Needs From: Central Iowa RSVP

Make a Difference in Your Community—Right from Home!

Are you passionate about your local community and want to help others discover how to give back? We're looking for seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us update and enrich local pages on Ways to Connect, our national directory of volunteer sites.

Ways to Connect is a crowdsourced platform designed to boost traffic and engagement to local volunteer websites—like this one! With just a bit of online research and your enthusiasm, you can help neighbors easily find volunteer opportunity platforms, service clubs, mutual aid groups, and more—making it simpler than ever for everyone to make an impact locally.

What You'll Do:

Conduct quick, simple online research to identify active service clubs, mutual aid groups, and upcoming volunteer events in your community.

Enhance your community's page on Ways to Connect by ensuring the information is current, accurate, and inviting for potential volunteers.

Optional: Promote your community’s page on social media to help friends and family find a path to service.

Why Volunteer with Inspiring Service?

Easy and flexible: Volunteer remotely at your convenience.

Immediate community impact: Help your neighbors discover meaningful ways to contribute.

Small commitment: Volunteer for as little as 2 hours, or as much as you'd like.

Growth opportunities: Volunteers can explore deeper involvement through our Ambassador program.

Ready to help your community thrive? Join us today and make volunteering more accessible for everyone.

Reiman Gardens seeks community volunteers to help us ensure that all areas of our gardens look beautiful before our 30th Anniversary Celebration Weekend. Activities will bring hundreds (and possibly thousands!) to visit our gardens over the weekend of September 13th. For more information about those events, see below.

We need all hands on deck to ensure that every inch of Reiman is looking great for these activities. Shifts are on September 10, 12, and 15 from 8-11 a.m. In addition, we seek community help starting in October to help us plant our spring bulbs, cut back and prep different spaces for winter, and other seasonal garden clean-up. 

There are also volunteer opportunities related to all three events. The Farm to Table Fundraiser volunteer opportunity can be found here. The Botanical Bash and Elwood's Birthday Party volunteer roles are available to all Reiman Gardens volunteers who have completed the required trainings and background checks. If you would like to become a volunteer at Reiman Gardens, please visit our website for more information.

We are in need of people willing to package groceries and carry groceries for people needing assistance.

We realize people are busy so we schedule our volunteers for one Saturday each month.

We need people to greet families when they arrive, sack groceries, stock shelves, and carry out groceries.

Description:

This position supports the Regional Volunteer Services Department. The Regional Volunteer Relations Team Member ensures the successful execution of the Volunteer Workforce Complaint Process in the region. The role of the Team Member is to support and document the volunteer supervisor in managing complaints against the workforce they supervise, as well as managing the process for cases that are escalated beyond the supervisor.

 Key Responsibilities

Implement corporate Red Cross Human Resources and Office of Volunteer Services policies and

procedures.

Understands and articulates the importance of a fair and harassment-free workplace.

Explains appropriate Red Cross policies and procedures as related to Volunteer Relations during

Steady State including utilization of Regional Volunteer Workforce Complaint Toolkit materials to all

supervisors (employees and volunteer).

Conduct appropriate investigation, documentation, and resolution when complaint involves a

Volunteer.

Coordinates with and supports Human Resource Business Partners (HRBP) and ICE on complaints

that they manage.

Qualifications

Willingness to comply with Red Cross COVID-19 policies for in-person volunteer activities.

Experience with conflict management or mediation

Experience with employee/staff relations or HR management

Experience delivering training material or facilitation

Ability to work in confidential situations

Active Listening skills

Able to assess, investigate, resolve, notify Volunteer HR Matters in timely manner when assigned a

situation.

Minimum Commitment of 1 year with opportunity to renew.

For more information or to apply go to: https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Description:

Assists the implementation of the regional volunteer recruitment plan by performing volunteer recruitment activities to attract a skilled, talented and diverse volunteers workforce to service in all lines of business around the organization

Key Responsibilities

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Ensure military families' needs are met when faced with an emergency.

Responsibilities

Support the Red Cross mission
• Maintain strict confidentiality of any case notes, names and other personal information in accordance with Red Cross policies
• Understand and apply Service to Armed Forces (SAF) policies, procedures and protocols related to Red Cross client services consistently and correctly
• Support the follow up process to include making follow-up calls to military members and/or families to determine if their needs are met, providing other follow-up actions needed for complete and timely client service
• Acquire a working knowledge of local, state and federal resources aiding military members, families and veterans
• Maintain professionalism and conduct as stated in Red Cross policy

Time Commitment

Flexible, with a scheduled commitment.

For more information or to apply go to: https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Description:

The Regional Nurse Leader (RNL) is a front-line leader of the Nursing Network who partners with the local Regional Volunteer Services Officer (RVSO) to recruit health professional volunteers per regional needs. The RNL provides guidance on nursing and health matters and helps build the health professional network in the region. RNLs promote volunteer engagement and satisfaction across the business lines and work to achieve the Volunteer Services Chief Nurse Initiatives. The American Red Cross National Nursing Network is comprised of all Red Cross nurses. Nursing Network leaders recruit and support nurses and other health professionals across all business lines to implement strategic goals of the American Red Cross as articulated in the Chief Nurse Initiatives. The American Red Cross is divided into geographic divisions, regions and chapters for service delivery. Each division has a Division Nurse Leader (DNL) appointed by the Chief Nurse and the Director of the Nursing Network. DNLs appoint Associate Division Nurse Leaders (ADNLs) to support RNLs and to assist them according to the division's unique needs.

Responsibilities

* Proactively support and guide Red Cross units in volunteer recruitment, reception, retention, and recognition to build health professional capacity across all business lines and at all levels of the organization in support of organizational and regional priorities. Assist units in volunteer recruitment to reflect community demographics.

* Act as a resource for nursing and health in the region across all business lines, working collaboratively with Nursing Network leaders and others to achieve the Chief Nurse Initiatives.

* Establish a good working relationship with key leaders at the regional level (e.g., Emergency Services Director, CEO, nurse/health leaders in other business lines).

* Establish relationships with community partners (nurses and non-nurses) and maintain updated roster

* Coordinate meetings for regional nurses and other health professionals, engaging colleagues and partners as appropriate in support of the Chief Nurse Initiatives.

* Regularly communicate nursing and health-related successes (e.g., awards, media coverage, projects) to other Nursing Network leaders and through other communication venues

* Ensure that nurse volunteers enter their nurse-specific information in Volunteer Connection and submit all volunteer hours

* Submit all RNL hours in Volunteer Connection on at least a monthly basis and maintain an updated Volunteer Connection profile

* Complete quarterly metrics and annual Nursing & Health Leaders Diversity Survey

* Recruit and support Nursing Network Engagement Specialists as needed.

RNLs should recruit for and mentor their own replacements in consultation with RVSOs and DNLs.

For more information or to apply go to: https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Description:

The Recovery Services Client Care Program allows the Red Cross to rapidly meet disaster-caused needs by enabling clients to apply and receive financial assistance and/or community resources.

The Client Care Program Service Associate supports the recovery of disaster affected individuals, households, and communities by providing referrals, advocacy, and financial assistance through RC Care (case management system).

Responsibilities:

Conduct Intake by interviewing the client and opening a case in RC Care
Provide Financial Assistance to qualified clients.
Conduct Follow-up and Recovery Planning Services
Provide Internal Referrals
Provide Community Referrals
Assist with problem-solving and advocacy on request
Use RC Care to document services according to the Client Care Program Standards and Procedures
Services may be provided in person or virtually.

Qualifications:

Required:

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Description:

The Recognition and Appreciation Leads oversees the development and implementation of volunteer recognition efforts. serving different lines of service. This is a leadership position that will support all Red Cross to ensure recognition is considered by all lines of service.

Responsibilities:

Qualifications

For more information or to apply go to: https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Shelter Service Associate: During large disasters, you can support the day-to-day activities within a shelter which may include working in reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information or other areas within a shelter. Free online training will be provided. If the need arises, volunteers are asked to commit to multiple local shifts of 4-12 hours each. For those able to travel outside of their local area, a commitment of at least 14 consecutive days, working 8- or 12-hour shifts is required.

For more information or to apply go to: https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Volunteer Recruitment Volunteer Team Member

Description:

Assists the implementation of the regional volunteer recruitment plan by performing volunteer recruitment activities to attract a skilled, talented and diverse volunteers workforce to service in all lines of business around the organization

Responsibilities:

Qualifications: willing to learn a broad understanding of the American Red Cross and its opportunities for volunteer service. Enthusiastic about Red Cross mission and programs. The ability to learn how to effectively communicate Red Cross mission and activities in a manner that is both attractive and realistic. For more information or to apply go to: https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Disaster Health Services Team: During large disasters, you can use your professional skills as a licensed healthcare provider to deliver hands on care and education to shelter residents. Free online training will be provided and can count towards nursing continuing education units. If the need arises, volunteers are asked to commit to multiple local shifts of 4-12 hours each. For those able to travel outside of their local area, a commitment of at least 10-14 consecutive days, working 8- or 12-hour shifts is required. Qualified licenses include RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP, APRN. Only RNs have full scope of practice.

For more information or to apply go to: https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Description:

Did you know that over 90% of the workforce for the American Red Cross is a volunteer?

The Volunteer Engagement Lead is responsible for overseeing the "Volunteer Experience" for Volunteers serving in the assigned Department

Help us support and recognize the of volunteers that give their time & talents in the Nebraska Iowa Region. As an Engagement Volunteer, you can help onboard, mentor, encourage and express gratitude to our volunteer workforce.
Flexible: Approximately 10 hours per month preferred, but we will work with your schedule.
Work Location: remotely and on-site.

For more information or to apply go to: https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Disaster Action Team: While big hurricanes and wildfires get the most news coverage, smaller disasters are no less devasting to the families affected. Most of the 60,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year are smaller disasters like home fires. As a Disaster Action Team volunteer, you can help comfort and support people in your community by meeting any immediate needs such as food, shelter, clothing or supplies and connecting them to long term recovery services. We supply all the training you need. For more information or to apply go to: https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Screening Team members seek to understand what brought prospective volunteers to the Red Cross, their areas of interest and what position they would find most meaningful. Screeners use their understanding of the volunteer and match it with the needs of the organization, connecting volunteers with positions for which they are both interested and well suited.

Responsibilities:

Time Commitment: 8 hours per week

Qualifications:

For more information or to apply go to: https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Description:

The Youth Engagement Lead serves as a peer and confidante working collaboratively with the regional Volunteer.

Services team, specifically the Engagement Specialist, to support National Youth Strategy goals and objectives to educate and engage youth in all aspects of the Red Cross mission.

Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Blood Donor Ambassador: Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.  The need for blood is constant and so is the need for volunteers at our Blood Drives to help save lives. Volunteer Blood Donor Ambassadors ensure that blood donors have a pleasant and fulfilling experience, from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. During a blood drive, whether you’re greeting donors, answering questions or thanking them for their donation, your courtesy and professionalism will create a favorable impression that encourages ongoing donor support. For more information or to apply go to: https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday

Scan QR code to be a Red Cross volunteer!

Enrich your life by giving to others! Join our volunteer program and become an important part of the hospice team. we are looking for individuals ready to donate some of their time to patients and families in need. Whether it is companionship, reading, playing bingo, or a simple holding of their hand you are needed here with us. it is a wonderful thing to volunteer in your own community and give back! our program is very flexible to fit into your busy schedule and the training is very informative for the volunteer. you will always feel satisfied after sharing a journey with a patient and bringing them comfort and compassion. give us a call and start your volunteering experience now!

Travel Unity is a nonprofit focused on making the world of travel welcoming to people of all backgrounds and identities.

As a Travel Unity Youth Volunteer, you can make an impact on travel and tourism businesses in your local community. The first step is to join the Future Travel Leaders Network by filling out this form: https://bit.ly/FTLNapp

TU Youth Volunteers meet youth from around the world through online calls and get to meet interesting travel professionals.

Volunteers must be able to work on a team basis, communicate regularly, be proficient with meeting programs (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.), and enjoy the excitement of collaborative output.

For more info, visit https://travelunity.org/youth

Volunteers of all ages help prepare the meals on Monday and Thursday evenings from 2:00-5:00 PM. We are looking for volunteers available to assist in preparing food between 2:00 and 5:00. Volunteers can choose the amount of time they are present. Choose one day a week or multiple days a month to volunteer. Other food prep days/times can be arranged.

For more information, please contact us at foodatfirstnevadaia@gmail.com.

Volunteers of all ages help pack free meals for our community on Monday and Thursday evenings from 4:30-6:00 PM. We are always looking for volunteers who are interested in helping us fight hunger in our community. Limited time available? We are flexible and willing to work with your availability.

For more information, please contact us at foodatfirstnevadaia@gmail.com.

Volunteers are needed to help deliver free meals to neighborhood locations. Nevada Food at First is seeking volunteer drivers for the outlying towns in eastern Story County. Meals are picked up in Nevada between 4:30-6:00 PM and delivered to designated drop-off locations. Drivers are currently needed in Nevada, Maxwell, Collins, Zearing, and McCallsburg. Choose one day a week or multiple days a month to volunteer.

For more information, please contact us at foodatfirstnevadaia@gmail.com.

We are in need of a CPA for our annual audit. Further information can be provided upon request. Please email foodatfirstnevadaia@gmail.com for more information.

Volunteers are needed to help sort and weigh food rescue items once they are dropped off by volunteers. You will be making it possible for us to use the rescued food for community meals on Mondays and Thursdays.

Volunteers are needed to pick up food that would otherwise be discarded. Food is transported to the Nevada First United Methodist Church where it is weighed and safely stored until distribution to area food pantries can be arranged. Training is provided. Choose one day a week or multiple days a month to volunteer. 

For more information, please contact us at foodatfirstnevadaia@gmail.com.

The YSS Mentoring Program is unique in the communities we serve, with 20 years of successfully matching children and mentors, creating life-changing—and often life-long—relationships. School-Based, and Residential Treatment/Shelter Based Mentoring options available. 

School-Based: 

Matched to Make a Difference 

More information:

We hold the distinction of being certified by the Iowa Mentoring Partnership, which requires adherence to strict guidelines and best practices established by MENTOR, the National Mentoring Partnership.

If you have questions regarding mentoring opportunities in Ames and the surrounding areas, please contact YSS at 515-233-3141.

Impact volunteers have a genuine interest working with youth, are patient and positive, engage in activities, and help youth develop positive peer and adult relationships by being a role model.

Shifts: MTR: 3:30pm-5:00pm | W: 1:30pm-5:00pm
Locations: Collins-Maxwell School and Colo-Nesco School

Impact Teen Club is a youth-driven program that promotes leadership opportunities, youth voice & choice, skill building activities, reflection, and relationships for 6th-8th graders in Collins-Maxwell and Colo-Nesco schools. A typical day starts after school with homework and snack, group game, and TOP lesson or Community Service Learning project. 

Click here to apply

Mustard Seed Community Farm seeks help with fundraising efforts for infrastructure and operating costs.

Mustard Seed Community Farm is looking for 2-3 volunteers to help with outside planting tasks on Tuesday or Friday afternoons.

We'll prepare the beds for planting (which could entail hauling manure or compost), plant peas, spinach, potatoes, maybe trees, and digging up carrots for you to take home.

If you have time to share, MSCF welcomes your help!  

On Wednesdays from 8am to noon, Mustard Seed Community Farm is looking for volunteers to help with pulling weeds, mulching vegetable beds, and assisting with various other farm related tasks. Come for an hour or stay for the entire four. Whatever time you can give is greatly appreciated!

Weeding is fun -   It makes the veggies so happy!

 and these happy vegetables will go to feed many people who need healthy nutritious food.

HARVEST WORKSHARE - Volunteer 3 hours during our harvest times and take home a large box of mixed vegetables.

The WORKSHARE shift is 7am-10am either Tuesday or Friday, from mid-May through mid-October. We have options for people to sign up as regular workers (that come almost every week) and intermittent workers who come when they are able. We love both kinds, especially if you communicate your scheduling needs with us so that we are not surprised!

During the three hour shift, we will harvest all the vegetables that are ripe on the farm, wash and pack them for distribution. Each worker will be able to take home a full box of vegetables. Usually, there is time at the end of the shift to do some other farm task while the washers finish packing the vegetables.  This food is also shared with local food pantries, hospitality houses, and families in need.

There will be a crew of about 7-10 people all working together on this harvest and while we work hard, we also have a lot of fun together. Carpooling is highly recommended and there is usually a carpool coming from Ames every harvest morning. We get to see each other every week, do meaningful work together, be in a beautiful place, and by the end of the season we are quite a team.

These harvests are essential to the functioning of our farm, and we will work in many kinds of weather. Please come to your shift no matter what the forecast (unless it’s a tornado warning! – then wait for the storm to pass) and dress for the weather. The farm has some available rain gear, but your own might be better. We will work outside in light rain, and find indoor work while there is lightning. We start so early in the morning because this is the time that the vegetables are at their most plump and delicious, and in midsummer, it is also the most pleasant time for working. Remember, it is windier on the farm than in town and in the morning it can be very dewy and cool.

HARVEST WORKSHARE - Volunteer 3 hours during our harvest times and take home a large box of mixed vegetables.

The WORKSHARE shift is 7am-10am either Tuesday or Friday, from mid-May through mid October. We have options for people to sign up as regular workers (that come almost every week) and intermittent workers who come when they are able. We love both kinds, especially if you communicate your scheduling needs with us so that we are not surprised!

During the three hour shift, we will harvest all the vegetables that are ripe on the farm, wash and pack them for distribution. Each worker will be able to take home a full box of vegetables. Usually, there is time at the end of the shift to do some other farm task while the washers finish packing the vegetables.  This food is also shared with local food pantries, hospitality houses, and families in need.

There will be a crew of about 7-10 people all working together on this harvest and while we work hard, we also have a lot of fun together. Carpooling is highly recommended and there is usually a carpool coming from Ames every harvest morning. We get to see each other every week, do meaningful work together, be in a beautiful place, and by the end of the season we are quite a team.

These harvests are essential to the functioning of our farm, and we will work in many kinds of weather. Please come to your shift no matter what the forecast (unless it’s a tornado warning! – then wait for the storm to pass) and dress for the weather. The farm has some available rain gear, but your own might be better. We will work outside in light rain, and find indoor work while there is lightning. We start so early in the morning because this is the time that the vegetables are at their most plump and delicious, and in midsummer, it is also the most pleasant time for working. Remember, it is windier on the farm than in town and in the morning it can be very dewy and cool.

We are always looking for people to help work in the garden.  Tasks include watering, weeding, harvesting and general up keep like weed eating and mulch maintenance.  

The City of Nevada, IA could not run efficiently without the efforts of those who serve as volunteers on our Boards and Commissions, which include:

These volunteers are community-minded people, willing to give their time, and really consider the details in the service of their role.
If you are interested in serving on one of these Boards/Commissions, please take a moment to fill out an application form, which can be found at: cityofnevadaiowa.org/government/boards-commissions/application.

Nevada's brand new farmers market is now taking sign-ups for volunteers. The market takes place downtown on 6th street on Thursday evenings through August 31st. Volunteers will stand near the barricades at the ends of the street to let vendors in and out and answer questions to market goers. 

This position requires standing, some lifting, and being in the sun. 

There are 2 shifts available - 4p-6p and 6p-8p. 

If interested, please see the Farmers Market Sign-Up Genius site to find an open date and time that works for you. 

Love to plan and execute events? Want to help promote our historic downtown district?

Our promotions committee works to find opportunities to promote our downtown businesses. Sometimes this is through events that bring people to our main street and sometimes this is collaborating with other activities in town to promote visitors to check out our downtown. This committee member could also work with the organization's director to help with social media posts. 

This committee meets one to two times per month, on Tuesday evenings at 6pm. As an event approaches, more meeting times may be necessary. These committee members are also expected to be at the events they organized. 

No experience necessary. No heavy lifting required. We prefer a one year commitment, but hope you will enjoy it and stay longer! The value you will receive is helping business owners promote their businesses, as they cannot do it alone. You will also engage with other volunteers who share a common passion of helping our downtown grow. 

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 2022-23 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 and a free ticket to another game!

Sign up to volunteer online: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084cafa92ea5fd0-iowa9. For further questions, if you would like to sign up a group, or need accessible parking, please contact us at 888-777-8881 ext. 714 or email karlie.busch@iowasportsfoundation.org.

Help with fundraising activities and work with our team to develop and implement an annual development plan/strategy to increase annual grant income.

Each fall Reiman Gardens hosts a popular community event, Spirits in Gardens. Children of all ages are welcome to join in the spooky fun by attending in costume. Visitors trick or treat around the gardens and join in a variety of activities, including storytelling, Meet-A-Scientist, and more.

The featured attraction during this event is an astounding display of hundreds of carved pumpkins lit against the evening sky. Volunteers from the local community and university spend five days stenciling and carving hundreds of unique designs. We are looking for volunteers to create new designs to add to our stencil collection. Designs currently include American icons, animals and nature, cartoons, creatures and monsters, famous people, movies, phrases and internet memes, musicians, television, video games, and traditional pumpkins.

Designs must be family-friendly and no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches. Stencils should be carved, not shaved, designs. Please email rgvolunteer@iastate.edu for more information and stencil samples.

The pantry is always needing donations of food, nice in season clothing and household items.  

The Salvation Army needs your help with our Food Pantry & Doing the Most Good Market from 12:30 to 3:30. Our Pantry is open Monday - Friday. You can choose one day or multiple days to volunteer. 

Your role is to prepackage the food for our guests. This will include bending, lifting and walking to accomplish this role. When/if there is a lull, you can help in other areas like stocking shelves, cleaning up the spaces, etc.

If you are interested, please call The Salvation Army of Story County at 515-233-3567 or email Lori.Stern@usc.salvationarmy.org

The Salvation Army needs your help with our Food Pantry & Doing the Most Good Market from 10:00am-12:30pm Tuesday - Thursday each week. You can choose one or multiple days.

Your role is to help us prepare for the upcoming day, including accepting gleaned donations from stores, sorting through both the older and new foods to assure it is edible, putting food away, prepackaging boxes of foods we donate to other pantries/partners and so on. When/if there is a lull, you can help in other areas like stocking shelves, cleaning up the spaces, etc.

If you are interested, please call The Salvation Army of Story County at 515-233-3567 or email Lori.Stern@usc.salvationarmy.org

Do you want to help create a more humane society for all animals? Check out our Humane Policy Volunteer Leader opportunity!

Humane Policy Volunteer Leaders are at the forefront of our work to advance priority federal, state and local animal protection policies. These efforts serve to advance humane priorities across all 435 congressional districts and thousands of state legislative districts across the nation. Please join our team! To learn more, review our Humane Policy Volunteer Leader ad here: www.humanesociety.org/policyvolunteer

Humane Policy Volunteer Leader responsibilities:

Benefits of becoming a Humane Policy Volunteer Leader

The Humane Policy Volunteer Leader program is the first, largest and most effective animal protection policy volunteer program of its kind in the nation. HSUS volunteers are essential partners in our lifesaving work for all animals and are an integral part of this community of compassionate individuals, all of whom are deeply committed to advancing humane public policies for all animals.

Humane Policy Volunteer Leaders will become highly skilled in the rapidly growing animal protection movement, receiving advanced training and ongoing support. You will receive an orientation on our policies and programs as well as access to support and resources not provided to the public, including:

As a Humane Policy Volunteer Leader, you will develop skills in public policy advocacy, networking, leadership and strategic thinking, and have the opportunity to share your expertise and experiences with community members. You will gain a deeper understanding of how to be an effective animal advocate, gain in-depth knowledge about the HSUS’s priority issues and deepen your understanding of the policy process and political landscape at the federal level, as well as in your specific state.

Apply Today!

If you've read the Humane Policy Volunteer Leader ad and feel the position would be a good fit for your skills and commitment level, here’s how to take the next steps:

If you would like to learn more or have questions about this volunteer program, please email us or call 301-721-6405.

Volunteers are needed on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month to deliver food packages from MICA's food pantry to neighbors in need.

Delivery times are flexible based on volunteer availbility on those days.  Substitute volunteers are needed as well. 

Volunteer Application

Mid Iowa Community Action is seeking volunteers to help in their food pantry in Ames on an ongoing basis depending on volunteer availability.   Volunteers are needed on a daily basis, Monday-Friday anytime between 8:30-4:30 as available.  Volunteers under the age of 18 must volunteer with an adult.

MICA will conduct a background with all potential volunteers.

Below are some potential volunteer jobs in the food pantry, though subject to change based on volunteer needs:

Front office: phones, greeting, scheduling appointments, food box/ bagging (on days not choice), other office duties as assigned

You will have the chance to interact with families of the community with providing warm greetings and providing information, as well as scheduling face-to-face appointments. You will also be speaking to individuals on the phone answering questions and concerns to help provide them with services and resources they need. With the amount of families who rely on food pantry, you will help immensely by preparing pre-made bags and boxes of household groceries for families in need on MICA’s non-choice pantry days. Every day is never the same though and we may need your help anywhere else in our offices.

Choice pantry check out: bags items for families, may help take to car/load up, checks items to make sure numbers are reached, faces product and stocks as needed (some heavy lifting)

With the implementation of MICA’s new choice pantry option, we are in need of individuals who may help us manage the transition. You will help supervise and check items taken by families, making sure that each family is taking the correct amount of food and that numbers are being reached. This may include loading cars for individuals in need of assistance, as well as assuring that all pantry shelves are stocked and ready for the next family, so be prepared for some heavy lifting!

Stockers: stocks shelves, faces product, creates bags for non-choice days, unloads carts (heavier lifting)

With MICA’s ability to serve everyone in Story County, we are in need of individuals who may maintain and flow of or food pantry by ensuring that they are stocked and loaded at all times, so some heavy lifting may be involved. This position will allow management and organization of materials, along with the responsibility to help make household bags of groceries, unload carts from donors, and faces product. All help is welcome!

Volunteers at MICA's Family Development office primarily help with the food pantry - everything from receiving and tracking donations to sorting and packing them into food boxes ready for different sized families to pick up.  Some volunteers also help at the front desk with answering the phone, greeting visitors, scheduling appointments, giving out food boxes, and helping connect families with the appropriate staff person for their question.  Volunteers come in at a regular time on an ongoing basis - usually an hour or so per week on the same day/time, but some volunteers come multiple days per week or stay for longer if their schedule allows.

Overflow is looking for friendly volunteers who love people, to run our register.  Register volunteers have the full support of our staff to help answer questions or step in as needed. Our shifts are in two hour time slots.  Wednesday-Friday 10-6PM and on Saturdays between the hours of 10AM and 4PM.    

We opened our second store- Overflow Thrift Store-Furniture and More in 2020. Because of this, our Register Volunteer needs have increased. Overflow remains committed to providing affordable goods in the Ames area.  Helping out on the register is a great way to help us to do this. We also are blessed with simply wonderful customers and other volunteers.  Please consider joining our team. We'd love to have you be a part of our Overflow family!

About NAMI

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.  

What is NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group?

What are the goals of NAMI Connection support groups?

How do I become a NAMI Connection Facilitator?  

The application includes the following information about the jvolunteer requirements for NAMI  Connection Facilitators:   

1. Willingness to undergo all expense paid training 

2. Adhere to fidelity to the NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group model 

2. Commitment to perform weekly support groups for a minimum of one year  

3. Ability to record and provide group participant data as required 

4. Willingness to identify potential new facilitators from their support groups

5. Positive regard for, or personal experience with mutual support  (lived experience with mental illness) 

6. Be or become a member of NAMI Central Iowa 

7. Must be age 21 or older 

About NAMI

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.  

What is NAMI Family Support Group? 

What are the goals of NAMI Family Support Group? 

How do you become a Family Support Group Facilitator? 

1.  You must have a family member living with a mental health condition

2.  Lived experience is key as empathy, understanding and personal experience is needed

3. Must commit to co-hosting the support group at least 1 time per month for 12 months

4. Must complete certification by attending a two-day all expense paid training.  

5.  Must agree to follow the NAMI fidelity guidelines 

The main duties of the gift shop volunteer are to greet guests, answer questions, and process sales.  The hours are Saturday from 10-4 and Sunday from 10-4.  The gift shop volunteer works alone and has a key to open and close the building.  A computer system is used to process sales.  A basic knowledge of the Iowa Arboretum is necessary to answer questions. 

At Overflow, our donors can request a furniture pick-up.  We have a box truck and a driver, but we need someone to assist our driver with moving the furniture into our truck.  The donors will sit the furniture in either their garage or their driveway.  From there it goes loaded onto the truck.  

Then the truck goes to our Overflow Thrift Store-Furniture and More location, where the furniture gets unloaded at our loading dock.  

The volunteer(s) who takes on this challenge can park at our Overflow South location.  The time slot we need filled is from 8:45-11:00 on Monday mornings.  

Travel Unity, a 501(c)(3) focused on increasing diversity in the world of travel, is seeking people ages 13+ to join its Youth Advisory Council. Applicants from all backgrounds and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply!

Youth Advisory Council members will work with one another and Travel Unity's staff, Board, and Advisors on Travel Unity's programs and mission. 

Volunteers must be able to work on a team basis, communicate regularly, be proficient with meeting programs (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.), and enjoy the excitement of collaborative output.

This is a great opportunity to work with fellow youth from around the world who care about culture, travel, and inclusion, along with an array of professionals dedicated to creating a more equitable world. Express interest below or visit https://travelunity.org/tuyac!

In the bin pricing department, our volunteers pull one pre-sorted bin from the shelf and price each item according to the dollar amount on the bin- using a pricing gun.  From there, the items get put out onto our shelves by a Housewares Stocking volunteer.  This is a great way to help support the missions that Overflow Thrift Store supports locally and globally. Thank you for considering!

We have an abundance of clothing that needs to be hung up and tagged-getting it ready to be put out onto the sales floor.  In the clothing hanging department, we have bins of clothing that are already sorted into price categories.  Clothing needs to be hung, then when the rack is full, it needs to be tagged.  We have a colored tag system that coincides with the price of the clothing.  This is a great way to help to support Overflow and our various missions that we support locally and globally.  We need you! Please come join our team-we'd love to have you. 

Donation Sorter volunteers sort incoming donations into different categories.  We have a great new system set up to sort donations at both of our locations. Each sorter has their own department to work in. 

We currently have openings all day Mondays and Saturdays from 10-4 and Tuesday-Friday from 10-6. Let us know if you want to join our donation receiving crew! It's so interesting to see what donations are going to come through our tables.  Items from stores all over the world find their way to Overflow.  Please consider blessing us with your time-we would love to have you!

Our shoe department continues to grow! We need regular volunteers who can be trained to sort, process and price shoes.  Some examples of processing are polishing shoes, cleaning shoe white walls and lightly cleaning the bed of sandals.  If you want to volunteer occasionally, the pricing and sizing of shoes always needs to be done and is easy to learn. 

If you have a family-this is a great way to find shoes to purchase for your family at amazing prices-all while helping to support missions locally and globally.

We are looking for clothing sorters Monday-Saturday!

Volunteer Clothing Sorters:

Let us know if you want to join our clothing team today!

Overflow Thrift Store is looking for volunteers to help in our Linens department. The sort of things you might do in Linens, would be sorting incoming donations and restocking items on the sales floor. Linens volunteers work with towels, materials, sheets, comforters and much more. Let us know if you are interested in this opportunity! we'd love to have you!

Overflow Thrift Store is looking for some help 2 hours or more per week in the housewares Department.  Duties would include stocking the store with housewares and straightening and organizing items as needed. The Housewares department is good sized and has quite a few categories but can easily be learned. Housewares includes picture frames, pots and pans, baskets, sporting good, DIY, vases and more.  

We have opened a second location in Ames and both of our locations sell housewares-so volunteers are needed at both locations.  Thank you for considering-volunteering in housewares is a great way to help out and it's also a great way to decorate your own home! Our affordable prices make it easier for our customers to afford and our volunteers can make purchases as well.

The I Am Able IOWA radio program discusses the ability in disability the first and final Saturday of the month on KHOI 89.1 FM.  You can learn more about the radio program at www.iamableiowa.com.  We are seeking volunteers to help engage listeners with the program. This volunteer opportunity can include the following: market research, social media engagement (Twitter, no presence currently) generating ideas for contests and other ways of encouraging participation, finding guests, and other ways to get the word out about the program. 

The I Am Able IOWA radio program produced by the Iowa Able Foundation is seeking a volunteer to assist with confirming details with the guests a week prior to the show and day before the show. This volunteer will also help thank the guests for their appearance. 

This volunteer could also assist with requesting the photograph and bio for each guest to send to the website and social media person to post. This volunteer could also help with recruiting potential guests. 

The I Am Able IOWA radio program produced by the Iowa Able Foundation is looking for volunteers interested in helping write scripts, generate interview questions, write blog postings, write Twitter posts, write FB posts, and other writing projects. 

One of the I Am Able IOWA radio program hosts is a co-author of a children's book with the sales split between an arts organization in Ohio and the I Am Able IOWA radio program.  

We are seeking a volunteer to help with marketing, promoting and selling the children's book.

We have a great group of volunteers who test our electronics.  The next step is pricing the electronics. You will be provided with a pricing guide and your own station.  Special items can be looked up on Ebay, then priced according to our special pricing guide. It's actually pretty interesting to see all of the different types of electronics that come through the electronics station! Come join the fun-you will be a huge blessing to our community, to our staff and to the missions that we serve.   

Heartland Senior Services has many opportunities for volunteers. An ongoing need is for volunteers to deliver hot, nutritious meals to seniors in their homes over the noon hour in specific areas of Story County. Volunteers pick up the meals at a specified location after 10:30 am and deliver the meals to individuals in their homes. A list of recipients and directions are provided. 

We would love to inspire anyone to come down to Des Moines or a box pack if they are willing and able!

Please visit our website for up to date information regarding our efforts related to COVID-19. Donate today to help ensure we reach the kids out of school or workers with altered schedules. Volunteers are also in high need so please consider signing up for a shift.

Join us at Habitat for Humanity of Central Iowa Store as we are growing, and we need more help.   We are practicing social distancing and safety as much as possible to keep our volunteers happy and healthy.   

Volunteers are needed to help out in the store, working with customers, sorting donations, repairing gently used items, and picking up donations and delivering purchases. 

Come work with a bunch of fun people and get a FREE T-shirt!

If interested please call Betty at 515-232-8815 or e-mail bbeisker@hfhci.org

NAMI Central Iowa has a few projects that a handy-person could help with.  

1.  Shelves:  We have a closet that has brackets for shelves, however, we need shelves cut out of wood.  

2.  TV Mount:  We need a small flat screen TV mounted to a wall.  

Help people in your community by volunteering with the Department of Human Services!

The Department of Human Services is currently in need of volunteers to help with clerical type work to help social workers complete tasks in a timely manner. You'll work with professionals from DHS to help make a big difference for some of our community's most needy individuals!

For more information please respond today!

Help people in your local community by volunteering as a conservator!

The Department of Human Services is currently in need of volunteers to serve as conservators for wards of the state. Wards of the state are typically individuals with mental illness, disabilities, or dementia. Often, family members of the ward are not able to serve as conservator, and we look to caring community members for help.

This is a rewarding position for those who enjoy using their skills with accounting, real estate, taxes, etc. Conservators work with professionals from DHS and other services agencies to handle matters such as paying bills, settling outstanding debts, selling, leasing, mortgaging property, investing funds or filing taxes for wards who may be moving to a nursing facility, or perhaps a young person who is unable to make good decisions on his or her own. Conservators also make a brief yearly report to the court. Complex decisions may require the approval of a Judge.  Conservators make a big difference for some of our community's most needy individuals!

For more information please respond today!

Help people in your local community by volunteering as a guardian!

The Department of Human Services is currently in need of volunteers to serve as guardians for wards of the state. Wards of the state are typically individuals with mental illness, disabilities, or dementia. Often, family members of the ward are not able to serve as guardian, and we look to caring community members for help.

Guardians work with professionals from DHS and other services agencies to make placement and treatment decisions for the ward. Thus, a guardian may be asked to sign admission requests for hospitals, complete applications for government assistance, and monitor the ward's treatment and condition.  Guardians also make a brief yearly report to the court.  If additional court involvement is necessary, the county attorney's office can help file the necessary paperwork.  Guardians make a big difference for some of our community's most needy individuals!

For more information please respond today!

ACCESS Assault Care Center is looking for a few exceptional people to serve on its Board of Directors.  We are hopeful that you are interested in being one of them.  We are looking for leaders with the abilities and commitment to enhance the stature of ACCESS, and who can bring skills, expertise, financial and other resources to ACCESS to further its mission. 

ACCESS is a domestic violence and sexual assault organization for Greene, Boone, Story Marshall, and Tama Counties.  In addition, we provide advocacy for survivors of homicide and other violent crimes. Our services for survivors include emergency housing, safety planning, legal advocacy, medical advocacy, youth advocacy and case management. ACCESS also has programing and initiatives to support social justice, violence prevention and community education. Our agency is constantly striving to balance the needs of the survivors we serve, a committed staff, and to network well within the community in order to provide the best services possible. Your involvement as a board member can bring expertise and leadership in a very meaningful way. For more information about applying to join our board, please contact us!

Responsibilities of the Board:

 Individual Board Member Responsibilities:

Term: Three Year, with possibility for a second term.

Qualifications:

Help 4-H club members grow and reach their fullest potential by supporting them to conduct meaningful, educational experiences. Inform and encourage members, parents and other volunteers to actively participate in appropriate 4-H opportunities that lead youth to become successful, contributing members of society. Previous 4-H experience recommended. This commitment is a year long commitment, meeting once a month. 

Your new, handmade, washable blanket or afghan will be given to a child who is seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. All sizes and types are happily accepted! 

Blanket patterns can be found HERE:  

It's Sew Tempting, 407 Broad Street, Story City M-Sat 10 am. - 6 pm 

or

Story County Volunteer Center, 110 Crystal Street, Ames M-Fri 9 am - 5 pm

Central Iowa Chapter of Project Linus is in need of individuals who are willing to pick up blankets from designated pick up points, perform quality control checks on each blanket to ensure it meets PL standards, and affix a PL label. Once the Blankets are completed with the quality check and label, they are able to be transported to one of the designated drop off sites as directed by the local coordinator. The Blanketeer overseeing Quality and Label additions will also need to provide monthly updates to the local coordinator as to the number of blankets picked up per location and the number donated per drop off site. 

Make a blanket and share it with a child in need by donating it to Central Iowa Project Linus. Your new, handmade, washable blanket or afghan will be given to a child who is seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. All sizes and types are happily accepted!  Completed blankets can be dropped off at:

It's Sew Tempting, 407 Broad Street, Story City M-Sat 10 am. - 6 pm 

or

Story County Volunteer Center, 110 Crystal Street, Ames M-Fri 9 am - 5 pm

Food and Nutrition: Project area within the 4-H program working with 4-H youth and other volunteers assisting in providing learning experiences in food and nutrition projects displaying perishable food items as well as preserved food items.

Clothing: Project areas within the 4-H program working with 4-H youth and other volunteers providing knowledge and learning experiences covering the art and principles of design in garments by constructing them, creating them, or purchasing of garments.

Family and Consumer Sciences: Project area within the 4-H program working with 4-H youth and other volunteers assisting in providing learning experiences in consumer science topics such as child development, consumer management, and health.

Work for the parents partaking in the nutrition programs by caring for their dependents in supervision, some cooking for children, and light clean up after messes.

Help the Story County staff member with event registration checking into events as well as leaving events.

Work with office staff to assist in customer service by answering phone requests, helping organize and store office equipment, and other miscellaneous office needs.

Work with office staff to assist in organizing and sorting through office records.

Possess excellent writing and computer skills with database management. Must be able to effectively work under a timeline and use independent judgement to produce quality writing. This individual should also be able to identify as well as develop funding sources to support existing and planned programming activities and development.

Program different topics for adults and children to learn about. This can include, but is not limited to hands on activities, educational lessons, as well as presentations over various topics.

Able to assist and lend a hand to any of the youth programs that are provide by Story County Extension and Outreach.

Able to assist and lend a hand to any of the programs that are provide by Story County Extension and Outreach. These programs can vary from food nutrition to gardening.

Carpenters needed for indoor finishing work on new building, or for maintenance and improvement of farm infrastructure.  Looking for someone skilled enough to work alone, and/or possibly lead and teach volunteers.

For new building - projects include framing interior walls, drywall finishing, cabinet and shelf building, finish trim, hanging doors.

Other projects - hanging gutters, building rainwater catchment systems, building a greenhouse, repairs to farm buildings, masonry, creative problem solving.

KHOI needs friendly people to work at the front desk.

Duties Include:

Shifts last for three hours and are consistent every week. Shifts are 9am-12pm, 12pm-3pm, and 3pm-6pm every business day.

All it takes is the determination of one individual to step up and make a difference in girls' lives with the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa. As a volunteer, you’ll introduce girls to new experiences that show them they’re capable of more than they ever imagined. They’ll each find their inner G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, Leader) after all!

Benefits of volunteering as a Troop “Co-leader” with Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa

All applicants must register as a volunteer here. After completing our annual membership fee, all volunteers are background checked. From there we will reach out to you to provide you with the rest.

Thank you for considering volunteering with Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa as a Troop “Co-Leader”. During this experience you will be the girls’ cheerleader, guide and mentor. Imagine the excitement, the impact, the memories made – those are the moments you’ll share at Girl Scouts with your troop!

Play with and provide care for a group of children, infants through elementary school age while their mothers attend financial education workshops. Workshops are scheduled throughout the year.  You and Your Money workshop series are generally held five weeks in a row from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.  Occasional one time evening workshops are also scheduled.  Volunteers will assist children with a meal, basic care needs, and provide play supervision.  For more information or to find out what upcoming dates volunteers are needed, please contact Jerri Baumeister at jbaumeister@uwstory.org or 515-268-5142

KHOI is seeking volunteers to assist engineering at the station. Please contact KHOI via email at khoiradio@gmail.com or via phone at 1-515-292-2878 if you're interested.

KHOI is seeking volunteers to assist editing. Please contact KHOI via email at khoiradio@gmail.com or via phone at 1-515-292-2878 if you're interested.

Join our volunteer team! An integral piece of our interdisciplinary team, volunteers provide patient care and support services according to his/her experience and training and in compliance with organization policies.  Volunteer areas may include companionship, respite, homemaking duties, running errands, veteran-to-veteran programming, music, community outreach, etc. Share your talents with our patients!  Our volunteers report consistently that they find their experiences very gratifying. 

Our Volunteer Coordinator and skilled staff members will orient volunteers to work confidently with our patients ensuring a positive volunteer environment.  Contact us to see how you can put your skills to use, further enriching the lives of our patients!  You may share your gifts in a very flexible timeframe.  Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator to discuss this unique opportunity.

Beloit Youth Mentor

Youth mentors develop healthy, trusting relationships with a young person, modeling healthy boundaries and reliability. They provide fun outlets at the campus (or off campus, with special permission) to engage youth in positive activities that empower them as they go through treatment and counseling.

The Beloit Residential Treatment Center is located at 1323 Northwestern Ave. In Ames, IA 50010

Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Time Commitment: 4 hours a month (often mentors meet with mentees every other week for a couple hours)

Training provided: HIPPAA, Universal Precautions, LSI Orientation, Trauma-Informed Youth Mentor Training

Because of the nature of the Treatment center, all youth will have come from traumatic and abusive backgrounds. They are at the treatment center to engage in counseling and other services that help them cope with the past and develop healthy futures. Mentors can expect youth to struggle with a variety of behavioral and emotional issues and should be patient, compassionate, and prepared. Training on trauma-informed care in terms of youth mentoring will be provided.

Benefits: experience working in a social services setting, experience working with traumatized youth, trauma-informed care trainings, the knowledge that you are empowering a young person in their journey of healing

The YWCA Ames-ISU is recruiting board members for the 2018-2019 academic year. Board meetings are once per month September-April. The Y's mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and girls, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Please go to our website at www.ywcaames.org for details on YWCA programming. 

Contact Angela at amerrick@iastate.edu for more information. 

KHOI is looking for someone with quality writing skills to help us with creating monthly newsletters. Our newsletters get sent out only to those who subscribe online or during the fund drive. We use Mail Chimp to format the newsletter.

Duties will include:

Newsletters should be sent out once a month. Quality writing skills are a must. Please provide three [3] short writing examples of any variety.

Story County ISU Extension & Outreach offers PK-12th grade youth programs throughout Story County.  The opportunity for staff and volunteers to co-present is welcome for current or future programs.  Opportunities can be further identified by volunteer interest and availability.  Youth programs require a minimum of two adults that have successfully completed the ISU Extension & Outreach background check.  Training available.  ISU Extension & Outreach program resources available to develop programs in partnership with volunteers.  https://www.extension.iastate.edu/story/4h Questions can be directed to Youth Outreach Coordinator Mary Wilkins at 515-382-6551 or mwilkins@iastate.edu

Do you enjoy viewing old photographs? We are looking for volunteers to help digitally scan our photograph and 35mm slide collections. Easy to use scanning equipment is available at our museum. Volunteers will be trained on how to properly use the equipment. No prior scanning experience required, but if you've had past experience that is a plus! We are open Wednesday through Friday from 12-5 pm, volunteer time should be with in that time frame if possible. Please contact us if you are interested or if you have any questions, thanks!