At Wilder, volunteering is more than giving time — it’s creating change, one meaningful act at a time.
From one-time events to ongoing roles, we offer flexible volunteer opportunities that work with your life. No matter your schedule or skillset, there’s a way to get involved.
Share your time and talents with Wilder and support work that matters.
If you are interested in a recurring role or want to learn about all our options, please complete our online application here. Our team will be in touch with you soon. After that, there would be a phone call scheduled and additional onboarding steps, such as a background check, policy forms, or orientation before starting in a recurring role.
For event-based options, we feature opportunities on our main volunteer page here. All volunteers must pre-register. We do not accept walk-in volunteers.
For questions about individual, group, or service learning opportunities, contact us at [email protected] or 651-280-2460. You can also fill out our interest form on this page.
Volunteer hours vary by program. Most volunteering occurs Monday – Friday during daytime hours, with occasional evening events or virtual projects.
Our recurring volunteer roles typically require a minimum commitment of 2–3 months, with shifts scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Each volunteer listing includes specific time requirements. Event-based opportunities are one-time commitments, usually lasting 1.5 hours or more.
The minimum age to volunteer varies by program and role. Most recurring volunteer roles are for volunteers age 18 and up, but some roles are open to age 16 and up or are available if a youth volunteers with an adult. Each event-based opportunity lists the age requirement, which may be age 12+, 14+, 16+, or 18+.
We welcome group volunteering! Some of our opportunities include packing kits at your location, joining a park day with children from the Wilder Child Development Center, or forming a Meals on Wheels delivery team.
To learn more about current options, contact us at [email protected] or 651-280-2460—we’d love to help your group get involved.
Wilder also accepts matching gifts and volunteer grants from companies. If you or your group are connected to an employer with a matching program, we encourage you to ask about how to amplify your impact.
Please visit the Volgistics link here to enter your volunteer hours.
Yes. For recurring volunteer roles with a set schedule, you’ll receive an orientation after completing the necessary paperwork and before your first shift. For event-based opportunities, we’ll send key details in advance and provide a brief overview and instructions when you arrive.
We understand that schedules can change. If you need to miss a scheduled shift, please let your volunteer supervisor or staff contact know ahead of time. For event-based opportunities, contact Volunteer Services at [email protected] or 651-280-2460 to update us.
Wilder can accommodate some individuals seeking hours for community service, court-ordered service, or school-based service learning. All individuals in this category must notify Wilder ahead of time. Please contact Volunteer Services at [email protected] or 651-280-2460.
Individuals who receive a court order to perform community service are accepted on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to volunteer at Wilder, we will be happy to review your request. Volunteer placement is not guaranteed. Individuals convicted of certain serious charges will not be accepted to volunteer.
We recommend using HandsOn Twin Cities as a possible resource to find additional opportunities to meet your hour requirements.
Yes - with some exceptions! We encourage volunteers share their experience serving with us. You can take a photo of you or your volunteer group in action – and we’re happy to assist! Please tag us on social media, too. Photos of program participants, staff, other volunteers, or guests are not allowed to protect those we serve and maintain confidentiality. Please DO NOT share their pictures or names on social media.
As a college student who also works as an accounting assistant, Kalia Thao realized how much she missed working with children. She had previously worked with second graders at New Millennium Academy and was eager to find a new opportunity to make a difference in kids’ lives. She found it at the Wilder Child Development Center—Wilder’s preschool and childcare center that provides high-quality learning and care for children ages 16 months to 5 years.
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