Volunteer Virtually: Make a Difference in Your Community
This summer, JCPL has a limited number of virtual volunteer opportunities for teens in grades 7-12. Virtual volunteers help connect teens to their next great books and promote the 2021 Summer Challenge, “Wild Ideas.”
Virtual volunteer tasks include:
- Writing book reviews
- Curating book lists
- Creating book trailers and Summer Challenge promo videos
- Leveraging personal contacts and social media networks in promoting Wild Ideas
- Assisting with online programs including Coding and Robotics Camps, and Advanced Dungeons & Dragons
With the exception of the online program assistance role, scheduling is flexible, so these opportunities are particularly appropriate for busy teens who have a lot going on during the summer months. Applicants should be huge readers, strong writers, eager to persuade others to participate in Wild Ideas, comfortable working independently, and technically savvy.
If you love to read and are looking for a way to earn those community service hours required by your school or community organization, this might be the perfect opportunity for you. Complete the “standard” online volunteer application – we will accept applications until all positions are filled. Volunteer training will be provided virtually in May.
Questions? Contact the Volunteer Program Coordinator at volunteers@jeffcolibrary.org or 303-275-2212.
But what if volunteering virtually is not really your thing? We get it! It just so happens that some amazing in-person volunteer opportunities are available at other organizations in the Jefferson County community. Here are a few places to start:
| Organization | Information |
| Volunteer Opportunities | |
| Jeffco Eats, opens a new window (Lakewood) | Volunteers needed every Friday morning to pack weekend food bags for Jeffco students. Helpers under 17 years of age must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Shift sign up is online, weekly. |
| The Action Center, opens a new window (Lakewood) | Volunteers assist with sorting clothing donations, packing grocery boxes, distributing boxes of food in the food drive thru, and monitoring/organizing clothing bank. Minimum age for volunteers is 15. |
| St. Anthony Hospital, opens a new window (Lakewood) | Minimum age for volunteers is 16 – longer term commitment is requested. |
| Lutheran Hospital, opens a new window (Wheat Ridge) | Minimum age for volunteers is 15 – six month commitment required. Proof of vaccinations and other inoculations may be required. |
| South Suburban Parks and Recreation District, opens a new window (Littleton) | Teen volunteers needed at South Platte Park. Must be at least 14 years of age and have a strong interest in nature and the environment. |
| Majestic View Nature Center, opens a new window (Arvada) | Minimum age to volunteer is 13. Volunteers assist with public programs, garden maintenance, and outreach events. Expectation of one volunteer shift per month. |
| Foothills Animal Shelter, opens a new window (Golden) | Minimum age to volunteer is 16. Volunteers walk dogs, socialize dogs and cats, clean kennels, etc. Six month commitment requested, with an expectation that volunteers work weekly shifts. Volunteers must pay their own background check fee ($17.75) and contribute $17 to cover the cost of T-shirt and name tag. |
| BGOLDN Fresh Food Pantry, opens a new window (Golden) | Sorting and stocking food in pantry shelves, assisting with stocking and distribution of Grab & Go food pickups. Minimum age to volunteer is 12. |
| Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity, opens a new window (Evergreen) | Teens 16-17 may volunteer at construction sites (with specific restrictions in place). Teens 14-15 can volunteer with landscaping and painting projects (with restrictions). Teens 14 and up are eligible to volunteer at the Evergreen Re-Store location. Contact Jenna Huju at jhuju@bluesprucehabitat.org. |
| Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, opens a new window (Wheat Ridge, Littleton) | Teens 14 and over can volunteer at the Wheat Ridge and Littleton Re-Store locations. Schedules are flexible. |
| Evergreen Animal Protective League, opens a new window (Evergreen) | Teens can volunteer to foster pets (with parental approval, of course). In addition, teens can organize pet toy drives for EAPL’s annual Santa Bag project. |
| Hands On History Camps, opens a new window (Golden) | Teens 13 and up volunteer as Hands-On History Aides. |
| Internship Opportunities | |
| Communities That Care Youth Internship Program, opens a new window | The library will be recruiting for 10 paid teen interns in the summer of 2021. Visit the CTC link for more information. |
| Family Leadership Training Institute, opens a new window | FLTI is a 20-week civic leadership training program for adults and teens (aged 11-17). |
