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Have Fun. Give Back. Make a Difference!

Volunteering at the YMCA is a great way for people of all ages to have fun, give back, and help make a difference in their community.

 

Apply to be a Volunteer

Ways to Volunteer

  • Join our Boards of Managers and Committees.
  • Raise funds to ensure the Y is accessible to all members of the community.
  • Participate in opportunities to give back and support neighbors.
  • Become a program volunteer and help coach one of our youth sports leagues. Motivate and support youth in building the character strengths, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and smart life choices.
  • Advocate for the Y’s efforts to influence policies and initiatives that positively impact societal issues of importance to the nation, and your community.

 

Volunteer FAQ’s

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Submit a Volunteer Application. The branch where you’d like to start volunteering will contact you. You will also have to complete a background check as well as review and sign off on our Volunteer Handbook.

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO VOLUNTEER?

Minimum age of 15 (with valid working papers) unless otherwise connected with a YMCA Service Programs.

WHAT IS AVAILABLE FOR TEENS?

Our Leaders Club is a unique program designed to help teens (grades 7-12) develop their personal values through community service, leadership, and teamwork.

WHAT VOLUNTEER OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

There are three different kinds of volunteers:

  • Board Members: Must be nominated. Contact your local branch for details.
  • Program Volunteers: Assist with programs based on an 8-week session or a league schedule. Examples of opportunities might be assisting with a soccer class or reading to preschool students.
DO YOU COMPLETE ANY REFERENCE CHECKS OR BACKGROUND CHECKS?

Yes, every applicant will have two reference checks completed as well as a background check. If you are applying for a School Age Child Care volunteer opportunity, you will need to be fingerprinted and supply medical documentation.

DO I GET A FREE MEMBERSHIP TO THE YMCA?

The YMCA does not offer free memberships to volunteers.

I NEED TO FULFILL COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS FOR HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE. CAN I COMPLETE THEM AT THE YMCA?

Yes, you can! Some students start as early as they can to get a head start on a large number of assigned hours. We’ve had students complete as many as 150 hours. We also have students that just need 10 hours for a certain class. In any event, the process is still the same. Please allow time for your application to be processed so please plan ahead.

I NEED TO COMPLETE COURT APPOINTED COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS. CAN I COMPLETE THEM AT THE YMCA?

All applicants will be provided the opportunity to apply to complete court ordered community service for the YMCA. Individuals may be determined to be ineligible based on certain criteria. This decision will not be made with any regard to gender, race, religion, or any other factors that may be found discriminatory by the EEOC. For specific details, please contact the volunteer coordinator at your local branch.

DOES THE YMCA OFFER TRAINING?

There are certain volunteer assignments that benefit from YMCA provided training. If the YMCA deems that training is required for a specific assignment, the training will be provided to you.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Professional appearance is essential. Some basic essentials of appropriate dress include the wearing of socks and shoes. Clothing should be neat and clean. Volunteers should avoid wearing tight or short pants, tank tops, halter-tops or any extreme accessories or fragrances. Clothing and masks with inappropriate slogans are prohibited. Some event assignments may require you to wear additional safety items such as parking vests. Volunteers are encouraged to dress up for themed events.

If you have additional questions about volunteering please Contact Your Local Y.

 

 

The YMCA of Greater Rochester does not tolerate child abuse in any way. The YMCA:

  1. Takes all reports of abuse seriously
  2. Screens all volunteers prior to bring on board to ensure the safety of our children
  3. Requires all volunteers to sign the YMCA Code of Conduct
  4. Monitors all volunteer interactions with youth to ensure safety
  5. Fully cooperates with authorities in all cases of alleged abuse