On average 3,000 volunteers contribute over 40,000 hours of service in Dublin. This is equivalent to the work of 20 employees. And this doesn’t begin to measure the enormous value of what volunteers give. For everything you do, from the visible impact at events, to those working behind the scenes, the City of Dublin says THANK YOU!
Summertime is upon us, which means our need for volunteers is at its peak! Here’s where and when we need your help.
Special Events
Dublin Corporate Challenge — Friday, June 21
Volunteers are needed to serve as greeters, referees, line judges and more for this Olympic-style day of fun. This event is co-produced by The Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Dublin City Schools, and the City of Dublin to show appreciation for Dublin’s workforce. Register HERE or email Samantha at volunteer@dublin.oh.us.
Independence Day Celebration —Thursday, July 4
Thousands of folks are ready to paint the town red, white and blue for the City’s Independence Day Celebration, but we need about 100 volunteers to make the day run smoothly. From the early morning fishing derby to carrying parade balloons to ushering the evening concert, there’s an opportunity for almost everyone to help out. Sign up HERE or email volunteer@dublin.oh.us.
Dublin Irish Festival — August 2-4
Be a part of our fine team of volunteers, who come from 15 states, 108 zip codes, speak 12 languages and donate more than 11,000 hours of service to the festival! Roll out the green carpet with us and register HERE. To learn more about the Festival, including general information, our entertainment lineup, sponsorship partners and more, check out www.DublinIrishFestival.org.
Annual Mike Utt Scioto River Clean Up — Saturday, August 17, 9 a.m.
The Scioto River in Dublin is healthy and clean—and we want to keep it that way! Learn about the Scioto, then split off into groups at various sections along the river for cleanup. Register HERE or email volunteer@dublin.oh.us.
Sundays at Scioto — Sunday evenings, beginning June 9:
The Dublin Arts Council is looking for volunteer ushers to work at its outdoor concert series at Scioto Park. The complete concert calendar can be found here. If you’re interested in ushering at one or more concerts, please email volunteer@dublin.oh.us. Families are encouraged to help together!
Ongoing Needs
Nonprofit Language Bank
Are you fluent in a language other than English? Language is a common barrier for recipients of nonprofit services. Dublin’s nonprofit community is developing a language bank—a database of volunteers fluent in another language, which nonprofits can tap into when serving clients in need of translation. Email Christine at cnardecchia@dublin.oh.us to learn more and volunteer.
Park Docents
If you love history and nature, consider becoming a Park Docent. The new Ferris-Wright Park is home to three earthworks and five burial grounds, and is home to a restored farmhouse said to have been the first framed house in Dublin. Volunteer Park Docents are being sought to begin welcoming the public to the park. Want to learn more? Email Shannon at smaurer@dublin.oh.us.
Water Quality Monitoring Team
We care about water quality and know that residents and corporate partners do, too. To that end, we have a volunteer team that tests water quality in various Dublin streams and waterways, with a testing kit that sends data back to us for monitoring. It’s a great way to get outdoors on breaks, during lunch, for teamwork and wellness. If you’d like to discuss how your office group can test water quality on afternoon walks, contact Shannon at smaurer@dublin.oh.us.
Giving Garden
Located next to Dublin City Hall on the grounds of the Historic Coffman Homestead is “The Giving Garden.” This eight-bed garden produces fresh veggies and herbs, which are tended to by City of Dublin volunteers. For the 2019 gardening season, we are excited to announce that we will be growing our impact by installing a set of new garden beds specifically for the herbs, leaving more space to grow nutrient-rich veggies for the grateful clients at the Dublin Food Pantry. It’s a win-win-win for a piece of public land being put to great use for those who need some fresh, healthy doses of goodness. To learn more, e-mail volunteer@dublin.oh.us.
Keep Dublin Green Kits
Park clean up kits are available for groups looking to give back. The kits include trash and recycle bags, gloves, safety vests, a scavenger hunt for kids, and even a selfie stick. To reserve a kit email volunteer@dublin.oh.us and we’ll match you with a park in need.
Citizen Science
Volunteers interested in healthy waterways are encouraged to join Dublin’s Water Quality Monitoring Team with Nature Education Coordinator, Barbara Ray. These volunteers will measure water quality in our many streams using various methods. This data is important to our overall environmental understanding and reporting. Training is provided. To learn more about how you can get involved in this opportunity, e-mail volunteer@dublin.oh.us.
Recreation Program Assistants
Volunteers are needed days, evenings and weekends at the Dublin Community Recreation Center, assisting instructors with recreation classes for preschool and youth participants. It’s a great way to keep your heart smiling and help kids grow! To volunteer e-mail volunteer@dublin.oh.us.
Dublin Bicycle Ambassadors
Adults interested in turning their leisure biking time into a service to the community may inquire about this program that encourages safe biking, offers extra eyes and ears out on our bike paths, and assists City staff with bike-related events. To learn more e-mail Christine at cnardecchia@dublin.oh.us.
Office and Project Assistants
Our offices are always in need of project champions. We are especially interested in matching volunteer skills and interests with City initiatives and projects in need of helping minds, whether with technology, with programs and planning, wellness and research, or communication and engagement efforts. To learn more, e-mail volunteer@dublin.oh.us.
