Volunteer Opportunities

Why Volunteer with Us

Volunteers are the heart of Common Ground Athens. From our founding in 2003 to today, dedicated community members have given their time, skills, and passion to build a stronger Athens. When you volunteer with us, you become part of a community of people committed to positive social change.

We offer flexible volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule and interests. Whether you can give a few hours a month or want to take on a leadership role, we have a place for you. According to the Points of Light Foundation, volunteering builds community connections and personal well-being.

All volunteers receive orientation and training, and we work to match you with opportunities that align with your skills and goals. We value every contribution, from office help to event planning to board leadership.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Find the role that is right for you

Event Support

Help with setup, registration, hospitality, and cleanup at our events. Event volunteers are essential to creating welcoming experiences for community members. This is a great entry point for new volunteers.

Time commitment: As needed, typically 2-4 hours per event

Office Support

Assist with administrative tasks such as filing, data entry, mailings, and phone coverage. Office volunteers help keep our operations running smoothly so we can focus on serving the community.

Time commitment: Regular shifts of 2-4 hours weekly

Resource Center

Staff our resource center, helping visitors find information, access our lending library, and connect with services. This role involves greeting guests and providing a welcoming presence.

Time commitment: Regular shifts of 2-4 hours weekly

Program Facilitation

Facilitate support groups, workshops, or discussion sessions. This role requires training and ongoing supervision, and is suited for volunteers with relevant experience or willingness to learn.

Time commitment: Varies by program, typically 2-4 hours weekly plus preparation

Outreach and Communications

Help spread the word about Common Ground through social media, newsletter writing, flyer distribution, and community outreach. Strong writing skills and comfort with social media are helpful.

Time commitment: Flexible, typically 3-5 hours weekly

Board Leadership

Serve on our Board of Directors, providing strategic leadership and governance oversight. Board members commit to regular meetings, committee work, and fundraising support.

Time commitment: Monthly meetings plus committee work, approximately 5-10 hours monthly

Volunteer Benefits

When you volunteer with Common Ground Athens, you gain much more than you give:

Community Connection: Meet like-minded people and build lasting relationships
Skill Development: Learn new skills and strengthen existing ones
Professional Growth: Gain experience that can enhance your resume and career
Personal Fulfillment: Experience the satisfaction of making a difference
Training: Access to workshops and professional development opportunities
Recognition: Appreciation events and acknowledgment of your contributions

How to Get Started

Getting started as a volunteer is easy:

1. Express Your Interest

Contact us by phone, email, or through our contact form to let us know you are interested in volunteering. Tell us a bit about yourself and what types of opportunities interest you.

2. Attend an Orientation

We offer volunteer orientations on a regular basis. During orientation, you will learn more about Common Ground, our programs, and the various volunteer opportunities available.

3. Complete the Application

Complete a volunteer application form, which helps us understand your skills, interests, and availability. Some positions may require a background check.

4. Begin Volunteering

Once you are matched with an opportunity, you will receive any necessary training and begin your volunteer service. We will check in regularly to ensure the experience is working for you.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and abilities. If you need accommodations to participate fully, please let us know and we will work with you to find solutions.

Sustaining Your Volunteer Energy

Long-term volunteers often face burnout if they do not attend to their own well-being alongside their service work. At Common Ground Athens, we recognize that caring for yourself is essential to caring for your community effectively. We encourage all volunteers to set boundaries around their time, maintain social connections outside of their volunteer role, and seek support when they need it.

Regular check-ins with our volunteer coordinators provide an opportunity to discuss workload, share concerns, and celebrate accomplishments. We also share self-care resources and wellness tips through our volunteer newsletter to help you stay energized and engaged over time.