There are so many organizations you can choose to volunteer and serve in your community. Volunteering is an opportunity for you to find your voice and passion in something that is important and has special interest to you.
Looking for places to volunteer? Check out these sites for posted volunteer opportunities: VolunteerMatch and LinkedIn.
Also look at Hands On Portland for other volunteer opportunities.
Below are a few ideas of Keizer and Salem area organizations that could use a few more volunteers:
LOCAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
AC Gilbert Discovery Village – Volunteer as a Summer Program Volunteer APPLY HERE OR volunteer as a Visitor experience volunteer APPLY HERE. For more information: 503-371-3631 or email: outreach@acgilbert.org
Alzheimer's Network - Come join our local team of caring and passionate volunteers and make a difference with those families affected by Alzheimer’s disease! We enlist individuals from teens to seniors, families, friends, and employee groups to be a part of the team (or serve on the team) at Alzheimer’s Network and make an impact in our community. Volunteering helps those affected by Alzheimer’s and can assist you in building job skills, enhancing your resume, working together in our community with friends, families, or colleagues, and influencing others to understand the needs of those affected by this disease.
American Red Cross - Numerous ways to volunteer. Check out the website and browse for current volunteer needs. You may also reach out to Evan Downing (senior at ECHS) if you are interested in opportunities.
Boys and Girls Club of Salem Volunteer opportunities as a tutor/homework helper, leadership advisor, student mentor. There are also one day events and fundraisers throughout the year. For more information contact Yanira Herrera at 503-581-7383 or email yherrera@bgc-salem.org
CCTV – Studio Production Volunteer opportunities. For more information call 503-588-2288
Center 50+ This organization has created opportunities for students 16+ to join their "Friendship Brigade." Those who volunteer will join a team that gives the gift of attention, laughter and friendship to an isolated senior living in a nursing home or community care facility. for more information contact the Program Coordinator: Heidi Miller at 503-588-6303.
City of Keizer – Youth Councilor, Youth Committee Liaison, or Council Page. Must be a Keizer resident. Must be a junior or senior student but some positions require application and selection process the year before . See website for further details. For more information contact Debbie Lockhart at 503-856-3418 or email lockhartd@keizer.org
City of Salem - Multiple ways you can volunteer! Help in Salem parks with clean up, volunteer for park patrol at Minto-Brown Island Park, volunteer at the library and Center 50. Contact 503-588-6261 for more information or email: parksandrecreation@cityofsalem.net
Diabetes Support Services: They are also looking for ongoing volunteers to help at their office in many different capacities, such as general office work, stocking medical supplies, inventory, filing, assisting with sonic vibration machines for patients, etc. Also, if you have computer skills and are familiar with social media, they are looking for help in that area as well. Contact Sandy Underberg at 503-585-1335 or info@sugarsmart.org. 3886 Beverly Ave NE Bldg I Suite 21 Salem, OR.
Family Building Blocks – High School Internship available and special event opportunities. Contact Megan Gap at 503-566-2132 or email mgap@familybuildingblocks.org
Friends of Trees – Our Native tree plantings occur on Saturday mornings. Students under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult and students under 18 years of age attending without a parent/guardian must bring a signed youth waiver with them. Check out the Friend of Trees Calendar for various volunteer dates. For more information contact Jenny Bedell-Stiles at 503-595-0213 or email volunteer@friendsoftrees.org
Habitat for Humanity – You can volunteer as a building site volunteer where you will be able to help build homes for families in need (16 yrs+) or as a ReStore Volunteer (15+) where you receive donations, assist customers and sort materials. Email Heather at Habitat for Humanity – HeatherW@salemhabitat.org , call 503-364-6642
Hope Station - Volunteers needed to help in the food bank warehouse at 1337 Madison St NE Suite 115. They need help with shipping, stocking supplies, cleaning, and general office work. Volunteers needed the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month any time from 4 to 7 pm and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month any time from 9 am to 2 pm. If interested, contact Marci at 503-886-9138.
Kindred Hospice: Various positions from Front desk reception, volunteer for hospice patients, pre-med students (must be 18) direct patient care, bereavement support. Willing to work with schedules. Time commitment varies from one hour up to 4 hours per week. Contact (503) 315-1003
Oregon State House of Representatives Honorary Page Program: Apply to be an honorary page and come to the capitol for a day and experience first hand the legislative - or lawmaking - process. Open to students age 12 -17. Download the application here.
KEIZER HOLIDAY LIGHTS PARADE – Student volunteers needed to hold banners in front of various floats that are in the Holiday Lights Parade each year. Contact Danielle Bethell, Tel: (503) 393-9111 for more information.
KEIZER IRIS FESTIVAL – Volunteers are tremendous relied upon source in our operational plan. From helping on the streets for the parade or run events to serving at Keizerfest or one of our community meals, volunteer help is fun and appreciated. To inquire about the Iris Festival Team please contact the Keizer Chamber of Commerce at 503-393-9111 or CLICK HERE to add you name and interest to our list.
Keizer Police Cadet: - Cadets are trained volunteers 14-20 years who are interested in careers in public safety. Once a cadet completes basic training classes, he or she begins volunteering for the Keizer Police Department. Cadets are assigned to ride with patrol officers, assist with traffic control, search operations and help with community events. Applications can be turned in to Officer Zavala or at the front desk at the Keizer Police Department. Keizer Police Department Cadet Application
Kennedy Academy of Leadership - Immediate need for student volunteers to mentor elementary students at Kennedy Elementary in the Kennedy Academy of leadership. Great resume builder and opportunity to make a difference! Mentor training is on Thursday, October 25 @ 3:40 PM- 4:45 PM. Students interested should contact Mayra Hernandez as soon as possible: 503-399-3163 . Email: hernandezpineda_amayrani@salkeiz.k12.or.us Students volunteering will also need to complete a background check as soon as possible: https://salkeiz.k12.or.us/volunteering/ First leadership club will be on Nov. 1 and meets every Thursday till May 1.
KROC COMMUNITY CENTER – multiple ways to volunteer. Check out their website for various volunteer opportunities.
Marion Polk Food Share – Your time, talents, and resources are essential to feeding people in our community. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities including repacking food, gardening, and many other ways to assist in the fight against hunger. Volunteer at the Youth Farm or become a Marion Polk Food Share Ambassador (must be 16 years of age). Contact Amy Hammerstrom at 503-581-3855 if you have any questions or would like to volunteer.
MDA SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR - This organization still needs volunteers ages 16 and older to work with students with muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and related diseases. Being a camp "buddy" for a week counselors will push wheelchairs, lift and transfer youngsters and provide assistance with camp activities. Volunteering at this camp will inspire you, enrich your life in ways you never dreamed possible. Enhance your resume, while helping make camp a fun experience for these amazing kids. Visit the MDA Summer camp website HERE to apply for this summer opportunity.
Northwest Outdoor Science School – Fall and Spring Opportunities to be an Outdoor School Counselor. Develop your leadership, teaching, teamwork and communication skills. As a counselor, you will live with and lead a cabin of 6th grade students all week. Opportunities in the FALL and SPRING. See Mrs.Muir for more information.
One Thousand Soles Volunteer Opportunities - Multiple opportunities to serve during the 2019-20 year. Click HERE for information. Volunteer opportunities in October, November, January, February, April and May. Click HERE for information on how to clean shoes!
Salem Community Organizers - A grassroots organization seeking to harness the passionate spirit of those who also seek to protect and promote Civil Rights. Whether you're an old hat at activism & advocating, or brand new to the field, we welcome you and hope to mutually benefit by pooling our resources and skills. We organize rallies, volunteer for progressive candidates and causes and a wide range of skills are needed. Social Media, data entry, phone calls, canvassing, face painting, public speaking, online clicktivism, graphic design and so much more are all desired. Students interested can view Facebook page or contact Ariel Williams at (971) 264-0886 (calls and texts) or email: salemcommunityorganizers@gmail.com
Salem Friends of Felines - If you like helping homeless cats then this is the opportunity for you! Youths ages 12 - 16 are required to volunteer with a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Adults, ages 17 and up do not need a parent or guardian. If you are interested, complete an application online and send an email to salemfriendsoffelines@gmail.com. They need help in the cat care at the shelter, in the adoption center, shelter tech aids, PetSmart Cat Care (Lancaster Dr), and in the thrift store and donation sorting. In addition, they have some special projects where they need assistance with photography, web designer, Newsletter editor and fundraising and platform support. Creative people email Karla Canida at admin@sfof.org
Salem Health Student Volunteer – Interested in a career in the medical field? Volunteer at Salem Hospital. Must be 14 years or older to apply.
Salem/Keizer School District – Teachers in Elementary and Middle Schools love having high school student volunteers. Contact a teacher you know, or the talk to the main office at a local Salem/Keizer Elementary school to find out about service options. To volunteer in a school you must complete a Criminal Background check before beginning.
Salem/Keizer Education Foundation (SKEF) - needs high school students for many volunteer -driven events that happen throughout the year. Check out their events: HERE Students who would like to volunteer for SKEF should contact Valerie Steele 503-364-2933 Ext. 207
Salem Police Cadet program - Cadets are trained volunteers 14-21 years who are interested in careers in public safety. Serve your community while training for your future police work. Work alongside officers and gain firsthand knowledge and insight into the profession. Cadets are trained in several law enforcement disciplines to prepare them for duties in the field and to interact and engage the public at community events. Applications may be mailed in, attention: volunteer services. For additional information contact Officer Shane Sevigny at ssevigny@cityofsalem.net or call 503-576-0769 Salem Police Cadet Application
Serenity Hospice - Currently looking for high school students for a few different volunteer opportunities. Serenity Hospice needs students to help with office work, setting up admission packets, completing data entry. In addition to office work, students will have the opportunity to job shadow the volunteer coordinator. They also need students who are willing to do field work and spend time with patients, including reading to patients, sitting with them and offering companionship. Students will have the opportunity to see what the hospice medical field is like and will participate in training. If you are interested, please contact Kate Jones at 971-806-5877 or email at Kjones1@serenityhospice.org.
SOLVE Oregon: SOLVE is a statewide, nonprofit organization with a mission to bring Oregonians together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Spring Oregon Beach Clean-up is March 23rd at multiple locations. We are dedicated to developing relationships among different groups, individuals, and businesses in pursuit of a common goal: to protect and preserve the places that make up our uniquely beautiful home. Sign up HERE
State Library of Oregon: Many different volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Currently looking for Talking Books Equipment Assistant (in-person), Talking Books Office Assistant (in-person), Optical Character Recognition Reviewer (remote), and coming soon a Talking Book Reviewer (remote). Volunteer Application here: Some perks of volunteering with the State Library: they will provide free parking, free bus passes, they host professional development opportunities, and in-person and online training opportunities. Questions? Contact Cam Amabile, Volunteer Coordinator at Courtney.AMABILE@slo.oregon.gov.
Village at Keizer Ridge – Assisted Living and Memory Care Senior Living Community – is looking for students to volunteer with their senior residents. Get involved and participate in “Adopt a Grandparent” program. Visit, read and play games with residents weekly. OR you could also participate in regular planned activities that Keizer Ridge organizes. If you are considering going into the medical field, consider this an opportunity to job shadow in the assisted living or memory care facilities. You must complete a volunteer application to volunteer. Contact person at Keizer Ridge: Kathy Roberts: 503-390-1300.
Willamette Heritage Center Volunteer or Internships: The heritage center is hopping with activity all year long and can use volunteers all year. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities. If you enjoy public speaking, giving tours of the museum, interacting with the public, helping with data entry, working with children, etc. Get an application here.
Willamette Humane Society – Help around the shelter and fostering kittens, attend events and assist with the thrift store. Contact the Community Engagement Office via email: volunteer@whs4pets.org
Wisdom of the Elderberry - Work from home volunteers needed! Wisdom of the Elderberry is a Native American non-profit organization. They are currently producing curriculum lesson plans about Native Americans for schools. They need assistance writing abstracts for a group of film and video clips. The abstract is a brief summary of the video with the timeline. In addition, they would like the audio transcribed. Videos are anywhere from 2 to 60 minutes in length. I can show you how to use audio transcribe tool in Google Docs. Students watch the videos and write the summary. If interested, email Mrs. Muir.
Young Leaders In Action - Engages a diverse group of students from high schools in cultivating leadership skills to become local leaders poised to take action on global issues. Built on the ethos that critical thinking, teamwork, and empathy are key elements to leadership development, the Young Leaders in Action program empowers youth leaders to become agents of change at home and abroad.