Get involved! The City of East Lansing offers a number of volunteer opportunities throughout the organization. If you would like to contribute to your community by volunteering with one of these programs, please complete the Online Volunteer Registration form and select the area(s) that you are interested. A staff person will reach out to interested volunteers as opportunities become available. Some of the more common volunteer opportunities are listed below. 

All-of-us Express Children's Theatre

All-of-us Express Children's Theatre (AECT) welcomes assistance of volunteers for a variety of theatre-related duties. AECT can accommodate volunteers who are available for short-term and long-term assignments. No previous experience necessary for some duties, but is essential for other duties. Please complete the Online Volunteer Registration form and select the area(s) that you are interested.

• Costume shop help 
• Set construction 
• Office assistance
• Usher help 
• Marketing and outreach 
  
• Makeup & hair (show days) 
• Technical (lights & sound)

Art Festival

The East Lansing Art Festival is a two-day outdoor celebration of arts and culture featuring more than 170 artists from across the country (and Canada) as well as live music, children’s activities and a food court. Please complete the Online Volunteer Registration form and select the area(s) that you are interested.

• On-site festival duties
• Office work, delivering posters, etc.

Community Events

The City of East Lansing produces and sponsors several free community events each year. The goal of the program is to enhance the quality of life in East Lansing by providing a variety of festivals and events for community members of all ages. Please complete the Online Volunteer Registration form and select the area(s) that you are interested.

• East Lansing Farmers Market
• Winter Fest
• Other community events programs

City Clerk's Office

As the official record keeper of the City's official documents, the City Clerk's office is responsible for conducting all federal, state and local elections held in the City of East Lansing. The office also administers various business licenses. Please complete the Online Volunteer Registration form and select the area(s) that you are interested.

• Election inspectors
• Managing voter registration records
• Archiving & records retention
• Customer service/counter assistance
• General office assistance

Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works promotes waste reduction, reuse and recycling, as well as educating the community of proper disposal options through a variety of environmental services and special events. Please complete the Online Volunteer Registration form and select the area that you are interested.

• Recycle Rama

East Lansing Public Library

The East Lansing Public Library welcomes the assistance of volunteers for a variety of duties throughout the library. The library can accommodate regular weekly volunteer hours or short term/project volunteer hours, dependent upon needs. Please complete the Online Volunteer Registration form and select the area(s) that you are interested.

• Shelving items
• Library greeter
• Program/project help 
• Arts/crafts prep 
• Other library needs

Environmental Stewardship

The East Lansing Environmental Stewardship Program focuses on restoring health of park biotic communities by removing problematic invasive plant species and replacing them with native species. The program objectives are carried out by volunteers who participate in regularly scheduled Stewardship work days or workdays that are scheduled on request. The program tailors workday activities for all ages and abilities. Please complete the Online Volunteer Registration form and select the area(s) that you are interested.

• Cut, clip and pull invasive species
• Plant native perennials and seedlings
• Trail maintenance

Parks, Recreation & Arts 

The Department of Parks, Recreation & Arts provides quality recreational facilities and programming, as well as providing leisure opportunities through active community participation and support. Please complete the Online Volunteer Registration form and select the area(s) that you are interested.

• Recreation and athletic programs (i.e., parent coaches)
• Special events (i.e., Sweetheart Ball, family events)
• All-of-Us Express Children's Theatre

Prime Time Seniors Program

The Prime Time Seniors Program is a nationally accredited program, which serves to enrich the lives of community members who are age 55+. Prime Time is committed to providing programs which engage the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual and vocational dimensions of wellness, as well as encourage involvement in the community. Please complete the Online Volunteer Registration form and select the area(s) that you are interested.

• Office aide 
• East Lansing Public Schools volunteer 
• Art studio
• Senior commission 
• Hospitality host 
• Newsletter mailing

Summer Solstice Jazz Festival

The Summer Solstice Jazz Festival, co-produced by the City of East Lansing and the MSU College of Music, is a two-day, jazz-infused festival in downtown East Lansing. Community members can sign up to volunteer at the festival via SignUp Genius.