Volunteering is a superb way to give a little back to your community by simply donating your time. It adds experience to a resume and allows you to meet new people. This article goes over just a few of the volunteer positions available where you live.
Volunteer Opportunities in Denver, Colorado #1: Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo is located at 2300 Steele Street Denver, CO 80205. If you like animals, the zoo may be the place for you to volunteer at. Some of the positions open are: Main Gate Ambassador (work at the entrance to the zoo assisting members and guests, answering questions, etc), Administrative Help (office work, answering phones, mailings), Special Events (work with staff during special events that are held at the zoo during the year), Family Programs (work with the summer day camp setting up activities), Behavioral Enrichment (you’ll help staff with think up activities to enrich the behavior of zoo animals), Horticulture (weeding, pruning and more), Maintenance (help with repairs that the zoo needs), Zoo Patrol (you’ll help ensure that kids stay safe when they come on class field trips), Guide Volunteers (you’ll be stationed somewhere at the zoo giving information about animals to guests) and Docents (you’ll be highly trained with information, leading tours, giving out information, etc). They have a separate program for teen volunteers. Regular volunteers need to be at least 18 years old. Before volunteering, you’ll fill out an application and attend training. There is a $25 dollar fee to cover the price of the two day training sessions. You will have to commit to at least 50 hours a year. For more information, call (303) 376-4800.
Volunteer Opportunities in Denver, Colorado #2: Denver Rescue Mission
The Denver Rescue Mission provides help to the homeless and those that are going through a hard time. There are volunteer opportunities that are long term, short term and for groups. Long term volunteers are asked to make a time commitment of three to six months, coming in once a week or more. As a long term volunteer, you can work in the office; do childcare, mentoring, tutoring, etc. Short term volunteering is perfect for those that really want to help but just don’t have a lot of time to do it. Short term volunteers can help prepare and serve meals, sort donations that come in and help out at special events. Group volunteers can do numerous volunteer duties at the Denver Rescue Mission similar to what Short term volunteers do, but in collective group effort. To start volunteering, call (303) 953-3954 or write to PO Box 5206 Denver, CO 80216.
Volunteer Opportunities in Denver, Colorado #3: Central Library
Central Library is located at 10 W. Fourteenth Ave. Pkwy. Denver, CO 80204. Volunteers are always needed to shelve books, repair books, assist patrons that come to the library and much more. Volunteering at the library would be especially good for bookaholics. If you’d like to volunteer at the library, call (720) 865-1111.
Volunteer Opportunities in Denver, Colorado #4: Dumb Friend’s League
The Dumb Friend’s League cares for tons of animals every year, getting them well and matching them up to prospective forever families. Volunteers are required to attend orientation and pass an interview before starting. Some of the jobs you can be doing are: Kennel Technician Assistant (work with animals with exercising & socializing, feeding animals, cleaning animal areas), Pet Grooming Specialist (clean and groom pets), Adoption Information Specialist (welcome patrons, answering questions), and much more. You can contact the dumb friend’s league at the Quebec Street shelter 2080 South Quebec Street Denver, CO 80231, call (303) 751-5772 or email [email protected].
Volunteer Opportunities in Denver, Colorado #5: Girls Inc.
Girl’s Inc. is located at 1499 Julian St. Denver, CO 80204. As a volunteer for Girl’s Inc, you can be a mentor, tutor, and perform office duties in one of their administrative departments. Volunteering here could be very satisfying emotionally because you’ll be making a real difference in the lives of the girls that come here. If you’d like to volunteer, contact the Volunteer Coordinator by calling (303) 893-4363 extension 124.
Volunteer Opportunities in Denver, Colorado #6: Denver Botanic Gardens
You need to be 16 years or older to volunteer for the Denver Botanic Gardens. First you fill out and submit an application. Then they will contact you for an interview. If accepted, some of the ways you can help here are: leading tours, working at special events that they hold during the year (like the Spring Plant Sale), cashiering, greeting patrons at the front gate, maintaining the gardens, answer questions on the phone, sell memberships, etc. Denver Botanic Gardens is located at 1005 York Street Denver, Colorado 80206 and their phone number is (720) 865-3609.
Volunteer Opportunities in Denver, Colorado #7: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is located at 2001 Colorado Blvd. Denver, CO 80205. There are several volunteer opportunities available, such as: Catering Special Events (you will work with the catering department, pointing guests in the right direction, greeting, etc), Visitor Services Specialist (sell tickets, check tickets, greet patrons, answer questions, etc), Gallery Cart Facilitator (Volunteers join one of the Gallery Cart Programs and assist visitors in that area) and more! Several positions require no experience, they will train you. You will need to fill out an application and pass an interview. For more information, call (303) 370-6419.
