Volunteer with Us!
Why Volunteer?
When you volunteer you are giving something back to your community by lending a helping hand to people and organizations. What you may not realize is that volunteering also benefits you as an individual. There are many good reasons to get involved in the community, including learning something about yourself. The Redwood City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department offers volunteer opportunities for both teens and adults.Some of the benefits of volunteering
You can:
- Make new friends
- Explore career and personal interests
- Earn great recommendations for future employment or college applications
- Develop marketable job skills
- Build your resume
- Enrich your education
- Uncover hidden skills and talents
- Increase your self-confidence
- Have fun
- Make a difference
Here are some reasons to volunteer:
Learn or develop a new skill
- Volunteering is the perfect conduit to develop a new skill or to discover a new talent. It is never too late to realize new skills or accumulate knowledge. Employers are often seeking
well-rounded individuals who have good teamwork and goal setting skills. Planning and implementing a major fundraising event can develop goal setting, planning and budgeting skills. Serving on a volunteer committee or board is a great way to learn group dynamics and team work. Serving as a committee chair increases facilitation skills. Painting a mural or making banners could highlight your art talents. The possibilities are endless.
Be part of your community
- There are so many options for being involved in your community, through professional associations, neighborhood organizations, arts and historic organizations and social service organizations. No man or woman is an island. People and societies co-depend on each other for survival. We can bridge the expanding gap between communities and societies through volunteering. Volunteering is ultimately about helping others taking part in impacting people's welfare and happiness. What better way is there to connect with your community and give something back? Do you feel strongly about something that is happening or not happening in your community and want to get involved? As a volunteer, you certainly return to your community some of the benefits that your community gives you.
Meet a diverse range of people
- Volunteering brings together a diverse range of people varied backgrounds. Both the recipients of your volunteer efforts and your fellow volunteers can be a valuable source of inspiration and an exceptional method to expand your interpersonal skills. You do not know who you will meet, what new information you will acquire, and how this could impact your life.
Receive personal rewards and sense of achievement.
- Volunteering is about donating your time, energy, and skills generously. As a volunteer you have made a decision to help freely -- free from pressure to act from others. Volunteers generally convey a sense of achievement and motivation which ultimately is generated from the desire and enthusiasm to help. For others volunteering may simply be a break in regular routine or an opportunity to create balance in their lives. Volunteering around a personal interest or hobby can be enjoyable, relaxing, and revitalizing. That energy and sense of fulfillment can even be carried over to other situations and sometimes help to relieve tensions and foster new perspectives for old situations.
Create Leadership.
- Watching those around you can allow you to identify leadership qualities that you most appreciate and can develop in yourself. Volunteer groups are often groups of peers that respond more to leadership than management. Opportunities are available to lead by persuasion, show innovation, and share your ideas and values. Volunteer settings allow you to learn strategic thinking and conflict resolution skills. You will learn about your community, about trends and concerns, about people and about resources--all of which can help you develop your leadership potential.
Enhance Career Opportunities.
- Networking - Volunteering offers an incredible networking opportunity. You will develop lasting personal and professional relationships. Not only is it a great way to learn about people from all walks of life, different environments, and new industries, but you can also hear about job openings, gather valuable employment information and develop great references.
Retain or sharpen old skills - Sometimes job duties change and you may no longer be doing things you used to do and liked. Volunteering is a perfect means for keeping those skills sharp and current.
- Practice skills - It is much more effective to practice a new skill than to read about it or study it in a classroom. Volunteering is an excellent venue to experiment, practice, and test new techniques and skills. The opportunity to build your self-confidence through practice is offered. Additionally, volunteering provides opportunities to observe others to determine best practices.
- Explore new career options - Volunteering is a perfect way to explore new fields. Sometimes a volunteer experience can direct you to something you never thought about or help you uncover a new skill or interest. You can strengthen your personal/professional mission and vision by exploring opportunities and expanding your horizons.
Here are some areas where we could use some help:
NUTRITION PROGRAM PHOTOGRAPHY
COMMUNITY SERVICES (Veterans Memorial Senior Center)
Contact: Anna Carlos, Senior Center Volunteer Coordinator at acarlos@redwoodcity.org,
(650) 780-7343
Assist with preparation and service of lunch program
Estimated number of hours: Approx: 4 Hours A Week
Number of people required: 1-2
Location: Veterans Memorial Senior Center,
Days/dates/times that are available/required: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9AM-1PM
Take pictures at special events
Estimated number of hours: Approx: 2 Hours A Month
Number of people required: 1-2
Location: Veterans Memorial Senior Center,
Days/dates/times that are available/required: Upon Request for Special Events
| After School SPORTS PROGRAMS |
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| Contact: Michael Smith, After School Sports Coordinator at msmith@redwoodcity.org , (650) 780-7254 |
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After School Sports Coach Fall: Flag Football (co-ed)(6th-8th), Girls Volleyball (4th/5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade), Water Sports (6th-8th Grade), Tennis (1st - 5th Grade), Skateboading (6th-8th Grade), Cheerleading (6th-8th) Grade) & Run Club (6th-8th Grade) Program Information: All games are played in Redwood City and the league season consists of 8 games, not including playoffs. Games are twice a week at 4, 5, or 6pm M/W or T/Th. Seasons are approximately 8-10 weeks. Practice times are flexible and based on coach’s availability. If needed, specific game times can be requested. Practice begins two-three weeks prior to the league season. All equipment is provided. For more information, please contact Michael Smith at (650) 780-7254 or visit us at teamsideline.com/redwoodcity. All applicants must complete an application form and be fingerprinted. |
| HUMAN SERVICES (Fair Oaks Community Center) |
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| Contact: Teri Chin, Human Services Manager at tchin@redwoodcity.org (650) 780-7510 |
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Emergency Food Pantry Assistant – works with volunteer food pantry coordinator to prepare emergency food bags, organize emergency food pantry, and help keep inventory. Must be able to physically lift and move heavy boxes. |
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Volunteer Front Desk Receptionist – helps to provide front desk reception coverage during staff meetings. Must be bilingual in English/Spanish. Training provided. |
| PARKS PROJECTS |
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| Contact: Lucas Wilder, Parks Manager at lwilder@redwoodcity.org |
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Park Clean Up Crew - help the parks system to stay beautiful by picking up trash, rake sand, clean playground equipment, remove debris, etc. |