Volunteer Opportunities for Teens
We know that many students want to give back to their community and that many schools require volunteer hours to graduate. So we have put together a variety of ways you can apply to earn hours–from being part of our youth leadership team to helping at programs when you have extra time. Choose what fits your schedule and interests. You’ll earn volunteer hours, build your resume, and earn letters of recommendation, too.
TEEN ADVISORY GROUP
TAG’s mission is to inspire creative youth-driven opportunities for Ypsilanti Area teens by building meaningful connections at the library and in the broader community. We focus on developing teen leadership skills using the Youth Driven Spaces model. Advisory members design and lead teen events, write grants, brainstorm the needs of Ypsi teens and how the library can help meet the needs, make presentations to other youth organizations, and more. You must be 14-18 years of age and will be required to fill out a work permit we provide upon receiving your application.
SPRING AND SUMMER YOUTH VOLUNTEER CORPS
Every summer we need extra hands to help at kids’ STEAM programs, work in the garden, play games with kids, and more. Attendance at a one hour training is expected. You must be between the ages of 14-18 and fill out a work permit that will be provided at the orientation.
This year we also need teen volunteers to help plan and plant the gardens in May. If you’re interested in learning more about seeds, growing, and food, choose “Help in a library garden” when you fill out the form and someone will be in touch!
The training dates haven’t be set yet, but you’ll get more information after filling out the interest form. Or email [email protected] with questions.
LIBRARY EVENT VOLUNTEER
Sign up to be on the event volunteer list. Once you’re on the list, you’ll get an email notification whenever we need an extra hand at a library event for kids or teens. Respond or not depending on your availability. You must be between the ages of 14-18 and fill out a work permit, provided when you sign up to help.
CREATE YOUR OWN PROJECT
GRADES 10-12 Are you interested in leading a club or meetup such as a regular monthly or weekly K-Pop conversation group or Dungeons and Dragons gaming afternoon? Maybe you want to share a skill with other kids or teens at a one time drawing program, or host a fandom or mystery party.
Tell us your idea and how it promotes use of the library and our resources. If it fits with our mission, event schedule, and budget, we’ll be in touch to schedule a presentation for TAG members to hear more.
TEEN LIBRARIAN ASSISTANT
GRADES 9-12 Are you interested in seeing the behind the scenes work that happens in the Youth Department? Librarian Assistants get to earn volunteer hours while they learn how we prep for library events, promote programs and books, and keep materials straightened so everyone can find what they’re looking for. We have a limited number of openings to help for one hour each week or every other week on a regular schedule. If there are openings, we’ll let you know and schedule a meeting. Ages 14-18. A work permit will be required before you begin. ALL POSITIONS CURRENTLY FILLED. IF YOU FILL OUT THE FORM, YOU WILL BE PLACED ON THE WAIT LIST.
