The Ann Arbor YMCA is committed to strengthening community through social responsibility initiatives.  We facilitate volunteer opportunities throughout Washtenaw County through our adult volunteer program Togetherhood. Togetherhood is the Ann Arbor Y’s adult member-led volunteer service program and the Y’s signature program for advancing social responsibility. Imagine the impact we could make in our community by activating our members and working together to plan and implement volunteer projects that respond to our community’s most pressing needs! The Togetherhood program has four areas of focus:

  • Community activism: engaging in issues of local interest, and increasing awareness of local government decisions
  • Houselessness and hunger in our community: perhaps partnering with community organizations with this focus
  • Senior outreach: connecting with and assisting older adults in the community
  • Welcome newcomer/ immigrant families to our area; advancing Washtenaw County’s commitment to diverse populations

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Here are the ways you can help:

  • Become a Committee Member: Are you looking for ways to make a difference in the community and have ideas for service projects? Committee members will be expected to:
    • Serve at least one year on the Togetherhood Committee, attending monthly meetings
    • Actively collaborate with community partners, when appropriate, to set up service projects
    • Lead or co-lead a service project, including planning, running, and reporting on the outcomes of the project
    • Promote service projects to other Y members as part of the Y member experience.
  • Be a Project Volunteer: Give back to the community by the following:
    • Receive and share information about Togetherhood service projects
    • Give of your time and effort on at least one service project each year.
  • Be a Community Partner: Are you part of an organization that could use Togetherhood volunteers? Do you have something that a group of Y members and community participants could help with? A coordinating liaison will:
    • Identify the needs of your organization
    • Coordinate with our committee members to identify a project manager and the specific requirements and scope of the project
    • Work with our committee to successfully fulfill the project

Interested in getting involved?  Click here to fill out a short interest form.

Please contact Abbey Davis, Teen & Volunteer Director for further questions, at 734.661.8012 or adavis@annarborymca.org . An application for all volunteer opportunities is available here.

Current Volunteering Opportunities

JOIN US  IN GIVING BACK: Togetherhood is the Ann Arbor Y’s member-led volunteer service program. It works to provide meaningful service project opportunities for all community members (individuals and families). Togetherhood creates social change and is dedicated to strengthening community. Interested in getting involved? Complete an Online Togetherhood Information Form .  For more information, contact Abbey Davis, Teen and Volunteer Director, at adavis@annarborymca.org for more information.

UPCOMING SERVICE PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES

Northside Food Pantry Tuesday, January 9 and 23, 2 – 5 pm (shifts: 1 – 3:30 pm and/or 3:30 – 5 pm) The Northside Food Pantry is an Emergency Food Program operated by Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County. http://csswashtenaw.org/ The food pantry is located in the Northside Community Center at 815 Taylor, Ann Arbor

The Emergency Food Program distributes groceries and personal care items to low-income families and individuals on a monthly and/or emergency basis. Clients are also given referrals to other agencies for clothing and other critical services as needed. Togetherhood volunteers will stock food items and assist clients in choosing their groceries.

Disability Awareness Workshops Date and time TBD: Stay tuned while we work on the details.  Thank you!  The Disability Awareness Workshop is a one-day program to teach 4th graders an empathetic understanding of physical, developmental, and learning disabilities.  The hands-on-activity based program is designed to help student’s understand how difficult and complex daily living can be for individuals with disabilities.  At the same time, the workshop’s, “I Can”, message challenges cultural stereotypes that marginalize people with disabilities.  Where others see adversity, challenge and problems we see opportunities, possibilities and potential.  The workshops help to build a culture of understanding that is invaluable, with the goal to learn, through experience.  Students learn that given the right tools and adaptations individuals with disabilities can accomplish everyday tasks, be successful and live happy lives.

Interested in getting involved?  Workshops begin in February. Volunteer training will be offered in January (date and time TBD) at the Ann Arbor Y. Please let me know if you are interested and I will be sure to keep you informed.

Volunteer Program Assistant for the East Washtenaw Basketball League
Volunteer Program Assistants support the delivery of the East Washtenaw Basketball League under the direction of the League Coordinator. Individuals should be able to work collaboratively with partners including the school district, Sheriff’s Office, the YMCA and other community stakeholders. They will assist in the delivery of the program and ensure that participants are safe and have positive adult role models to interact with.

Teen Center Academic Enrichment Mentor
The Ann Arbor YMCA Teen After School Program is committed to providing participants with the academic support they need. We are seeking committed volunteers to assist participants in daily homework assignments, educational activities and strategies to achieve academically.

Team Leader  of Youth Volunteer Corps Service Projects
The Youth Volunteer Corps of the Ann Arbor Y is seeking adult team leaders to help provide opportunities for teens, ages 11 – 17, to further engagement in community through service-learning.  

Quilting for A Cause Join us as we give back to the community!  Learn how to quilt and get to know your fellow Y members all while helping those in need. This free volunteer-led program invites both experienced and first timers to create warm and cozy items for individuals in our community.  Help others stay warm this winter and learn something new along the way! Materials will be provided. Volunteers will meet every Friday in the Michigan Room from 11:00 am-1:00 pm.

Child Care Activity Coordinator  Help create and lead activities with children from kindergarten through fourth grade. Activities may include craft projects, healthy snack preparation, assist with homework, physical activity exercises and more.

Child Care Story Teller  Pick a story and read it to children in our preschool or school-aged care programs.  You could even dress up to match the story or help plan a craft or snack that works with your theme.

Child Watch Program Assistant The YMCA is looking for fun, dedicated individuals who enjoy working with children and wants to make a difference in their community. By volunteering in Child Watch, you have the opportunity to meet new people and share your skills with children of all ages.