Many organizations, large and small, depend on volunteers to accomplish their goals and provide essential services to the community. Not only does society benefit greatly from community volunteerism, but volunteers experience significant benefits as well. Volunteering has lasting positive impacts on an individual’s health and happiness, especially among older adults. Seniors who volunteer on a regular basis (at least two hours per week):
- Report a greater sense of satisfaction and personal fulfillment in their lives
- Maintain or increase their social network and ties to community
- Show fewer signs of depression
- Tend to live longer and retain their independence later in life
UC Davis Volunteer Opportunities - Davis campus
UC Davis Retirees’ Association (UCDRA) and UC Davis Emeriti Association (UCDEA)
The UCDRA and the UCDEA are both all-volunteer organizations, independent from, but closely aligned with, the university. These two associations play an important advocacy role or all retired faculty and staff, both at the campus and statewide level. The associations sponsor quarterly membership meetings and monthly talks for members. In addition, the UCDEA coordinates the Video Records Project, which creates historical DVD’s of interviews with emeriti and campus administrators. The UCDEA and UCDRA are both volunteer organizations. If you are interested in volunteering for a committee or serving as a board member, visit their websites for more information.
The Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts
The Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts depends on volunteer ushers from the community to assist in offering patrons the finest performing arts experience.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
OLLI offers a diverse educational program of high quality, affordable courses and events for seniors living in Davis and nearby communities. Volunteers teach courses, lead discussions, organize events and serve on committees or the Board of Directors.
UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden
The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden is a living museum, an outdoor classroom, a public garden with over 4,000 kinds of trees and plants and a beautiful place for active recreation or peaceful contemplation. As a volunteer, you can learn new skills, meet other people who share your interests, and feel wonderful about supporting the work of the Arboretum.
Bohart Museum of Entomology
You don't need to be an entomologist to help the Bohart thrive! Over the years many people have loaned their time and talents to making the Bohart the world-class research collection and museum that it is today.
Campus Community Book Project
University and community members are encouraged to participate in Campus Community Book Project programming, all of which are open to the public and most of which are free.
Chancellor's Administrative Advisory Committees
Administrative Advisory Committees provide an opportunity for faculty, staff and students to participate in the governance of UC Davis. The committees address topics such as the arts, child and family care, diversity, student services, research, and transportation and parking services.
Community Service Resource Center
Connects campus members with the community at large through such organizations as the Peace Corps, and Forest Service.
UC Davis Nutrition Department
Clinical Studies is always looking for volunteers. Such studies includes: vegetable juice research study, cocoa-based snack bar study, cranberry study, Heart Health and Tomatoes.
UC Davis Craft Center
Craft Center offers over 400 classes per year in 10 different craft areas, from ceramics to welding to woodworking. Volunteers help with a myriad of tasks, including registering customers for classes, checking out tools, cleaning the studios and assisting with administrative tasks.
UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain
The CMB is a research and training unit dedicated to understanding the nature of the human mind from interdisciplinary perspectives. The center uses paid volunteers to participate in behavioral, electrophysiological, and/or functional magnetic resonance imaging research.
Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) - Incline Village, NV and Tahoe City, CA
Volunteer docents help visitors to have an enjoyable educational experience through which they will learn about Lake Tahoe and environmental problems affecting it.
UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Volunteer Opportunities:
UC Davis Volunteer Opportunities - Sacramento campus
UC Davis Hospice Volunteer Program
Hospice care involves support for patients who are going through the dying process and their loved ones. Hospice volunteers are instrumental in providing needed support during this crucial time.
Shriners Hospital Volunteer
Whether working directly with patients or in an office setting, volunteers support Shriners Hospital in its mission to provide the highest quality of care to children with orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries and burns.
UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute
Volunteers assist by giving psychosocial support, participating in patient care and healing, assisting Institute staff and giving administrative support to our development team in ways that free the staff for more critical responsibilities.
UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Center
The center needs volunteers to participate in a variety of research projects.