All volunteer work is accomplished within a few hours time!  This type of programming is gratifying to both parties:  the volunteer is able to donate a few hours of volunteer time to the City of San Jose parks and although the time is minimal, the volunteers can see the fruits of their labor and walk away with a great feeling of satisfaction.  The parks department wins because the land is weeded, swept, raked or in some other way enhanced.  The park is now cleaner, safer and more appealing to area residents.  Everyone is grateful!

Scheduling

Individuals and Groups of 10 to 1,000 volunteers are encouraged to schedule a One Day Volunteer event!  Volunteers should contact the Volunteer Management Unit at 535-3588 or ParkVolunteer@sanjoseca.gov to schedule an event.  City staff will coordinate with volunteers to create a memorable volunteer experience!

We welcome all volunteer groups to help in city parks.  For more detailed information for each type of service group, please click on:

For more detailed information for each type of service group, please click on:
Corporations	Students: 15 years of age and younger
College Groups	Senior Citizens
High School Youth Groups

Day / Date

A 3-4 week lead time is appreciated when planning a volunteer event.  Because of logistics, staff scheduling and project planning, volunteer events must be planned out a month in advance.  City staff will work with volunteers to insure that the day/date works into their community service schedule.

Time

Volunteer events are usually held for a 3 to 4 hour time period.  Volunteering in a park involves physical work, which will include the use of muscle!  Generally all events begin in the morning hours when the air is cooler and the sun is lower in the sky, which creates a more comfortable work atmosphere for all the volunteers. 

If there is a need for a shorter or longer volunteer event, city staff is happy to accommodate your preferences.

Location

With close to 200 parks in the City of San Jose, volunteer event location is dependent on the neighborhood of the volunteers, the needs of the park staff and the size of the volunteer group.  Volunteers are encouraged to request their favorite park, although the final location will be determined by park staff.

Tools and Training

All volunteers are truly appreciated by city staff.  Any help that is given does make a difference.  Therefore a goal of the Volunteer Management Unit is to create a program where volunteering is easy and rewarding. 

The City of San Jose provides all tools for their volunteer events.  We can accommodate groups as large as 1,000 volunteers.  Equipment is stored and transported to park volunteer events through the use of the ParkMobile—a transportable tool trailer stocked with everything needed for a successful volunteer day.  Gloves, trash bags, litter pick-up sticks and most gardening tools (hoes, rakes, shovels, brooms, etc.) are ready for volunteer use.

Many times avid gardeners own a favorite pair of work gloves.  If this is the case, they are encouraged to bring their own gloves to the volunteer event!

Training is an important component of volunteer work.  Although most volunteers have had some experience working outside in gardens, on farms or in parks, training is given to all volunteers to insure proper technique and safety.

Volunteer Requirements

All volunteers are REQUIRED to wear closed-toe shoes for their own safety and protection. 
                                                           
Because the City of San Jose is a green community, we ask that all volunteers provide their own drinking water in a re-usable bottle.  On especially hot and sunny days, we encourage thirsty volunteers to bring 2 or 3 bottles of water to insure proper hydration while outdoors.

Additionally, for long-term health, we ask that volunteers wear a hat and sunscreen as protection from the strong sun rays.  Many times volunteer work is in the direct sun, so protection is vital to prevent sun burn and other skin issues.

All volunteers are encouraged to arrive on-time and stay until completion of the project.  Each volunteer should take work breaks as needed.  Because everyone has different levels of energy and ability, volunteers must insure that they do not over-exert themselves, remain properly hydrated and only perform work that they are easily capable of completing. 

Questions?  Please contact the Volunteer Management Unit:
ParkVolunteer@sanjoseca.gov   or   408 535-3588