Community Service

Service has always been part of how our communities care for one another and for the land. This page lists volunteer opportunities for Muwekma Ohlone tribal members, Ohlone people, members of other California tribes that are not federally recognized, the wider California Indian community, and friends who want to help.

Most volunteer roles are open to everyone. Some ask for an application, training, or a minimum age, so please check each program's requirements.

Bay Area Native community organizations

• Intertribal Friendship House (Oakland): Founded in 1955, IFH is one of the first urban American Indian community centers in the nation. Volunteers help with food services, event staffing, building maintenance, administration, demonstrations and workshops, and gardening. Download the volunteer application from IFH's page and send it to info@ifhurbanrez.org.
• Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits (BAAITS): BAAITS supports Two-Spirit and Indigequeer community members through advocacy, wellness, and cultural and artistic expression. Its annual powwow recruits volunteers. Check the BAAITS site for the current year's volunteer information.

Food and families

• Second Harvest of Silicon Valley: Volunteer shifts for individuals and groups at the food bank serving Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
• Alameda County Community Food Bank: Volunteer shifts at the food bank serving Alameda County.
• SF-Marin Food Bank: Volunteer shifts serving San Francisco and Marin.

Caring for the land

• East Bay Regional Park District volunteers: Habitat restoration, shoreline clean-ups, trail and garden maintenance, and more.
• Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District volunteers: One-day stewardship projects and longer-term roles, such as visitor education, trail maintenance, and removing invasive plants.
• Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority volunteers: Land stewardship, trail, docent, and outreach roles.
• Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy volunteers: Individual and group volunteer projects in the Golden Gate National Parks. Many need no experience, and training and tools are provided.
• California Native Plant Society, Santa Clara Valley Chapter: An all-volunteer chapter with weekly, monthly, and one-time roles, both in person and from home.

Statewide and national service

• California Volunteers: The State of California's service office. It runs the California Service Corps and lists volunteer and community events.
• AmeriCorps: Paid national service positions, many with education awards, plus volunteer options.

Serving with the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe and Foundation

Professionals, academics, and other experts who want to offer their skills to the Tribe's work can learn more on our Take Action page.

Please read

This list is a starting point. Volunteer needs, schedules, and requirements change. Please confirm the details with each organization before you sign up.

Listings were checked on November 10, 2026. Know a volunteer opportunity we should add? Please contact us.