Volunteer

Whether you're a student looking for volunteer credit, a community member looking to stay active through volunteer work, or a member who would like to be more involved at the Y, we'd love to connect you with our many volunteer opportunities! Volunteers are needed often for:

Program Support

Community Engagement

Operational Support

Teen Aquatic Swim Lesson Assistant
Assist YMCA swim instructors during swim lessons by helping keep classes organized, supporting young swimmers, and promoting a safe pool environment.

Youth Program Specialist

Assist YMCA staff during youth programs such as Kids in the Kitchen, Little Explorers, and other enrichment activities.

Youth Sports Assistant
Support YMCA staff during youth sports programs by helping organize activities, assisting participants, and encouraging teamwork and fun.

Rec Attendant (Weekends)
Assist with weekend recreation activities by helping birthday party attendants facilitate parties, keeping the gym organized, and setting up equipment like nets and hoops.

Infant Whisperer
Spend time rocking, holding, and comforting babies and toddlers in the YMCA’s drop-in childcare area while supporting staff.

Homework Helpers

Support children in our School Age Child Care (SACC) program by helping with homework, reading, and encouraging positive study habits.

Refereeing
Help lead youth sports games by officiating matches, keeping score, and ensuring a fair and safe playing environment.

 

Tour Guide

Learn how to give YMCA tours and help welcome prospective members by showing them around the facility and answering basic questions.

Fundraising
Assist with planning and running fundraising activities, events, and campaigns to support YMCA programs and initiatives.

Thank You Phone Callers
Help us thank our donors by making short phone calls to express appreciation for their gifts and support of the YMCA’s mission.

Flyer Hanger
Help promote YMCA programs by hanging flyers at community locations around the Ithaca area.

Tabling Assistant / Community Connector
Attend community tabling events with YMCA staff to help share information about programs, answer basic questions, and connect with community members.

Greeter at the Welcome Center
Greet members and visitors as they enter the YMCA and help direct them to the appropriate area or staff member.

Special Event Volunteer
Help with YMCA events by assisting with setup and takedown, running activity stations, and supporting staff during annual community events.

 

Food Hub Attendant
Monitor the YMCA Food Hub, help visitors sign in, and assist families accessing food resources.

Outdoor Education Center Cleanup Volunteer

Help maintain the Outdoor Education Center by clearing trails, weed whacking, and assisting with general outdoor cleanup.

Groundskeeper
Help maintain YMCA outdoor spaces by mowing lawns, raking leaves, picking up trash, and keeping the grounds clean and welcoming.

Committee Participation
Join a YMCA committee to provide input, ideas, and support on programs, events, or policies that guide our community work.

Administrative Assistance
Support YMCA staff with office tasks such as filing, data entry, phone calls, and general office organization.

Cleaning, Electrical, Plumbing, Construction
Support maintenance projects by helping with general cleaning, minor repairs, or improvement projects around YMCA facilities.

However you want to help — we're grateful that you're interested!

 

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE VOLUNTEER INTAKE FORM 

Volunteer Guidelines & Details

Background Checks: The YMCA may review public or private information about your background. You must inform the YMCA of any changes to this information.

Public Relations: The YMCA may use your name or photo/video for marketing, recognition, and promotional purposes.

Hold Harmless: As a volunteer, you agree to hold the YMCA and its staff harmless for any injury, death, or property damage arising from volunteer activities, except in cases of YMCA negligence.

Volunteer Expectations

Member Services: Demonstrate the YMCA’s values through attitude, behavior, and words. Training and evaluations will support your success.

Dress & Appearance: Clothing should be neat, clean, professional, modest, and appropriate to your department.

Phone & YMCA Phones: Cell phones are not to be used while on duty. YMCA phones are for business use only, unless approved by a supervisor.

Personal Training / Swim Coaching: Only YMCA employees may instruct members. Volunteers may not provide private instruction or accept personal payment for teaching at YMCA facilities.

Eating & Breaks: Eat only in designated areas during break times.

Reading: Only Y-related or supervisor-approved reading is allowed while volunteering.

Alcohol & Drugs: Volunteers must not use alcohol or illegal drugs on YMCA property or come under the influence. Violations may result in disciplinary action or termination.

Volunteer Code of Conduct

As a YMCA volunteer, you agree to:

  • Understand and support the Y’s mission and community commitment.
  • Identify yourself as a volunteer (Y shirt/name tag) and introduce yourself to members.
  • Perform your duties competently and safely.
  • Use respectful language and communication.
  • Embrace and demonstrate YMCA values.
  • Maintain program areas and equipment responsibly.
  • Avoid disparaging or defaming the YMCA, its employees, or volunteers.

Before beginning your volunteer work, we will ask that you sign an acknowledgement of these and other policies.