Volunteer

Volunteering is, and always has been, integral to the YMCA movement. YMCAs embrace volunteers in many ways, and volunteers who give their time, talents, and treasure to the YMCA find immense personal gratification in addition to serving others through building strong kids, families, and communities.

There are two basic ways to volunteer at the Y - Policy Volunteers and Program Volunteers.

Policy Volunteers serve on the YMCAs Board of Directors or one of our many Committees including the Standing Committees:

• Annual Support/Invest in Youth
• Building and Properties
• Board Development
• Cultural Competence/ Diversity
• Finance
• Membership/Marketing/Communications
• Human Resources
• Program/Character Development

And the Ad Hoc Committees:

• Strategic Planning
• Capital Campaign
• Annual Gala

Program volunteers assist the YMCA staff with special events, activities, classes, and membership functions. If you have a skill or a passion, chances are we can put it to good use at the Y!

Current volunteer opportunities include:

Community Learning Center Monitor

The Community Learning Center Monitor is responsible for overseeing the Community Learning Center during the hours of operation, welcoming and supporting the users of the CLC, and ensuring the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are being adhered to by all users of the CLC.

For the complete job description click here.

Bread Bagging Volunteer

Bread Bagging Volnteers meet weekly to bag bread donated by Panera bread and deliver to the Oak Park and River Forest Food Pantry for weekly distribution.

For the complete job description click here.

To apply, download the volunteer application and follow the directions below. Please indicate in which position you are interested.

Fitness Center Attendant Volunteer

The Wellness Program Fitness Center Attendant is responsible for overseeing the Fitness Center during the hours of operation, welcoming and supporting the users of the Fitness Center and ensuring the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are being adhered to by all users of the Fitness Center.

For a complete job description click here.

Click here to download our volunteer application form and welcome letter.

Then do one of the 3 things:

1. Return your application to the YMCA at the Member Engagement Desk or
2. E-mail it to ksheehan@westcookymca.org or
3. Mail it to us:
   West Cook YMCA Attention Volunteers
   255 S. Marion Street
   Oak Park, IL 60302

Once we receive your application, please allow 10-14 days for processing. We will contact you to discuss your specific area(s) of interest and your possible volunteer work schedule. All volunteers receive job descriptions and an orientation to their placement.

Volunteers do not have to be members of the YMCA, but membership is encouraged. Volunteers under 18 need parental consent. All program volunteers must submit to a criminal background check and take a class in Child Abuse Prevention which is provided at no-cost by the YMCA.

Students who require volunteer hours as a part of their school curriculum are asked to contact the YMCA at least 6 weeks in advance of the expected placement.

For more specific information on volunteering, Kathleen Sheehan, Coordinator of Volunteer Engagement at 708-434-0204 or ksheehan@westcookymca.org