We couldn’t do our work without the support of volunteers like you.
How Volunteers Help YCD
We utilize dozens of volunteers at each of our in-person events. Examples include:
- Greeting participants
- Handing out programs, giveaways, and food
- Staffing a registration table
- Organizing and delivering lunch
- Directing participants around the campus or venue
- Tabulating evaluations we collect throughout the day
We ask each volunteer to sign up for a specific “work shift” so that your volunteering has a specific start and end time, and you have an idea of the kind of work you’ll be doing. Most volunteer work shifts are approximately three hours.
Volunteers are supervised by a volunteer manager at each event. This person can answer questions, and is also available to sign off on community service hours for those who are interested.
Please note, volunteers generally are busy helping us execute and support our conferences and events. In most cases this means volunteers are not able to attend workshops, hear speakers, or experience the event the same as attendees. If you are interested in attending one of our conferences, head over to the Events page to learn how you can register for an event.
Volunteer Onboarding Process
Adult volunteers (over the age of 18 or graduated from high school) are required to agree to and pass a background check with YCD prior to volunteering. They must also provide two character references. This policy is in place to keep youth in our program safe in all YCD spaces. The vetting and onboarding process generally requires 3-5 days to process.
Once a prospective adult volunteer is approved by YCD, they are eligible to volunteer at any event for the next five years. They can choose which events they wish to sign up for, and pick specific work shifts, so they understand start and end times.
Youth volunteers (17 and younger) are exempt from the background check requirement. However, they must either volunteer with a club or group, or have a parent/guardian present during their volunteer work shift.
If you have any questions or concerns about the volunteer onboarding process, please contact us!
Sign Up to Volunteer
Prospective Adult Volunteers
If you are an adult (18 or older, or graduated from high school) ready to volunteer with YCD at a future event, click the button below!
Youth + Approved Adult Volunteers
If you are an approved adult volunteer, or a youth interested in volunteering, click the button below to select your volunteer work shift at an upcoming YCD event.