Volunteering Opportunity

Volunteering provides an important opportunity for students who may not have the financial resources to participate in educational experiences such as traveling abroad, attending academic conferences to present posters, or participating in mission trips overseas. Many of these opportunities require individuals to pay out of pocket. Often, students have more time than money.

Through volunteering, individuals are able to donate their time toward approved events. These are non-paid positions, participants are not considered employees but volunteers. Volunteer time can be converted into donations toward specific educational goals, provided those goals are clearly declared in advance.

Volunteers must identify what they are volunteering for, for example, a mission trip, conference travel, or another educational outcome, and what donation amount is needed. In many cases, volunteers work together as teams, forming what we refer to as a volunteer squad, allowing individuals to support one another while working toward shared or individual goals.

Who Can Volunteer

Volunteer opportunities are open to individuals who are affiliated with an academic institution, including:

• Universities

• Community or junior colleges

• Technical colleges

• High school students enrolled in dual-enrollment programs

Eligibility is based on the volunteer having a clear educational or academic objective, such as gaining experience, fulfilling community service requirements, or earning donations toward an approved educational activity. In some cases, universities require community service hours as part of coursework, and volunteering may fulfill those requirements.

What Is Required to Volunteer

To participate as a volunteer, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Be enrolled in an academic institution as described above

• Be in good physical health, including the ability to stand for extended periods

• Be able to follow directions and work within a structured environment

Who Are We Volunteering For?

Volunteer opportunities vary depending on availability. Volunteers may support:

• Event coordinators

• Companies

• Community organizations

• Festivals, fairs, and concerts

• Sporting events (including football games and marathons)

• College or high school events

• Other special events requiring additional support

There is no single organization or event type. Opportunities are diverse and depend on event needs at a given time.

How Are Donations Determined?

Donations are based on the number of volunteer hours completed, either by an individual or a group. There is no fixed donation amount, as each event and coordination effort differs.

It is important to understand that commitment matters. If a group commits to providing 10 volunteers but only 8 arrive, the event coordinator is left understaffed. This impacts coverage and may reduce the final donation amount.

Once the event concludes, the total hours worked, level of coordination, and fulfillment of commitments are reviewed to determine the donation amount. Donations are non-taxable and are made toward an educational purpose through a nonprofit structure. Funds are not issued as personal income.

Volunteer Hours and Scheduling

Volunteer hours vary by event. For example, an event may run from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, totaling 12 hours. Volunteers are encouraged to be honest about availability. Do not commit to a full shift if you can only work part of it.

Scheduling options include:

• Working partial shifts (e.g., 6 hours)

• Splitting shifts with another volunteer

• Coordinating schedules in advance with event staff

The more hours worked, the greater the potential donation.

Using Group Volunteer Hours Toward One Goal

Volunteers may combine hours with others to meet an educational funding goal. For example, if a student needs $1,500 for a mission trip to Nigeria, Barcelona, or Ecuador, additional volunteers may contribute hours toward that student’s goal.

As an example, a student raising funds for a trip to London recruited family members, including parents, siblings, and friends, to volunteer. Their combined hours exceeded the required amount, covering the full cost of the trip. Any excess funds could not be issued as cash but were applied toward approved educational expenses such as transportation, registration fees, and museum admissions.

All contributing volunteers must be accountable for the hours they commit.

Steps to Volunteer

Step 1: Complete an Interest Form
Each individual must complete a volunteer interest form. Complete interest form below.

Step 2: Complete online security guard training (Course is required to work security in State of Arizona (Expiration Period: 2 years (pre-Sept 26, 2025) or 4 years (on/after Sept 26, 2025).

Step 3: Orientation & Licensing Process if applicable

Once training and documentation are complete:

1. Volunteers will attend an orientation, where key expectations, procedures, and responsibilities are reviewed. Persons pursuing non-Security roles will be scheduled for immediate coaching sessions and events. Persons pursuing security roles, will be placed into non-security roles if available, until state security license requirements are complete.

2. Volunteers who are pursuing:

   Security Roles: At this stage, the volunteer’s packet will be submitted to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) (Note: Volunteers will be fingerprinted during orientation. Fingerprints will be included in the AZDPS security license packet)

   Volunteers must wait for license clearance before being scheduled for opportunities that are security related.

   Upon approval, volunteers will be notified and instructed to:

1. Schedule a coaching session

2. Sign up for their first assigned event

3. After completing coaching and initial scheduling, volunteers may begin volunteering for assigned events.

Training

Training consists of a 10-module course covering core topics required for licensure, including:

• Introduction to security and protection services

• Professional conduct and appearance

• Report writing

• Response procedures

• Communication and situational awareness

Following course completion:

• An initial coaching session is required

• The licensing packet is finalized and submitted to Arizona DPS:

• Licensing & Fees

  1. Arizona security guard license fee: $75.00 (required by the State of Arizona)

  2. After completing a set number of volunteer hours, the license fee may be reimbursed

  3. The guard card can also be used for other security employment opportunities within State of Arizona.

• Additional coaching sessions may be offered based on role or assignment