The Y is for Social Responsibility, giving back and providing support to our neighbors. The Y has been listening and responding to our communities’ most critical needs for 160 years. Whether developing skills or emotional well-being, welcoming and connecting diverse populations or advocating for healthier communities, the Y fosters the care and respect all people need and deserve. Through the Y, thousands of volunteers, donors, leaders and partners are empowering millions of people, and the communities in which they live, to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.
Last year some 500 volunteers served about 32,000 hours to help the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA advance its mission to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Some volunteer opportunities include:
Teen Dance Chaperones Needed: The YMCA is seeking volunteers to help chaperone the Teen Dances. The dances are a great place for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to dance, play basketball, and eat pizza in a safe place. We have an average of 300 young teens attending these dances and need chaperones to help monitor. The dances are held first Saturday of each month and are from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Call Katie Winslow at 933-9622 for information.
Coaches: Volunteer coaches act a mentors teaching children both the basics of a particular sport but also the context of competition in keeping with our four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. View the Youth Sports section of our website at www.gtbayymca.org for opportunities to coach. Contact Barb Beckett at 933-9622 for information.
Equipment Manager(s): With the volume of athletics taught at the Y to youth and adults, there is an immediate need for volunteers to aid the Y All Sports Director in inventory, care, maintenance, check-out, and storage of athletic equipment. Contact Barb Beckett at 933-9622 for information.
Buildings and Grounds: Help with specific beautification projects including trail maintenance, trimming, weeding, spreading wood chips, etc. at our main facility, our child care and gymnastics facilities on Woodmere, and our new property on Silver Lake Road. There is a specific project of clearing stones and weeds from an undeveloped parcel at the New Y which would open up a practice field area. Contact Tom Van Deinse or Barb Beckett at 933-9622 for information.
Parking Lot Fundraiser: Bernie Stover and the people at Harborview Center continue to be generous to the Y and allow us to raise money through parking vehicles during the National Cherry Festival. 80 volunteers needed to serve in 16 shifts of 5 people each to help people park, collect fees and sell concessions. Contact Dave Eitland at 933-9622 for more information. July 2 – 9, 2011.
Mystery Guest Readers: The Y Early Childhood Education Center (formerly known at the Y Child Care Center) has an immediate need for guest readers during children story times. Schedule is being developed by Dagny Monette at 421-3568.
Baby Rockers: The Y Early Childhood Education Center can always use help with rocking babies in its infant room. Contact Dagny Monette at 421-3568.
Committee Service: The Y has many opportunities for people to serve on its various boards and communities that advance the mission of the Y. The Y seeks qualified adults bringing their expertise to become members of working committees. Some of these include: the Board of Directors, the Membership and Marketing Committee, the Fundraising Committee, various program committees including Adult Sports, Camp, Gymnastics, Child Care, Health and Fitness, Pop Warner, Soccer, Teens and Tennis. Contact Tom Van Deinse at 933-9622 for information.
New YMCA Capital Campaign: Seeking highly motivated people who want to build the new YMCA on Silver Lake Road. Opportunities for service include: Steering Committee, Major Gifts, Hosting house parties and events, prospect research, presentations, and other fundraising cultivation and solicitation activities. The faster we raise the funds, the faster we can build the New YMCA! Contact Dave Eitland or Carrie Rollenhagen at 933-9622 for more information.
Administration: Assist YMCA staff in data entry, deliver flyers to schools, prepare newsletter and other promotional mailings, and other tasks as needed. Contact Carrie Rollenhagen at 933-9622 for more information.
Other opportunities: There are additional volunteer opportunities as greeters at day care and gymnastics, parking attendants and assistants at special events like basketball tournaments, CAC luncheon, and family nights, opportunities to lead fitness classes, gymnastics classes, and for Pee Wee Sports. Volunteers for mailers and other office work. Contact Tom Van Deinse at 933-9622 for information.
NOTE: Any volunteer working with children will be required to pass a background check.
