VER EN ESPAÑOL
Volunteering at the Day Worker Center is rewarding, fun and offers a significant connection to our vital and multicultural community. By giving your time, you will be investing in a stronger community and in the lives of people who are working to do their part for their families and the neighborhood. You will be able to see the difference you are making and be a conduit for positive change.
Our range of opportunities include:
ESL (English as a Second Language
Instructors: Teach classes about basic language skills, U.S. history and culture.
English Tutors: Work one-on-one or in small groups with workers to improve their English skills.
Sustainability Team
Implement our battery-powered tool library
Implement an infrastructure to enable the community to get their own ebikes
Organize trainings related to:
- Battery powered tools
- Water smart gardening/landscaping
- Eco friendly housecleaning
Publicity and Marketing
Graphic Designer: help design fliers, brochures, newsletters, and videos.
Administration
Translator: translate written documents from Spanish into English and vice versa or be on-call to orally interpret for classes or presentations.
Community Relations
Special Events Coordinator: plan or coordinate special events and parties.
Tabling at Fairs: Hand out fliers and answer questions others may have during community fairs/events. Before the event, you will receive a short training about the Center.
Legal Aid
Legal Aid Researcher: research legal aid groups in the area or give an informational presentation about legal procedure, basic rights, or individual case management.
Currently paused:
Skills Instructor: Instruct workers in the use of tools for gardening, carpentry, house cleaning, plumbing, painting, etc.
Health Education Instructor: instruct workers in basic health and nutrition.
Workshop: Come share your expertise with workers! Hold workshops about arts and crafts, sewing, etc.
Our Volunteer of the Month:
Volunteer as little or as much as your schedule allows, but, be careful volunteering at the Center might be addicting! Check out some Success Stories to see what we mean.
"As an ESL instructor at the Day Worker Center for more than 10 years, I have found that volunteering to teach English has given me a greater appreciation for the resilience of the workers and their families. I have been impressed by the sense of community at the Day Worker Center. The way in which the center operates serves to empower the workers. The Day Worker Center is both a vital resource for the workers and through the labor of the workers provides a great service to the residents of Mountain View and surrounding communities” - Bruce
"I've been volunteering with the Day Worker Center for two years now. Before the Covid shutdown I always enjoyed the time I spent at the Center, helping with ESL classes and offering a weekly card making class. A positive, welcoming atmosphere filled the building. As the Covid shutdown took hold of the nation, folks at the Center demonstrated their true enterprising spirit and showed that they can meet any challenge. Instead of the whole operation closing, workers began sewing thousands of masks, making hand sanitizer, and cooking meals. Also, workers began taking various classes online. I look forward to continuing to support the Day Worker Center in various projects. At the present time I'm working on a research project from home" - Marilyn
Frequently Asked Questions
Why volunteer?
A few of the many benefits of becoming a volunteer at the DWCMV include:
• Opportunity to use and enhance your personal and professional skills and/or to learn new ones
• Make new friends and connections
• Work in a diverse environment
• Opportunity to learn more about the day laborer community
• Support non-profit work in your local community
Who can volunteer?
We encourage anyone passionate about the Center’s mission to volunteer. For most roles, volunteers must be 18 years old or older. However, the Center does encourage youth, 15-18 years old, to volunteer and makes every effort to place youth in appropriate volunteer positions. Under special circumstances, youth under the age of 15 will be allowed to volunteer.
Is there a minimum amount of time that is required from volunteers?
No, each project or role is different and we can usually make things work to fit your schedule or desired level of commitment.
Do I need to speak Spanish in order to volunteer at the Center?
No, many volunteers speak little or no Spanish. While speaking Spanish definitely helps, it is not required. And if you do speak a little Spanish, the Center is a great place to practice and improve.
What kind of jobs are there for volunteers at the Center?
The Opportunities section is the best place to learn more about this.
How do I become a volunteer?
Please start by filling out the online form. Once we have received it, our Volunteer Coordinator will reach out with more information and an application.
I have a question not addressed here. Who can I contact?
If you have additional questions, please free to call us at (650) 903-4102 or send an email to info@dayworkercentermv.org