As a Y volunteer, your time and talent go a long way. You can serve as a role model for young people, become a sports coach, help with a special event, campaign for annual support, or be a part of a committee working to make the YMCA the best it can be. No matter how you help, you’ll make a big difference as you work with others to create a feeling of connectedness in your community.
Visit our <events page> and search "volunteer" to find any current one-day volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer
Volunteering can provide you a great opportunity to help your community. We are also able to provide volunteer hour verification for students requiring this for National Honor Society, youth groups and religious programs.
Mandated Volunteering
Mandated Volunteering is available at our branches and special events. In order to keep our facility safe, all volunteer candidates undergo a criminal background check before they are allowed to volunteer with us.
While all applicants will be provided the opportunity to apply to complete court-ordered community service for the Y, individuals may be determined to be ineligible based on certain criteria including mandated service for crimes that involve children, assault, or drugs. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Youth volunteers must have completed sixth grade to qualify for volunteering at the Y.
What types of volunteer options are available?
There are three different kinds of volunteers:
Event Volunteers: Volunteer at special events held throughout the year at our branches. Volunteers many be needed in concessions, parking, crafts, road guards and more.
Program Volunteers: Assist with programs and specific department within the Y including sports and leagues and Welcome Center.
Board and Committee Members: Must be nominated. Contact your local branch for details.
Do I need to complete any reference or background checks?
Volunteer applicants over the age of eighteen must complete Pennsylvania mandated clearances, an online child abuse prevention course, and online registration
Volunteers under 18 must complete our registration process and online child abuse prevention course.
Do I receive a free membership when I volunteer?
The Y does not offer free memberships to volunteers. However, there are many benefits volunteers receive that may include free event t-shirts and food.
Can I completed community service hours for high school and college requirments?
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. Plan ahead for the hours you need!
Does the Y offer training?
There are certain volunteer assignments that provide training. If the YMCA deems that training is required for a specific assignment, the training will be provided to you.
What do volunteers wear?
Professional appearance is essential to a favorable impression for members and staff. 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 in dress, accessory, fragrances or hair. Clothing with inappropriate slogans are prohibited. You must wear a volunteer shirt assigned to you by the branch volunteer coordinator. Some events assignments may require you to wear additional safety items such as parking vests. Volunteers are encouraged to dress up for fun, themed events.