Volunteer Program

Our community has a variety of volunteer opportunities that allow citizens to assist in numerous city projects and special events. These opportunities are a way to give back to the community in which you live in and, for some, to earn valuable community service hours. There are many different areas to volunteer for and the amount of hours/days you volunteer depends on your schedule.

Volunteering is the perfect way to give back to your community. In order to become a volunteer submit a completed volunteer application to the Parks and Community Services Department customer service office at 231 Union St. 

 
 Volunteer Application (PDF)

Volunteer Opportunities

Below are the volunteer opportunities we currently offer.

Class/Program Instructor

If you have a special skill or talent that you would like to share with youth or adults, you can teach a class or workshop. Possible classes include music, art, and other recreational skills. Class/Program Instructors enjoy the ability to teach and engage others in activities that they have a passion for.

 Prerequisites: Must be at least 18 years of age, must provide three references relative to the class/program desired; Minimum time commitment: 10 hours

Community Organizer Volunteer

Community Organizer Volunteers will assist neighborhood residents with setting up and coordinating events and activities such as neighborhood cleanups, community building events, door-to-door outreach, and neighborhood meetings and trainings. This is an excellent opportunity to practice your public speaking skills and promote leadership in the community. Community Organizer Volunteers possess strong communication skills and the ability to work on some nights and weekends. Bilingual in Spanish is preferable.

 Prerequisites: Must be at least 18 years of age; Minimum time commitment: Varies

Homework Volunteer

If you have strong academic skills that you would like to share and love to help others, this is the role for you. Homework lab volunteers serve as tutors and mentors after school at our recreation centers. You will provide academic support for youth of all ages and may be paired up with a tutoring partner to meet with on a regular basis. You may also work with high school age students while assisting with the Department's job training program. This is an excellent opportunity to gain teaching experience while making a difference.

Prerequisites: Must be at least 15 years of age; Minimum time commitment: 4 or more hours per week for 3 months

Recreation Center Volunteer (Drop-in Recreation Program)

You will have the opportunity to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of Watsonville youth through building supportive relationships with young people and serving as a positive role model and mentor. Volunteering at one of our four recreation centers, you will assist with daily drop-in activities that include arts and crafts, sports, cooking, tournaments, dances, computer use, games, special events, and other recreation activities.

 Prerequisites: Must be at least 15 years of age; Minimum time commitment: 4 or more hours per week for 3 months

Special Event Volunteer

This is a great way to get involved in your community if you don't have a lot of time to spare. Most placements may last a few hours or less. You can assist in promoting, setting up, implementing, registering participants, providing community assistance, and much more at any number of our special events held throughout the year. Events include: Cesar Chavez Celebration, Earth Day/Day of the Child, Spirit of Watsonville Fourth of July Celebration, Watsonville Strawberry Festival, National Night Out, Halloween, Las Posadas/Holiday Celebration, community and youth dances, and many more...

Prerequisites: Must be at least 15 years of age; Minimum time commitment: Varies

Special Needs Children

Some children have special needs. You may work one-on-one with a child requiring someone with patience and care to give special assistance in a number of our classes and programs. Volunteers are positive role models and mentors and build lasting, meaningful relationships with the children they volunteer with.

Prerequisites: Must be at least 18 years of age; Minimum time commitment: Varies 

Sports Volunteers

Sports Volunteers play a fundamental role in our sports programs as they help to foster teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, "honoring the game," and teach life lessons through physical activities. You can be a coach, official, score keeper, or field maintainer for a number of our many sports programs.

Prerequisites: Must be at least 16 years of age; Minimum time commitment: One sports season

Make a difference in your community, volunteer with the City of Watsonville today!

For more information about volunteering for the City of Watsonville or if you wish to volunteer in a way different from the opportunities described above, contact Israel Tirado, at 768.3247.