Scroll down to see all opportunities and apply to become a volunteer.
Partner with an English language learner for three hours per week to help them advance in their literacy skills. Adult Literacy Tutors must:
Commit to 3 hours of tutoring a week for at least 6 months.
Contact Karen Bowen, bowenk@boulderlibrary.org, (303) 441-3192 or apply online to become a volunteer.
Conversations in English is not currently accepting volunteer applications.
Conversations in English (CIE) volunteers provide English learners with opportunities to practice their speaking and listening skills in a friendly and informal environment.
We occasionally have opportunities available for those who must complete court-ordered community service as a result of minor offenses. Work generally involves cleaning and straightening books, and occasional special projects. Please submit a volunteer application and we will contact you when an opportunity is available.
Contact Kate Kelsch, kelschk@bouldercolorado.gov, (303) 441-3114 or apply online to become a volunteer.
Do you love of books, movies or music? Do you enjoy organizing and straightening books and materials? We have a volunteer role for you! Help sort donations from the community and make them accessible to the public in our Used Book Store. The core tasks of this volunteer role include: emptying the donations room; sorting and categorizing donated books and materials into appropriate categories (genre); stocking and tidying the Used Bookstore.
Skills and experience required include: love of books, movies or music and familiarity with a variety of genres; interest in organizing books and keeping a bookstore stocked and presentable; reliable and able to set a regular time commitment; and able to grasp and move many books on and off shelves.
Two hours per week for at least 3 months.
Contact Kate Kelsch, kelschk@bouldercolorado.gov, (303) 441-3114 or apply online to become a volunteer.
Help adult patrons one-on-one in an informal drop-in setting with questions about digital library services such as e-books; basic functions of smartphones, tablets, and MS Windows- and Macintosh-based personal computers; and basic questions about the Internet, common software applications such as MS Office applications like Word and Excel and Adobe products, and common social media platforms like Facebook. Also, assist patrons to access and use pre-selected resources for learning basic computer skills on their own.
Training sessions are currently scheduled for Nov. 19 and Dec. 10 from 5-7 p.m.
View training dates in the Calendar and sign up to train with us! Note that other training dates can be arranged to suit your schedule.
Minimum commitment of one hour per month for six months.
Contact Terzah Becker, beckert@boulderlibrary.org, (303) 441-3100 or apply online to become a volunteer.
Homebound volunteers play a critical role in ensuring that materials are provided in a timely manner to community members who are unable to visit the library due to extended illness, health condition or disability. Volunteers are matched up with a Homebound patron. The core of the volunteer role involves selecting and delivering books to homebound patron on a regular basis (to be determined by the volunteer and the patron).
Minimum two hours a week for at least six months.
Contact Kate Kelsch, kelschk@bouldercolorado.gov, (303) 441-3114 or apply online to become a volunteer.
With over 1 million visitors per year to our libraries, it is critical to have them well organized and clean. Volunteers in this role will help with a variety of tasks to ensure that the collection is neat and tidy and that the libraries are clean and welcoming. Typically, tasks include straightening books, making sure materials are in order, and cleaning shelves and areas in the library. Staff may also assign additional tasks as needed.
Once per week for 1 to 2 hours for at least 4 months.
Contact Kate Kelsch, kelschk@bouldercolorado.gov, (303) 441-3114 or apply online to become a volunteer.
Prospective volunteers can become involved with one of two areas:
1) Maria Rogers Oral History Program (MROHP) -- working on oral history interviews
2) Carnegie Support -- providing general support to the Carnegie Library
Overview: Maria Rogers Oral History Program (MROHP)
The Carnegie Library began collecting oral histories in 1976. The program was named after Maria Rogers, a volunteer manager who led the program in the 1980s. Learn more about MROHP: https://boulderlibrary.org/services/local-history/maria-rogers-oral-history-program/
This is a high-skill opportunity that requires commitment over time. Volunteers contribute to every aspect of the oral history process: conducting interviews, taking notes, transcribing, describing, and posting interviews online.
Overview: Carnegie Support Volunteers
Carnegie Support Volunteers make meaningful contributions to the operations of the library, help to expand and enhance library services, strengthen ties to the community and build public awareness of the diverse services provided by Carnegie Library for Local History.
Learn more online: https://localhistory.boulderlibrary.org/
NOTE: The Oral History Program is especially interested in people who want to be interviewers; Carnegie Library does not currently have openings for Support Volunteers, but this might change. Please submit an application to be considered if/when there are openings for Carnegie Support Volunteers, or to get involved with oral history.
Most of these positions require in-depth training on the part of our staff as well as on the part of our volunteers. We are looking for people who are seriously committed to assisting us in making our materials available while also focusing on preservation.
Contact Cyns Nelson, nelsonc@boulderlibrary.org, or apply online to become a volunteer.
The Boulder Public Library hosts numerous events and programs throughout the year. They would not be possible without volunteer support. Join our volunteer team and work with a wide diversity of people and programs (e.g. Summer of Discovery Programs, Family Play Festival, Jaipur Literature Festival and Adultology programs such as flower arranging and persevering foods). Programs and events are for all ages and many are geared specifically towards families with children. The majority are held during the evenings and on weekends.
Volunteers duties regularly include setting up for the program/event, greeting participants and/or checking them in, assisting with activities, monitoring the door and space, and cleaning up after the program/event.
Join us and become a core be part of the fun!
Contact Kate Kelsch, kelschk@bouldercolorado.gov, (303) 441-3114 or apply online to become a volunteer.
Reynolds Reading Pals is a program intended to promote literacy skills and a love of reading for children in early elementary school in a comfortable and supportive environment. This program provides Reading Pal role models for once a week reading and word games at the George Reynolds Branch Library. Reading Pals is open to children in grades K-3.
If you are in grades 9-12, you can apply to partner up with a Little Pal in grades K-3 to serve as a role model for reading and word games.
Applications are accepted only at the beginning of the Fall or Spring semesters. Click on the application for details on the exact deadlines.
Reading Pal sessions are on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons from 4:30-5:30pm. Reading Pals are expected to choose one day and attend every scheduled session. A mandatory training will be held at 4 p.m. on the first day of the session (Feb. 4 or Feb. 8 depending on which session day you're selected for).
Contact Linda Cumming, cummingl@boulderlibrary.org, (303) 441-3100 or apply online to become a volunteer.
Meadows STEAM Pals (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) is a program intended to promote STEAM knowledge and literacy by providing role models for art and science activities at the Meadows Library. We strive to foster a love for all things STEAM. This program promotes familiarity with the scientific process for children in elementary school in a comfortable and supportive environment. Little STEAM Pals is open for children in grades 2-5.
If you are in grades 9-12, you can apply to partner up with a Little Pal to serve as a role model for exploring STEAM activities.
Applications are accepted only at the beginning of the Fall or Spring semesters. Click on the application for details on the exact deadlines.
Meadows STEAM Pals meets weekly on Wednesdays from 4:15 to 5:45 for 10 weeks beginning Feb. 5, 2020 and ending Apr. 15, 2020. STEAM Pals will not meet during Spring Break. Big Pals are required to attend a 45-minute training on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. at the Meadows Branch Library.
Contact Julianne Ingram, ingramj@boulderlibrary.org, (303) 441-3100 or apply online to become a volunteer.
Reynolds STEAM Pals (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) is a program intended to promote STEAM knowledge and literacy by providing role models for art and science activities at the George Reynolds Branch Library. We strive to foster a love for all things STEAM. This program promotes familiarity with the scientific process for children in elementary school in a comfortable and supportive environment. Little STEAM Pals is open for children in grades 2-5.
If you are in grades 9-12, you can apply to partner up with a Little Pal to serve as a role model for exploring STEAM activities.
Applications are accepted only at the beginning of the Fall or Spring semesters. Click on the application for details on the exact deadlines.
STEAM Pal sessions are on Friday afternoons from 4:15 - 5:45pm. STEAM Pals are expected to attend every scheduled session. A mandatory training will be held at 4 p.m. on the first session Feb. 7 before meeting your Little Pals.
Contact Linda Cumming, cummingl@boulderlibrary.org, (303) 441-3100 or apply online to become a volunteer.
Boulder Teen Advisory Board (B-TAB) is a group of local teens that meet on the third Wednesday of every month from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. at the Boulder Public Library Main location. Members will share ideas and opinions, brainstorm, and help plan events designed for their age group. This group will also learn about upcoming events, provide feedback, and learn of other volunteer opportunities at the library in a laid back, welcoming environment. B-TAB is a great way to earn community service hours, become active in your community, and meet other teens.
If you are in grades 6-12, you can be a Boulder Teen Advisory Board member! Applications are accepted throughout the school year. B-TAB does not meet during June or July.
Contact Leanne Slater, SlaterL@boulderlibrary.org, (303) 441-3100 or apply online to become a volunteer.
Meadows Teen Advisory Board (M-TAB) is a group of local teens that meet on the third Friday of every month from 4 – 5 p.m. at the Meadows Branch Library. Members will share ideas and opinions, brainstorm, and help plan events designed for their age group. This group will also learn about upcoming events, provide feedback, and learn of other volunteer opportunities at the library in a laid back, welcoming environment. M-TAB is a great way to earn community service hours, become active in your community, and meet other teens.
If you are in grades 6-12, you can be a Meadows Teen Advisory Board member! Applications are accepted throughout the school year. M-TAB does not meet during June or July.
Contact Julianne Ingram, ingramj@boulderlibrary.org, (303) 441-3100 or apply online to become a volunteer.
Reynolds Teen Advisory Board (R-TAB) is a group of local teens that meet on the third Thursday of every month from 4 – 5:30 p.m. at the Reynolds Branch Library. Members will share ideas and opinions, brainstorm, and help plan events designed for their age group. This group will also learn about upcoming events, provide feedback, and learn of other volunteer opportunities at the library in a laid back, welcoming environment. R-TAB is a great way to earn community service hours, become active in your community, and meet other teens.
If you are in grades 6-12, you can be a Reynolds Teen Advisory Board member! Applications are accepted throughout the school year. R-TAB does not meet during June or July.
Contact Julianne Ingram, ingramj@boulderlibrary.org, (303) 441-3100 or apply online to become a volunteer.
Support kids ages 7 to 14 years old learning how to code in Scratch, Bitsbox, Cubelets, CAD modeling, Python, and/or BiBli robots. Boulder Public Library's Youth Maker Hangout allows kids to explore and learn at their own pace. Volunteers help get kids set up with computer and programs, answer questions, ask questions to have kids demonstrate their work, and encourage coding skill development with positive support. Skills desired include: tech savvy, have coding experience, are excited to support kids in learning coding, and flexible (these are learner-driven sessions), this may be the volunteer opportunity for you!
Tuesdays from 4:00 to 5:30 pm (ideally starting at 3:30 pm to help with set up) at the Main Library from September through May, following BVSD schedule for breaks. Minimum commitment of 90 minutes per month for 4 months.
Contact Kathy Lane, lanek@boulderlibrary.org, (303) 441-3196 or apply online to become a volunteer.
People with disabilities have the right and should be given the opportunity to choose to participate in recreation and leisure programs within their community. The EXPAND program helps people with disabilities to improve and gain new recreation and leisure skills that will enhance participant’s overall well-being and to improve their quality of life.
Become part of an enthusiastic community that shares your passion. Volunteers are critical in all parts of the EXPAND. Volunteer today!
Become part of an enthusiastic community that shares your passion. Volunteers are critical in all parts of the Open Space Mountain Parks Department. Volunteer today!
Thank you for your interest in the Raptor Monitor Program. This position is full for 2020.
The purpose of the raptor monitor program is to better protect nest sites along the Front Range. Volunteers provide weekly information to OSMP staff about the status of nests; they also report closure violations. Increased information allows staff to make better resource management decisions. Responsibilities * Monitor raptor nest and roost sites with binoculars or a spotting scope throughout the breeding season. * Fill out observation reports. * Keep closure information confidential. * Volunteers sign an Acknowledgment of Risk and Release Form, submit information for a background check, and follow all OSMP procedures and regulations. Qualifications: * Bird identification skills, including familiarity with birds of prey. * Desire to work outdoors and able to work independently. * For many sites, able to hike steep trails safely. * Able to observe sites for several hours at a time. * Have a commitment to the mission of the department. * Must be at least 18 years old, or must have an adult with them while volunteering.
All new volunteers must attend a mandatory training in early February. Additional field training will follow. Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 4 hours per week during the breeding season. Nests are typically occupied from early February until late July. Space in this program is limited. OSMP staff supervise monitor volunteers.
Contact Halice Ruppi, RuppiH@bouldercolorado.gov, (303) 579-3023 to become a volunteer.
Recreation volunteers will support outreach staff by assisting and providing recreation, skill building and/or wellness-based programming for the public. Programming to include, but not limited to, yoga in nature, forest bathing, nature meditation, orienteering, outdoor leadership, mountain bike maintenance/riding, primitive skills, and other related programs. Volunteers may also conduct or assist with research for the development of wellness programming. Experience with specific outdoor skills, yoga instruction, meditation practice and outdoor teaching preferred.
Volunteers will make a minimum 2 hour commitment monthly during the months of June through September.
Boulder Mountain Bike Patrol The Boulder Mountain Bike Patrol is a multi-agency program with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP), City of Boulder Parks and Recreation (BPR), Boulder County Parks and Open Space (BCPOS), and Boulder Mountainbike Alliance (BMA). After training, patrollers ride trails, assisting and educating bikers and other trail users. The goal is to promote a positive recreational experience on the trails. All volunteers are required to attend a training day on Saturday, March 7th, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Boulder.
Qualifications:
Responsibilities:
All new patrollers attend eight hours of required core training. Training for new patrollers will include: introduction to the agencies; safety procedures; making public contacts; and understanding land management issues. All bike patrollers volunteer for one calendar year, with an option to extend upon successfully fulfilling the agreed upon commitment. Boulder Mountain Bike Patrol volunteers are required to log 24 hours annually, patrolling City, County, and/or National Forest Service trails. Applications will be considered on a first come, first serve basis.
Contact Halice Ruppi, RuppiH@bouldercolorado.gov, (303) 579-3023 to become a volunteer.
Become part of an enthusiastic community that shares your passion. Volunteers are critical in all parts of the Parks and Recreation Department. Volunteer today!
Request a Volunteer Project for your group!
Request a Boulder Creek Clean Up project for your group!
Volunteers are needed to gather data in measuring the operation of the model airport facility’s daily use. This information will help us understand the Aeromodel club member's needs which will be used to determine best practices in the field for conservation of the habitat in which many species of concern live and forage. The club's flying field is located NW of the Boulder Reservoir's main entrance gate on 55th street. No experience necessary.
The commitment is for a minimum of one hour of survey time per shift, twice a month. Surveys will be performed three times during each one hour shift.
To apply. https://countmein.bouldercolorado.gov/D/ParksRec/App/BoulderAeromodelFacilityMonitor
For more information on the Boulder Aeromodeling Society http://www.boulderaero.org/
Contact Allison Mitchell, mitchella@bouldercolorado.gov, (303) 482-5499 or apply online to become a volunteer.
We are looking for caring volunteers who enjoy playing with children ages 6 months to 9 years to join our childcare program. Perks include a discount on a recreation center pass. All childcare volunteer applicants are screened and go through a background check. Location: North Boulder Recreation Center and East Boulder Community Center
Commitment: One 2-hour shift per week.
Apply online to become a volunteer.
Established in 1870, Columbia Cemetery was the first permanent cemetery in the City of Boulder, Colorado. Situated on 10.5 acres at Ninth and Pleasant Streets, the cemetery is a virtual ""Whos Who"" of early Boulder--a historic, cultural, and artistic resource containing the remains of many of our citys founders and pioneers. In 1999, a cadre of professionally trained volunteers-the Columbia Cemetery Conservation Corps-was established to assist with simple grave marker repair and conservation tasks. The group has spent thousands of hours documenting, cleaning, and resetting the markers, landscaping, providing educational outreach, and performing minor repairs. Some of their skills and accomplishments include: Proper grave marker condition assessment and documentation Appropriate cleaning techniques for grave markers Safe use of appropriate equipment for moving and setting grave markers Proper excavation techniques for partially buried grave markers Resetting unstable grave markers Trimming/pruning of vegetation Research on persons buried in Columbia Cemetery Public education and outreach Photographic documentation of the grave markers and conservation work
Contact Caitlin Berube-Smith, berubesmithc@bouldercolorado.gov, (303) 413-7232 to become a volunteer.
Volunteers are a vital part of the EXPAND Program. There is no need for previous experience working with people with disabilities to volunteer with EXPAND.This program matches volunteers with people with disabilities. From swimming, to bowling, to gymnastics there are numerous opportunities for volunteer and participants to work together and gain valuable experience integrating their worlds. Our volunteers are people who appreciate recreation and leisure activities and enjoy working with people. EXPAND believes that training our volunteers is a crucial part of providing a positive experience. The variety of people who volunteer for EXPAND are diverse and unique as the participants we serve and the activities we provide. Recreation and leisure opportunities benefit volunteers, staff and participants.
Contact Lori Goldman, GoldmanL@bouldercolorado.gov, (303) 413-7256 to become a volunteer.
Park Partners are businesses, clubs, schools, scout groups and religious organizations that commit to volunteer for at least one Boulder Parks and Recreation project annually. Park Partners have first pick on Volunteer Projects ensuring the projects align with your organization's values or goals. Each Park Partner project is recognized on Boulder Parks and Recreation’s social media outlets - Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and your organizations website is provided a link on www.BPRvolunteer.org.
A minimum of One Volunteer Project per year.
Contact Cassy Bohnet, BohnetC@bouldercolorado.gov, (303) 441-4404 or apply online to become a volunteer.
Social Media volunteers will work closely with Parks and Recreation's Marketing team to take high-quality images and short videos of Boulder parks and Recreation events, programs, and facilities. Volunteers must have experience capturing appealing outdoor photography, creating and editing photography for social media use, comfort approaching subjects to request permission to photograph. Photography equipment is required for this position.
This volunteer position is driven by the time the volunteer can commit to the position, so the commitment is flexible. The volunteers and staff will work to create a feasible commitment level for the volunteer.
Contact Cassy Bohnet, BohnetC@bouldercolorado.gov, (303) 441-4404 or apply online to become a volunteer.
Community members with minimum high school or college level experience playing a sport will host coaching sessions with high school and/or middle school students from underrepresented communities participating in the “Heathier Together” Program. Volunteer Coaches will be expected to interview with Youth Services Initiative (YSI) staff to determine if their experience, skills, and schedule will match with the program schedule and goals.
Time commitment will depend upon the availability of the volunteer and the needs of the program. Final commitment will be determined after the group meets with the volunteer.
Contact Cassy Bohnet, BohnetC@bouldercolorado.gov, (303) 441-4404 or apply online to become a volunteer.
Become part of an enthusiastic community that shares your passion. Volunteers are critical in all parts of the Planning, Housing and Sustainability Department. Volunteer today!
Contact Rella Abernathy, abernathyr@bouldercolorado.gov, (303) 441-1901 to become a volunteer.
Become part of an enthusiastic community that shares your passion. Volunteers are critical in all parts of the Public Works Department. Volunteer today!
You, or the organization you represent, can adopt a specific median, multi-use path, roadway, transit stop or pocket park for a period of one year (with the option to renew annually).
This option allows individuals and groups a volunteer opportunity to contribute to the beautifying of the public domain and overall community well-being. Volunteers can set their own schedule for this work. The City of Boulder will recognize participants for their contributions to keeping public property debris-free and enhancing the city’s overall aesthetics.
Requirements
Available Locations:
Elm & 27th- This spacious 9,000+ square foot parcel has a walking path that connects to 27th Way. It boasts several large trees and an iris bed. Property Needs: The bollards that prevent vehicle access could benefit from a fresh coat of paint. In addition, the willow tree often drops branches that can be bundled and collected for compost. Finally, the iris bed could be thinned out, with the adoptee welcome to the extra plants.
Eisenhower & 48th- This moderately-size park, at 6,500 square feet, offers both a bench and a bus stop for patrons. In addition, there are opportunities to maintain a flower bed and improve upon a utilities box in need of repair. Property Needs: A new utility box could be built or given a fresh coat of paint. The overgrown junipers onsite could also be replaced with something more suitable. Finally, if interested, the adjacent bus stop could also be adopted and maintained for cleanliness.
Merritt Dr.- This 13,700 square foot park has a lot of potential. What it lacks in infrastructure it makes up for with open space. However, due to current parking ordinances, be prepared to park off-site and walk through this lovely development to access the park. Property Needs: Immediate needs for this park include pruning, mulching, and trash removal. But we’re open-minded for the future!
Monthly visits to the adopted area (weekly for RTD stops) are required.
Contact Rene Lopez, lopezr@bouldercolorado.gov, (303) 413-7149 or apply online to become a volunteer.
You, or the organization you represent, can adopt a specific median, multi-use path, roadway, transit stop or pocket park for a period of one year (with the option to renew annually).
This option allows individuals and groups a volunteer opportunity to contribute to the beautifying of the public domain and overall community well-being. Volunteers can set their own schedule for this work. The City of Boulder will recognize participants for their contributions to keeping public property debris-free and enhancing the city’s overall aesthetics.
Requirements:
Monthly visits to the adopted area (weekly for RTD stops) are required.
Your visit could include a visual inspection of the area up to maintenance on the area that includes any of the following (if applicable):
Contact Rene Lopez, lopezr@bouldercolorado.gov, (303) 413-7149 or apply online to become a volunteer.