Volunteer at Odyssey

Download Volunteer Packet

If the youth form the heart of Odyssey Youth Center, Odyssey volunteers--young and old--certainly make up its backbone. Volunteers staff the center, organize community events, raise the funds that keep the doors open, fix our broken faucets, and serve on our board of directors. We simply could not exist without the day in and day out support of our many volunteers.

There are many different ways for volunteers to be involved in Odyssey. Below, please find a description of our volunteer roles. If you wish to volunteer with us, please contact us.

• Special Events/Outreach Volunteers - are volunteers interested in working with youth and helping Odyssey but who cannot make a weekly or regular commitment. Special Events Volunteers help staff dances, fundraising events, and other youth events as they come up throughout the year. Outreach volunteers assist Odyssey by participating in outreach activities in the community that raise awareness about Odyssey and the work that we are doing.
  
  
• Committee Volunteers - serve on our Programs Committee and our Fund Development Committee, as well as on special ad hoc committees (such as specific events committees). This is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers of all ages interested in contributing to the long term direction and success of Odyssey without the level of responsibility held by a member of our Board of Directors. Committees may meet monthly or on an as needed basis.
  
  
• Programming Volunteers - work with the Program Coordinator to assist with Odyssey's youth programming. This area seeks volunteers who have a background in youth development and/or social justice, and who wish to take on an active role in guiding Odyssey's leadership development and advocacy programs.
  
  
• Administrative Support - Odyssey relies heavily on volunteers in all aspects of our organization including administration. If you are interested in helping the office staff, even if you cannot make a long-term commitment, this might be the perfect fit. We need help with grant writing, resource development, community outreach, volunteer appreciation events, filing, and other office maintenance duties as they arise.
  
  
• Information Technology - We are always looking for people who can help trouble shoot and maintain Odyssey’s computers, networks, and related technology.


• Board Member - Provide governance to the organization, represent it to the community, and accept the ultimate legal authority for it. Please contact a board member or the Executive Director for more information about becoming an Odyssey Board Member.
  
  
• Youth Mentors/Facilitators - Changing the life of a 14-21 year old isn't rocket science - at Odyssey, it just takes showing up and spending time with youth. Your life experiences are valuable and can make a difference in the life of a young person. Join Odyssey's team of Mentors and share your life with our youth. These volunteers staff the drop in center during youth hours and provide mentorship and site supervision. The minimum age for mentors is 24 years old and you can volunteer once a week, every other week, once a month, or sign up to be on call. There are two shifts: the early shift: Open-6pm, or the late Shift: 6pm-Close.
  
     Mentor/Facilitator Responsibilities: 
        . Supervise youth during drop-in hours
        . Be available to youth as an advocate, friend, mentor
        . Assist in meal preparation/supervision 
        . Participate in any workshops or presentations
        . Assist in Opening or Closing procedures, depending on shift
  
     Mentor/FacilitatorQualifications:
        . Age 24 or older
        . Interest in youth development/empowering LGBTQA youth
        . Able to pass criminal background check
        . Dependability and stability
        . Ability and desire to supervise and engage with at-risk youth 
        . Effective boundary setting skills
  
     Mentor/Facilitator Benefits:
        . Seeing the impact your life has on youth
        . Ongoing training in key social justice and human services skills
        . Letters of reference to those who show exceptional commitment

• Newsletter Volunteers - Assist office staff with the compiling and editing of our quarterly newsletter.

• Drivers - Volunteers that are able and willing to drive large rental vehicles to and from events. Also able to drive personal vehicles full of youth to and from events.
  

• Facility Supervisor - Would have keys and general knowledge about facility. Would provide general supervision during non Drop-in hours for meetings and such. Could perform general maintenance and keep facility clean and organized.
  

**Please note: all Odyssey Youth Center volunteers must pass a criminal background check.

For more information, or to start impacting youth, contact Odyssey Youth Center Today!! Download application information or call 509-325-3637.


Download Volunteer Packet