Volunteer opportunities are available at any time, year-round, and are open to all ages, abilities, interests and schedules. Join our current force of more than 14,000 volunteers in Northern California, and make a difference. Have a look at the volunteer opportunities below and find the right one for you.

Volunteer Opportunities — What Type of Volunteer are You?

Class A Volunteer

A Class A Volunteer is a long-term volunteer who has close physical contact with athletes on a regular basis, is in a position of authority or supervision over athletes, is in a position of trust for athletes, or who handles large sums of money for Special Olympics. 

A Class A Volunteer must complete a Volunteer and Unified Partner Application form, complete the Online Volunteer General Orientation, complete the Online Protective Behaviors Test, show a valid Photo Identification and pass the Criminal Background Check.  Minors are not required to take the Online Protective Behaviors Test and are not subject to a Criminal Background Check. Once all of the steps have been completed a confirmation letter will be sent with contact information. Opportunities include: Coaching, Unified Partner, Competitions, Event Management, Fundraising, Administrative Support and Public Relations.

Class B Volunteer

Class A Volunteer Opportunities:

Coaching —  Work directly with athletes to improve their skills in specific Special Olympics sports.  Participation is seasonal for each sport. The commitment time ranges from 2-4 hours per week.

Unified Partner — An individual without an intellectual disability that partners with a Special Olympics athlete to train and compete on the same sports team.

Competitions & Event Management — Work with Competitions & Event Management committees to plan and manage competition and competition-related special events. Commitment begins 4-6 months before competition or event date.  Specific hours will vary with position.

Fundraising — Plan and/or implement activities to raise funds and get in-kind support.  Commitment ranges from 3-4 hours for a single event to 1 year as a committee member.

Administrative Support — Performs tasks associated with supporting administrative and program functions.  Generally, 4 pre-scheduled hours per week.

Public Relations — Prepare and/or convey information about Special Olympics to various media outlets.  Commitment ranges from a few hours for one specific activity to a year-long commitment as a committee member.

Class B Volunteer Opportunities

Competitions: Perform short-term tasks associated with conducting competitions.  Tasks might include timekeeping, score keeping, escorting athletes, meals preparation, awards and cheering.  Commitment includes 4-8 hour shifts, one or more days each year.

Medical — Provide basic first aid at competitions.  Please note that this category requires medical training and certification.  Commit to 4-8 hour shifts one or more days of the year.

Fundraising: Plan and/or implement activities to raise funds and get in-kind support.  Commitment ranges from 3-4 hours for a single event to 1 year as a committee member.

Administrative Support: Performs tasks associated with supporting administrative and program functions.  Generally, 4 pre-scheduled hours per week.