Opportunities From: United Way Volunteer Center

TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum one day per week (M, T, W, TH, F) for a minimum of 2 hours (between 3:00pm and 6pm) for a minimum of 1-year. (One semester acceptable for students.)

 

LOCATION(S): The Youth Programs Mentor/Volunteer could be placed with school aged children at our 6 site locations.

The sites include five Iowa City programs:
Pheasant Ridge Center (2651 Roberts Rd.),
Broadway Center (2105 Broadway St),
Grant Wood Elementary (1930 Lakeside Dr.),
Alexander Elementary (3571 Sycamore St.),
Mark Twain Elementary (1355 Deforest Ave),
and our North Liberty program:
Garner Elementary (80 Birch St.).

Each Iowa City location is easily accessible by the Iowa City, City Bus system, while the North Liberty location will require a vehicle.  

 

PURPOSE: The Youth Program Mentor/Volunteer is part of a team-based environment composed of staff and volunteers who work together to create a loving, safe and welcoming space for our growing school aged kids as well as providing them with extra academic help. This volunteer helps give each child more individual time, interaction and care, while giving the Program Directors more opportunities to prepare and plan for daily activities. 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Must be 16 years old or older Volunteers 16-17 must have a parent/guardian signature. Must enjoy being around school aged children Must be able to commit to at least 6 months (longer commitment is strongly preferred) (One semester acceptable for students). Must be able to commit to at least one day a week Must possess good interpersonal skills Must be able to pass child abuse and criminal background checks Past experience working with youth, strongly preferred

 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Attending and assisting field trips and larger events Help prepare materials for lesson plans (cutting, laminating and labeling materials) Create and engage in structured indoor and outdoor activities with children Engaging kids with special talents that volunteer may possess (musical instrument, dance, yoga, art, singing, stem activities, experiments, etc.) Lead small group sessions as dictated by Program Director/Coordinator Tutoring if qualified Gardening assistance Coordinate boys and girls groups for 4th to 6th graders Assistance with supervision during recess Follow applicable NCJC and ICCSD policy in regard to client interactions, behavioral supports, reporting suspected child abuse, etc.

 

REQUIRED TRAINING(S): 

Licensed File Volunteer Orientation/ On Boarding

 

BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEERS: 

Opportunity to work with children: Create a happy environment for children, interact with them, and offer them individual attention. Community Engagement: Connect and build connections with other volunteers, directors/coordinators, and be an integral part of creating positive experiences. Skill Development: Gain valuable experience in patience and flexibility, problem solving, empathy and understanding, teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal communication. Personal Satisfaction: Creating bonds with children and witnessing their learning, growth, interaction amongst each other, and overcoming challenges due, in part, to your involvement can bring a deep sense of joy and fulfillment. Ongoing Training Opportunities: Access training in areas such as First Aid, CPR, Universal Precautions, and Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse. Performance Appraisal and Letter of Recommendation: Volunteers completing at least 25 hours of service are eligible for a performance appraisal and a letter of recommendation.

 

By volunteering for The Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County you become an integral part of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for those we serve. Your commitment contributes directly to the success of our mission, and we are grateful for your dedication to building a better future for all.

TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum one event, with the opportunity to participate in as many events/projects as you desire. The duration of each event may vary, and volunteers should be prepared to dedicate at least 2 hours to support the event's success.

LOCATION(S): Location depends on event.

 

PURPOSE: The Event Volunteer is part of a team-based environment composed of fellow volunteers and staff who work together to create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere during our diverse community events. This role contributes to the creation of a fun, welcoming space in which attendees can come together to celebrate, connect, and engage. By offering your time and support during our events, you provide valuable assistance that enhances the overall experience for attendees while also promoting a friendly, supportive, and inclusive community.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Must be 16 years old or older Volunteers 16-17 must have a parent/guardian sign waiver before volunteering. (Discussion must be had with the Volunteer Coordinator at the time of sign-up to ensure appropriate supervision, and accommodation, if necessary.) Physical ability to lift 10-15 lbs. and stand for an extended period is generally required. (Accommodations can be made as needed if possible.) Strong interpersonal skills are preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Volunteers may be assigned to various roles based on their skills and/or interests, including but not limited to:

Event Set-up: Assist in preparing the event location, including arranging tables, chairs, decorations, signage, and supplies. Volunteer Coordination Support: Assist the Volunteer Coordinator in managing volunteers and their schedules, ensuring proper coverage and that volunteers are where they need to be and have everything they need for event-related duties. (for seasoned NCJC volunteer) Games/Activities attendant: Engage, teach, and/or assist event attendees in fun and interactive games or activities. Food Attendant: Support the distribution or serving of food items during events. Welcome Table Attendant: Greet and provide information to event attendees, assisting with registration, inquiries, raffles, etc. Line Wrangler: Manage queues or lines to ensure a smooth flow of participants. Hype Man/Woman: Energize the crowd, create excitement, dance, and encourage participation. Event Breakdown/Clean Up: Assist in dismantling event setups and ensuring the venue is left tidy.

 

BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEERS: 

Community Engagement: Connect with individuals within the community and be an integral part of creating positive experiences. Networking Opportunities: Build connections with fellow volunteers, event organizers, and community members. Skill Development: Gain valuable experience in event assistance, teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal communication. Personal Satisfaction: Contributing to the success of meaningful events, creating bonds with community members, and witnessing them interact amongst each other, having fun, and being offered opportunities they may have not had otherwise, due, in part, to your involvement with the event, can bring a deep sense of joy and fulfillment. Performance Appraisal and Letter of Recommendation: Volunteers completing at least 25 hours of service are eligible for a performance appraisal and a letter of recommendation. Silver Cord / Required hours for school: Your active participation not only fulfills academic requirements but also provides a platform for meaningful experiences, personal growth, and community impact.

By volunteering for The Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County you become an integral part of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for those we serve. Your commitment contributes directly to the success of our mission, and we are grateful for your dedication to building a better future for all.