Volunteer Opportunities
"Retire the Clock, Not Your Purpose."
We invite you to continue your history of service by using your skills and passion to stay connected to the Highlander family and help causes you care about. We are ready to help you share your time and talent. Your next adventure starts now!
UCR Campus Volunteer Opportunities
Your connection to UCR offers a myriad of meaningful volunteer opportunities right here on campus. As you review the list below, you will see roles that allow you to contribute to areas as varied as student enrichment, cutting-edge aging research, supporting the arts, and beautifying our University home.
R'Pantry
There two types of R'Pantry volunteer opportunities available:
Student R’Pantry
Volunteer opportunities with the Basic Needs Department vary throughout the year and may include assisting with outreach, conducting intakes, supporting program initiatives such as ScottyEats and Swipe Out Hunger, and helping with event coordination. For more information, visit the R'Pantry website.
Staff Pantry
Central Human Resources and UCR Staff Assembly invite you to volunteer and support the UCR Staff Pantry. Volunteer shifts are available prior to and during the Staff Pantry event dates to assist with pantry preparations, set up, distribution and clean up. Retirees and emeriti may volunteer throughout the year and express interest by emailing the program coordinator at demetrius.patrick@ucr.edu.
UC Riverside's Volunteer Portal
UC Riverside’s Volunteer Portal, managed by UCR Student Life, is available to emeriti, retirees, alumni, staff, faculty and students. The portal allows users to explore volunteer opportunities on campus and in the surrounding community based on individual interests and availability. Because it uses single sign-on, access is limited to those with UCR email accounts. Emeriti and retirees without UCR email may contact volunteer@ucr.edu with questions, to express interest in volunteering, or to be manually added to the Student Life volunteer newsletter.,/p>
For more information, visit the UC Riverside Volunteer Portal.
UCR Commencement
Volunteering at Commencement offers individuals a unique opportunity to be part of one of UCR’s most meaningful traditions. Commencement volunteers help guide graduates and their guests, contribute to a seamless celebration, and share in the excitement and pride of the day. Their support helps create unforgettable moments for UCR’s newest alumni.
For more information, visit the UCR Commencement webpage.
UCR Botanic Garden
The UCR Botanic Gardens has hundreds of registered volunteers who make upkeep and improvements to the Gardens possible and assist with many other activities. Volunteers are actively engaged and indispensable to the Gardens in the following areas:
- Horticulture and Landscape (weeding, pruning, landscape work)
- Visitor Services (Garden Steward to staff the gate; docents to lead tours - training required)
- Events (plant sales, fundraisers, education/outreach)
- Volunteer Garden Stewards also work shifts throughout the week and event volunteers work during special weekend events such as plant sales, rose pruning demonstrations and Bird Walks.
For more information, visit the UCR Botanic Garden website.
UCR Alumni Association
Become an Alumni Association volunteer to help raise support for UCR’s dynamic initiatives, expose current students to successful leaders and mentors, and build a stronger Highlander community. Volunteer opportunities are available on the board of directors, alumni networks and committees
For more information, visit the UCR Alumni Association website.
UCR Staff Assembly
Staff Assembly seeks volunteers for a variety of events throughout the academic year and interested emeriti and retirees may contact staffassembly@ucr.edu to learn more about upcoming events that need volunteer support.
For more information, visit the UCR Staff Assembly website.
Lifespan Research at UCR
UCR’s Aging Research team invites retirees and emeriti to get involved in their research with a focus on cognitive development and cognitive aging.
For more information, visit the Lifespan Research at UCR website.
UCR Admissions Alumni Ambassador Program
Volunteers can connect with high school students interested in university life and offer genuine insights into #LifeAtUCR. These conversations often play a meaningful role in a student’s decision to commit to UCR.
For more information, visit the UCR Admissions Alumni Ambassador Program website.
UCR Arts
Volunteers serve as a docent or supporting various programs. Docents are volunteer tour guides who share their enthusiasm for photography and contemporary art, helping visitors engage more deeply with the artwork. They receive training to lead interactive, conversation-based tours for K–12 students, college classes, and adult groups. Additional volunteer roles may involve assisting with family education programs, special events, visitor services, art registration and research, art preparation, and other behind-the-scenes activities that support UCR ARTS.
For more information, visit the UCR Arts website.
Off Campus Volunteer Opportunities
The commitment to service that defines UCR extends well beyond our campus boundaries. For those who seek opportunities that align with personal causes or offer greater logistical convenience, the organizations listed below are actively looking for dedicated individuals to contribute their valuable time and expertise to the wider community.
First Lego League
Volunteering with FIRST LEGO League offers a fun, team-based, and rewarding experience where individuals support student robotics tournaments—no technical background required. Volunteers receive training, work collaboratively in roles such as referees, judges, or event support, and spend an energizing day encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and innovation among young participants.
For more information visit the First Lego League website.
Tru Evolution
By becoming a TruVolunteer, individuals take an active role in initiatives that inspire and support youth to thrive. From advocacy and program development to community events, volunteer contributions directly impact young people’s lives and empower them to reach their fullest potential. This opportunity goes beyond traditional volunteering—it offers a chance to make a lasting difference in the future of the community. Those interested can complete the volunteer application and join TruEvolution in creating meaningful change. Retirees may email info@truevolution.org to express interest.
American Red Cross
Explore the various volunteer opportunities available such as supporting natural disasters, blood drives, armed forces, event management and more.
For more information, visit the American Red Cross website.
Feeding America
San Bernardino/Riverside
Volunteering at the food bank offers a meaningful way to support the Inland Empire community, directly helping individuals and families facing hunger while contributing to an important, compassionate mission.
For more information, visit the Feeding America website.
Relay for Life
Volunteers can support Relay for Life in many ways—serving at events, joining a local Event Leadership Team, leading a team or fundraiser, or developing new community engagement opportunities. This volunteer-driven effort fuels the world’s largest peer-to-peer fundraising event dedicated to fighting cancer, offering meaningful opportunities for individuals with creativity, compassion, and a passion for making a difference.
For more information, visit the Relay for Life website.
Habitat for Humanity
There are various needs for volunteers both inside and outside the office. Building homes is the main focus but there are other volunteer opportunities available as well. These needs can include bulk mailings, office help, serving lunches at a build site, fund-raising events and staffing information tables at various functions. Interests can be noted on the Volunteer Up profile during sign up.
For more information, visit the Habitat for Humanity website
Americorps Seniors
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Volunteer program is a centralized program connecting seniors (55+) to local volunteer placements based on skills and interests. Expertise of the volunteer is prioritized for high-need roles
For more information, visit the Americorps website.
Riverside Opportunities
- Adult Literacy with the Riverside County Library System
- Volunteers engage directly with adult learners by supporting small group classes, offering walk-in assistance, promoting programs in the community, conducting learner assessments, and—when available—providing one-on-one tutoring, creating meaningful and supportive learning connections.
- Community Action Partnership of Riverside County
- Volunteer to support programs such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and utilize financial and clerical skills by assisting moderate-income families and seniors with their tax return preparations.
- Riverside County Office on Aging
- Volunteer with local community partners and support the Office on Aging with special events and one-time events.
- Riverside County Volunteer Programs
- Riverside County has a variety of opportunities to suit varied skills and areas of interest. This resource provides programs requesting volunteer support within Riverside.
- Riverside Public Library
- Volunteer opportunities are available at different libraries within Riverside County and includes roles such as library operations, special programs and administrative tasks.
- Riverside County Department of Animal Services
- Most needed volunteer roles include adoption matchmaking, dog walking and enrichments, cat socialization and play, pet photography, transport assistance, and wellness clinic support.
- Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center
- Volunteering offers hands-on, meaningful experiences—whether engaging with pets and patrons, enriching animals’ lives, supporting newborn fosters, assisting with administrative tasks, or helping at the thrift store through sorting and merchandising.