Volunteer Opportunities
Hundreds of Possibilities
RSVP has partnered with more than 100 nonprofits and agencies to offer over 1600 different volunteer opportunities. Anyone 55 and over can become a member of RSVP. Our staff works around your schedule to find a volunteer opportunity that fits your interests. View Current Opportunities.
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Lots of Choices
RSVP members work in a variety of community assignments: tutoring children, promoting adult literacy, helping with food distribution to those in need, providing health education, serving as museum docents, providing vital administrative support--and much more! The opportunities are endless. Tell us what YOU enjoy doing as a volunteer, and we'll find you the best assignment.
Watching Your Clock
Opportunities for RSVP members to give of their time, talent and passion run the gamut from episodic (one- or two-time events) to regularly scheduled opportunities. Our staff is committed to matching prospective RSVP members with the most appropriate partner, taking into account an individual's interests, location and availability.
Immediate Openings
Of the hundreds of compelling volunteer options available through RSVP San Francisco & Alameda Counties, we've listed samples below. We will update this list every other month. Contact the RSVP offices, if you would like to learn more. If you are aware of a non-profit or civic organization that needs volunteers, please let us know.
Volunteer Opportunities in San Francisco
For questions or for more information, call Barbara Marré at 415-474-RSVP (7787), ext. 12 or email bmarre@ncphs.org.
National Parks Conservancy
Outdoors or indoors, you'll make certain that Bay Area plant life flourishes. Be part of the Volunteer Team (and wear one of their great hats) at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, including Presidio National Park. Help with transplanting. Collect seeds. Prune plants at the native plant nursery. Available on weekends? Be part of the Saturday team at Fort Funston.
Salvation Army Outer Mission Adult Rehabilitation Center
The Adult Rehabilitation Center is seeking volunteers with a background in cosmetology to teach classes in grooming and makeup. Also needed: Teachers in life skills classes (personal financial management, nutrition, etc.).
Urban Sprouts
Do you like to dig in the dirt? Help San Francisco children get their school gardens started and be part of their growth process as well. There are school gardens in six public elementary schools in San Francisco (Potrero Hill, Ingleside, Visitacion Valley and Alamo Square neighborhoods). The program teaches teamwork, responsibility and healthy eating habits—and gives you the chance to share the joy of gardening with urban kids. Inquire now about programs for the fall.
California Academy of Sciences
Get ready for the new Academy opening in Golden Gate Park this fall by training to be an Academy Guide. After a basic introduction to science and nature, guides will choose from a wide selection of trainings and workshops, including staffing the tide pool and specimen carts, demonstrating some of nature's most surprising secrets, and conducting talks about various topics—including the environmentally friendly building.
Friends of the San Francisco Public Library
Friends of SFPL volunteers contribute to the City's great library system by staffing the Fort Mason and Main Branch bookstore. Behind the scenes, meet other bibliophiles through cataloging books at the donation center, helping with mailings at the Friends' office near the Civic Center, or lending a hand at special literary events. The Friends offer opportunities for every schedule.
Volunteer Opportunities in Alameda County
For questions or for more information, call Scott Weinzirl at 510-452-0868 or email sweinzirl@ncphs.org.
Family Resource Center
Alta Bates/Summit Medical Center's Family Resource Center is looking for outgoing and compassionate individuals to bring the gift of healing to families in need. The Center is a home away from home for the families of patients undergoing important medical procedures.
Chabot Space and Science Center
Become an Exhibit Guide for such exciting displays as Moon Odyssey and Mars Encounter, or contribute your time as an Observatory Deck Specialist working with the center's three spectacular telescopes.
U.S. Lighthouse Society
Would you consider becoming a Docent for the Lightship “Relief”? This beautiful lightship, which once guided other vessels into San Francisco Bay, is currently moored at Jack London Square. Volunteer docents will have the opportunity to show off this piece of Bay Area history to young and old alike. All training will be provided.
Experience Corps Bay Area
Experience Corps is looking for men and women who will serve as Mentors in the Oakland Unified School District. Mentors not only teach, but create strong and lasting relationships with students to make sure that they have a chance to succeed in school. Consider making a real difference in the life of a child.
Save the Bay
The responsibility of caring for our Bay Area environment falls on all of us. As an Environmental Volunteer you can help Save the Bay continue its mission of ensuring a clean, safe, and environmentally sound San Francisco Bay. Projects include planting healthy flora, removing weeds, and overall clean-up activities.
West Oakland (Senior) Center Computer Lab
Are you looking for a great way to use your computer skills to help others? The Center is in need of Computer Teachers and Computer Room Monitors to help educate older adults in basic computer skills such as Microsoft Windows and the Internet. Come share your knowledge and skill in West Oakland's recently renovated and updated computer center.
Alzheimer's Services East Bay (ASEB)
Being a primary caregiver is a never-ending job, especially when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or other forms of chronic dementia. ASEB is looking for Volunteer Caregivers to “help the healers” and give caregivers a chance to relax and recharge.
English in Action
Foreign exchange students from around the world at the University of California, Berkeley are anxious to learn English and experience our diverse culture. English Language Mentors help university students and visiting staff make a transition into our community.
The Seneca Center
The Seneca Center works directly with foster children who are challenged by emotional problems and are struggling to prepare for school. The Center is looking for compassionate individuals to help at events throughout the year.
California Highway Patrol
Keeping our highways safe for travel is a daunting responsibility. The California Highway Patrols in Oakland, Castro Valley and Dublin are doing their part every day, but they need your help. Please consider contributing your time as a CHP Volunteer. Duties include working directly with CHP officers, monitoring our local freeways, providing administrative support and representing the California Highway Patrol to the general public.
Alameda County Food Bank
Over one-third of Alameda County's emergency-food recipients are children. The Alameda County Food Bank is looking for committed individuals to staff the Emergency Food Help Line, an excellent resource for getting food to families in crisis. Be a part of a special institution in Alameda County, and help ensure that the County's children receive the food they need to thrive.
If you are aware of a non-profit or civic organization that needs volunteers, please let us know.