Our community has many great opportunities for you to get involved in and make a positive investment in the lives of others. Please click 'I'm Interested!' on any of these listings and we will be in contact with future needs. Don't see any exact fit? Sign up here to receive a periodic email about future volunteer opportunities.
Annual Rake the Town Event this Fall!
Jul 2023 More Details...
Become a Red Cross Volunteer in your Community
Aug 2023 More Details...
Bigs on Campus
Nov 2023 More Details...
Blog Writer Position Description
- Writing blog ideas in an inclusive and welcoming voice in line with Ruff Start Rescue’s brand guidelines. Volunteers can choose from our list of topics or brainstorm their own ideas.
- You may use Chat GBT to help write content. Then, we ask that you proof read to sound more like Ruff Start’s voice.
- If necessary, research a topic to get more information prior to writing.
- Communicate with various Ruff Start staff to get further insight in regards to the content (e.g. if it’s an animal health topic, confirm details with our vet team)
- Optional: if volunteer is comfortable doing so, adding their written content to our website and/or email once complete. If uncomfortable, another team member can execute this end of the process.
Aug 2023 More Details...
Blood Drive greeters needed

Aug 2023 More Details...
Board Members
- attend monthly meetings, held in-person on the 3rd Tuesday of every month
- join one of our committees that best suit you interest or expertise
- attend events, typically held quarterly
- be an ambassador promoting the organization
Sep 2023 More Details...
Committee Members
Some committees meet on a regular cadence, some are ad hoc for certain events.
Community Impact Committee: Oversees the Community Investment process for our grant applicants as well as investigates and prioritizes community needs.
Marketing Committee: Assists the Marketing Coordinator in developing a marketing strategy and provides support in its execution as needed.
Finance Committee: Responsible for the annual review of financial policies, assists in budget creation, and oversees annual audit review and recommendations.
Board Development Committee: Responsible for the review of all organizational policies and procedures, develops annual board training and education, and act as a resource for acquiring and assisting new board members.
United We Shiver This planning committee is responsible for organizing and executing the event while navigating the unpredictable Minnesota winter weather. It’s a big responsibility, but with the right team in place and more hands on deck, this event is sure to be an even bigger success!
Community Connect This planning committee is responsible for organizing and executing the event to ensure it is a welcoming and fun environment where community members are made aware of local resources and services available to them.
Sep 2023 More Details...
Community Meal Servers
May 2023 More Details...
Community Members - Experience Sharing
May 2023 More Details...
Community Outreach
- Prepare and present information about Senior LinkAge Line®, Medicare and Medicare Part D to community groups
- Attend community events such as health fairs, conferences and other senior community events
- Promote the Senior LinkAge Line® in the community
Jun 2023 More Details...
Community-Based Mentoring
Nov 2023 More Details...
Delivery Drivers
Aug 2023 More Details...
Disaster Relief Volunteer Opportunity
- Works as part of an assigned team to respond to local disasters within two hours.
- Has access to RC Care and can directly enter case data.
- Works with on-scene lead to assess whether additional resources/support are required and communicates those needs to DAT Leadership.
- Attends regularly scheduled team/DAT meetings as required by Chapter/Region.
- Commits to being available during assigned shifts and communicates scheduling conflicts with DAT Leadership.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated commitment to mission of the American Red Cross
- Remains current with all required training.
- Able to respond reliably to local disasters when on call.
- Able to follow Red Cross DAT and other related standards and procedures.
- Reliable access to technology (including smartphone and laptop or computer)
- Ability to learn and use Red Cross systems, including RC Care and RC Respond and online interfaces.
- Ability to work in challenging and stressful conditions such as poor air quality, uneven ground, adverse weather, etc.
- Must have a valid driver's license and/or a timely, reliable way to get to the scene.
- Stand for two-hour periods
- Sit for two-hour periods
- Walk on uneven terrain
- Walk for two miles during a shift
- Work outdoors
- Spend hours writing
- Speak clearly on the phone and in person
- Climb two or more flights of stairs
- Drive in daytime and at night
Other responsibilities as assigned by DAT Leadership.
If you have questions, please contact the volunteer team at [email protected] or call 612-463-6587.
Aug 2023 More Details...
Donation Sorting and Organizing at our Resource Closet
Aug 2023 More Details...
Donations Administrative Assistant
- Access a list of donor names via a spreadsheet and compare those names with lists found in several different softwares/locations - keep information up to date in RSR systems.
- Document possible duplicates in spreadsheet for the Development Assistant to confirm.
- Review donation reports and send thank you cards to new donors, recurring donors, and donations over a set amount.
- General data entry from spreadsheets into our donor management system - Network for Good
- General donor correspondence with donors, anniversary cards, responding to email inquiries, etc.
- Must be 18+
- Reliable access to the internet
- Must have competency with basic spreadsheet usage
- Comfort with searching for information in web-based softwares/databases
- Proficiency with cross-referencing information
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to keep sensitive information safe
Sep 2023 More Details...
Event Volunteer Position Description
- Event set up/tear down
- Greet and assist fosters
- Greet and assist the public, answer questions
- Sell merchandise
- Other duties as needed based on type of event
Aug 2023 More Details...
Fall leaf raking at homes in the local area
We are getting ready for Fall raking and need individuals as well as groups to help Older Adults in our community keep their homes looking great.
Bring the people and the rakes and our clients will provide the bags and will dispose of the leaves themselves.
It is a super fun way to spend a few hours with friends and also make a huge impact on the lives of the older adults in your area.
Jul 2023 More Details...
Foster Coordinator
- Process new foster applications
- Connect with the foster to go over any questions they may have
- Send welcome email and connect new foster with their Foster Manager, if applicable
- Make sure all steps are completed during the approval process
Aug 2023 More Details...
Foster Grandparent
Foster Grandparents are over age 55 and volunteer 9+ hours per week, tutoring and mentoring youth.
• Help children to follow directions, focus, and stay on task to complete work
• Encourage and praise children
• Assist with reading, math, and other academic subjects
• Read to, play games with and tell children stories
• Teach appropriate behaviors and social skills.
REWARDS: Use your life skills to make an impact in a child’s life. Be needed and feel useful while gaining a sense of accomplishment and joy. Increase self-esteem and socialization with others.
Opportunities available in: Princeton, Zimmerman, Elk River, Big Lake, Otsego
Volunteers are age 55+, all volunteers receive mileage to and from their site and if income qualifying a small tax-free stipend.
Jul 2023 More Details...
Graphic Designer
- Create requested graphics, posters, social media posts, brochures, or other designs as requested
- Quick turnaround time is ideal
Aug 2023 More Details...
Health Insurance Counselor (SHIP Counselor)
- Understand Medicare basics
- Compare Medicare Advantage and Supplement Plan options
- Understand and compare Medicare Part D choices
- Explore eligibility for Medical Assistance, Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help
- Identify, report, and prevent Medicare Fraud and Abuse
- Complete forms/applications for assistance
Jun 2023 More Details...
Light Cleaning Volunteer
Jun 2023 More Details...
Media Coordinator
Aug 2023 More Details...
Medicare Fraud and Abuse Presenter
- Knowledgeable of basic Internet tools and functions and able to follow a structured lesson plan
- Comfortable with teaching older students
- Flexible with the variable skill level of participants
- Communicate with the staff of the host facility and be respectful of the space and equipment of the host site
- Present resources available at www.medicare.gov, www.aoa.gov, www.smpresource.gov, and www.MinnesotaHelp.info websites
- Advise seniors how to protect, detect and report healthcare fraud, abuse and waste and how to track their health care services more carefully
Jun 2023 More Details...
Office Assistant
- Assist with copying handouts
- Assemble manuals and mail packets
- Answer phone and retrieve messages
- Organize and maintain publications
- Submit documentation of client work as required by CMCOA
- Maintain regular contact with Volunteer Coordinator
- Abide by agency’s non-conflict of interest, confidentiality, and other policies
- Onboarding at the CMCOA office
- Ongoing trainings and supervision with the possibility of shadow support visits
- Attend initial eighteen hour training to become certified as a State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselor (Only required if performing Medicare Health Insurance Counseling)
- Quarterly SHIP Update training required for SHIP Counselors, all volunteers are encouraged to participate
- Participate in additional training provided by the MN DHS
- Interest in and commitment to helping beneficiaries and their caregivers learn more about Medicare and health insurance matters
- Sensitivity to the needs of older adults, person with disabilities, and other diverse populations
- Ability to provide own transportation to/from client homes, counseling sites, and training locations (need to provide proof of insurance and copy of drivers license)
- Successful completion of personal reference and criminal background checks
- Ability to work independently and make appropriate decisions as required
- Effective communication skills
- An opportunity to share your knowledge with individuals who truly appreciate it
- Ongoing support and education
- Develop new skills through ongoing training
- Volunteer liability insurance
- Mileage and expense reimbursement
Jun 2023 More Details...
Office Help (Becker)
Jul 2023 More Details...
On call Handyperson - Elk River area
Help us keep older adults in their homes by volunteering as a handyperson for Senior Community Services. This position is on an on call basis and would help with basic things like smoke detectors, railings, paint, drains, and other various minor household problems that arise when owning a home.
Jul 2023 More Details...
Owner Surrender Coordinator
- Logging into email, facebook and RescueGroups daily
- Review owner surrender applications and look for red flags
- Lining up fosters for the animals that are chosen to come into rescue
- Sending owner surrender agreements
- Once the animal is with the foster, perform an intake on the animal by adding to the website and sending out an announcement email to intake, vetting and the FM involved
Aug 2023 More Details...
Preventative Coordinator
Summary: Preventative Coordinators are responsible for filling medication and prevention requests from the Foster Managers. This includes filling requests, ordering shipping labels and preparing packages for mailing.
Time Commitment: One 2-3 hour shift per week is expected to be average.
Location: Ruff Start Rescue office in Princeton
Reports to: Senior Medical Manager
Responsibilities:
● Monitor requests spreadsheet
Aug 2023 More Details...
School/Site-Based Mentoring
Nov 2023 More Details...
Senior Dining Site Assistants
May 2023 More Details...
Snacks & Treats for Foster Mom Support Group
Aug 2023 More Details...
Sports Buddies
Nov 2023 More Details...
Summer Program Volunteers
Jun 2023 More Details...
Tech Support - helping Older Adults navigate the basics of technology (Becker)
This position is about helping Older Adults navigate the basics of their phones, laptop computers or tablets. Many questions revolve around basic functions like apps, shopping, telehealth, texting family, social media and emails.
We hold monthly Tech Clinics at both the Becker Area Senior Center as well as around the Becker area in Senior Living apartment complexes.
These clinics are run as scheduled appointments and if you cannot figure out the problem or concern, we have back up support for the client to call.
Jul 2023 More Details...
Tech Support - helping Older Adults navigate the basics of technology (Elk River)
This position is about helping Older Adults navigate the basics of their phones, laptop computers or tablets. Many questions revolve around basic functions like apps, shopping, telehealth, texting family, social media and emails.
We hold monthly Tech Clinics at both the Elk River Senior Center as well as around the Elk River area in Senior Living apartment complexes.
These clinics are run as scheduled appointments and if you cannot figure out the problem or concern, we have back up support for the client to call.
Jul 2023 More Details...
Teen Mentors
May 2023 More Details...
Teen Mentors - Breakfast Club
May 2023 More Details...
Triniti Home Health and Hospice
Our Mission: Connecting compassion, care, and community in the Spirit of Christ's Love
Our Vision: Christ-centered agency recognized for our spiritual support, exceptional caregivers, and use of cutting-edge technology.
Our Values: Holistic care that is compassionate, accountable, respectful, and exceptional.
We are in need of volunteers to support our hospice patients and families in Elk River, Big Lake, Becker, Zimmerman, Princeton, Clear Lake, and Otsego.
Direct Patient and Family Support
- Spending time talking and actively listening to a patient of caregiver
- Reading and playing games
- Visiting with patients; offering companionship, emotional support and friendship
- Visiting with a therapeutic animal
- Keeping patient company to allow the family time to run errands or have an outing
- Light housekeeping
- Light meal prep and baking
- Run errands
- Bereavement mailing and related activities
- Administrative support with office tasks
- Volunteer for as little as 1 hour per month
- Hospice Volunteer
- Volunteers are required to: complete a background check, attend an orientation, complete an application, and complete special training
Sep 2023 More Details...
Vetting Transport Helper
Summary: As a vetting transport helper, you will be responsible for attending animal transports (typically dogs) located at the office in Princeton or other locations as necessary (determined based on where animals originate from). At the transport, you will be responsible for ensuring that the animals coming into the rescue are examined, perform any needed services, and the proper documentation is recorded. This may include vaccines, microchipping, heartworm tests, nail trims, deworming, flea/tick preventative application, administering heartworm medication, or other treatments as indicated. The role of the vetting transport helper will provide support for the Vetting Transport Lead in all the indicated tasks.
Time Commitment: 3-4 hours during transport and an additional 3-4 hours in preparation and review/uploading animal records. You must attend at least 2 transports per month, typically on a Saturday or Friday
Location: Onsite and remote
Responsibilities:
●Assessing sending shelter records for what is needed on day of transport
- Completing the RSR intake records
- Performing a PE on the intake animals
- Providing any vaccines (non rabies) that are needed that day
- Collecting blood for a heartworm test if needed
- Applying flea/tick preventatives if needed
- Administering heartworm medication if needed
- Making recommendations for a vet visit when needed
- Cleaning ears, performing skin scrapes, nail trimming
- Scanning in and uploading animal records when transport is completed.
Aug 2023 More Details...
Virtual Volunteer Opportunity - Dispatcher
- Dispatch DAT members and monitor the response to ensure appropriate resources are made available.
- Activate Disaster Health Services, Disaster Mental Health, and Disaster Spiritual Care, Public Affairs when requested.
- Documents incoming disaster notification and creates & verifies events in RC Respond.
- May be required to monitor activity across multiple DAT responses.
- Notify Chapter and Regional staff of significant events, and contribute to an Initial Incident Report, when appropriate.
- Attends regularly scheduled team/DAT meetings as required by Chapter/Region.
- Willingness to comply with Red Cross COVID-19 policies for in-person volunteer activities. G/A/P of RES/DAT/SA or above
- Demonstrated leadership and communication skills
- Demonstrated commitment to mission of the American Red Cross
- Ability to remotely monitor and track details of DAT responses
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in complex and stressful situations
- Proficient with Red Cross systems and online interfaces
- Sit and/or stand for minimum two-hour periods
- Work for long periods on computer
- Speak clearly on the phone and in person
Aug 2023 More Details...
Volunteer Drivers
Jun 2023 More Details...
Youth Mentors
May 2023 More Details...