Voluntourism, volunteer travel, or volunteer vacation is a great way to explore a new city, meet people, and give back to a community. It's an authentic way to experience what makes a community. People are looking for ways to feel connected and make a difference. Detroit has many opportunities for travelers to get involved, gain new skills, pay it forward, and learn about our incredible community and vibrant history and future.
This listicle highlights fantastic ways for visitors to volunteer in the Motor City. Whether it's your first time in the D, you've visited many times, or you're a Detroiter, we have incredible ways to contribute to our community and leave it a bit better than you found it. Get to know the people and culture of Detroit — a city with a story unlike any other.
Keep Growing Detroit
The mission behind Keep Growing Detroit is to create a food sovereign city where most of the produce consumed by Detroiters is grown within the city. Detroit has the space to grow fruits and vegetables within the city limits. Keep Growing Detroit supports urban farmers by providing opportunities for education on both the practices of urban farming and creating a business around selling produce. They also work to provide outlets for residents to sell their produce. They support a network of over 2,000 urban farmers across the city.
Volunteer Opportunities
For individuals or small groups, weekly volunteer hours are held. Luckily, no prior experience is required. Just come during the listed times and find out what they need help with. Tasks may include planting, harvesting, or maintenance — whatever is needed, depending on the season. Groups of 10-25 volunteers are welcome, too. Check their website for a special form to fill out for groups.
Arboretum Detroit
The mission of Arboretum Detroit is to replenish the city with trees of many kinds. It is to beautify the city, bring a sense of peace and calm through nature to the residents and visitors, and make a positive impact on the environment.
Volunteer Opportunities
Check the calendar online for a list of changing volunteer opportunities. Springtime brings mulch madness, where volunteers help to load and spread mulch around trees. Check out a Circle Forest jam to enjoy and share music around a campfire. Just as the trees change in each season, so do the volunteer opportunities.
Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is working to make and keep Detroit's international riverfront a beautiful, safe place for everyone to enjoy. By maintaining and improving the riverfront, they preserve a gorgeous natural place of the city that, for some, is the first view of Detroit and the US.
Volunteer Opportunities
The first step to becoming a Detroit Riverfront Conservancy volunteer is to fill out an application and take a short class. Once volunteers are trained, they can get a uniform and see volunteer opportunities. The Conservancy relies on the help of many volunteers throughout the year to make the cleanup and programming efforts a success. Examples of possible volunteer opportunities include riverfront cleanup and building picnic tables.
Detroit Historical Society
Detroit Historical Society works to preserve the history of Detroit and the surrounding areas so that current and future generations can learn from the events that shaped the city and our world. They are committed to telling Detroit's stories and why they matter.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Detroit Historical Society relies on many volunteers to help in ways that allow them to offer more programs, outreach, and research. Volunteers are asked to fill out an application and find ways they can help with their unique skills. Some volunteer positions are temporary or for youth, while others involve an ongoing commitment. Volunteers might work with artifacts, give tours, or help with research.
SisterFriends
SisterFriends help expecting and new mothers have healthier pregnancies and postpartum periods by connecting them with women volunteers. Creating a safe space and support system for mothers to have someone in their corner and guiding them through the many challenges of motherhood.
Volunteer Opportunities
SisterFriends are mentors who help pregnant women or women who have had a baby in the last 6 months make sure they have the resources they need for a healthy pregnancy and newborn. The goal is to support moms and reduce infant mortality rates in the city.
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is North America's only international wildlife refuge. The Detroit River has long been an important transportation route between the US and Canada. The many years of industrial growth and transportation have taken a toll on the ecosystem. The wildlife refuge intends to preserve, protect, and repopulate the native populations affected. The refuge habitat supports 300 species of birds that rely on the Great Lakes and surrounding areas.
Volunteer Opportunities
Many volunteer opportunities exist at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Volunteers may help educate the public or perform other needed jobs at and around the refuge. The website provides an email address for interested volunteers to find out ways that they can help.
These aren't the only volunteer opportunities throughout the city. Shelters, soup kitchens, parks and rec, SHARE Detroit, the Metroparks, the city of Detroit, Detroit Insitute of Arts, and more organizations are always happy to have volunteers expand their mission. Visit Detroit, give back, learn something new, and meet some incredible people along the way. It's an experience you won't soon forget.
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