Volunteer with YOTO

Youth On Their Own (YOTO) truly values the time, expertise, and talents of our volunteers. Opportunities vary in scope, frequency, and time commitment. The two main categories for volunteer opportunities at YOTO are Individual Volunteer Opportunities and Group Volunteer Opportunities. Current opportunities are listed below!

VOLUNTEER LOGIN

Individual Volunteer Opportunities

Youth On Their Own is not currently accepting new volunteers or filling positions. We will be moving to our new location at the end of 2023 and will need assistance at that time.

If you would like to be added to our list for an Individual Volunteer position, please fill out the Volunteer Application. When positions are open again, we will be in touch to schedule an interview with you. Or, check back at a later date and complete the application when we begin to take new volunteers once more.

Please note:

  • Submitting an application does not guarantee that a volunteer position is currently available at Youth On Their Own.
  • Individual Volunteers must commit to at least four hours each week.
  • YOTO recommends that all volunteers receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • A background check is required for all Individual Volunteers.
  • YOTO does not offer mentorship or tutoring opportunities with youth. If you are interested in working directly with youth, we suggest you reach out to organizations in town that specialize in mentorship such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

Our Mini Mall provides students with basic needs such as food, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and clothing. Mini Mall volunteers* assist with sorting and weighing donations, stocking shelves, ensuring students’ compliance with Mini Mall rules, and documenting inventory changes. A commitment of at least four hours per week is required. Mini Mall Volunteers must also pass a required background check.

Volunteers are assigned routes to local high schools where they deliver basic needs items to school liaisons for YOTO students.  A commitment to the entire year is required along with a valid drivers license, proof of auto insurance, and background check.

The Tucson community is very generous and contributes a large quantity of items for YOTO’s Mini Mall. Donation Center volunteers interact with donors, assist them with unloading their vehicles, and sort items to be put into inventory. A commitment of at least four hours per week is required. Donation Center volunteers must also pass a required background check.

Group Volunteer Opportunities

If you have a group interested in doing a volunteer activity, please email Carissa McGrath, Volunteer & Events Coordinator, at [email protected].

YOTO youth need inspiration. With each academic stipend check they receive, YOTO includes a few handwritten notes of encouragement made by individuals in our community. Help motivate YOTO youth to succeed by creating some of these notes for youth! Precut notecards can be picked up at at the YOTO office (1660 N Alvernon Way). This is a great activity to do in groups, too!

Help YOTO’s Mini Mall remotely by repackaging bulk items such as tampons, pads, pencils, laundry pods and more into smaller bundles. This activity also works great in conjunction with a donation drive!