Group Volunteer Opportunities
CleanUpCR
CleanUpCR is a collaborative program designed to provide groups and businesses with the resources to keep Cedar Rapids a clean, healthy place to live. Click here to find out more about various CleanUP initiatives, including the City Manager's One Bag Challenge. Contact Vincent Snyder at 319-286-5897 or by email Solid-Waste-Recycling@cedar-rapids.org.
Library
The Cedar Rapids Public Library Volunteer Program supports and enriches the library by engaging community volunteers through meaningful volunteer opportunities. Whether you care for materials, greet customers, or help with children’s programs, there is a flexible opportunity for you. Volunteer opportunities are available for adults, families, teens, retirees, and small groups; you can volunteer at the Downtown or Ladd Library. Find out more here. Contact Jessica Link, Volunteer Coordinator at 319-739-0403 or by email linkj@crlibrary.org.
Parks and Recreation
Volunteers are an integral element to the Parks and Recreation Department. The Department uses many volunteers to help maintain golf courses, plant and weed gardens, keep our parks clean and beautiful, assist with special events, coach a sports team, and more. Learn more and apply to volunteer with Parks and Rec.
Garden Buddies -NEW in 2023!
Community garden clean-up crews support the four community gardens in Cedar Rapids by providing end-of-season plot clean up. Groups work together in one of the four City gardens located at Ellis Park, Tuma Park, near Gardner Golf Course and Sinclair Park. Garden Buddies remove any non-organic items (fencing, stakes, tomato cages, etc.) left in the plots.
Garden Buddy volunteers should dress for outdoor work and bring water to drink. City staff will train volunteers on site. Group sizes are flexible, 10-16 volunteers are ideal for the three larger locations, the group could be smaller for clean up at Sinclair Park. Time commitments are flexible, plot clean-up generally occurs in mid-October. This is a great opportunity for groups to get involved with supporting healthy food access in the community. Contact Stephanie Schrader at 319-286-5855 or s.schrader@cedar-rapids.org.
Forestry- Tree planting volunteer
Hours based on project availability. Large and small groups (minimum of 2-3 people). Duties include planting , mulching and watering trees 2-10 feet in height. Contact Todd Fagan at 319-286-5616 or t.fagan@Cedar-Rapids.org.
Trail, Park and Prairie Stewards
Hours vary based on project availability. Volunteer opportunities are available for large and small groups of all ages. Steward duties include litter pick up, debris removal, branch trimming, cleaning, painting, mulching, and identifying and removing noxious or problem weeds. Contact Heather Vasquez at 319-286-5750 or H.Vasquez@cedar-rapids.org
Snow Buddies
The Snow Buddies program pairs residents in need of assistance with "Snow Heroes" — volunteers who can help clear sidewalks of snow and ice accumulations in the winter. The program is intended to benefit residents who are not physically able to remove snow and do not have other resources to remove snow, such as neighbors, friends or a hired service. Learn more.
