Opportunities From: MSU Center for Community Engaged Learning

Our organization offers several meaningful volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in ongoing involvement. Our work relies on consistency and trust, and we are seeking long-term volunteers who can commit on a regular basis. One-time or short-term volunteer opportunities are not available at this time.

Volunteer roles may include:

Shelter Support: Assist with daily shelter operations and help foster a safe, supportive environment for residents.

Food Assistance Program: Provide shelter residents with cooked meals as needed and assist with other tasks around the shelter such as pantry and kitchen organization.

Administrative Support: Provide office assistance, conduct research on community resources and funding opportunities, and support development efforts.

PPO/ Legal Support: Provide information, support, and technical assistance to individuals seeking Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) within Ingham County.

Interested volunteers can use the following links to complete a volunteer application and background check consent waiver:

Help with market set-up. Tasks may include assisting vendors set up their booths, put welcome signs and market maps around the mall, and setting up the Market Assistance booth.

Help market customers use their EBT card to purchase food assistance tokens for use at the market and answer customer questions; other help as needed

Help market staff pack-up the market by taking down signs, packing up the Information Desk, and helping vendors pack-up as needed.

Do you have a curious mind?  How would you like to help nonprofits while informing Michigan leaders?  At the Business Charity Directory we are seeking volunteers to conduct research and make connections on how charitable organizations give.  Your valuable service will:

During times when individual charitable giving is at a low, Michigan nonprofits will highly value your insight!

NOTE: Eastminster requires you to complete a background check to volunteer with them. This is separate from the Criminal Background Check qualification. You must complete both to volunteer with Eastminster.

We are looking for students to volunteer in classrooms working and playing with the children we provide care for. The students will learn classroom management skills, time management skills, how to talk and play with children in a developmentally appropriate manner. They will learn how to work with a team and gain valuable skills in a classroom setting. 

Tutors will work with students (K-8) on homework completion, on line academic programs and life skills. Volunteers will assist with set up/clean up. Upon arrival, they will check in with the tutoring coordinator to see where they are needed. A TMYL background check is required. A training session is required.

Take Root Garden Club is a gardening and nutrition education program  for youth ages 5-10 operating in cooperation with Foster Community Center. During program sessions, members of Take Root share a healthy snack and participate in lessons and activities that explore food, gardening, plants, and community.

Volunteers must enjoy working with children and will help us by managing youth, leading some workshops, and supporting the Youth Education Manager.

The Eastside Community Action Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit service organization dedicated to providing basic human services to the vulnerable, at-risk community, as well as offering innovative programs, services and initiatives that aim to remove institutional barriers to self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life for Lansing residents of all ages.

The Research Assistant role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing the well-being of our community. As a Research Assistant, you will be instrumental in supporting data collection, analysis, and research efforts that inform decision-making, program development, and advocacy efforts. Your attention to detail, analytical skills, and commitment to social impact will play a crucial role in advancing the goals of our organization.

Position Responsibilities

Qualifications & Skills

If you are driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families within our community, and if you possess a strong commitment to research and data-driven decision-making, we encourage you to sign up for the role of Research Assistant. Your contributions will directly contribute to shaping effective programs, advocating for change, and fostering positive outcomes for the community.

Delta Township District Library is seeking a Math Tutor to assist local students in grades K-12 with basic math and help as part of the Homework Help program.

Help may include, but is not limited to: assisting students with math homework assignments and practice math problems. Volunteers may also be asked to help with other subjects as needed. 

No expertise is required to volunteer for this position - just a general understanding of basic K-12 subjects and an interest in working with youth.  Delta Township District Library's Homework Help program is advertised to the public and runs on Mondays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Local students drop-in for help as needed.

Orientation will be February 2 at 4:30 p.m. and last about an hour. 

Delta Township District Library is seeking a Reading Tutor to assist local students in grades K-12 with basic reading and writing help as part of the Homework Help program.

Help may include but is not limited to: proofreading written assignments, helping with spelling general reading help (mainly this means reading with children or having them read to you to develop basic reading skills). Volunteers may help with other subjects as needed. 

No expertise is required to volunteer for this position, just a general understanding of basic K-12 subjects and an interest in working with youth. 

Delta Township District Library's Homework Help program is advertised to the public and runs on Mondays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Local students drop-in for help as needed.

Orientation is February 2 at 4:30 p.m. and takes about an hour to complete.

Delta Township District Library is seeking an ESL Tutor to assist local students in grades K-12 as part of the Homework Help program. Help may include but is not limited to: helping ESL students with English speaking and comprehension, proofreading written assignments, helping with spelling, general reading help (mainly this means reading with children or having them read to you to develop basic reading skills). Volunteers will also help with other subjects as needed.

No expertise is required to volunteer for this position, just a general understanding of basic K-12 subjects, knowledge of ESL and an interest in working with youth. 

Delta Township District Library's Homework Help program is advertised to the public and runs on Mondays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Local students drop-in for help as needed. 

Orientation will be February 2 at 4:30 p.m. and will last for about an hour.

Support K-12 students in after school programming that includes snack prep, homework help, playground supervision, and other program opportunities. 

Provide academic support and life skill opportunities to students grades 6th-12th grade, as they prepare for postsecondary education opportunities. Dinner provided. 

Work with individual students to improve academic levels in the area of Mathematic. 

Come get dirty in our gardens.  Help us grow fruits and vegetables for our South Lansing residents.  Jean, our horticulturist and master gardener, makes it fun and educational!  No experience necessary just a willingness to do whatever is needed.  Seed starting, watering, transplanting, weeding, harvesting are a few of the weekly chores we need.  We never know what Mother Nature is going to throw at us!  

We need help keeping our instructional center in downtown Lansing tidy during day-to-day operations. This position would entail basic cleaning tasks such as vacuuming, dusting, sanitizing, and organizing. Outside trash pick-up is often needed but is optional (gloves and trash grabber tool will be provided).

Nursery helpers will volunteer on Sunday mornings with young children, ages newborn to six years old. The nursery worker will engage young children with play and eating snacks. There will be a nursery leader and other volunteers to help support this position. 

Sunday School Helper is an opportunity to volunteer on Sunday mornings with elementary school aged children in 1st-5th grades. The Sunday School Helper will help the children engage with the curriculum and be successful with the activities. There will be a Sunday School teacher and adult volunteer to help support this position. This will be on the first, second and third Sundays of each month. 

The volunteer will assist youth at the Boys & Girls Club of Lansing with Homework. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of two hours per week for at least 10 weeks. Opportunities are available M-F. We request that the volunteer commit to the same day each week. Hours are 3 pm-5 pm (September-May).  This opportunity does require a volunteer application with the Boys & Girls Club, Reference Check, Federal and State background Check, Child Sexual Abuse Prevention on -line training, and a brief orientation. THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB ONBOARDING IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO THE FIRST VOLUNTEER SHIFT NO EXCEPTIONS

Note: Boys & Girls Club requires you to complete their volunteer application, background check, references, training module, and review of policies and procedures before you can volunteer. Information on completing these steps can be found here: YOU MUST COMPLETE ONBOARDING REQUIRED BY THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB PRIOR TO YOUR FIRST VOLUNTEER SHIFT, NO EXCEPTIONS
 https://www.bgclansing.org/volunteer.

The activities/gym volunteer will assist Program Staff with supervision of gym related activities including sports and open gym activities. The volunteer will assist youth to maintain a spirit of respect and teamwork while assisting them to achieve goals in sports and/or fitness. The volunteer may choose day(s) of week to volunteer. 

Below is a schedule for the Club:

The volunteer will assist youth at the Boys & Girls Club of Lansing with Homework. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of one hour per week for at least 6 weeks. Opportunities are available M-F. We request that the volunteer commit to the same day each week. Hours are 3:30pm-4:30 pm (September-May). 

This opportunity does require a volunteer application with the Boys & Girls Club, Reference Check, Federal and State background Check, Child Sexual Abuse Prevention on -line training, and a brief orientation. Volunteers must provide their own transportation to and from the Club. ALL ONBOARDING MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE FIRST VOLUNTEER SHIFT NO EXCEPTIONS

Volunteer to assist youth in the games room during the hours of 3 pm - 8 pm, shifts are available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Volunteers to assist youth to have fun, be respectful of others, and learn game rules as needed. Shift length minimum 2 hours a week for 6 weeks. Longer shifts and commitments available.

Volunteers are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the Club. 

Note: Boys & Girls Club requires you to complete their volunteer application, background check, references, training module, and review of policies and procedures before you can volunteer. Information on completing these steps can be found here: BGC Volunteer Application.  (Hover over the first picture for the application link)

This process can take up to 2 Weeks.  YOU MUST COMPLETE ALL BOYS & GIRLS CLUB ONBOARDING PRIOR TO YOUR FIRST VOLUNTEER SHIFT NO EXCEPTIONS.

Volunteers needed to provide assist to program staff in the Teen Zone area. Activities include computer- based activities, homework assistance, and fitness related activities. The Jackson Teen Zone provides tutoring and educational space for the 1,500 at-risk teenagers who visit the center to prepare for college. At the center, members can take part in a multitude of programs that include character and leadership, financial literacy, and career development.

Volunteers must provide their own transportation to the Club. 

Note: Boys & Girls Club requires you to complete their volunteer application, background check, references, training module, and review of policies and procedures before you can volunteer. Everything must be completed prior to your first volunteer shift. Information on completing these steps can be found here: BGC Volunteer Application.  (Hover over the first picture for the application link). 

This process can take up to 2 Weeks. 

The volunteer will assist with fitness, activities, art projects, homework, games at the Boys & Girls Club Northside location. A commitment of minimally one hour per week for six weeks is required, except during school breaks. An onboarding process is required prior to the first volunteer shift. No exceptions. This includes application, one on line training, background check, reference, policy and procedure review and notification from the Volunteer Coordinator. 

The Eastside Community Action Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit service organization dedicated to providing basic human services to the vulnerable, at-risk community, as well as offering innovative programs, services and initiatives that aim to remove institutional barriers to self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life for Lansing residents of all ages.

As a Food Pantry Assistant, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and compassionate operation of our food pantry program. Your responsibilities will include assisting clients, organizing and distributing food items, maintaining inventory, and contributing to the overall functioning of the pantry. A compassionate and empathetic approach, along with strong organizational skills, will be key in creating a positive experience for our community members in need.

Position Responsibilities

Qualifications & Skills

If you are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families facing food insecurity, and if you possess a strong commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment, we invite you to sign up for the role of Food Pantry Assistant. Your contributions will directly contribute to alleviating hunger and fostering a sense of community through our food pantry program.

The Eastside Community Action Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit service organization dedicated to providing basic human services to the vulnerable, at-risk community, as well as offering innovative programs, services and initiatives that aim to remove institutional barriers to self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life for Lansing residents of all ages.

As a Community Clothing Closet Assistant, you will be an integral part of our efforts to provide clothing assistance and support to individuals and families in need within our community. Your role will involve assisting clients, organizing clothing items, maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of the clothing closet, and contributing to a welcoming and respectful atmosphere for those seeking assistance. Your empathy, attention to detail, and dedication to community service will be essential in ensuring that individuals can access essential clothing items with dignity and respect.

Position Responsibilities

Qualifications and Skills

If you are passionate about contributing to the well-being of individuals and families facing clothing insecurity, and if you are dedicated to fostering a sense of dignity and inclusivity through our Community Clothing Closet, we invite you to sign up for the position of Community Clothing Closet Assistant. Your efforts will directly impact the lives of community members in need and create a positive and supportive environment.

The Eastside Community Action Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit service organization dedicated to providing basic human services to the vulnerable, at-risk community, as well as offering innovative programs, services and initiatives that aim to remove institutional barriers to self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life for Lansing residents of all ages.

As a Youth Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in creating a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for at-risk youth during after-school hours. Your primary responsibility will be to assist in facilitating a variety of educational, recreational, and enrichment activities that contribute to the holistic development of our program participants.

Position Responsibilities

Responsibilities Include:

Qualifications & Skills

If you are an energetic individual with a genuine interest in empowering young minds and contributing to a thriving after-school program, we encourage you to apply. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of our program participants and fostering a supportive learning environment.

The RDC is a vital nonprofit organization created in 2002 to provide critical services for refugees in mid-Michigan. By providing formal and informal learning opportunities, the Center aims to be an open and inclusive place for refugees to learn and locate the resources they need to flourish as residents and citizens.

Many of our programs offer special volunteer opportunities to connect with our community’s newcomers. Volunteers serve once a week in English classes or in after-school programs.

Volunteers commit to serving in a weekly program for one semester (about 15 weeks). Volunteers must be 18 years old and must have completed high school. The RDC requires that all new volunteers attend a mandatory training and submit paperwork to process background checks before they begin their service.

Our spring semester runs January 12th, 2026 - May 14th, 2026. Although our spring semester has already begun, it is not too late to get involved! All volunteers are expected to commit to weekly 2-hour volunteer sessions for the entire semester.

This volunteer location is located in south Lansing. We are located off the #8 bus line. Please note, RDC is an hour bus ride from MSU. RDC is unable to provide transportation support for volunteers in programs.

When signing up for a volunteer shift, please sign up for the same, weekly recurring volunteer shift (example, Monday 2:30-4:30pm for the entire semester).

Volunteers in our Pathway's program will support our digital literacy and driving education efforts. Volunteers in this program may be tasked with assisting our driving simulator, our computer lab, or our driving ESOL class. Volunteers are assigned projects based on organizational needs at the time of service.

Driving Simulator: Assist students with scheduled driving simulator appointments, oversee driving simulator, and close-down driving simulator after appointments. Driving simulator aides will be individually trained.

Driving ESOL Class: Assist weekly in our NEW Adult ESOL Driving Class to support language acquisition and new driving skills. Volunteers in this program will help with the English aspect of programs, no driving instruction skills are necessary! *This is a new program offered at RDC this semester- this description is subject to change as we better map-out what this program looks like.

Computer Lab: Assist weekly in our open computer lab hours. This program is designed for students to drop in when needed, and work on a variety of projects. Some students might be using language learning platforms, some might be working on their resume, and others might be practicing their typing skills. Volunteers will work 1:1 with students in computer lab to help them reach their goals. Basic computer skills are necessary.

The RDC is a vital nonprofit organization created in 2002 to provide critical services for refugees in mid-Michigan. By providing formal and informal learning opportunities, the Center aims to be an open and inclusive place for refugees to learn and locate the resources they need to flourish as residents and citizens.

Many of our programs offer special volunteer opportunities to connect with our community’s newcomers. Volunteers serve once a week in English classes or in after-school programs.

Volunteers commit to serving in a weekly program for one semester (about 15 weeks). Volunteers must be 18 years old and must have completed high school. The RDC requires that all new volunteers attend a mandatory training and submit paperwork to process background checks before they begin their service.

Our spring semester runs January 12th, 2026 - May 14th, 2026. Although our spring semester has already begun, it is not too late to get involved! All volunteers are expected to commit to weekly 2-hour volunteer sessions for the entire semester.

This volunteer location is located in south Lansing. We are located off the #8 bus line. Please note, RDC is an hour bus ride from MSU. RDC is unable to provide transportation support for volunteers in programs.

When signing up for a volunteer shift, please sign up for the same, weekly recurring volunteer shift (example, Monday 12:00-2:00pm for the entire semester).

Assist weekly in our Adult English Classes (various levels) to support language acquisition. Volunteers will be helping with greeting students before class, familiarizing new students with classroom expectations, leading small groups, and providing support to teachers in the classroom. (Levels: Literacy= lowest level of English, students focus on learning the alphabet and phonics. Level 1= Beginner English, students typically know the alphabet and basic English phrases. Level 2/3= Highest level of English at RDC. Students are conversational, working on writing skills and preparing for LCC ESOL courses. Computer Class= all levels of English, focus on digital literacy skills like typing on a computer, formatting documents, and utilizing a computer or laptop).

Volunteers will be assigned a class based on our organizations needs at that time.

MSU students will support the learning of Quaker scholars by reinforcing direct instruction given by classroom teachers. 

Description

Do you enjoy connecting and explaining matters from the heart?  Are you creative and into seeing results from your skills? Sign up with the Business Charity Directory to be a community outreach volunteer!

Responsibilities 

Requirements

Other Information
Training and guidance will be provided.  We are flexible with your schedule.

About the Business Charity Directory
Our main goal is to help non-profits find resources (financial, goods, or volunteer sources) within Michigan communities. Including our main goal, our nonprofit provides educational materials based on fundraising topics. By meeting the main goal, non-profits can focus more on their clients and less searching for resources.

We will be working to remove buckthorn (an invasive tree) in the forest. Volunteers will be making rabbitat with the wood, this is essentially piling up the trees. A professional will be cutting the trees into manageable sizes.

Buckthorn removal is important in our park forests because it helps the native plants grow and also removes a lot of the smaller trees which gives park visitors a clearer line of sight and feeling of safety.

The capacity connect project will involve working with our staff, board members and partners to create and improve funding opportunities, build and strengthen relationships while promoting the organizations mission of transforming the culture within the community using quality art programming.  Tasks may include fundraising building, grant research, grant writing, community outreach, volunteer outreach and more.

Volunteers help vendors as they arrive (bring in supplies, collect raffle prizes, direct them to their booth location). When the event is open to the public, volunteers help with kids craft activities, keep the dining area clean, greet customers, sell raffle tix, announce winners, stand in at booths if vendors need to use the restroom, and perform other tasks as needed. To facilitate check in and raffle sales, students are asked to bring a laptop or tablet. 

South Lansing Farmers Market is hosting 60+ local artists, makers, and bakers!

Shoppers will find lots of homemade, home grown, and artisan foods, including cured meats, smoked cheeses, butter, eggs, fruit preserves, pickled veggies, sauces/salsas, soup/dip mix, spices/seasonings, local wildflower honey, natural peanut butter, elderberry syrup, sea moss smoothies, roasted coffee, cinnamon roasted nuts, fruit infused herbal teas, artisan sourdough and yeast breads, desserts.

You'll also find potted houseplants, original artwork, seasonal decorations, jewelry, pottery, wood and metalwork, sewn/knit items, natural soaps, candles, herbal household/body products, toys and games, as well as vendors offering massage, reiki, tarot readings, and henna art (Mehndi). Treat yourself or someone else!

Throughout the event we'll have live music, children's activities, and raffle drawings every 15 minutes. Our raffles are super popular because all prizes are items made by our vendors, and winners get to choose what they go home with!

Make sure you come hungry, because our international food court is fire! Choose from Mexican, Chinese, Lebanese, Polish, and Southern Soul Food dinners and a la carte items, for dine in and carry-out.

The former TJ Maxx storefront is handicap accessible, has plenty of parking, and is close to several CATA bus stops.

Do you enjoy gathering around food? Making new friends? Hanging out with older adults (senior citizens)? Are you comfortable serving food, and preparing and cleaning dining areas? Sign up today to be a Dining Site Volunteer!

This opportunity is all about serving others and building positive relationships with participants of the Tri-County Office on Aging (TCOA)’s Dining Site program, which provides nutritious meals and social/recreational activity to eligible community members.

See Below For More Details:

General Responsibilities

Works as part of a team of volunteers to:

1.      prepare the site for delivery of pre-cooked food from the Tri-County Office on Aging’s main kitchen. 

2.      greet participants and create a welcoming environment.

3.      serve meals to participating seniors at the designated mealtime.

4.      clean up the kitchen and the dining area, including dishes and wiping down counters and tables.

*Volunteers may be asked to attend meetings for Nutrition staff/volunteers when scheduled.

Volunteer Locations and Times

Colonial Woods at Colonial Woods Apartments, 2001 W. Mt. Hope, Lansing, MI 48910

*On the busline. 

Friendship Manor Apartments at 200 Friendship Cir, Lansing, MI 48912

Other Locations

See all schedules/locations of Senior Dining Sites in the Tri-county area at www.tcoa.org/nutrition/senior-dining-sites/

Volunteer Onboarding Process

Interested volunteers can fill out an application at tcoa.org/volunteer.

1.      A TCOA staff will review their application and process their background checks. *Please note: if a volunteer has lived outside of the state of Michigan within the last 7 years, TCOA will need to run additional background checks.

2.      If approved, the volunteer should hear from a TCOA staff member within the week to confirm where they would like to volunteer. If there is any reason that a volunteer has not been approved due to a background check, a TCOA staff member will notify them.

3.      The Community Nutrition Program Manager will reach out to the approved volunteer to schedule their training, which will include Meeting with the Dining Site Coordinator.  

Working Conditions

You can learn more about TCOA’s volunteer opportunities at tcoa.org/volunteer.

 Whether you love cooking, working with children, you’re a natural born leader, or you’ve just been looking for a way to give back, our Volunteer & Projects Manager Paden Clevenger