Across the country, the YMCA provides people the opportunity to give back and assist their neighbors by offering opportunities to volunteer, advocate, and support programs that strengthen community.
With the Y, you're not just a member of a facility or a volunteer; you're part of a cause. With a shared commitment to improving our community's health and well-being, nurturing our children, and giving back by supporting our neighbors, you provide the opportunity for others to learn, grow, and thrive.
As a YMCA volunteer, you play a vital role in helping the YMCA increase and extend service to our community. By serving as a role model for young people, helping out in the office or at a special event, raising much-needed funds, or being part of a group or committee working on a neighborhood issue, you make a difference. No matter how you help, you'll make a big impact as you work with others to create a feeling of connectedness in our community. Do something good and volunteer at the YMCA. Download your volunteer application here.
For more information on any of the opportunities listed, please contact:
Tony Manley - nmanley@ymcaspokane.org or call 777 9622 x 479
Opportunities include:
School Age Care
Summer Day Camp Helper: YMCA Summer Day Camps provide peace of mind for parents looking for a place where their child is well-supervised and active while learning the core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Summer Day Camp is a place where they can meet new friends, and learn new skills and talents. As a volunteer you will assist in providing a fun and safe place through interaction with children in grades 1 – 8. We have positions available at all three locations:
Central YMCA: In Riverfront Park
North YMCA: 10727 N Newport Hwy
Valley YMCA: 2421 N Discovery Place
Early Child Care
Located at the Central YMCA, the YMCA's Children's Center is a fully licensed and accredited early child care facility that provides care for children ages 4 weeks to 6 years. Volunteers play a vital role by assisting in providing care for children. From the retired grandmother to the young college intern to simply those that want to give back or pay it forward we need you to help make a positive difference in the lives of our children. Available areas to support are:
Classroom Assistant: In this position the volunteer assistant can assist the classroom teacher with activity preparation, material rotation and maintaining a clean environment for children, ages 4 weeks to 6 years old. They will also read with the children, help in observing classroom activity, toy & equipment sanitation, and classroom laundry. This volunteer loves children and will also help in the creation and maintenance of a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment.
Kitchen Aide: Assist in the preparation and serving of food for children ages 4 weeks to 6 years at the
Teen Programs
The Teen Programs department is always in need of dedicated volunteers who enjoy spending quality time with teenagers and who want to make a difference in the lives of our youth. Be a mentor, a chaperone, or a tutor and support our effort to positively influence teens in our community.
Youth Investment Program: Volunteers for the Youth Investment Program are always needed, and they spend most of their time in the Valley YMCA Greenhouse on horticulture and nature projects, such as seeding, transplanting, and general plant maintenance. They also assist with the Spring and Fall Plant Sales. Their help is invaluable to our work with troubled teens in the Youth Investment Program. Volunteer times vary, and may include some weekends. No experience is necessary, except a love of working with plants and vulnerable youth.
Friday Night Teen Night Volunteer: Volunteers assist the Teen Center staff supervise the Friday Night Youth program participants (ages12-18) and help provide a safe, supportive environment for teens every Friday night. They will play games in the gym, board games in the Teen Center, and engage teens in activities that are planned by Teen Center staff. Positions are available at our Central, North, and Valley locations.
Film Club: Film club volunteers will assist the program director in exposing and educating teens to motion picture and music video creation and production. They will help storyboard, create screenplays to include cutting and editing film, and explore camera use and angles for presentation. North YMCA location only.
Music Club: Music program volunteers will assist with teens that want to play instruments, set up Mac garage band, help teens with any questions regarding musical instruments and directing any instrumental or voice music lesson inquiries to the North Teen Director. May help with special Music events or open mic nights or talents shows.
Outside the Box: Help prevent high school dropouts by encouraging teens transitioning from middle school into the high school environment. You can be instrumental as you mentor high school Freshman and Sophomores in senior high subjects to increase their confidence and ability to connect with other high school students. Create a welcoming atmosphere intentionally connecting with teens to engage them in activities.
Health & Wellness
Wellness Center Assistant: The Volunteer Wellness Center Assistant will be responsible for assisting members, equipment training, provide program modifications and progression while adhering to the National YMCA of the USA Health and Fitness guidelines and policies, and provide Wellness Center floor coverage. Must be willing to build relationships with staff, members and guests. Training provided for those interested.
Group Exercise Class Supporter: Assist certified YMCA Group Exercise instructors conduct classes by providing support and assisting new participants in learning steps and routines and making them feel comfortable by introducing them to current class participants. Support the class instructor by helping with set up and tear down when necessary.
Health and Wellness Ambassador: Help create an inviting and welcome atmosphere in the Health and Wellness area by welcoming guests and members and assist them in locating requested equipment, provide information on class times, location, and descriptions and periodically clean equipment to maintain a clean and inviting atmosphere. You will also help monitor the exercise area to ensure age appropriate users are present and are using safe practices. Positions are available at all three locations.
Membership
Member Engagement Representative: This position will help create an inviting and welcome atmosphere by communicating with and building relationships with members moving them from a casual attitude to committed involvement. In addition to encouraging guests, and program participants to consider becoming a member of the YMCA, sharing with them the desire of the YMCA to make a positive difference in the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Climbing Wall Volunteer (Belayer): The climbing wall volunteer with help provide supervision and safety to the YMCA climbing wall located at the Spokane Valley YMCA. As a volunteer you will help in belaying members on the climbing wall. Help ensure the wall users are obeying the rules and help maintain the wall by keeping it clean, organized and safe. You also gain valuable experience by helping staff complete inventory checks, plan routes for wall, and assist teaching members how to climb and belay.
Interpreter: This position will help create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere by facilitating the communication process with non-verbal or non English speaking members and guests. As an Interpreter you will listen to the YMCA staff and members and translate in the appropriate language so communication is understood. You will also assist in clarifying and completing forms if necessary. Russian, Spanish, and American Sign (ASL) are currently needed.
Gym Attendant: The gym attendant will oversee the activities and play in the gym during the times when there is not a class or scheduled y program. You will observe the behavior of those playing and make sure they are obeying the established rules. During slow times you will make sure the gym is clean and extra items are picked up to prevent a safety hazard.
Skate Park Assistant: The Spokane Valley Skate Park will be open for Spring Break and we are looking for volunteers to help us. As a volunteer you will help ensure the Skate Park users are obeying the rules, maintain the Park by keeping it clean and safe and serve as a role model and teacher to Park users. The Park will be open 12:00pm-Dusk April 1 – April 7. After spring break it will be open weekends only, from 12pm-2pm. The Park will officially open daily, starting Memorial Day weekend.
Aquatics
Swim Lesson Aide: Feeling comfortable in and around water is a learned reaction. Swim Lesson Aides assist YMCA certified swim instructors in maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for program participants ages 4 months to adults. This volunteer will participate in programs designed to acquaint participants to water safety and teach them how to swim.
Facilities
Custodial Helper: As a custodial helper you will help monitor and clean the fitness equipment and assist in ensuring the Health and Wellness area is free of excess towels and debris. You will wipe the equipment using the supplied spray and cleansing towels in addition reporting any problems with the machines to assigned staff.
