Internships/Group Volunteer Projects
Ongoing Programs
Senior Recreation Programs
Located at Louden Nelson, the Downtown Senior Center uses volunteers to teach and lead many of its senior programs. Volunteers teach computer courses, lead exercise classes and help with the administration to keep the senior programs running. Highly rewarding, this volunteer program requires a long-term commitment and volunteers who enjoy working with seniors.
Civic Event Hosts
A fun way to get involved in our community, the Civic Center uses volunteers to assist at Civic events. It makes sense that this volunteer program is very popular. The Civic staff is fun and easy to work with and they always let volunteers watch the show. If you want to volunteer at a Civic event email the CitySERVE coordinator early, because they fill up! To usher at some events you must have experience. You can get that by ushering at one of the or at the Symphonies or at a Derby Girls Show.
Graffiti Free Santa Cruz
Concerned about the spread of graffiti vandalism into our neighborhoods and business districts? Be part of the solution! Graffiti Free Santa Cruz is looking for volunteers to Adopt an Area near where they live or work and pledge to keep it graffiti free. The City of Santa Cruz will provide the supplies you'll need and some training on how to remove graffiti.
How to Apply
Contact the CitySERVE Coordinator. Additionally, you should provide the CitySERVE Coordinator with a resume outlining your past experience. Go to Online Forms for a pdf version of the Volunteer Application.
Group Projects
Group service projects give groups the opportunity to spend productive time together and have fun while giving back to their local community. The City of Santa Cruz has one day volunteer projects for almost any size group year round. Group service projects are almost always outdoors and usually are physical in nature.
Examples of Past Group Projects
Santa Cruz High School's Girls Honor Society participated in a beach clean-up; Monterey Bay Academy students helped to paint the Municipal Wharf and helped clear trails in Harvey West Park; Members of the Neighborhood Church helped to clean-up the San Lorenzo River.
How to Arrange a Group Project
There are projects for any size group from 2 to 100. All you need to do is request a Special Projects application(DOC, 69KB) from the CitySERVE Coordinator. We will do our best to find you a place to volunteer where your efforts will be appreciated. Return the completed form 30 days before the project date.