Volunteer Services

Volunteer Services offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, from internships to the AmeriCorps Senior RSVP, with flexible availability. No matter the amount of time you wish to donate, your services are always welcomed here.

Volunteer Polk

Have you ever wondered “How do I become a Polk County volunteer?” If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities to help county government and other local nonprofit organizations, Volunteer Polk is a one-stop clearinghouse for volunteers who want to improve their community.

Apply to Become a Volunteer

Polk County Volunteer Opportunities

Disaster Volunteers and Donations Coordination
Volunteers can play a key role in the recovery from a natural disaster. Volunteer Polk, at the direction of Polk County Emergency Management, becomes the clearinghouse for volunteers in times of disaster. This program registers all volunteers and makes referrals to partner agencies who confirm certifications and credentials.

To register as a disaster volunteer and receive notifications when volunteers are needed, complete the Disaster Volunteer Registration below.

Disaster Volunteer Registration

Non-Profit/Faith-based Partnerships
Non-Profit and faith-based agencies may partner with Volunteer Polk for many benefits to their organization for free. Partnered agencies will have their opportunities listed on Volunteer Polk’s opportunity page, receive prospective volunteer referrals, and be given updates on volunteer management and best practices or notices of available grants Volunteer Polk is made aware of.

Business and Corporate Citizenship
Volunteer Polk can connect businesses that want to make a difference in the community through employee volunteering and social responsibility projects. This program also may accept donations of surplus goods from businesses for disaster and recovery efforts. If you would like to donate, please contact Volunteer Polk for current donation needs.

Court-Ordered Service Opportunities
For the latest list of agencies accepting court-ordered service, email volunteerpolk@polk-county.net.

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP

The RSVP Program is one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55+. RSVP Polk is sponsored locally by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.

Leading Through Experience!
You have a lifetime of experience. Now is the time to put your skills and talents to good use by volunteering through RSVP.

RSVP provides opportunities for people 55 and over to make a difference in their community through volunteer service. Volunteers contribute anywhere from a few to 40 hours a week and serve through schools, nonprofit and government organizations to help meet critical community needs.

RSVP volunteers are placed in volunteer assignments that use their skills and talents while providing volunteers with new and rewarding experiences. Whatever your interests and background, there is certainly an RSVP opportunity to match.

Interested in RSVP? Contact Michelle Shiver at (863) 534-5249 for more information.

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RSVP Polk Bone Builders
RSVP Bone Builders is a low-impact chair exercise program for individuals 55+ years of age developed to build bone density and help combat the effects of osteoporosis.

What is Osteoporosis?
Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the removal of old bone. Bones lose their density and the risk of fractures increases.

You can help slow the process of osteoporosis by increasing bone density through target exercise.

Our classes:

• RSVP Bone Builders is a low-impact weight training class.
• Classes meet twice weekly for an hour.
• Professionally designed exercises that target bone density building and strengthening.
• Led by trained RSVP volunteers and open to participants aged 55 and older.
• Start out slow and go at your own pace.

Interested in becoming a class leader or starting a class in your area?
Contact MichelleShiver@polk-county.net or call (863) 534-5249.

Parks and Natural Resources

Do you want to be a part of a team that likes to make a difference in a big way? There are an array of opportunities to give back to nature, extending from the visitor’s desk at Circle B Bar Reserve, to invasive plant removal at one of the other great Environmental Lands sites.

Examples of some great volunteer jobs that are available:

• Citizen Science Program
• Trail maintenance
• Tram tour guides and drivers
• Visitors desk
• Site steward
• Boy/Girl Scout troop workdays
• School projects

Please contact Charlene Brutton for a volunteer application; Email CharleneBrutton@polk-county.net or (863) 668-4673 ext. 209.

Fire Rescue

Polk County Fire Rescue has several different engaging volunteer opportunities. Each opportunity listed below allow participants to use a variety of abilities and skill sets.

• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
• Fire Rescue Cadets Program

Young adults who are 14 years old and have completed the eighth grade or are 15 years of age and not yet 19.

Interested in Volunteering for Fire Rescue? Contact (863) 534-2378 for more information.

IFAS/UF Extension Polk County

Wondering “how do I volunteer?” or looking for volunteer opportunities with IFAS Extension Office? Volunteers are an important component of the Extension Service’s educational outreach programs. Each year, more than 400 Polk County adults and youth volunteer as:

• 4-H Club and Activity Leaders
• Certified Master Gardeners
• LAKEWATCH Citizen Scientists