Volunteer Opportunities - Portland
The Power of Play
What Staff Are Saying
"Being a Playworks coach has taught me how to be loyal and dedicated and never give up on anyone or anything. Just seeing the smiles on my students' faces when they see me walking through the halls or during recess lights up my world."
Americorps
Playworks is a national nonprofit that provides safe, healthy playtime at low-income schools to create a positive environment for teaching and learning. Our highly trained “Coaches” are on the playground fulltime to introduce games designed to build leadership, self-esteem and foster teamwork. As a result, kids return to class focused and ready to learn and teachers can use all class time for teaching instead of resolving conflicts from the playground. Our after-school programs and sports leagues continue to reinforce the valuable lessons learned throughout the school day. Our strategy for rescuing recess and making play a part of every day; improves the entire school climate and has transformed more than 170 schools across the country.
We are looking for dynamic individuals who are naturally motivated and possess clear and open communication skills. You should be humorous and playful with an ability to set clear goals and follow through. You are patient, flexible and enjoy working with elementary school age children. You are comfortable working in a leadership role, possess creative problem solving tools and able to accept direction from our Coaches. As a Playworks Ambassador, you will mirror our core values of respect, inclusion, healthy play, and healthy community and have an opportunity to be a part of this important growing movement across the Nation.
Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the Portland Metro Area. Interested volunteers must complete a 1.5 hour training to be eligible for school based opportunities. All volunteers must pass the PPS (Portland Public Schools) screening requirements, background check and National Sex Offender Check.
We have a number of volunteer opportunities available ranging from direct-service at schools to administrative support in our Portland office.
"The Manager"
Developmental Sports League Support
Duties: Assist the volleyball and/or basketball teams with team scrimmages, act as liaison with parent volunteers via phone to organize transportation for children and compile required paperwork for parent and volunteer drivers.
Details: This position requires the ability to work sensitively with parents and children. Must possess strong interpersonal and good problem solving skills. This position is best suited for someone who is organized, flexible and able to manage their own time.
Day/Hour: Varied M, W, 6:00pm-8:00pm Games, plus organization time during the week.
Commitment: We ask for a minimum of 6 hours per week for 10 weeks (each season) plus an occasional weekend day.
"The Player"
Recess Program Support
Duties: Assist in creating a safe and inclusive playground yard and be a significant presence on the yard by organizing and playing games with 20+ students. Encourage safe, healthy play and positive conflict resolution through role modeling and active participation.
Details: Must love to play games and lead activities with kids and have the ability to model positive behavior. Actively engage a diverse range of students in respectful and inclusive healthy play. Demonstrate ability to build rapport, trust and respect with students.
Day/Hour: Varies upon school site, typically M-F between the hours of 11:00am -1:00pm
Commitment: We ask for a minimum 2 hours per week for 3 months.
"The Pro"
After School Program Support
Duties: Assisting with ASP, i.e. running workshops and games for school age students, helping students with homework and skill building activities.
Details: Must demonstrate ability to build rapport, trust and respect with students. Support program coordinator with serving snack, assisting with homework and organizing games and activities with 15 students.
Day/Hour: Varies upon school site but ASP typically operates between 2:30pm-5:00pm
Commitment: We ask for a minimum 2 hours per week for 3 months.
"The Pinch Hitter"
Additional Program Support
Duties: Participating in various school/community outreach projects, fairs and fundraising events.
Details: Varied depending on project or opportunity.
Day/Hour: Varied
Commitment: Flexible and/or on call
“The All-Star” ***This position has been filled- 12/14/09***
Volunteer Development Associate
Playworks is new to Portland and we need an All-Star to join our team! We are seeking a volunteer to assist us in coordinating activities that will generate resources and visibility for our expanding organization.
Duties: Research grants, create and keep annual grant calendar current. Compile, document, and prepare organizational data and accomplishments for grant use as well as maintain updated electronic and hard copy grant history files. Additional duties include general clerical work, data entry, and assistance with outreach and special events. This is an excellent and unique opportunity for someone interested in the nonprofit field to gain first hand experience with many aspects of launching a nonprofit in a new market.
Benefits: Flexible hours and training will be provided for all assigned tasks. You will be working in a fun, creative and borderline irreverent environment. You’ll have the satisfaction of supporting a movement and spreading the importance of the power of play.
Requirements: Detail oriented with strong organizational, oral and written communication skills. Flexibility, critical thinking and sense of humor are a must.
Day/Hour: Typically M-F between the hours of 9:00am - 5:00pm
Commitment: We ask for 10-20 hours per week for 6-10 months
Application Instructions: Send cover letter and resume to Doran Whipple at dwhipple@playworks.org
See above mentioned descriptions.
- See above mentioned descriptions
- All volunteers must pass the PPS (Portland Public Schools) screening requirements, background check and National Sex Offender Check [when applicable]
- Interested volunteers must complete a 1.5 hour training to be eligible for school based opportunities
N/A
- Download Volunteer Application and Background Check Waiver
- Email or fax completed documents to dwhipple@playworks.org fax (503) 345-6687
- Volunteer Development Associate applicants- please see additional instructions in above mentioned description
- Please reference “Volunteer Position” in subject line
