Volunteer with Community Agencies

Examples of current volunteer opportunities:

Partners in English:  Help international students and/or their spouse, friend or parent become more proficient with spoken English.  Conversations deal with topics of mutual interest which may lead to a discussion of the meaning of words, grammar and pronunciation.   

Reader/Writer Essay Program:  A literacy initiative that pairs public-school adolescents with writing-proficient adult volunteers. Each volunteer serves as a real-life audience and writing coach for one or two metro area public middle or high school students in a writing exchange conducted through the mail. This process builds writing fluency and resilience for teens.

Mock Jury Trials:  Cases argued by student “attorneys” of the Mitchell-Hamline School of Law deal with traffic accidents. Volunteer jurors view the trial, deliberate on a verdict, announce it, and offer constructive advice. 

History Day Judging:  Judges view history projects, interview students (grades 6–8 or 9–12), select winners, and provide written feedback.  

The Bakken Museum:  Serve as a mentor to middle school students as they explore electricity, create robots or just invent something at the Bakken Museum, 3537 Zenith Ave, Minneapolis, MN.  

Urban Debate League’s Middle School Tournaments:  Judge debate tournaments held at local schools and/or subsequent conference championship tournaments. 

Twin Cities Regional Science Fair:  Judge science fair projects presented by middle and secondary school students at the Twin Cities regional competition.  This is a large event involving hundreds of students so lots of judges are needed.

AARP Tax Aide Client Facilitators: AARP Tax-Aide volunteers serve as client facilitators, who perform check-in duties, provide an important first contact to the taxpayers, and manage taxpayer-clients initial activities. You do not need to be an AARP member to volunteer.

Citizenship Group Processing Volunteer for the International Institute of Minnesota: The International Institute of Minnesota provides services and resources to New Americans (immigrants and refugees). Volunteers will help bring economic and civic benefits to Minnesota residents that are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship by assisting them to complete their citizenship application.

Assisting Travelers at MSP Airport: The Airport Foundation volunteers support the Travelers Assistance team, which provides information and services to visitors of the MSP Airport.

Environmental Opportunities with Great River Greening: 

Event 1: Wetland Planting near Minnehaha Creek, St. Louis Park - Volunteers will plant native shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers.

Event 2: Capture & Release Pollinator ID Training in Blaine - Volunteers will learn more about capture and release practices, as well as pollinator identification.

Future City Competition Judging: The Future City program is one of the nation’s leading engineering education programs. Volunteers serve as judges to evaluate the students’ work in this year's competition.

Musicians at St. Paul Regions Hospital: Pianists, guitarists, vocalists, violinists, and other musicians perform soothing music for patients and guests in atrium areas. Intermediate to advanced level of music knowledge is required.

Wilder Foundation Meals on Wheels Packers & Drivers: The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation is a nonprofit community organization. Packers will come to the Healthy Aging and Caregiver Services site to pack meals for each participant. Drivers help deliver locally made meals every weekday and serve as a lifeline for many people who live alone, have difficulty cooking and preparing meals, or are home due to health conditions, disabilities, or limited mobility.

Creativity Festival & CreativeCon: At CreativeCon and Creativity Festival, students learn that creativity is a skill that can be practiced and strengthened. Volunteers will assist with morning check-in; monitor lunch; guide students in the hallways; assist presenters in classrooms; and help provide a safe environment for all students.

High Tech Kids: Teams of Minnesota kids are preparing to compete in a High Tech Kids Robotics tournament this fall. Volunteers assist with these Robotics competitions.

High Tech Kids LEGO Robotics Tournaments: Teams of Minnesota kids are preparing to compete in a High-Tech Kids Robotics tournament. Volunteers of all skill sets are needed to assist in Robotics Competitions in November through February.

Assist in English Instruction: The Metro South Adult Basic Education (MSABE) strives to support the efforts of all adults who wish to improve their lives through literacy education and career development. Volunteers may select options such as leading a small class of adult learners or working one on one to tutor individuals learning English. No previous experience teaching or tutoring is required.

Volunteer for your choice of project or find more information through URVC's Better Impact.
https://app.betterimpact.com/Login/Volunteer

Information on volunteer opportunities can also be found by contacting URVC (Email: [email protected] Telephone: 612-625-8016).