Many may not realize the huge role volunteers play in helping accomplish the YMCA's mission.  We strive to instill the core values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty into a diverse array of programs and services that meet the needs of our members and community while refusing no youth a membership due to economic hardship.  On top of their enthusiasm, volunteers bring skills, resources and community connections that staff members may not have.  Research also shows that volunteers are bigger contributors to charities. 

With the volunteer experience, everyone wins.  The Sheridan Community wins when the Y has more people to meet needs and solve problems.  The volunteer wins through the fun and satisfaction of helping others, learning a new skill, making new friends or using a talent that is not being tapped into at home or at the job.

Volunteerism is a way to help people grow in spirit, mind, and body and keeps the YMCA in line with its roots where groups of people gathered together in positive association to meet the needs of others.  Whether it is by involving parents in child-care programs or by inviting community members to use the Y’s resources to tackle an urgent problem, the YMCA transforms people who simply buy Y services into people who truly belong to the association and who help decide on and deliver programs.

There are many types of YMCA volunteers, all equally valuable in providing leadership, support, and/or expertise to our program and administrative operations.  Policy volunteers serve on the YMCA Board and are recruited from the community and the membership.  They set policy, lead efforts in fund-raising, ensure a fiscally sound operation, and hire the executive director.  Committee volunteers can be found helping out in groups that relate to Human Resources, Membership/Program, Investments, Plant and Properties, and Campaigns.  They are often behind the scenes but their work is vital.  Program volunteers have direct contact with YMCA members or people in the community and may be a program leader, a coach or someone who helps with member service or childcare. 

The work that is done by volunteers generates a spirit in the YMCA.  They recognize and act on a need with an attitude of social responsibility and without concern of compensation.   Volunteers are the founders of just about every profession and institution we have today.  They are the experimenters, activists and dreamers, putting their energies where their beliefs are.

Volunteering for the YMCA can help people feel needed, demonstrate a commitment, keep skills alive and have an impact on a child, adult or family.  Won't you consider selecting a place to offer your special talents?  You WILL make a difference. 

Share with us your interests in becoming involved as a volunteer by contacting any of the staff at the YMCA.   We will strive to find an opportunity of interest in which you may become engaged.