Volunteer Opportunities
Please send your listings to mailto:pmmckerc@ucsc.edu. See also Green Jobs for internships. See below for searchable sites.
New Listings
| CalPIRG | |
| ongoing |
Campaigns: Global Warming Solutions, 21st Century Transportation, Health Care Work, Getting to Graduation Campaigns,High-Speed Rail Campaigns, New Voters Project , Higher Education Campaigns, Textbooks, Hunger & Homelessness, Save Our Otters/Oceans. Interested in internships, volunteering? Contact by e-mail/phone, or drop by our office: 3rd Floor Student Union 831-459-4649 Campus Organizer: Carolina Van Horn [1] |
| Dude, Surfrider Monthly Cleanup | |
| 11/7 | Seabright State Beach Cleanup
Surfrider Monthly Cleanup November 7, 2009, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Seabright State Beach Hosted by: Surfrider Foundation Register now at: link |
| Day of Action for Climate Change | |
| 10/24 | This is an invitation from Bill McKibben to help build a movement--to take one day day and use it to stop the climate crisis.
You can download a presentation to give at UCSC; i will help you arrange a room and video equipment, contact pmmckerc@ucsc.edu On October 24, we will stand together as one planet and call for a fair global climate treaty. United by a common call to action, we'll make it clear: the world needs an international plan that meets the latest science and gets us back to safety. This movement has just begun, and it needs your help. Here's the plan: we're asking you, and people in every country on earth, to organize an action in your community on October 24. There are no limits here--imagine bike rides, rallies, concerts, hikes, festivals, tree-plantings, protests, and more. Imagine your action linking up with thousands of others around the globe. Imagine the world waking up. If we can pull it off, we'll send a powerful message on October 24: the world needs the climate solutions that science and justice demand. It's often said that the only thing preventing us from tackling the climate crisis quickly and equitably is a lack of political will. Well, the only thing that can create that political will is a unified global movement--and no one is going to build that movement for us. It's up to regular people all over the world. That's you. So register an event in your community for October 24, and then enlist the help of your friends. Get together with your co-workers or your local environmental group or human rights campaign, your church or synagogue or mosque or temple; enlist bike riders and local farmers and young people. All over the planet we'll start to organize ourselves. With your help, there will be an event at every iconic place on the planet on October 24-from America's Great Lakes to Australia's Great Barrier Reef--and also in all the places that matter to you in your daily lives: a beach or park or village green or town hall. If there was ever a time for you to get involved, it's right now. |
| The California Student Sustainability Coalition | |
| ongoing |
We are uniting and empowering California's community of higher education to collaboratively and nonviolently transform ourselves and our institutions based on our inherent social, economic, and ecological responsibilities. Internships available. link |
| Friends of the Sea Otter | |
| ongoing |
Friends of the Sea Otter has some new and exciting programs that will be starting shortly, and we need volunteers to make them a success! Program 1: Marine Water Monitoring Water quality plays a significant role in sea otter health, which is why FSO is teaming up with the California Department of Public Health and asking volunteers to collect water samples all along the coast of California. The data from the water samples will ultimately be received and used by researchers working with otters and other sea mammals. Volunteers are needed to collect samples at locations along the coast where the southern sea otter call home (San Francisco to Santa Barbara). Sampling takes only about 15 minutes and must be done weekly; if we get enough interest, teams can be created so that individuals can take turns with sampling throughout the month. Program 2: Otter Recovery The California Sea Otter Research Group needs help with otter recovery on Friday afternoons and weekends. This job would entail removing dead or hurt otters from the shoreline. Volunteers would need to walk along the shoreline and then take care of any otters that are found. Program 3: Data Compilation and Organization People with a scientific background are needed to help the California Sea Otter Research Group in Santa Cruz compile data. A great deal of sea otter data has already been collected and is in desperate need of organization. This work would be done in their laboratories located in Santa Cruz.Link |
| Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley/Habitat for Humanity | |
| ongoing | Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley is a non-profit organization that performs free home accessibility and safety repairs/modifications for older adults and disabled homeowners in Santa Clara County. We also serve other non-profit organizations, including "greening" buildings, so that they can dedicate their resources to the community rather than to facility repair. Big event in October. Similar work is done by Santa Cruz Habitat for Humanity. |
| Write for Worldchanging | |
| ongoing | Worldchanging relies on our global network of connected, informed, engaged volunteer contributors to send us smart, original, cutting-edge content from around their world. Our team of correspondents includes noted authors, activists, designers, educators, businesspeople, researchers and many others. |
| Santa Cruz Wharf Seafood Consumption Study | |
| ongoing |
The purpose of this 2-year pilot study is to collect information about Santa Cruz Wharf anglers, the seafood they catch, and the consumption of that seafood. Volunteer Duties: Gain practical experience and critical skills as part of a multi-disciplinary research team studying people who fish at the Wharf. The Work: 1. Approximately 10 hours per week 2. Training in public relations, communication & survey interview skills 3. Data entry 4. Bi-weekly team meetings 5. One or two shifts per week interviewing people fishing at the wharf (weekdays & weekends). This is organized to fit into an internship - so if you are interested in receiving academic credit, it can be arranged. Contact Name Veronica Long AgencyEmail vhlong@ucsc.edu Agency Address Ocean Sciences UCSC Agency Phone 459-3347 |
| Natural Bridges State Park | |
| ongoing | Leading educational programs for school groups and tours for the general public on topics like, Monarch butterflies, tide pools, wetlands. maintaining milkweed garden and salt water aquarium.
Contact Name Martha Nitzberg Agency Email NaturalBridges@juno.com |
| Peregin Falcon Watch | |
| 3/28 | As the young Peregrine Falcons reach fledging age, trained volunteers gather nearby and commit to shifts so that they may help keep the youngsters safe upon fledging. Training is required for full participation. We recommend that interested members of the public subscribe to the online discussion group for the nest camera location of interest to stay up to date and learn more about the date and location of training opportunities. We will provide a background on the Peregrine Falcon Recovery and training for interested volunteers who wish to participate by committing to one or more Fledge Watch shifts during early June. This training will be held at the Martin Luther King Library located at 4th and San Fernando streets in San Jose on March 28th at 1:30 p.m. RSVP by emailing Glenn Stewart with the subject line, “fledge watch rsvp” at gstewart@ucsc.edu. Link |
General Websites
| The Student Volunteer Center | |
| ongoing | The Center has a list of one time and on-going volunteer opportunities, including environmental. Email: volunteer (at) ucsc.edu , Phone: (831) 459-3363 Location: ARCenter - 1st Floor Reception Desk Website It also offers Alternative Spring Break rebuilding New Orleans. |
| 1-800-Volunteer | |
| ongoing | This website allows you to search for organizations nationwide |
| Bay Area Volunteer Center | |
| ongoing | This website cover all kinds of organization, including green ones. Link |
| Agroecology Opportunities | |
| ongoing | Prof. Gliessman at the Plenary gave us lots of ways to get involved: CAN
offers internships Lifelab creates school gardens |
| Environmental Studies Internship Resources | |
| ongoing | Sample opportunities:
|
| Pelican Network | |
| ongoing | various opportunities such as feed birds, count sea otters etc.Link |
| Sacramento Internships | |
| ongoing | Live and work in the state capitol |
Individual Organizations
| Marine Mammal Rescue Center | |
| ongoing | Various opportunities including rescuing stranded animals at the Marine Mammal Rescue Center Here is info on local rescue volunteering. Video. See also Marine Mammal Physiology Project (MMPP) at UCSC's Long Marine Laboratory. |
| Training Classes for Arboretum Volunteers | |
| ongoing |
01/07/2009 through 02/11/2009 Wednesday 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM Our staff holds a yearly set of 6 orientation and training days for people who want to find out more about the Arboretum and where their talents and interests can become involved in its operations. The set of 6 Wednesdays will give you a broad range of where you can fit your talents and interest into the Arboretum's operations. Location: Arboretum Room: The Horticulture Building Invited Audience: Open to Public Admission: Free Sponsored by: UCSC Arboretum Contact information for this event: Name: Susie Bower Phone: (831) 427-2998 Email: susiehb@ucsc.edu Link |
| Engineers Without Borders | |
| ongoing | Engineers Without Borders is a non-profit humanitarian organization established to partner with developing communities worldwide in order to improve their quality of life. This partnership involves the implementation of sustainable engineering projects, while involving and training internationally responsible engineers and engineering students. They have volunteer opportunities for engineers (and non-engineers) as well. |
| Ruckus Society | |
| ongoing | "We are living in a time of extreme challenges... In order to effectively meet these challenges, now, more than ever, environmental and social justice organizers must develop winning strategies that are creative, nonviolent, and take their lead from impacted communities. By building on the traditions of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., we, at The Ruckus Society, provide our partner organizations and activists with the tools, training, and support necessary to tackle these problems and achieve their goals." Based in Oakland. Also has job opening |
| UC Atlas of Global Inequality Internships | |
| ongoing | The Atlas has been accessed by more than 11 million people. If you'd like to share (or even acquire) digital and research skills, contact them here: Link |
| Santa Cruz Fungus Fair | |
| ongoing | Santa Cruz Fungus Fair Jan 10-11. Contact volunteers@santacruzmuseums.org to help out. |
| Aquatic Protection Agency | |
| ongoing | The mission of the Aquatic Protection Agency is to promote healthy aquatic ecosystems through pollution prevention, research and education. |
| Homeless Garden Project | |
| ongoing | Bring Together people from throughout the community in the beauty and security of our certified organic garden. Practice and Teach principles of economic and ecological sustainability through classes and hands-on experience. Provide homeless men and women job training and transitional employment. |
| Our City Forest | |
| ongoing | Based in San Jose, plants trees and conducts education programs (some jobs available |
| Recycling Services at UCSC | |
| ongoing | There are a multitude of opportunities available including but not limited to: event organizing, outreach campaigns, organic gardening/composting, teaching children, public relations and marketing, website design, research and analysis, writing grants or funding proposals, community clean-ups, and implementing waste reduction strategies on campus. |
| Santa Cruz Hub for Sustainable Transportation | |
| ongoing | The Hub is Santa Cruz County's resource center for human powered transportation. We promote the use of feet, bicycles, pedi-cabs, bike trailers, skateboards and other non-motorized vehicles. |
| Earthwatch | |
| ongoing | Earthwatch Institute is an international non-profit organization that brings science to life for people concerned about the Earth's future. Founded in 1971, Earthwatch supports scientific field research by offering volunteers the opportunity to join research teams around the world. This unique model is creating a systematic change in how the public views science and its role in environmental sustainability.
Today, Earthwatch recruits close to 4,000 volunteers every year to collect field data in the areas of rainforest ecology, wildlife conservation, marine science, archaeology, and more. Through this process, we educate, inspire, and involve a diversity of people, who actively contribute to conserving our planet [participants help fund expeditions]. Link |
| O'Neill Sea Odyssey | |
| ongoing | O'Neill Sea Odyssey (OSO) was founded in 1996 by wetsuit innovator and surfer Jack O'Neill. A living classroom was created on board a 65-foot catamaran sailing the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary where 4th - 6th grade students from schools throughout Central California receive hands-on lessons about the marine habitat and the importance of the relationship between the living sea and the environment. The program is conducted on board the catamaran with follow-up lessons at the shore-side Education Center at the Santa Cruz Harbor. It is free of charge, but students earn their way into the program by designing and performing a project to benefit their community. Link |
| Save Our Shores | |
| ongoing | Save Our Shores is a non-profit marine conservation organization in Santa Cruz, California. Our mission is marine conservation through policy research, education and citizen involvement (see calendar for frequent activities such as beach cleanup) Internships available. Link |
| Institute of Marine Sciences UCSC | |
| ongoing | Many opportunities to do hands-on science Link |
| The Wildlands Restoration Team | |
| ongoing | The Wildlands Restoration Team was formed to protect and restore the biological diversity of the Santa Cruz mountains. Although this has required that we consider many kinds of impacts on the land, the overwhelming need for our time and effort has been to stop the spread of invasive non-native plant species. |
| California Certified Organic Farmers | |
| ongoing | CCOF is offering internships to students interested in organic food and marketing or for those that just want to learn more about organic certification. You can learn more about the program at internship link or contact
Elizabeth O'Sullivan |
| UCSC Predatory Bird Research Group | |
| ongoing | Annual count and on-going observation of nests. |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | |
| ongoing | |
| Natural History Vol. Opportunities | |
| ongoing | Sample opportunities: Predatory bird group, UCSC Natural Reserves etc Website |
| Volunteer at Seymour Marine Center | |
| ongoing | Inspire children’s interest in marine science by joining our incredible school volunteer team! Learn to lead hands-on science activities, lead tours to the marine mammal overlook, and more. All four sessions required. |
| Global Information Internship Program | |
| ongoing | The Global Information Internship Program is an innovative "digital service learning" program at UC Santa Cruz. GIIP is creating a new generation of "info activists," committed to advancing social justice, democratizing globalization, and building social entrepreneurship. |
| Rock the Earth | |
| ongoing | Rock the Earth is a not-for-profit, national public interest environmental organization dedicated to protecting and defending America's natural resources through partnerships with the music industry and the world-wide environmental community. We act as advocates to ensure the existence of a sustainable and healthy environment for all and represent those individuals and communities whose environment or natural surroundings are directly and adversely affected by others. [rocktheearth.org Website] |
| Homeless Garden Project | |
| ongoing | Sample opportunities: gardening, marketing, staffing retail store, office work, errands, working in the workshop. [www.homelessgardenproject.org Website] |
| Surfrider Santa Cruz | |
| ongoing | Lots of different kinds of jobs and skills |
| UCSC Stormwater Internship | |
| ongoing | Web gurus, writers, artists, marketing specialists and facilitators are needed to work on storm water issues to enhancethe overall campus environment and facilitate sustainability. |
| Project Budburst, Global Warming Data Collection | |
| ongoing | Join us in collecting important climate change data on the timing of leafing and flowering in your area through Project BudBurst! This national field campaign targets native tree and flower species across the country. With your help, we will be compiling valuable environmental and climate change information around the United States. |
| TRAINING SESSION FOR VOLUNTEERS at the Arboretum | |
| ongoing | These classes are open to anyone who has an interest in gardening and volunteering; there is a niche for almost everyone. Presentations will cover Arboretum gardens & plant collections, plant conservation, gardening tips, plant propagation and much more. Volunteer possibilities include: Garden Work, Tours, Special Events, Library, Gift Shop, Education Program, and Propagation! Attend all or just a few sessions.
Susie Bower Phone: (831)-427-2998 Email: susiehb@ucsc.edu |
| Earth Island Institute, San Francisco | |
| ongoing | Employment and Volunteer offerings among the Earth Island Community |
| Site Stewardship Program | |
| ongoing | Help maintain the natural beauty of the campus. The first volunteer day next quarter will be Saturday, Jan. 26. The next two are joint work days with the Campus Natural Reserve on Sunday, Feb. 3, and Saturday, March 1. For information about the program or to volunteer, call (831) 459-2643 or send an e-mail |
| Peace Corps | |
| monthly 12/2 | Come find out more about the Peace Corps! Facts and myths, questions and answers, stories and pictures. It's never too early or too late to start thinking about your application!
05:30 PM - 07:00 PM Merrill College , Charles E. Merrill Lounge |
| Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition | |
| ongoing | Website |
| San Francisco Bay Oil Spill | |
| ongoing | Baykeeper info on latest count of birds affected |
| Student Environmental Center | |
| Weds. evenings | Our mission is to organize student involvement on campus, to collaborate with the University to implement environmentally sound practices on campus. The SEC serves as a central space for existing student environmental organizations, and encourages the development of new projects.
Our General Gatherings are every Wednesday at 6:30pm at the College 8 Student Commons, the red building at the foot of the plaza. |
| Oxfam Campaigns | |
| ongoing | Oxfam works on many of the issues we look at in the Core course website |
Older Postings (but some may be on-going or repeated)
| Student Regent | |
| ongoing | A candidate for the position of student Regent must be an enrolled undergraduate, graduate, or professional student in good academic standing for the two year duration of the student Regent term. The student Regent's academic and parking fees are waived for the two year period. Additionally, a student Regent will be reimbursed for expenses incurred for attendance at Regental and committee meetings.
Interested students may obtain an application at the Career Center, colleges, and various departments across campus, or download an application. Applications are due no later than February 19, 2009. Students are encouraged to get an early start in completing the application by researching the essay questions and preparing a resume during the Winter break. |
| Seymour Center Docent Training | |
| 1/14 | Docent Training Begins
01/14/2009 Wednesday 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM The Seymour Center offers docent training only once a year-- it's the best way to start off 2009! Join the team--get your hands wet, learn more, inspire other, and help protect the oceans. This 10-week course meets twice weekly ; docents make a one-year volunteer commitment. If you've wondered how you can work for positive change, as a Seymour Center docent you will be empowered by new knowledge,meet new people, volunteer in your community, and have a lot of fun! For more information call Shauna Potocky at (831)459-3854. Applications are currently being accepted and reviewed. Sponsored by David Morrelll and Kirsten Gruesz. Location:Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab Invited Audience: Open to Public Admission: Free Sponsored by: David Morrell and Kirsten Gruesz Estimated Attendance: 20 Contact information for this event: Name: Abby Borsgard Phone: (831) 459-3799 Email: aborsgar@ucsc.edu Link Additional opportunities available, including raptor observation |
| Summer Internship at WiserEarth | |
| 3/11 | Help the WiserEarth community grow!
The Natural Capital Institute is currently hiring for the following positions: • Development/Fundraising Intern • Student Outreach Intern • Online Community Organizer Interns • Event Research Intern Hours and Compensation: Full-time Internship: Three-month commitment of 4 days/week, 8:30-5 PST, 30 hours minimum. This position includes a monthly stipend of $500, with travel costs reimbursed. Positions are located in Sausalito, CA Please contact Genevieve Logan on WiserEarth or send her an email at logan@naturalcapital.org with application (download above), cover letter, and resume to apply. |
| Permaculture Event Organizer | |
| 3/11 | Looking for volunteers who would be interested in helping design and contribute to this year's 2 day Permaculture Symposium and 3 day Convergence.
Planning meeting happen every couple of weeks with more involvemnet in May and June. Please send inquires to Benjamin Fahrer at pcdesigns@earthlink.net Website |
| Organic Farm Education Internship on Live Earth Farm | |
| ongoing | We are offering a new Farm Educator Internship this school year. This internship will have a unique focus on our education programs. The intern will spend at least 50% of their time on these activities and the other 50% on farm tasks. Education programs include: a weekly visit by 7th and 8th grade Montessori students, half day farm tours for students of all ages and two afternoons a week with middle school students from a local charter school.
The position will involve leading farm tours, working with ongoing farm education programs and some office work such as scheduling farm tours and processing deposits and payments. Farm tasks include vegetable and fruit production and marketing, animal care and greenhouse management.link |
| Practical Activism Conference Planning | |
| ongoing |
Interested in volunteering on the day of this year's conference? Interested in helping to plan Practical Activism 2008? We are looking for a small group of talented, diverse, and committed students from College Nine, College Ten, and Oakes College to develop and implement the fifth annual Practical Activism conference. Students from the previous years’ conferences will work with you to select keynote speakers, workshop topics, and artistic performances that reflect the social justice issues that concern you. Planning will begin spring quarter 2008 with occasional meetings and retreats. In Fall quarter 2008, earn course credit while continuing to work on the conference. In particular, we are looking for individuals with the following skills: computer skills, research skills, promotional experience, writing and verbal communication skills, activism experience, contacts with campus and community organizations, reliability, flexibility, responsibility, organization and time-management skills. If you are interested in participating, please contact Wendy Baxter at wbaxter@ucsc.edu or 459-3142 for more information. Website |
| VOLUNTEER FAIR | |
| Thurs 10/07 | The Campus and Community Involvement Fair is UCSC’s volunteer fair held annually each fall. The Student Volunteer Center hosts over 40 community organizations at the Quarry Plaza (outside the Baytree Bookstore) for an afternoon of networking and education on the social issues in Santa Cruz. Organizations attend the event to table, promote their organization, and to seek UCSC students to fill their volunteer needs.
STUDENTS! Come sign up for more information on SVC and other organizations, volunteer, or come and meet other students interested in volunteering. Each year the fair seems to grow, incorporating many more types of organizations. 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM Qarry Plaza, outside the Bay Tree Bookstore |
