Volunteer
You can make a difference in your community through YWCA volunteer opportunities. There are many ways you can support women and families, including ongoing volunteering, group projects, and by hosting a drive.
Most of our opportunities are seeking volunteers looking for a long-term volunteer experience, typically involving a weekly commitment of 3-4 hours for at least 3 months. Occasionally, we have short term or one time volunteer projects for individuals. Our volunteer onboarding process can take up to two weeks and begins with applying for an open opportunity that meets your needs. Once you apply the steps include:
- Sign confidentiality and relationship forms
- Background screen
- Volunteer Interview questions
- In-person or phone interview with program supervisor
- Volunteer orientation (once application is approved)
According to the nonprofit membership organization Independent Sector, volunteer time in Washington State for 2016 was valued at $30.04 an hour. This amounts to over $912,500 of in-kind donations! We very much value our volunteers, and thank them for their time and their efforts!
Volunteer Internships
YWCA is committed to supporting the next generation of social service workers through volunteer internships. Internships are limited and are not the same as a practicum. Volunteer interns must be enrolled in a college program and able to volunteer at least 10 hours per week for the duration of the internship. Interns will earn college credit and learn skills related to working for a nonprofit organization. Volunteer interns do not provide clinical support or direct client support (practicum) and will not be directly supervised by a social worker or psychologist. Interns will provide actual community support and learn about program operations. When internships are available, they will be posted as an opportunity.
Court-Ordered Service
To complete court-ordered community service hours with YWCA, you must contact Volunteer Services and be cleared before you begin your volunteer hours. Please contact us at volunteer@ywcaworks.org and provide us with the following information:
- Reason you need court ordered community service
- Number of hours required
- Geographical location you wish to volunteer
Court ordered community service volunteers will need to complete the full onboarding process, which can take up to two weeks, BEFORE beginning volunteering.
To register your group for a project, please contact us at 206.338.9824 or tnixon@ywcaworks.org.
Work together to create a more beautiful, comfortable space for residents at Pathways for Women and Trinity Place Apartments. Depending on the season, tasks may include weeding, gardening, painting, or general cleaning. Weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., for groups of three or more.
Facilitate a fun family art project for Pathways residents and their children. Volunteers design the project, provide the supplies, and coordinate with Pathways staff to select a time and date. Weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., for groups of up to five.
Help keep the Pathways donations room looking cheerful by tidying, organizing, and updating our stock arrangement. Weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., for groups of up to five.
Provide warm meals to different programs in need. Opportunities every weekday for breakfast and lunch, as well as brunch on Saturdays only. Party Hosts are also part of the meal program, hosting specific fun events like ice cream parties, picnics, BBQ's etc.
Work in a recently vacated unit to clean, stock, and beautify it for the next family moving in. We provide all cleaning supplies and stocking needs, you provide some decorative items and nonperishable food. Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for groups of five to 10.
Work in one of several sites to organize donations such as linens or dishes, unpack boxes, stock shelves, and take inventory. This weekly opportunity can be done regularly by the same group. Weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., for groups of four to 10.
Groups choose items they'd like to collect (food, diapers, hygiene products, etc.), and set the dates and location of where and when they'd like to host the drive. Popular host sites include neighborhoods, or churches they are associated with. We are happy to come out to meet everyone and talk more about our programs.
Groups come up with, or work with an existing program to develop, plan, supply needs, and execute an event. In the past we have had groups do: Halloween Parties, self-defense classes, budget workshops, craft classes, Mother’s Day spa days, and many more. Groups up to five.
Groups come in for specific large maintenance tasks, on the books right now we have gardening needs, mural painting, building furniture, painting, and landscaping. Weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., groups of up to 30.
