Volunteer
Volunteers are an important part of the APC community. Each year, volunteers complete more than 10,000 hours in our programs. Their contributions enrich our daily programming and resident community. We feel very fortunate to live in a community that values volunteer service so highly. Without volunteers, our programs could not provide the kind of high-quality services that help our residents develop the skills to reach their fullest potential.
How to volunteer:
1. Use our volunteer screening tool to determine which of our programs will be the best fit for your interests and schedule. This tool can be used by anyone interested in volunteering; individuals, groups (including school groups), and students and adults looking for a site to complete community service.
2. Complete and return any supporting documentation requested by APC staff. For most this will be a simple waiver/application form or a group project interest form. For volunteers interested in working with APC children and youth or projects that require specialized knowledge, a more formal interview process may be required.
3. Finalize your schedule and get ready to make an impact!
APC Volunteer Facts and FAQ:
- APC has very limited opportunities for individual volunteers who cannot make a commitment of one shift per week for at least three months.
- APC hosts several special events each year that only require a one-time commitment. These announcements are made via our Volunteer Connections newsletter, and social media.
- We welcome high school and college students, and adults needing to complete community service hours to volunteer at APC. Volunteers should allow sufficient time to complete their required service hours. Volunteer hours for community service are offered within APC’s regular volunteer schedule. Please use the volunteer screening tool to determine the best fit for you.
- Volunteering with a group is a great way to complete a one-time service project. We regularly host groups from 10-200, but spots fill up quickly, especially in the summer and early fall. Please start the process well in advance to secure a date.
- APC does not require a donation/fee from groups to volunteer, but they are appreciated.
- For most projects, groups are not required to provide a budget for supplies, however, groups with a budget have the opportunity to help with exciting special projects that APC would otherwise be unable to undertake. For example, a budget from a volunteer group enabled us to resurface and make repairs to the children’s play yard.
Q: Why do you require such a long time commitment from individual volunteers?
A: Imagine having a new employee every single day. Most of the work that we do takes a certain level of skill, and we want to invest that knowledge in people who will be around for a while. For our children’s program, stable relationships and continuity are incredibly important. We don’t want to introduce additional instability into the lives of children who have had to say goodbye to people and place far too frequently.
Q: I would like to do my Eagle Scout/Gold Star project at APC, but it doesn’t quite fit in anywhere. Can I still do a project at APC?
APC has hosted many successful Eagle Scout and Gold Star projects. Please contact us directly to discuss.
Q: Is there anyway to do something with the kids without making a three-month commitment?
Yes, the Education Center (K-5) and Teen Center (6-12) regularly host one-time educational workshops for APC children and youth. Workshops are a great way for a small group (10 or less) to make an impact without an ongoing commitment. Activities should help APC children and youth build their academic skills, life skills, or help open their eyes to the world beyond Alameda Point! For example, a Japanese cultural exchange group hosted a workshop to introduce Japanese culture to our K-5 children. After a brief introduction and learning some fun facts about Japan – including finding it on the map – the volunteers taught the children origami and how to write their names in Japanese.
Please fill out the volunteer screening tool and choose “I would like to volunteer one time with a group” to get the process started.
Q: Do I have to have previous experience with gardening and farming to volunteer at Ploughshares Nursery or the APC Farm2Market farm?
Basic gardening experience is helpful, but APC staff will teach you the skills necessary for the job. Volunteers with previous experience may be assigned to help with more complex projects. Because of the investment that APC staff must make to help each volunteer successful, most volunteer opportunities at the farm and nursery require a weekly commitment for three months. Groups, however, may complete one-day service projects at the farm and nursery.
Q: Does APC have internships?
APC does not have its own internship program, but has been a host site for many MSW, MFT and horticultural program interns. Please contact us to find out if APC would be an appropriate host site for your program.
If you have additional questions, please contact us at volunteer@apcollaborative.org.