Volunteer Opportunities

Eligibility

Eligibility to volunteer in your community typically includes a willingness to contribute your time and skills, but specific requirements may vary by organization.

Requirements:

• Must be 13 years of age or older.
• Minors must have parental permission to volunteer.
• Must be willingly to offer, be accepted, and provide voluntary services.
• Must be in an off-duty status, if active duty or a civilian employee.
• Cannot count any fundraising activity as volunteerism.

Getting Started

Getting started with volunteering is easy! Begin by identifying your interests and skills, then explore local organizations or programs that align with your passions. Reach out to volunteer coordinators for information on opportunities, and don’t hesitate to ask questions to find the best fit for you. Your journey to making a difference starts today!

Explore Volunteer Opportunities

• Browse the volunteer webpage and calendar for available volunteer roles that match your interests and skills.

Connect with the Volunteer Office

• Contact the Volunteer Coordinator for more information about specific opportunities and application processes.

Complete a Volunteer Application

• Fill out the volunteer application form, providing necessary details such as your availability, interests, and any prior experience.

Orientation or Training Session

• Attend the required orientation or training to familiarize yourself with the program, expectations, and guidelines. Orientation and training may not be available at all locations.

Complete Background Check (if applicable)

• For certain roles, especially those working with children or sensitive information, a background check may be required.

Get Assigned

• After your application is approved, you’ll be matched with a volunteer position that suits your skills and interests.

Begin Volunteering!

• Start your volunteer journey, making a positive impact on your community while gaining valuable experience.

Volunteer opportunities are available at each installation and also through Single Marine Program, L.I.N.K.S., MCFTB and more. Contact your volunteer coordinator for more information about how you can support your military community.

Volunteer Application (NAVMC 5380.2)

Volunteer Hours (NAVMC 5380.1)

Why Volunteer?

• Community support
• Develop lasting relationships
• Enhances resumes 
• Grow networks
• Personal growth and development
• Professional development
• Receive on-the-job training 
• Teen volunteer opportunities
• Work flexible hours 

Life Skills Developed:

• Communication
• Empathy and Compassion
• Strengthening Relationships
• Leadership
• Personal and professional development
• Problem-solving
• Networking
• Teamwork
• Time management

• Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) 
• President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)
• Volunteer Service Award (VSA)

L.I.N.K.S

• Our Corps, Our Culture
• Events & Etiquette
• Navigating Resources
• Pay & Entitlements
• Deployments
• Safe and Sound All Around
• The Place You Will Go
• Building Your Network
• Investing in Your Community
• Kids Readiness
• Mentor Training

Single Marine Program

Volunteering with the Single Marine Program (SMP) supports the community, events, and helps enhance the quality of life for Marines and their families.

The Single Marine Program offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities each month with flexible times, days, and locations to meet the needs of our diverse community. Whether you’re passionate about giving back through local food banks or shelters, love working with animals, or just want to get out of the barracks and have fun doing something meaningful, SMP has the perfect opportunity for you! 

Volunteer opportunities are available for single and geo-bachelor Marines. 

Learn more about the volunteering opportunities through the Single Marine Program.

Marine Corps Family Team Building

• Host/Greet at Sessions
• Food Angel – Help to Feed our Participants.
• Administrative Support
• Present L.I.N.K.S. Session Topics
• Information Booth Support
• Event Support

Coach Youth Sports

• Tee-Ball
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Flag Football
• Soccer
• Track 

Not all sports listed are available at all locations.
Explore volunteer opportunities with Youth Sports.

Base Schools

Marines and their families have valuable opportunities to volunteer at schools located on Marine Corps bases, contributing positively to the educational environment and fostering community engagement.

Here's how you can get involved:​

• Explore Volunteer Opportunities
  There are a variety of volunteer opportunities that connect military personnel, their families, retirees, veterans, and civilians with local schools. These programs are designed to empower individuals to share their time and talents in support of the military community.

Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering provides numerous advantages, including:

• Personal Growth: Develop new skills and gain experiences that can enhance personal and professional growth.​
• Community Connection: Strengthen ties within the military community by supporting local schools and educational programs.​
• Recognition: Eligible volunteers may receive awards such as the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Award or the President’s Volunteer Service Award. ​

Volunteer Roles
Volunteer roles in base schools can vary but often include:

• Classroom Assistance: Supporting teachers with instructional activities and classroom management.​
• Tutoring: Providing one-on-one or small group academic support to students.​
• Extracurricular Activities: Assisting with clubs, sports, and other after-school programs.

Initiate the Application Process
To begin volunteering:

• Contact the Volunteer Coordinator: Reach out to the Installation Volunteer Coordinator at your base to express interest and learn about available opportunities.
• Complete Necessary Forms: Fill out the required volunteer application forms, which may include background checks and other necessary documentation.​

Commit to a Schedule

• Determine a volunteer schedule that aligns with your availability and the needs of the school. Consistency is often appreciated, but many programs offer flexibility to accommodate varying schedules.​

Maintain Communication

• Stay in regular contact with the school's volunteer coordinator to ensure a positive and effective volunteer experience.​

Not all installations offer volunteer opportunities with base schools. For volunteering opportunities reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator.

Navy Marine Corps Relief Society

• Must have base access
• Be available between Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 

• Client services - reception duties
• Casework - providing one-on-one financial education and assistance
• Budget for Baby - teaching workshops to military families expecting a child
• Well Baby Clinic - working with our visiting nurses to administer health checks and clothing exchange

All volunteers will be properly trained to support and assist with confidence.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society.

USO

Marines and their families play a vital role in the USO’s volunteer force. The USO (United Service Organizations) welcomes service members, spouses, and other military family members to help support its mission of serving those who serve. Below is detailed information on volunteer opportunities, how to apply, eligibility, requirements, time commitments, benefits, and how to find USO volunteer openings near you.

USO volunteers support troops and families in many ways, from staffing USO centers to helping with special events. Key volunteer roles include:

• USO Center & Airport Lounge Volunteers
• Event Volunteers
• Specialized Skill Volunteers

Start Your Application Now

Register with Your USO

Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal is for members of the armed forces and reserve components. Service members will want to volunteer in their civilian and military communities for normally a period of three years, which do not need to be consecutive years. The volunteering should be significant, tangible, sustained, and of a direct nature.

Learn more about the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal by contacting the Volunteer Coordinator.

Behind the Camouflage Spouse and Community Awards

The Marine Corps Association is excited to announce the launch of the Behind the Camouflage Awards Program to highlight the exceptional work Marine Corps spouses and community members are doing within their communities.

There are three opportunities to nominate spouses and community members who contributed to building the community and driving positive change.

Spouse Spotlight
Celebrating Marine Corps Spouses who excel in building community and driving positive change. Do you know an amazing Marine Corps Spouse who is an everyday hero working tirelessly behind the scenes to improve our community?

Nominate a spouse today at Spouse Spotlight!

Changemaker
The Changemaker of the Year Award honors individuals who have made a significant, tangible impact within the Marine Corps community. This award recognizes those who have driven meaningful change by identifying challenges and implementing solutions that positively affect the lives of Marine Corps families, spouses, and the broader community. The recipients of this award are innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders who leave a lasting legacy of improvement and progress.

Learn about eligibility and requirements, and nomination process at Changemaker.

Community Catalyst
The Community Catalyst of the Year Award recognizes a member of the Marine Corps community who has shown exceptional dedication to building and nurturing a supportive environment. This award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to create inclusive, welcoming spaces that foster connections, collaboration, and mutual support among Marine Corps families. The recipient of this award demonstrates leadership and initiative in enhancing the quality of life for those within the Marine Corps community.

Learn about eligibility, requirements, and nomination process at Community Catalyst.