Hey there! If you're looking for ways to get involved in your community and make a difference, Anchorage
has a variety of volunteer opportunities that might interest you. As the largest city in Alaska, Anchorage
is home to many non-profit organizations and community groups that rely on volunteers to support their
programs and services.
From helping with animal care at the Alaska Zoo, to building affordable housing with Habitat for Humanity,
there are countless ways to get involved and make a positive impact. And if you're a high school student,
volunteering can be a great way to gain new skills, make connections, and give back to your community.
So why not consider spending some of your free time volunteering in Anchorage? Whether you're interested in
the arts, education, or environmental conservation, there's sure to be an organization that could use your
help. Plus, by giving back to your community, you'll be helping to create a better future for all of us.
- Alaska Zoo:
- Covenant House
Alaska: - Meal service: Covenant House Alaska serves over 100 meals per day to homeless youth. Volunteers are
needed to help prepare and serve meals. - Tutoring and mentorship: Many of the youth at Covenant House Alaska are working towards their GED or
attending school. Volunteers are needed to provide academic support and mentorship. - Outreach: Covenant House Alaska conducts outreach to connect with homeless youth in Anchorage.
Volunteers are needed to help with outreach efforts and to connect youth with resources. - ámaxa:
- Bean's Cafe:
- Habitat for Humanity:
- Habitat for Humanity Anchorage
- Habitat for Humanity Mat-Su
- Habitat for Humanity Fairbanks
- Habitat for Humanity Kenai Peninsula
- Anchorage Parks and Recreation:
- Trail Stewardship Program: Volunteers work to maintainand improve Anchorage's extensive trail system
by clearing brush, repairing trail surfaces, and installing signage. - Park Improvement Projects: Volunteers can help with a variety of improvement projects, such as
planting trees, building benches, and installing playground equipment. - Event Support: Volunteers can assist with a variety of events throughout the year, including summer
concerts, outdoor movies, and holiday celebrations. - Educational Programs: Anchorage Parks and Recreation offers a variety of educational programs for
people of all ages, and volunteers can assist with programs such as nature walks, birdwatching, and
interpretive talks. - Anchorage School
District: - Classroom volunteers: Volunteers can work with teachers to provide additional support to students,
such as tutoring, reading, or helping with class projects. - Library volunteers: Volunteers can assist with organizing and shelving books, helping students find
resources, and supporting library programs. - School office volunteers: Volunteers can help with administrative tasks, such as answering phones,
greeting visitors, and assisting with mailings. - Lunchroom volunteers: Volunteers can help with servingmeals, monitoring students, and cleaning up
after lunch. - After-school program volunteers: Many schools offer after-school programs that provide academic
support, enrichment activities, and recreation opportunities. Volunteers can help with these programs by
supervising students, assisting with activities, and providing academic support.. - Alaska Center for the
Environment: - Alaska Native
Heritage Center: - Anchorage Animal
Care and Control: - Dog Walking: Volunteers take dogs for walks and give them some exercise and socialization.
- Cat
Socialization: Volunteers spend time with catsand help them adjust to shelter life. - Adoption Assistants:
Volunteers help potential adopters find the right pet and assist with adoption paperwork. - Shelter
Cleaning: Volunteers assist with cleaning and disinfecting animal kennels and cages. - Laundry: Volunteers
assist with washing and drying animal bedding and towels. - Fundraising: Volunteers help raise funds for the shelter through events and other initiatives.
Community Outreach: Volunteers help spread the word about the shelter and the importance of responsible
pet ownership. - To apply to become a volunteer at Anchorage Animal Care and Control, visit their website!
- Anchorage
Museum: - Alaska Botanical Garden:
- Food Bank of Alaska:
- Sorting and packing food donations
- Assisting with food drives
- Helping with administrative tasks
- Delivering food to partner agencies
- American Red Cross of Alaska:
- Disaster Response: Volunteers can assist with disaster response efforts, including providing emergency
shelter, distributing supplies, and providing emotional support to those affected by disasters - Blood Drives: The American Red Cross of Alaska is responsible for collecting and distributing blood
donations throughout the state. Volunteers can help with blood drives by setting up, registering donors,
and assisting with donor care. - Health and Safety Education: The American Red Cross of Alaska offers health and safety education
programs, including CPR and first aid training. Volunteers can help with these programs by teaching
classes and assisting with administrative tasks. - Alaska
Literacy Program: - Tutoring: Volunteers work one-on-one with adult learnersto help them improve their reading, writing,
and math skills. - Classroom assistant: Volunteers assist teachers in the classroom by working with small groups of
students or providing individual support. - Administrative support: Volunteers help with data entry, filing, and other administrative tasks. To
learn more about volunteer opportunities with the Alaska Literacy Program, click here!
https://www.alaskaliteracyprogram.org/volunteer.html - Big Brothers Big
Sisters of Alaska: - Camp Fire
Alaska: - Program Support: Volunteers assist with program delivery, which includes planning, organizing, and
leading activities that align with Camp Fire Alaska's goals and objectives. - Fundraising: Volunteers help with fundraising activities, such as organizing events, soliciting
donations, and grant writing. - Administrative Support: Volunteers assist with office tasks, including data entry, filing, and record
keeping. - Mentoring: Volunteers serve as positive role models and provide mentorship to young people in the
community.
The Alaska Zoo is located on a 25-acre site in Anchorage and is home to over 100 animals, including polar
bears, moose, wolves, and a wide variety of birds. Volunteers at the zoo play a crucial role in supporting
the zoo's mission of promoting conservation and education about
wildlife and their habitats.
Volunteers can assist with animal care, which includes feeding, cleaning enclosures, and providing
enrichment activities for the animals. They can also help with education programs, such as giving guided
tours and presentations, and assisting with special events like birthday parties and Zoo Lights, a popular
holiday event.
Volunteers at the Alaska Zoo are required to complete a training program, which covers animal handling
and safety, as well as policies and procedures specific to the zoo. Volunteers must commit to a minimum of
four hours per week for at least six months. In addition to the satisfaction of contributing to a worthy
cause, volunteers also receive benefits such as free admission to the zoo, discounts at the gift shop, and
invitations to special events.
Covenant House Alaska is a non-profit organization that provides shelter, food, and support services to
homeless youth in Anchorage. Volunteers are needed to help with meal service, tutoring, mentorship, and
other tasks.
Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Meal service: Covenant House Alaska serves over 100 meals per day to homeless youth. Volunteers are
needed to help prepare and serve meals. - Tutoring and mentorship: Many of the youth at Covenant House Alaska are working towards their GED or
attending school. Volunteers are needed to provide academic support and mentorship. - Outreach: Covenant House Alaska conducts outreach to connect with homeless youth in Anchorage.
Volunteers are needed to help with outreach efforts and to connect youth with resources.
If you're interested in volunteering with Covenant House Alaska, you can fill out a volunteer application
here.
ámaxa is a technology-driven organization that is committed to turning good intentions into concrete
outcomes. Led by the founder and CEO, Lauren, alongside Aminia Rotari (COO) and Karina (Chief Marketing
Officer), the team works tirelessly to increase access to service and volunteering opportunities for
students worldwide. The ámaxa team comprises individuals from various locations worldwide, such as New
York, Abu Dhabi, Boston, Los Angeles, Oregon, Texas, Atlanta, and beyond, all of whom are passionate about
addressing global nonprofit challenges.
Through the "Start Solving" program, ámaxa connects students with mentors, providing them with guidance
and support for four to five months as they tackle real-world problems. The program offers numerous
opportunities for students to make a significant impact, such as offering refugees housing, organizing
remote juggling workshops for Palestinian students, and raising funds for solar-powered lights in Uganda.
Are you looking for a way to make a difference in the world? Look no further than ámaxa Impact's "Start
Solving" program . The program's webpage
provides a detailed overview of the student mentorship program, which aims to empower young individuals to
address real-world problems. The page begins by highlighting the global issues that we face today and how
students can play a critical role in solving them. The program's mission is to use technology to transform
intentions into concrete results.
The program works by matching students with mentors who provide guidance and support throughout the
problem-solving process. The program runs for four to five months, allowing students to develop valuable
problem-solving and teamwork skills. The website also features examples of past projects, such as
developing sustainable solutions for refugee housing and raising funds for solar-powered lights in Uganda.
If you want to become part of a community of change-makers and make a real impact, the "Start Solving"
program is for you. The webpage provides detailed information on how to apply for the program and get
involved. So what are you waiting for? Join the movement and start solving today!
Bean's Cafe is a non-profit organization that has been serving Anchorage's homeless population since
1979. The organization provides free meals and other essential services, such as shelter, clothing, and
hygiene products, to those in need. Volunteers play an essential role in ensuring that Bean's Cafe can
meet the growing demand for these services.
Volunteers can help with meal service by preparing and serving food, cleaning up after meals, and
assisting with dishwashing. They can also assist with other tasks, such as sorting and organizing
donations of clothing and other items, and helping with administrative tasks.
To volunteer at Bean's Cafe, individuals must be at least 16 years old and complete a volunteer
application, which can be found on the organization's website. Volunteer shifts
are available seven days a week, and volunteers can sign up for one or more shifts per week.
Bean's Cafe also operates a sister organization, The Children's Lunchbox, which provides free meals to
children in need in Anchorage. Volunteers are needed to help with meal preparation and delivery, as well
as other tasks such as fundraising and event planning.
For more information and to sign up to volunteer at Bean's Cafe or The Children's Lunchbox!
Habitat for Humanity is a global non-profit organization that helps families in need of affordable
housing by building homes and renovating existing ones. In Alaska, Habitat for Humanity has several
chapters that work on building homes for low-income families across the state.
Volunteers are an integral part of Habitat for Humanity's mission, and there are a variety of ways to get
involved. Construction volunteers work on building and renovating homes, and no prior construction
experience is necessary. Volunteers can also help with fundraising and advocacy efforts, such as
organizing events and spreading awareness about Habitat for Humanity's work.
In addition to traditional volunteer opportunities, Habitat for Humanity also offers unique experiences
like Global Village trips, where volunteers can travel to different parts of the world to work on housing
projects, and Women Build events, which bring together women volunteers to build homes and raise awareness
about affordable housing.
To volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in Alaska, visit the Habitat for Humanity International website and search for local affiliates in Alaska. Each affiliate
may have different requirements and opportunities, so it's important to reach out directly to the
affiliate to learn more about how to get involved.
Some examples of Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Alaska include:
- Habitat for Humanity Anchorage
- Habitat for Humanity Mat-Su
- Habitat for Humanity Fairbanks
- Habitat for Humanity Kenai Peninsula
Anchorage Parks and Recreation manages over 220 parks and recreational facilities in Anchorage, Alaska,
and offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels.
Volunteers can help with a variety of tasks, including trail maintenance, park clean-up, and event
support. They may also have the opportunity to assist with gardening, restoration projects, and
educational programs. In addition to these ongoing volunteer
opportunities, Anchorage Parks and Recreation hosts annual events such as the Clean-Up Green-Up event and
the Mayor's Marathon, which rely heavily on volunteer support.
To get involved with Anchorage Parks and Recreation as a volunteer, visit the Anchorage Parks and
Recreation website and fill out
the volunteer application. Once you have submitted your application, a representative from the department
will contact you to discuss available opportunities.
Some examples of volunteer opportunities with Anchorage Parks and Recreation include:
- Trail Stewardship Program: Volunteers work to maintainand improve Anchorage's extensive trail system
by clearing brush, repairing trail surfaces, and installing signage. - Park Improvement Projects: Volunteers can help with a variety of improvement projects, such as
planting trees, building benches, and installing playground equipment. - Event Support: Volunteers can assist with a variety of events throughout the year, including summer
concerts, outdoor movies, and holiday celebrations. - Educational Programs: Anchorage Parks and Recreation offers a variety of educational programs for
people of all ages, and volunteers can assist with programs such as nature walks, birdwatching, and
interpretive talks.
The Anchorage School District (ASD) is the largest school district in Alaska, serving over 46,000
students in 128 schools. The district offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and
groups who are interested in supporting student learning and success.
Volunteers are needed to work in classrooms, libraries, and other areas, such as the school office, the
cafeteria, and after-school programs. Depending on the school and the needs of the students, volunteers
may be asked to help with tasks such as reading with students, tutoring, or assisting with classroom
activities.
To become a volunteer with the Anchorage School District, individuals must complete an online application
and undergo a background check. The application can be found on the ASD website , and interested volunteers can contact the
Volunteer Coordinator at each school to discuss specific volunteer opportunities.
Some examples of volunteer opportunities with the Anchorage School District include:
- Classroom volunteers: Volunteers can work with teachers to provide additional support to students,
such as tutoring, reading, or helping with class projects. - Library volunteers: Volunteers can assist with organizing and shelving books, helping students find
resources, and supporting library programs. - School office volunteers: Volunteers can help with administrative tasks, such as answering phones,
greeting visitors, and assisting with mailings. - Lunchroom volunteers: Volunteers can help with servingmeals, monitoring students, and cleaning up
after lunch. - After-school program volunteers: Many schools offer after-school programs that provide academic
support, enrichment activities, and recreation opportunities. Volunteers can help with these programs by
supervising students, assisting with activities, and providing academic support..
The Alaska Center for the Environment (ACE) is a non-profit organization that aims to protect Alaska's
environment and promote sustainable practices. They focus on advocacy, organizing, and education to
promote environmental conservation and climate action.
Volunteering with ACE can involve a wide range of activities such as participating in advocacy campaigns,
organizing events, conducting research, and helping with administrative tasks. The organization welcomes
volunteers with diverse backgrounds, skills, and interests.
If you're interested in volunteering with the Alaska Center for the Environment, you can check their
website for more information on current volunteer opportunities, including events and campaigns. You can
also fill out their online volunteer application form to get involved. Additionally, you can contact the
organization directly through email or phone for further inquiries.
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a cultural center located in Anchorage, Alaska that celebrates and
preserves the native cultures of Alaska. The center offers educational and cultural programs to the
public, including workshops, performances, and exhibits. The center also hosts a variety of events and
festivals throughout the year to showcase native art, dance, and music.
Volunteering with the Alaska Native Heritage Center can involve a range of tasks, including leading
tours, assisting with events and festivals, helping with administrative tasks, and working in the gift
shop. Volunteers are expected to be friendly, outgoing, and enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge of
Alaska's native cultures.
If you're interested in volunteering with the Alaska Native Heritage Center, you can check their website
for more information on current volunteer opportunities. You can also contact the volunteer coordinator
directly through email or phone for further inquiries or to express your interest in volunteering. Find
out more here
Anchorage Animal Care and Control (AACC) is a municipal animal shelter that provides a safe haven for
lost, abandoned, and homeless animals in Anchorage. The shelter relies on volunteers to assist with
various tasks such as animal care, cleaning, and socialization to help make the animals more adoptable.
Volunteers are required to attend an orientation before they start their volunteer work.
There are many ways to volunteer at AACC, including:
- Dog Walking: Volunteers take dogs for walks and give them some exercise and socialization.
- Cat
Socialization: Volunteers spend time with catsand help them adjust to shelter life. - Adoption Assistants:
Volunteers help potential adopters find the right pet and assist with adoption paperwork. - Shelter
Cleaning: Volunteers assist with cleaning and disinfecting animal kennels and cages. - Laundry: Volunteers
assist with washing and drying animal bedding and towels. - Fundraising: Volunteers help raise funds for the shelter through events and other initiatives.
Community Outreach: Volunteers help spread the word about the shelter and the importance of responsible
pet ownership. - To apply to become a volunteer at Anchorage Animal Care and Control, visit their website!
The Anchorage Museum is a world-class museum that explores the art, history, and science of Alaska and
the North. Volunteers play an important role in the museum's daily operations and special events.
Volunteer opportunities include working as a docent, leading guided tours, assisting with educational
programs, helping with events, and more. The museum also offers a variety of internships for students and
recent graduates interested in pursuing careers in museums, art, or related fields.
To learn more about volunteering at the Anchorage Museum and to apply, visit their website!
The Alaska Botanical Garden offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals who are
interested in gardening and horticulture, as well as those who enjoy events and educational programming.
Some of the volunteer tasks include working in the garden, assisting with plant sales, helping with events
and programs, and providing tours for visitors.
Volunteers are essential to the Alaska Botanical Garden, and they play a crucial role in the success of
the organization. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just enjoy spending time outdoors, there is a
volunteer opportunity for you at the Alaska Botanical Garden.
To learn more about volunteering at the Alaska Botanical Garden, click here!
The Food Bank of Alaska is a non-profit organization that provides food assistance to Alaskans in need.
They distribute food through a network of partner agencies, such as soup kitchens, food pantries, and
shelters. Volunteers are a crucial part of the Food Bank's operations, helping to sort, pack, and
distribute food.
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available at the Food Bank of Alaska, including:
- Sorting and packing food donations
- Assisting with food drives
- Helping with administrative tasks
- Delivering food to partner agencies
Volunteers can sign up for individual or group shifts, and the Food Bank provides all necessary training
and supervision. If you're interested in volunteering with the Food Bank of Alaska, you can visit their
website to learn more and sign up for volunteer shifts!
The American Red Cross of Alaska is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance,
disaster relief, and education across the state. They are always in need of volunteers to help with a
variety of tasks. Some volunteer opportunities with the American Red Cross of Alaska include:
- Disaster Response: Volunteers can assist with disaster response efforts, including providing emergency
shelter, distributing supplies, and providing emotional support to those affected by disasters - Blood Drives: The American Red Cross of Alaska is responsible for collecting and distributing blood
donations throughout the state. Volunteers can help with blood drives by setting up, registering donors,
and assisting with donor care. - Health and Safety Education: The American Red Cross of Alaska offers health and safety education
programs, including CPR and first aid training. Volunteers can help with these programs by teaching
classes and assisting with administrative tasks.
If you are interested in volunteering with the American Red Cross of Alaska, click here!
The Alaska Literacy Program (ALP) is a non-profit organization that provides free literacy services to
young adults in Anchorage. ALP helps people improve their basic reading, writing, and math skills, as well
as prepare for GED tests, college entrance exams, and citizenship exams. Volunteers are critical to the
success of ALP, as they provide tutoring, teaching, and administrative support.
Volunteers for the Alaska Literacy Program must be at least 18 years old and complete an orientation and
training program. Volunteer opportunities include:
- Tutoring: Volunteers work one-on-one with adult learnersto help them improve their reading, writing,
and math skills. - Classroom assistant: Volunteers assist teachers in the classroom by working with small groups of
students or providing individual support. - Administrative support: Volunteers help with data entry, filing, and other administrative tasks. To
learn more about volunteer opportunities with the Alaska Literacy Program, click here!
https://www.alaskaliteracyprogram.org/volunteer.html
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska is a non-profit organization that provides one-to-one mentoring
relationships for children and youth facing adversity. Volunteers are needed to serve as mentors, also
called "Bigs", and provide positive role models for children in need of supportive relationships. Bigs
commit to spending a few hours a month with their Little, engaging in activities such as playing sports,
doing arts and crafts, and exploring new hobbies.
In addition to being a mentor, volunteers are also needed to help with administrative tasks, fundraising
events, and other program support. If you are interested in volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of
Alaska, you can learn more and apply on their website.
Camp Fire Alaska offers various volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in helping with youth
development programs. The organization provides after-school and summer programs that promote social,
emotional, and physical development of children and teens. Volunteers are needed to assist with program
delivery, fundraising, administrative tasks, and mentorship.
Volunteer opportunities with Camp Fire Alaska include:
- Program Support: Volunteers assist with program delivery, which includes planning, organizing, and
leading activities that align with Camp Fire Alaska's goals and objectives. - Fundraising: Volunteers help with fundraising activities, such as organizing events, soliciting
donations, and grant writing. - Administrative Support: Volunteers assist with office tasks, including data entry, filing, and record
keeping. - Mentoring: Volunteers serve as positive role models and provide mentorship to young people in the
community.
You can find these volunteering opportunities and more here!