Volunteer Opportunities
If you are interested in volunteering, please download the volunteer application [PDF], complete and fax or mail to us.
The City Mission Society of Boston has volunteer opportunities in each of our program areas: Crisis Intervention, Social Action Ministries, Youth Programs, and Criminal Justice, as well as assisting with administrative tasks in the CMS office.
All volunteers will receive training, including regular supervision with CMS staff.
CMS Office
City Mission Society is a small but busy office where teamwork, flexibility, and good organization are valued. The ideal candidate would be available at least 10 hours per week and be willing to make six months’ commitment.
Responsibilities:
- Answer phones and direct calls
- Assist with mailings to CMS membership, funders, etc.
- Participate in twice-monthly CMS staff meetings
- Update donor database
Skills Required:
- Good phone manner and interpersonal skills
- Familiarity with multi-line phone system
- Confidentiality and good judgment
- Orderliness and attention to detail
- Computer experience helpful
- Knowledge of FileMaker Pro or willingness to learn
Emergency Needs Network (ENN)
ENN seeks a volunteer who can provide assistance taking phone calls and scheduling clients. The ideal candidate would be available at least 10 hours per week and be willing to make six months’ commitment.
Responsibilities:
- Screen calls
- Return calls and schedule appointments
- Maintain statistics on number and type of ENN requests
Skills Required:
- Good phone manner and interpersonal skills
- Confidentiality and good judgment
- Orderliness and attention to detail
Boston Urban Outreach
The Boston Urban Outreach program requires adult supervisors for overnight activities for church youth groups. BUO provides an overnight learning and service experience allowing youth from congregations all over the area to work and worship together. This position requires the availability to work occasional weekends. Under Massachusetts law, volunteers working with youth or children must submit to a CORI check.
Responsibilities:
- Supervise youth overnight at local church (Friday night)
- Accompany youth to service placements (Saturday)
- Participate in closing worship service
Skills Required:
- Experience working with youth from various backgrounds
- Flexibility
- Enthusiasm
- Organizational skills
Christmas Shop
Every year CMS hosts the Christmas Shop, which provides clothing and toys for underprivileged children. Volunteers are needed on the weekends before Christmas to assist with sorting and distributing goods
Responsibilities:
- Oversee collection of gift items in central location
- Contact participating agencies to schedule pick-up of items
Skills required:
- Good phone manner and interpersonal skills
- Orderliness and attention to detail
Youth Programs
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School seeks adult supervisors for summer learning program. This position would involve a one-month commitment during the summer. Under Massachusetts law, volunteers working with youth or children must submit to a CORI check.
Responsibilities:
- Collect school and art supplies
- Distribute publicity materials
- Supervise children
- Prepare food
Skills Required:
- Love of children
- Flexibility
- Enthusiasm
- Organizational skills
Criminal Justice Programs
Public Voice Project
The Public Voice Project (PVP) seeks volunteers who can assist in reaching out to the public and identify churches and community groups to host our speakers.The ideal candidate would be available primarily evenings for at least 10 hours per week and be willing to make a one-year commitment.
Responsibilities:
- Identify and contact interested churches and community groups
- Schedule speaking engagements by the men and women of PVP
Skills Required:
- Good phone manner and interpersonal skills
- Ability to assimilate information and discuss it succinctly
- Interest in re-entry issues and ability to discuss them
- Ability to represent the PVP favorably
