Teen Volunteer Program
Program Description:
Introducing the Teen Volunteer Program: Empowering Youth Through Service
Hosted by the City of Redlands Recreation Division, the Teen Volunteer Program is an innovative initiative designed to inspire and equip local teenagers with valuable life and career skills through community service.
Our program offers:
Skill Development: Participants enhance crucial abilities such as teamwork, communication, and leadership through hands-on volunteer experiences.
Monthly Meetings: Regular gatherings provide opportunities for teens to connect, collaborate, and receive targeted training in various areas.
Personal Growth: We’ve cultivated an environment where volunteers can flourish, developing professional competencies and meaningful friendships with like-minded peers.
Real-World Experience: Teens gain practical work experience by assisting with day-to-day operations and special events, preparing them for future career opportunities.
Community Impact: Volunteers make a tangible difference in Redlands while building resumes and expanding their networks.
Join the Teen Volunteer Program and embark on a journey of personal development, community service, and lasting friendships. Together, we’re nurturing the leaders of tomorrow!
How to Join
Joining our Teen Volunteer Program is easy! Follow these three simple steps to begin your journey of personal growth and community impact:
Obtain and Submit the Volunteer Waiver and Volunteer Packet
Visit the Gonzalez Community Center at 111 W. Lugonia Ave to receive a volunteer waiver and volunteer packet in person and, alternatively, download the waiver from on our website or request one via email at recreationstaff@cityofredlands.org. Waiver form
Complete the waiver and either a) Drop it off in person at the Gonzalez Community Center or b) Email the completed form to recreationstaff@cityofredlands.org.
Attend a Monthly Orientation
- After submitting your waiver, our recreation staff will contact you with details about our next monthly meeting.
- During this session, you’ll learn about:
- Program expectations and requirements
- The vital role you’ll play in our community
- Day-to-day responsibilities at the community center
- You’ll also receive brief but comprehensive training to prepare you for your volunteer duties.
Select Your Volunteer Shifts
- At the meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to view upcoming volunteer shifts for the next month.
- Browse the available options and inform our recreation staff about the specific shifts that interest you.
- We’ll do our best to accommodate your preferences while ensuring adequate coverage for our community programs.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an integral part of the Teen Volunteer Program. We’re excited to welcome you to our team and support you in making a positive impact in the Redlands community!
Have Questions?
We’re here to help! If you have any questions about the Teen Volunteer Program or the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out:
- Email us at recreationstaff@cityofredlands.org
- Call the Gonzalez Community Center at (909) 798-7572
Our friendly staff is ready to assist you and provide any additional information you may need. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you start your volunteer journey!
Meetings
Monthly Volunteer Meetings: Connect, Learn, and Grow
Our Teen Volunteer Program hosts vibrant monthly meetings, designed to foster community, enhance skills, and recognize the incredible efforts of our young volunteers. Here’s what you can expect:
When and Where:
- Meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at the Gonzalez Community Center.
- Only fully enrolled volunteers who have completed the orientation are eligible to attend.
Purpose and Activities:
1. Community Building:
- Engage in fun ice breakers to strengthen bonds with fellow volunteers.
- Enjoy complimentary snacks while socializing with peers and staff.
2. Learning and Development:
- Participate in targeted training sessions to enhance your skills.
- New volunteers receive specialized training to prepare for their roles.
3. Information Sharing:
- Stay informed about upcoming events and programming in the community.
- Learn about new volunteer opportunities and initiatives.
4. Recognition and Appreciation:
- Celebrate the hard work and dedication of our volunteers.
- Special awards and acknowledgments are presented to outstanding contributors.
5. Scheduling Opportunities:
- Review and sign up for open volunteer shifts for the upcoming month.
- Coordinate with staff to find the best fit for your schedule and interests.
Important Notes:
- Attendance at these meetings is crucial for staying connected and informed.
- New volunteers must complete an orientation prior to attending their first monthly meeting.
- These gatherings are an excellent opportunity to voice your ideas, concerns, and feedback.
Meeting times will be provided by Recreation staff
Volunteer Opportunities
The Teen Volunteer Program offers a wide array of engaging roles that not only contribute to our community but also provide invaluable experience for your future. While our program continues to evolve and expand, here’s an overview of some of the exciting opportunities awaiting you:
Community Center Front Counter Assistant
Duties: Greet visitors, answer phone calls, provide information about programs, and assist with basic administrative tasks.
Experience Gained: Customer service skills, communication abilities, multitasking, and familiarity with office operations.
Recreation Program Planning Assistant
Duties: Collaborate with recreation staff to prepare the weekly community center schedule, Gym schedule and prepare the weekly set-up schedule.
Experience Gained: Project management, time management, and teamwork skills.
Gym Setup Crew
Duties: Assist recreation staff in preparing the gym for upcoming programs, including setting up equipment, arranging seating, and ensuring safety measures are in place.
Experience Gained: Attention to detail, safety awareness, and understanding of event logistics.
Marketing Material Creator
Duties: Work with recreation staff to design and create promotional materials for upcoming recreation programs, including flyers, social media posts, and brochures.
Experience Gained: Graphic design skills, creativity, marketing fundamentals, and digital communication techniques.
City-Wide Program Support
Duties: Help recreation staff prepare for city-wide programs and events, assisting with setup, participant engagement, and cleanup.
Experience Gained: Event management, public speaking, problem-solving skills, and experience working in large-scale community settings.
* These areas represent the core of our volunteer opportunities, but they are not exhaustive or mutually exclusive. During your volunteer shifts, you may engage in multiple roles or a combination of tasks from different areas. We encourage a “hybrid” approach, where you can experience various aspects of our operations within a single shift. Your responsibilities may vary based on the day’s needs, allowing for a diverse and enriching volunteer experience.