Volunteering

Animal Care Services (ACS) is always in need of animal lovers who can volunteer their time to bathe, groom, walk and socialize furry companions. However, they also need volunteers to help in many other ways as well. The minimum age to volunteer on-site is 12 years old. Learn more about the requirements below.

Visit the Animal Care Services Website

The Animal Defense League of San Antonio is a no kill animal shelter that aims to enhance the quality of life for abandoned, abused, or neglected dogs and cats by providing needed medical care, food, shelter, and safety with compassion and attention until they are adopted. As a volunteer, you can contribute to that cause! The minimum age to volunteer is 12.

Visit the Animal Defense League of San Antonio Website

The San Antonio Humane Society (SAHS) is a nonprofit, no-kill organization that serves to protect and improve the lives of dogs and cats by providing shelter, care, adoption, rescue, spay and neuter programs, and community education. Volunteers have the opportunity to fill a variety of roles that help support the shelter staff; from dog walker to front desk to community outreach, there are countless ways volunteers can help!

Visit the San Antonio Humane Society Website

The goal of San Antonio Pets Alive! (SAPA!) is to make San Antonio a No Kill city for dogs and cats. The focus is on saving the lives of dogs and cats that are already on the euthanasia list at the city shelter as well as providing resources to pet owners to prevent them from surrendering their pets. Individuals 12 years old and up are welcome to volunteer!

Visit the San Antonio Pets Alive! Website

Are you 14-18 years old and interested in a career in conservation, animal care, science, education or gaining practical experience to use towards your chosen career path? Then the San Antonio Zoo might be the place for you! Youth volunteer applicants must apply between April 1st and May 1st. Please visit the website below for more details.

Visit the San Antonio Zoo Website

When you volunteer at Family Service Association, you’re helping families and individuals improve their lives and strengthen their communities. They have flexible evening and weekend hours available, and opportunities for families to volunteer together.

Visit the Family Service Association Website

Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio (HFHSA) works with low-income families who would not otherwise be able to afford a house. Volunteers build houses, raise funds, work in our administrative offices, provide lunch for volunteers at the work site, work at our Home Centers and do much, much more for the San Antonio community.

Visit the Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio Website

The City of San Antonio cannot address graffiti alone. It also takes the dedication of residents, businesses, community leaders and others to make an impact. Volunteer opportunities are available year round and include the following formal programs: Mini-wipeout group events, Individual volunteer abatement efforts, Adopt-A-Dumpster, Adopt-A-Spot (through Keep San Antonio Beautiful), Adopt-A-Park (through Parks & Recreation Department), Adopt-A-Bus Shelter (through VIA Metropolitan Transit).

Visit the No Graffiti SA - Graffiti Abatement Program Website

Park Volunteers Rock! From wiping out graffiti to planting trees (and lots in between) you will make your mark in making our parks shine. Some of the opportunities include cleaning graffiti, Make A Difference Day, National Public Lands Day, picking up litter, painting, tree planting, weeding, Adopt-A-Park, family volunteer days, and Little Library in the Park.

Visit the Parks & Recreation San Antonio Website

The YMCA’s mission is to put Judeo-Christian principals into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. More than 2,500 volunteers are involved in various leadership and program roles with the YMCA of Greater San Antonio. Students may apply to be a volunteers.

Visit the YMCA Website

Teen Volunteer Program (TVP) brings together a diverse group of youth ages 13-19 to volunteer in the community. TVP youth are taught communication skills, goal setting and problem solving. TVP youth are improving their ability to become economically self-sufficient in the future and giving back to the community by becoming active participants. Learn more!

Visit the YWCA - Teen Volunteer Program Website

As an American Red Cross volunteer, you’ll provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. With parent permission, youth may participate in many of the same volunteer opportunities as adult volunteers. You can also train to be certified in First Aid, CPR, Babysitter preparedness and much more. Learn more today!

Visit the American Red Cross Website

The DoSeum is looking for volunteers who have a willingness to learn, a positive attitude, with experience and/or an interest in early childhood education and child development, experience and/or interest in art, music, science, literacy, & a dedication to The DoSeum’s mission and vision!

You must be 14 years old or older. Visit the website to learn more!

Visit The DoSeum Website

Teens ages 14 and up can volunteer at the San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) to help with children’s programming, be a computer aide, or even serve on the Teen Library Leadership Council (TLLC) to assist in program planning, displays, and reviews. Call 210.207.2631 or visit your local branch.

Visit the San Antonio Public Library Website

No matter what your interest, you will find a fun and exciting volunteer opportunity at the Witte Museum. The museum accepts volunteers in their teens, college students, adults and families. If you want to learn new things and share your talents with others, the Witte Museum wants you!

Visit the Witte Museum Website

Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas has a mission to sustain the natural environment and enhance urban spaces through land conservation, community engagement and education.

Green Spaces Alliance has three programs: Land Conservation, Urban Land & Water, and Picture Your World youth photography. The Alliance also provides conservation services, workshops, events, and volunteer opportunities – most prominently at the Bulverde Oaks Nature Preserve and at over 50 community gardens across San Antonio.

Volunteer today!

Visit the Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas Website

Get involved at the San Antonio Botanical Garden by becoming a Garden Volunteer. Each year almost 800 individuals and groups volunteer at the Garden. Non-gardeners are welcome!

Volunteer opportunities vary by the season as well as by current needs. Learn more!

Visit the San Antonio Botanical Gardens Website

The Baptist Health System welcomes Youth Volunteers (16 and up) at several locations. Youth Volunteers are oriented in June. You may serve as a volunteer for one year, following completion of volunteer requirements. Click on the link to learn more!

Visit the Baptist Health System Website

The Methodist Healthcare Systems has great opportunities for people of all ages to showcase talents and interests. Methodist Healthcare facilities are located throughout the San Antonio area, follow the link to learn more.

Visit the Methodist Healthcare System Website

Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Antonio has provided “homes-away-from-home” for families who must travel outside of their community to receive medical treatment at nearby medical facilities. Volunteers are always needed! As a volunteer you will assist with all aspects of Household operations, including office work, maintenance and upkeep, and interaction with the guest.

Visit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Antonio, Inc. Website

Join the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center (STBTC) in their life saving mission by giving blood, hosting a blood drive, or encouraging others to donate! Anyone who is 16 years old weighing 120 pounds (with parental consent form), or at least 17 years old weighing 110 pounds, and in good general health can donate blood.

Visit the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center Website

The That’s Not Cool Ambassador Program is a unique opportunity for YOU to raise awareness of digital dating abuse — an issue that affects your friends, family, and the community at large.

If you are between ages 13-18, a strong leader, interested in online social networking, and motivated to take action against digital dating abuse in your school or community apply today!

Visit the That's Not Cool Ambassador Program Website

Work Out Help Out (WOHO) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to community service and the advancement of physical and mental health. WOHO makes volunteering fun by offering weekend events that offer exercise, networking, and complimentary chef-prepared meals!

Visit the Work Out Help Out Website

Haven for Hope offers a place of hope and new beginnings! While continuing to work on solving the root causes of homelessness, Haven for Hope provides and coordinates an efficient system of care for men, women and children experiencing homelessness. There are many opportunities to contribute as a teen volunteer!

Visit the Haven for Hope Website

The Salvation Army provides emergency shelter and transitional housing for men, women and families experiencing homelessness. The Salvation Army also provides assistance in crisis situations in order to prevent homelessness. volunteers provide much-needed assistance in a variety of areas from social services to office work to character-building activities.

Visit The Salvation Army Website

SAMMinistries is an interfaith ministry whose mission is to help the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless attain self-sufficiency by offering, with dignity and compassion, shelter, housing, and services. As a volunteer, you can help make a difference! Check out all the opportunities for involvement.

Visit the SAMMinistries Website

The Children’s Hunger Fund is a faith-based non-profit that provides nourishing food for hungry kids across America and around the world. As a San Antonio volunteer you may do a variety of things, including packing Food Paks, bagging bulk beans and pasta, sorting through donations, and prepping containers for international shipment.

Visit the Children's Hunger Fund of San Antonio Website

Christian Senior Services is one of the largest non-profit organizations in Bexar County providing services to adults over the age of 55. Students can volunteer to help in various programs including Meals on Wheels and Animeals. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Learn more!

Visit the Christian Senior Services - Meals on Wheels Website

The San Antonio Food Bank seeks to fight hunger in Southwest Texas through food distribution, programs, education, and advocacy. The San Antonio Food bank has many opportunities for teens to volunteer including warehouse sorting/packing, preparing, distributing, and serving meals at various locations including Kids Cafe and Haven for Hope, planting and harvesting produce in the Community Garden, and more. Check it out!

Visit the San Antonio Food Bank Website

Good Samaritan Community Services helps young people ages 5-18 acquire the life and academic skills necessary for personal success. A wide variety of activities and services are offered including academic tutoring and enrichment sessions, career exploration field trips, sports and recreational activities, team-building exercises, volunteer and community opportunities, and tours to college campuses. Connect today!

Visit the Good Samaritan Community Services Website

The Youth Advocacy Council (YAC), a project of Healthy Futures of TX, empowers San Antonio area teens to become leaders of change in their community regarding sexual health education and teen pregnancy prevention through civic participation at the local and state level.

Visit the Healthy Futures of Texas Youth Advocacy Council Website

The Mayor’s Fitness Council Strives to promote healthy living in San Antonio. The mission of the Student Ambassador Program is to involve youth in improving the health of San Antonio. Applications will open up in the Fall of 2018 and available to students grades 6-12. Students have the opportunity to become leaders by initiating a healthy service project that needs a need in their community.

Visit the Mayor’s Fitness Council Student Ambassador Program Website

The San Antonio Youth Commission is comprised of 22 high school youth leaders, two members from each City Council District and two Mayoral appointees. Each appointee is selected for a two-year term and is vetted through the City of San Antonio’s Board and Commission process.
The Youth Commission meets monthly to plan events and programs that give a voice to the concerns of San Antonio’s youth.  Visit the website for instructions on how to apply.

Visit The San Antonio Youth Commission Website

Summer of Service (SOS) is dedicated to education through service and travel by providing students with the opportunity to learn abroad in order to better their own communities and serve back home. We provide multiple monthly service opportunities here in San Antonio, and various travel opportunities in the summer. We see a world in which all young people – no matter their background – believe in their power to make a positive difference in their communities.

Visit the Summer of Service (SOS) Website

AmeriCorps is a national network of hundreds of programs across the nation. To be eligible, an AmeriCorps participant must be at least 17 years of age or be an out-of-school youth 16 years of age at the commencement of service and has not left school to join AmeriCorps.

Visit the AmeriCorps Website

United We Serve, President Obama’s nationwide service initiative, is built upon the belief that ordinary people can come together and achieve extraordinary things when given the proper tools. This initiative aims to both expand the impact of existing organizations by engaging new volunteers in their work and encourage volunteers to develop their own “do-it-yourself” projects. Check out what is going on around the nation or search for local opportunities.

Visit the United We Serve Website

VolunteerMatch believes everyone should have the chance to make a difference. That’s why they make it easy for good people and good causes to connect. Search their online database to find national, state, and local opportunities to get involved!

Visit the VolunteerMatch Website