Volunteer Opportunities

Help make Mercer Island a better place!

The City of Mercer Island offers volunteer opportunities year-round for residents looking for a way to give back to their community. The City encourages those residents to put their skills, expertise, and time to good use through volunteering. Please look at each of the department's volunteer opportunities below to find out more information about volunteering with the City of Mercer Island:

Youth and Family Services (YFS)

Mercer Island is unique because it is one of the few cities that has its own human services department. Residents can volunteer time at the Mercer Island Thrift Shop or with fundraising efforts through the non-profit MIYFS Foundation. 

Parks and Recreation

Mercer Island has many parks and open spaces as well as recreation programs that need volunteer support. Residents with a passion for the outdoors can volunteer to be stewards to restore forested areas, remove invasive plants, rebuild trails and more. Other opportunities include volunteering for recreation programs, office work and more. Online information about volunteering with Parks and Recreation is also available at the Parks and Recreation volunteer opportunities page.

Emergency Preparedness

Major disasters are unpredictable and can cause severe disruption to the Island community. To be prepared, City resources are coordinated with local volunteers to insure the community is ready for the worst. Emergency preparedness volunteers are assigned to a different Disaster Response Team and provided training by Emergency Manager Amanda Keverkamp. Those interested in volunteering to be part of the City's coordinated response in an emergency can sign up on the Emergency Preparedness Volunteer Opportunities page or contact Emergency Manager Keverkamp at 206.275.7905 or amanda.keverkamp@mercerisland.gov for additional information.

Boards and Commissions

Island residents have the opportunity to get involved in the civic process by volunteering to serve on a City board or commission. The City Council encourages citizen participation in municipal government in this manner. Click on Boards and Commissions for more information and an application or contact City Clerk Andrea Larson at 206.275.7793 or by email at cityclerk@mercerisland.gov.

Other Opportunities

Interested in volunteering with other City Departments? Check this list of Departments to locate contact information for other potential opportunities.