits best into your schedule.
We hope you choose to help with the Drake Road Races this year! The Drake Road Races is the first event to kick off Relays Week at the Drake Relays. The Road Races consist of a 5k, 10k, and half-marathon race. Here are some of the opportunities you can choose from to volunteer for!
Expo Packet Pickup:
Volunteer duties include providing athletes with their race number/bib, event shirt and athlete packet. Ability to answer questions athletes may have and direct them to race officials for assistance if needed. Some lifting may be required.
Athlete Assistance:
Volunteer duties include providing athletes with assistance as it pertains to athlete packets and able to answer questions athletes may have and direct them to race officials for assistance.
Awards Tent:
Volunteers will assist with distribution of age group race awards.
Finish Line Medals:
Celebrate and congratulate runners as they cross the Finish Line! Volunteer duties include providing race participants with the appropriate finisher medal after crossing finish line. The medal’s ribbon color will correspond with their assigned race bib color. Crowd control & finish line water may be included. Other finish line duties to include managing the traffic flow so race participants are moving off of the track to the photo and/or recovery zone in a timely fashion.
Finish Line Refreshments:
Celebrate and congratulate runners as they cross the Finish Line! Volunteers will distribute sports drink, water and food to the finishers. You may also be asked to help control the flow of the crowd throughout the finish line.
Race Day Volunteer – Water Stations:
Volunteer duties include set up of water station including tables, Powerade cups and trash area. Cups of water and Powerade will be filled and placed on the tables for athletes to pick up on their own. Additional cups of water need to be filled during the race, while used cups from runners need to be swept away and placed in trash receptacles. Tear down of water station is needed following last runner. Race officials will pick up equipment and trash following race. Some heavy lifting may be required.
This volunteer opportunity is for people who enjoy the game of soccer and can teach the basic rules and fundamentals. Great opportunity to connect and have fun with the kids.
Volunteers will be asked to greet guests, provide directions, help with art stations (minimal "messiness" expected) and provide general assistance throughout the event. The time commitment for volunteers is 2.25 hours + the performance time, which we hope you will stay and enjoy.
When
9:00-11:15 AM and/or 12:00-2:15 PM
Where
Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Discovery Parties take place in the hour prior to a public performance in the Civic Center lobbies and are intended to provide young audiences and their families with interactive experiences that are culturally and/or thematically tied to the performance they will attend. Guests will be invited to explore, learn and create. Each Discovery Party is unique to the performance it precedes. Volunteers will be asked to greet guests, provide directions, help with art stations (minimal “messiness” expected) and provide general assistance throughout the event. The time commitment for volunteers is 2.25 hours + the performance time, which we hope you will stay and enjoy.
We are seeking the support of more than 1,000 volunteers to be integrated into every aspect of the events. The volunteers will be instrumental in reaching our longstanding goal of guaranteeing everyone has something exciting to talk about when the events conclude. We are looking for help from young individuals to help with field events, basket carriers, hurdles crew among other things.
THIS IS OUR PRESCHOOL’S INTERNATIONAL NIGHT. WE WILL HAVE DISPLAYS AND ACTIVITIES IN A FEW CLASSROOM TO REPRESENT DIFFERENT COUNTRIES. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO ASSIST WITH THE ACTIVITIES AND MAKE SURE CLASSROOMS ARE KEPT IN GOOD SHAPE. THESE VOLUNTEERS WILL ALSO HELP SET UP BEFORE THE EVENT AND CLEAN UP AFTERWARDS.
Kites on the Green
What
Come help at this annual kite festival which includes public kite flying, professional kite flyers demonstrations, kids kite building, music and more! Lots of help is needed to make this event successful and multiple shifts are available. Among other things, volunteers may be asked to help kids/families build kites, assist at special activities, staff information or donation booths, etc.
When
9:30am - 5:30pm
Where
Johnston Commons, 6700 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131
Come help at this annual kite festival which includes public kite flying, professional kite flyers demonstrations, kids kite building, music and more! Lots of help is needed to make this event successful and multiple shifts are available. Among other things, volunteers may be asked to help kids/families build kites, assist at special activities, staff information or donation booths, etc.
GOTR Central Iowa is the charity partner of the Des Moines Women’s Half Marathon Events! Join us May 4th-5th for an uplifting, high-energy weekend supporting women empowerment. Funds received from the weekend support the Girls on the Run financial assistance fund. Volunteer tasks include packet pick-up and water stations.
The Downtown Farmers' Market volunteer will help with the following: setting up/tearing down the seating area - including tables and chairs, setting up/tearing down market booths - including pop-up tents, tables, weights, chairs & signage, assisting with road closure barricades, beautification of Market grounds and any other Market tasks as assigned.
When
5:15 a.m. - 7:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Where
Historic Court District, Downtown Des Moines (DSM)
The Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines returns to the Historic Court District on Saturday, May 4, 2024. It runs every Saturday from 7 a.m. – Noon (May – September) and 8 a.m. – Noon (October). The Market supports farmers, growers and artisan food entrepreneurs from all around the state of Iowa. The Market offers a variety of attractions and activities including shopping for fresh produce, eggs, meats and more, eating breakfast, enjoying the atmosphere, meeting with family and friends and live entertainment.
Volunteer Information:
-Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt to wear during their shift(s) at The Market!
-Volunteers must be at least 16-years-old when they report for their shift. If you are unable to fulfill your shift, please let us know as soon as possible.
-Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and keep in mind that we will be outside.
-You are responsible for personal items. Please make sure items are carried with you during your shift.
Volunteers are needed in the following places during the meet(4:30-8:00pm):
1. 2 volunteers at the standing long jump(1 will line up and record distance, 1 will measure each jump)
2. 2 volunteers at the softball throw(1 will line up and record distance, 1 will measure each throw)
3. 2 volunteers at the starting end of the track helping to set up each heat according to age and gender.
4. 3 volunteers at the finish line to record 1st and 2nd place times for State Track and Field Events & hand out 1st ,2nd and 3rd place ribbons for all events
5. 1 volunteer to hand out participant ribbons to those not placing 1st-3rd .
We are hosting an event for our families to get together play games and have a meal together. The volunteers will help man different game/ project stations and can be there in hour increments based on availability.
Race for Hope DSM
What
General race tasks: set up, tear down, parking, packet pickup, medals, water.
When
5/10 packet pickup at Genesis Gym. 5/11 Waterworks Park general race responsibilities
The JDRF One Walk will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024. This year’s event is at the DMACC Ankeny Campus.
We are in need of volunteers to assist during the walk and with set-up and tear down. The event features a 1.5 mile walk, entertainment, and family fun. We expect approximately 2,000 walkers and hope to raise over $400,000 for type 1 diabetes research in a single day. We cannot do this without the help of amazing volunteers!
Please note when signing up for a shift, your shift STARTS at the time listed below and will last through the specified time. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early to your shift start time.
One of the Gardens biggest events of the year. Volunteers are needed in various locations to get plants to customers or assist cashiers with plant purchases. Biggest need for volunteers will be on Saturday, May 11th.
We are seeking volunteers to assist with the execution of a youth track meet. For volunteers under the age of 18 years old we are looking for help with the following positions: 1) Recorder 2) Timers 3) Ball Chasers / Markers 4) Long Jump Rakers / Markers 5) Check-in / Registration.
About the Event: Join us at North High School’s Grubb Stadium on Monday, May 13, for the Live Healthy Iowa Kids Track Championships! Check-in is from 3:30-4:30pm, with the event kicking off at 4:30pm. Open to ages Under 6 to 14, this event serves as a qualifier for the State Championship in Marshalltown on June 1, 2024. Founded in 2015 to carry on the tradition of the Hershey® Track and Field Games in Iowa, this free, statewide event requires no special equipment, making it accessible to all. Don’t miss your chance to participate and showcase your skills!
Join Blank Park Zoo, Polk County Conservation and Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation as we work together to restore Iowa’s woodland flora. Invasive plant species put pressure on our native woodlands and we need your help in restoring this habitat. When we remove invasive plants we are helping our native plants and wildlife to flourish, plus the animals at the Zoo have the opportunity to enjoy a treat! Honeysuckle, an invasive plant, is one the favorites of animals in our care! Spring into Action on May 18 to celebrate Endangered Species Day through woodland conservation efforts at Fort Des Moines Park. Come and go as you please between 10:00am – 12:00pm. All ages are welcomed to join us for this event.
Volunteer Descriptions
Gary’s Ride – May 18, 2024, 8:45 a.m. – 10:00 am and 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
(You can choose any one of these to help)
* Parking Assistant (directing where to park) – I will need 4-6 people
* Traffic Control (intersection of 10th and Waukee RRVT) 2 people – reflective vest needed
* Registration Desk Sign up – I will need 1-2 people
* Registration Desk T-Shirt Hand Out – I will need 1-2 people
* Registration Desk Wristband Distributor – I -2 people
* Someone to direct people to registration desk – 1 -2 people
* Board and Batten – Dallas Center – clean up – 1-2 people
HOURS
* Parking Assistant – 8:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
* Registration Desk Sign Up – 8:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
* Registration desk T-Shirt Hand Out – 8:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
* Someone to direct people to registration desk – 8:45 – 10:00 a.m.
* Board and Batten Games Clean Up 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Please contact me at 515-512-3835 or blissful.kristin@gmail.com to volunteer.
Blessings to you –
Kristin Wiedenfeld
Gary’s, Ride, Inc., President
AND Gary’s “other half”
Website: garysrideiowa.org
Discovery Party
What
Volunteers will be asked to greet guests, provide directions, help with art stations (minimal "messiness" expected) and provide general assistance throughout the event. The time commitment for volunteers is 2.25 hours + the performance time, which we hope you will stay and enjoy.
When
9:00-11:15 AM
Where
Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Discovery Parties take place in the hour prior to a public performance in the Civic Center lobbies and are intended to provide young audiences and their families with interactive experiences that are culturally and/or thematically tied to the performance they will attend. Guests will be invited to explore, learn and create. Each Discovery Party is unique to the performance it precedes. Volunteers will be asked to greet guests, provide directions, help with art stations (minimal “messiness” expected) and provide general assistance throughout the event. The time commitment for volunteers is 2.25 hours + the performance time, which we hope you will stay and enjoy.
Help set up tents, tables, booths, and signage. Work a booth to help get individuals and families registered on the day of the event. Tear down tents, tables, and signage after the event.
When
7am - 12pm
Where
Outlets of Des Moines 801 Bass Pro Dr NW, Altoona, IA 50009
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease with no cure that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. The mutation causes a build-up of thick, sticky mucus in the body, often resulting in a high propensity of bacterial infections resulting in hospitalizations and, possibly, premature death. The Great Strides walk is an outdoor event that allows for those affected by the disease to gather in a single place (individuals cannot gather indoors due to potential bacterial/viral cross-infection) and celebrate.
Responsibilities would include setting up tents/stations, placing signage, tear down after the event, and potentially handing out food and beverages.
CelebrAsian is well loved annual Asian heritage festival in central Iowa. For over 20 years this festival has highlighted the diversity of Iowa by exposing attendees to the food, music, art, dance, and culture of Asian communities in Iowa. For many of these cultures, this is the only time of year you can find this food for sale in Iowa.
This is a special volunteer opportunity for youth ages 13-17 to get involved at the Blank Park Zoo! Participants will have the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of areas around the Zoo.
Zoo Crew – This is a special volunteer opportunity for youth ages 13-17 to get involved at the Blank Park Zoo! Participants will have the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of areas around the Zoo. This may include: assisting Summer Safari camp counselors, providing guests with directional and educational information about the Zoo, helping to keep the Zoo clean and volunteering during family friendly events! The goal of the Zoo Crew program is to foster personal responsibility, job skills, self-initiative and inspire conservation action for the next generation.
Applications are accepted now through March 1. For more information or to apply visit our website: https://www.blankparkzoo.com/support-the-zoo/volunteer/zoo-crew-details
Still in Need - Science Center of Iowa Summer Camp Jr. Counselors
What
The Junior Counselor role at the Science Center of Iowa (SCI) is a vital role to the experience of the campers, providing a fun, safe and educationally-effective learning environment. Jr. Counselors will act as role models for campers, engaging and inspiring them along their journey of lifelong science learning. Taking advantage of the opportunities for personal growth as a developing leader in our community.
When
8:30am- 4:00pm
Where
Science Center of Iowa; 401 W. MLK Jr. Pkwy., Des Moines, Iowa 50309
The Junior Counselor role at the Science Center of Iowa (SCI) is a vital role to the experience of the campers, providing a fun, safe and educationally-effective learning environment. Jr. Counselors will act as role models for campers, engaging and inspiring them along their journey of lifelong science learning. Taking advantage of the opportunities for personal growth as a developing leader in our community.
-Assist Camp Educators in facilitating curriculum and activities in the daily schedule
Support Camp Educators with sorting, gathering and doing inventory of necessary supplies
Serve as support during field trips and transition periods of camp, keeping campers respectful, quiet and on
time in their daily schedule
Responsible for providing care and well-being of campers while participating in programs
Junior Counselors actively assist Staff Counselors to provide a positive, inclusive, engaging, fun, supportive learning environment, where all feel welcome and valued. Junior Counselors act as role models for campers, while learning and developing their own leadership, creativity, and communication skills.
Expectations:
• Attend a group interview in April and a training session in May or early June.
• Read and regularly review all required training materials, especially the Junior Counselor Handbook.
• While volunteering, be a positive role model in what you say and do.
• Through your actions, behaviors, and speech, you will uphold and support the museum’s Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Code of Conduct when at Living History Farms.
• Follow, abide by, and comply with all policies and program guidelines, including safety regulations, cell phone and social media policies, camp dress code, and being on time for your scheduled shift.
• Be supportive of your lead counselor in their expectations for campers.
• Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Feel free to ask for assistance, help, or guidance from your staff camp counselor, Education Program Coordinator, or Department Director.
• Regularly check the Volunteer Trello Board for important announcements, training resources, reading materials, and general museum information and updates.
Many different volunteer responsibilities ranging from registration all the way to helping athletes transtion from the swim, bike, and run parts of the race! See volunteer link for details of responsibilites.
Many different volunteer responsibilities ranging from registration all the way to helping athletes transition from the swim, bike, and run parts of the race! See volunteer link for details of responsibilities.
There are many opportunities for volunteering with this event. Aid stations, registration, athlete bag sorting, trash clean up, set up and tear down, etc.
Our volunteers work closely with children going into Kindergarten mentoring them on lots of "safety," lessons, being a good friend, making healthy choices, meeting new friends, and having a lot of fun!
Each Safety City volunteers are paired with one or two children going into Kindergarten. Our sessions run for five days and meet 2.5 hours each day with morning and afternoon sessions available. The volunteers mentor their assigned kindergartners through several safety lessons and assist them with different activities throughout the week. Waukee Police Officers facilitate the class and lead everyone in a fun, healthy, safe environment.
Summer Camp Assistant
What
Camp Volunteers provide support to staff and assist with activities, provide guidance to campers as needed, help to prep activities and/or with clean-up for 5 day camp. Volunteers may be teen or adult volunteers age 14 or older.
Camp Volunteers provide support to staff and assist with activities, provide guidance to campers as needed, help to prep activities and/or with clean-up for a 5 day camp. Volunteers may be teen or adult volunteers age 14 or older. A background check is required for this position. Volunteers may commit to multiple weeks.
National Junior High Finals Rodeo will be in town from June 20 – 23, 2024. This event brings approximately 1,200 middle school students from 43 states, 5 provinces in Canada, Australia, and Mexico and we are looking for volunteers in multiple areas. Assist with check – in, stall assistance, vet check, and more.
An amazing opportunity is available for your students to be involved in the National Junior High Finals Rodeo. This event will be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, June 2024. This event brings approximately 1,300 middle school students from 43 states, 5 provinces in Canada, Australia and Mexico. We are looking for volunteers in multiple areas including assistance with check-in, stall assignment, vet check and more. Thanks for your consideration. Please let me know if you have additional questions or would like me to discuss this opportunity in person. Thanks, Chris
We are seeking volunteers for Cajun Fest to support with checking-in guests, conducting activities, keeping the festival clean, and providing an overall excellent experience!
When
9AM-8PM
Where
Cowles Commons - 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
We are seeking volunteers for Cajun Fest – a family-friendly, authentic southern crawfish boil event with other Louisiana staples – all garnished with Cajun music and family activities like face painting, mask making, among others. We hosted 2,500 attendees at Cowles Commons on downtown Des Moines last and are expecting 5,000 this year! All proceeds will be benefit local children’s charities in Des Moines.
– Earn 40 volunteer hours and strengthen college, scholarship or job applications.
– Mentor and inspire elementary and middle school children to be creative and to never give up.
– Improve leadership and communication skills through interactions with parents, mentorship and time management skills.
– Learn entrepreneurial and intellectual property concepts through the lens of invention and innovation.
RipRoar Youth Triathlon | West Des Moines
What
Help with race day work including working with athletes, finish line, and aid as well as teardown post-race.
Thank you for considering volunteering at the 2024 Clive Festival - Clive's largest (and best!) annual community gathering organized by the City of Clive. A variety of opportunities are available such as (bounce houses, clean-up crew, Kids For Art Show). Must be 18+ to register for ID Station or Beverage Tent.
When
5:00-11:30pm each night
Where
South of Clive Aquatic Center - 1801 NW 114th Street
A variety of opportunities are available such as (bounce houses, clean-up crew, Kids For Art Show). Must be 18+ to register for ID Station or Beverage Tent.
Non-profit organizations, share your volunteer opportunities! To ensure your submission will be accepted, read the Silver Cord posting guidelines before submitting your event.
