Volunteer for Orlando Cares

Want to give back to the City Beautiful?

Apply for unique and rewarding volunteer opportunities in your community. What does volunteering in our youth programs look like? Here are some examples: 

  • Mentor a student: Invest your experiences and knowledge in our city's youth.
  • Youth football coach: Grab the whistle and guide a group of kids on and off the field.
  • Support a community center event: Help our centers during holidays, senior nights and tournaments.
  • STEM instructor: Guide our youth in STEM programs such as Hour of Code or the Robotics team.

Online

Step 1.Browse online volunteer opportunities 

You can sort and filter opportunities depending on your interests. Select the opportunity for a detailed description.

Browse opportunities

Step 2.Apply for the opportunity you're interested in 

Applications are only accepted when submitted through the online volunteer portal. When you find a volunteer opportunity you want to apply for, click the title and then the blue Sign Up button.  

Step 3.Create your Orlando Cares Volunteer account 

The first time you apply for an opportunity, you will be guided through the process of registering for an Orlando Cares Volunteer Account. This will take 5 to 10 minutes. An email address is required. 

Please have the following handy: 

  • Photo of you (optional) 
  • Resume (optional) 
  • Certifications/Licenses (optional) 

Personal information is securely saved in your account.

Step 4.You will be placed or referred to an opportunity 

Depending on the opportunity you signed up for, you will either be placed or referred.

If you are placed, you are officially accepted as a volunteer. If you are referred, the volunteer supervisor will review your application and email you within three business days with next steps. If a background check is required, we'll send you instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents should I upload to my Volunteer Dashboard - My Attachments?

  • You may want to upload certificates, awards, additional trainings and your resume to your Dashboard. 
  • Do not upload any sensitive information such as your social security or driver’s license numbers. This information will be handled separately from your Volunteer Dashboard. You can expect an email from our background check vendor detailing the process of the background or driving record check, if it is needed. 

Can I update the information I provided when I registered?

  • Yes. From your Volunteer Dashboard, click Edit Profile to the left. Not all the information you provided can be changed.  

 

Can I volunteer if I’m under 18?

  • Yes, each opportunity description will specify age limitations. You can search and filter volunteer opportunities that accept Youth  Volunteers, 14-17, on the opportunity search page.  
  • All volunteers under 18 must get their legal parent’s or guardian’s signature on both the Volunteer Release and Waiver AND the Parental Consent for Minor Background Check before beginning service.  
  • Depending on the opportunity, volunteers under 18 may need to complete the Affidavit of Good Moral Character. 

 

How can I view and report my volunteer service hours?

  • From your dashboard, click Report Hours on the left. Click the opportunity title from the drop down menu and fill in the accompanying survey. Your hours will show as pending until they are reviewed and approved by your Project Coordinator.  
  • Your hours may be automatically added to your logbook within 24 hours of your service, if this is the case you may not be able to self-report your hours. 
  • To view your hours, you can click Logbook or Service History.

How can I find out what kind of criminal history may disqualify me from volunteering?

  • It is necessary to disclose any criminal history regardless of the type of offense and when it occurred. Each case will be reviewed on an individual basis.

 

Who do I contact if I have a question or need technical support?

  • If you have a question about your volunteer opportunity, first try your Volunteer Supervisor listed at the bottom of your opportunity’s description or confirmation email.   
  • If you need technical support, please contact Orlando Cares at 407.246.3507 or orlandocares@orlando.gov. 

 

Contact Us

Phone

407.246.3507

Fax

407.246.2015

Email

orlandocares@orlando.gov

Related Services

Back to top