Be the change you want to see: volunteer in your community
Voting is one way to shape your community. Showing up to help is another. Here are trusted places to find volunteer work near you.
Be the change you want to see. You don't need a title or an election to make your community better. You can start this week, a few hours at a time.
✓ Last reviewed October 23, 2026 · How we check facts
The basics
- Volunteering means giving your time, without pay, to help people or places in your community, like feeding neighbors, mentoring kids, cleaning a park or helping after a disaster.
- You don't have to start a group. National finders, including a federal search from AmeriCorps, list local openings from groups that already need help.
- Many roles need no special skills. For example, the Medical Reserve Corps says you don't have to be a doctor or nurse to join its health emergency teams.
- Age rules depend on the group and the job. The Red Cross has options for youth under 18. Others, like delivering meals in your own car, may have other rules. Ask the local group.
- Some roles that involve kids, older adults or driving may ask for a background check or training first. Each local group sets its own rules.
Why it matters to you
Problems in your town don't wait for Election Day. Helping out is a way to make a real difference now, meet your neighbors and see how your community works.
Myth vs. fact
MythYou have to be 18 to volunteer.
FactMany groups welcome teens, and some have youth programs. The age depends on the group and the job, so check with the local group.
MythYou need special training or experience.
FactMany roles teach you what you need. Even the Medical Reserve Corps, which helps in health emergencies, says you don't need to be a health care worker.
What you can do
- Pick one cause you care about, then use a finder below to search near your ZIP code.
- Before you sign up, ask the local group about age rules, training and how much time it takes.
- Bring a friend or family member. Many groups welcome volunteers who come together.
Trusted places to find volunteer work
Search everything near you
- AmeriCorps Volunteer Search ↗A federal search that pulls local openings from several trusted volunteer networks.
- USA.gov: Volunteer and serve ↗The federal government's guide to service programs, national parks, veterans' hospitals and more.
- Idealist ↗Listings near you, by keyword, skill or interest. VolunteerMatch is now part of Idealist.
- United Way ↗Find your local United Way and the volunteer projects it runs or supports.
Food and older neighbors
- Feeding America ↗Find your nearest food bank and sign up for shifts, like sorting and packing food.
- Meals on Wheels America ↗Deliver meals or check in on older neighbors through a provider near you.
Kids and mentoring
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America ↗Sign up to mentor a young person through your local agency.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America ↗Find a Club by ZIP code and help tutor, coach or lead activities.
Parks and public lands
- Volunteer.gov ↗The federal site for volunteer roles at national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and other public lands.
Emergencies and health
- American Red Cross ↗Help with disaster response, blood drives and military families. Has options for youth under 18.
- Medical Reserve Corps ↗A federal program. Find your local unit and help in health emergencies. No medical background needed.
Homes
- Habitat for Humanity ↗Search by ZIP code for build days and other work with your local Habitat.
Elections
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission: Help America Vote ↗Become a poll worker. Look up your state's rules, including age, and sign up locally.
Your state guide → lists your state's official service commission.
Each local group sets its own age, training and background-check rules. Civic Ladder isn't connected to these groups and gets nothing for listing them.
Sources
General information, not legal advice. Rules can vary by state; check your official sources.