Volunteerism is central to the founding and legacy of the Y. At the Ann Arbor Y, we know that lasting personal and social change comes about when we all work together. That’s why at the Ann Arbor Y, strengthening community is our cause.  We are committed to strengthening our community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. We cannot accomplish this without volunteers. Thank you for working alongside us to strengthen our community together.
Are you interested in volunteering with the Ann Arbor Y? Let’s connect!

Types of volunteers:

  • Program volunteers – people who directly help the YMCA carry out its programming: coaches, workshop leaders, mentors, event hosts and staff, referees and other game officials. There are many other program-specific positions.
  • Support volunteers – behind-the-scenes administrative help for our professional staff!
  • Fundraising volunteers – As a nonprofit, the YMCA relies on donations, so it needs plenty of  campaigners for our Annual Campaign and more.  Development volunteers may be enlisted for staffing phone banks or stuffing envelopes. They may help coordinate fundraising events.
  • Policy volunteers – This group includes board members and committee members (all must enter a longer-term relationship with the organization governed by its bylaws). A policy volunteer not only gives time and effort to the organization but also helps guide its direction and determine its programming and priorities.
  • Managerial volunteers – This group applies to trained professionals — including accountants, lawyers, executives, designers and IT workers — who donate their services pro bono.
  • Internships – Give you the chance to work on a variety of issues and causes while earning course credit. We currently have intern placements within our Health & Wellness department. This experience could be a great stepping stone for careers in Exercise Science, Kinesiology and Movement Science and more.

Questions? Contact us at gwebb [at] annarborymca.org.

Please scroll down to learn about specific opportunities!

Adult Volunteer Opportunities

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Notice: Volunteer opportunities may be limited due to COVID-19.

Program Photographer: The Ann Arbor Y is always looking for photographers to help capture the magic of our youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility programs. If you are a photographer looking to gain experience this is a great way do build your portfolio!

Second Language Guide: Assist members, program participants and and families with limited English proficiency. Potentially help translate communication materials, assist with registrations, scholarship notifications, and program operations.

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.  

Youth in Government Program Volunteer: Work with the middle and high school Youth in Government programs as an adult advisor, guest speaker or workshop facilitator

Youth Program/Activity Specialist: Do you have a skill or a talent that you would like to share with you? Programs and activities may encompass many skills and talents, including but not limited to: physical activities, fine arts, outdoor education, and leadership development. As a Youth Program/Activity Specialist, you can create and facilitate workshops and/or sports clinics or assist with existing program activities.

Youth Sports Basketball Coach: Y youth sports teams are coached by one or two trained YMCA volunteer coaches, many of whom are parents or community members. If you like to work with children and enjoy helping them learn and succeed, we need you! If you are interested in coaching, you need to be at least 14 years of age and to attend a Y coach’s workshop prior to the start of the season. Our workshops introduce volunteers to the YMCA’s character values and youth development philosophy as well as give you the practical skills necessary to teach and lead youth sports teams. No formal coaching experience is necessary; all we ask is that you are committed to helping young people build positive self-images and develop a passion for an active lifestyle. For more information, contact Chris Deary at 734.661.8016 or cdeary@annarborymca.org

 

Youth Volunteer Opportunities

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For one-off single service projects, check out the Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) of the Ann Arbor Y! YVC is a youth-driven program that strives to meet the needs of our community and works in collaboration with local organizations to create social change and positive community impact. Through facilitated service-learning projects, workshops, personal development training, and interactive dialogue, YVC participants address critical social issues and develop strategies to become active citizens of their community.

Aquatics Community Program Assistant

Program Summary: 

At the Y, swimming is a life skill. Our swim lessons prepare kids of all ages to stay safe and have fun in the water, building strong swimmers and confident kids. Our preschool and youth lessons emphasize skill development and water safety.

Position Summary: 

Responsibilities include assisting swim instructors teach water safety skills, assist with supervision while in the pool, ensure kids feel safe while being in the pool.

Day Camps Operation Assistant

Program Summary: 

The Y offers day camp programs for youth ages 5 – 16 in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and on Silver Lake in Pinkney. Summer curriculum cultivates camper’s curiosity and encourages them to get outside of their comfort zone while creating a space for youth to discover their passions and explore their potential. 

Position Summary: 

Youth volunteers will learn how to positively impact youth as a camp counselor.  Primary responsibilities include serving as a positive youth development role model through active engagement in activities, assisting camp staff with needs such as supervision, facilitation of activities, behavior management, and more. 

Digital Media Production Program Assistant

Program Summary: 

Turn up the creativity with these fun and hands-on digital media experiences! Participants will explore the digital media world and learn to develop video and audio content covering all facets of pre-production, production, and post-production.  This opportunity will harness the power of communication as a medium of artistic expression.

Position Summary: 

Assist Teen Program Coordinator and Digital Media Program staff team to deliver program curriculum to participants, ages 11 – 15.

Y on the Fly

Program Summary: 

The Y Positive Play Initiative (YPPI) “Y on the Fly work” is primarily a mobile youth development program that increases youth access to sports sampling and ‘free play’. Join us and help transform lives.

Position Summary:

Help facilitates program delivery, promotes site development, and develop strategies for community engagement.

Questions? Contact us at Volunteer@annarborymca.org.