Make a difference by volunteering
If you have a friendly attitude, an open mind, and a desire to get involved in your community, you’ve come to the right place. Volunteers play an important role in the mission and vision of 2Life Communities. Together, we’re creating places where older adults of all income levels can live in community, surrounded by friends and dedicated volunteers and professionals who create an engaging, enriching environment.
2Life Communities envisions a culture of volunteerism grounded in reciprocity. Acting as ambassadors, our trained and dedicated volunteers will nourish, grow, and embrace the wisdom and cultural knowledge of all members of our communities.
And volunteers benefit as well, building friendships with residents and enjoying meaningful interaction across generations.
“My audiences at book reviews and short story readings always give me their intelligent attention. They ask probing questions at the end, and debate one another’s observations in a lively and satisfying way. I come away not only feeling happy to have shared some of my knowledge and insights, but also to have received so much in return.” — Golda Meir House volunteer
Explore individual opportunities
Volunteer opportunities for individuals vary depending on resident needs and interests, staff capacity, and time of year. Common roles include:
Technology Support
Tech volunteers provide one-on-one support in computer centers and in residents’ apartments. Tech volunteers commonly help residents troubleshoot their personal devices, create email accounts, and navigate applications.
Qualifications:
- Basic knowledge of computers, tablets, and smartphones
- Ability to explain tech terminology using simple language and in multiple ways
- Bilingual in Russian, Cantonese, or Mandarin preferred but not required
Time commitment:
- Once a week for two to four hours
- Minimum three-month commitment
Friendly Visitor
Friendly Visitor volunteers are matched with a resident for one-on-one conversation and companionship. Volunteers engage the resident in an activity that prioritizes their interests. Common activities include chat over coffee or tea, go for a walk, watch a film or show together, or play a game.
Qualifications:
- Friendly and welcoming attitude
- Reliability
- Ability to keep a conversation going
- Bilingual in Russian, Cantonese, and Mandarin preferred but not required
Time commitment:
- Typically once a week (flexible time and day) for about an hour
- Minimum three-month commitment
Front Desk Ambassador
Front Desk Ambassadors are the first point of contact at 2Life campuses. Front Desk Ambassadors provide general reception services and office support by greeting and assisting visitors, answering the phone, and assisting with residents’ requests and questions.
Qualifications:
- Good communication skills
- Friendly and social personality
- General computer proficiency and phone skills
- Comfort with enforcing rules of the building and ensuring building security
Time commitment:
- Once a week for two to four hours during business hours on a regular schedule
- Minimum three-month commitment
Social Group Host
Social Group Host volunteers who are interested in leading a program for residents can inquire about opportunities based on your own interest areas. Popular groups include games, arts and crafts, English learning, book clubs, and other discussion topics.
Qualifications:
- Strong leadership and independence to facilitate a group
- Interest in, or knowledge of, the subject related to your group
- Friendly and welcoming attitude
- Bilingual in Russian, Cantonese, or Mandarin preferred but not required
Time commitment:
- Once a week for one hour on a regular schedule
- Minimum three-month commitment
Event Support
All 2Life campuses host a variety of resident events throughout the year, and volunteer support makes these possible. Event Support volunteers typically assist with setting up and cleaning up, serving food or beverages, assisting residents, taking photos, and socializing with residents who attend.
Qualifications:
- Independence and willingness to take initiative
- Ability to jump into a variety of tasks and offer a hand as needed
- Desire to socialize with residents
Time commitment:
- Between two and four hours per event, typically during business hours
Participate as a group
Whether your group is looking for a one-time, done-in-a-day volunteer project or would like to participate on a recurring basis, 2Life hosts groups of five to 20 volunteers for a variety of volunteer opportunities. To inquire about volunteer projects for your group, email Natalie Thoresen, our Volunteer Program Manager, at volunteer@2lifecommunities.org.
Steps to become a 2Life volunteer
2Life places volunteers in opportunities aligned with each volunteer’s interests, skillset, and availability. To volunteer with 2Life, complete the following steps.
Join our Volunteer Portal
Attend an information session
Schedule an interview
Complete your volunteer paperwork
Visit our Volunteer Portal
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at 2Life! Please create a new account to start the process of becoming a 2Life Volunteer, or log into your existing account to explore current volunteer opportunities.
Additional questions?
Need more information before you enroll? Please reach out to Natalie Thoresen, our Volunteer Program Manager, to schedule a call: volunteer@2lifecommunities.org.