Teen and Family Volunteer Opportunities
Mayor's Youth Conference
The Mayor’s Youth Conference on October 9, 2023 allows students to explore educational and career opportunities in the area, network with the next generation of young professionals, and discover how they can grow and thrive in Cedar Rapids after graduation. Registration is free and open to students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year this fall. Those interested in attending are encouraged to apply soon for this limited-capacity event. Applications are available at CityofCR.com/MYC.
CleanUpCR
CleanUpCR is a collaborative program designed to provide residents and businesses with the resources to keep Cedar Rapids a clean, healthy place to live. Click here to find out more about various CleanUP initiatives, including the City Manager's One Bag Challenge. Contact Vincent Snyder at 319-286-5897 or by email Solid-Waste-Recycling@cedar-rapids.org.
Library
The Cedar Rapids Public Library Volunteer Program supports and enriches the library by engaging community volunteers through meaningful volunteer opportunities. Whether you care for materials, greet customers, or help with children’s programs, there is a flexible opportunity for you. Volunteer opportunities are available for adults, families, teens, retirees, and small groups; you can volunteer at the Downtown or Ladd Library. Find out more here. Contact Jessica Link, Volunteer Coordinator at 319-739-0403 or by email linkj@crlibrary.org.
Public Works
The City of Cedar Rapids offers a number of ways individuals or groups can help protect and restore our natural surface water resources. By volunteering you can help make a difference in the health of our streams, lakes and the Cedar River. Remember, protecting our waterways starts with you.
Storm Drain Markers
Storm drain markers are colorful, plastic curb markers are used to remind everyone that if you pour something down a storm drain or into a gutter, it is just as though you poured it directly into a local lake, stream or the Cedar River. Help the City mark the storm drains so everyone that sees them will remember - only rain should go down the drain. Fill out our application, or call 319-286-5604 or sewer@cedar-rapids.org for more information.
Adopt-a-storm drain
Sign up to adopt-a-storm drain near your work or home, committing to keeping them clear of leaves and other debris year round. Clearing storm drains of debris keeps these materials from reaching receiving waters as well as keeps storm drains from clogging which helps prevent local flooding. Fill out our application, or call 319-286-5604 or sewer@cedar-rapids.org for more information.
Parks and Recreation
Volunteers are an integral element to the Parks and Recreation Department. The Department uses many volunteers to help maintain golf courses, plant and weed gardens, keep our parks clean and beautiful, assist with special events, coach a sports team, and more. Learn more and apply to volunteer with Parks and Rec.
Golf - Lisa Grekoff 319-286-5588 l.grekoff@cedar-rapids.org
Noelridge Greenhouse - Lori Farmer 319-286-5760 or L.Farmer@cedar-rapids.org
Parks - Heather Vasquez 319-286-5750 or H.Vasquez@cedar-rapids.org
Special Populations - Angie Turner at 319-286-5799 or a.turner@cedar-rapids.org
Ushers Ferry Historic Village - Ann Cejka at 319-286-5763 or a.cejka@cedar-rapids.org
Youth Sports - Grant Weber at 319-286-5698 or g.weber@cedar-rapids.org.
Snow Buddies
The Snow Buddies program pairs residents in need of assistance with "Snow Heroes" — volunteers who can help clear sidewalks of snow and ice accumulations in the winter. The program is intended to benefit residents who are not physically able to remove snow and do not have other resources to remove snow, such as neighbors, friends or a hired service. Learn more.
