Opportunities From: University of Maryland Global Campus

HELP STAFF YOUR LOCAL POLLING PLACE

American elections depend on ordinary people who make sure voting runs smoothly and everyone’s vote is counted — people like you.

You can help ensure safe, fair, and efficient elections in your community by becoming a poll worker for the next election cycle.

Poll workers receive:
• Training
• Paid opportunities*
• Hands-on civic engagement experience
• The chance to directly support democracy in your community

*Compensation varies by location.

WHO CAN APPLY?
Qualifications vary by state and jurisdiction, but many states allow:
• Registered voters to serve as poll workers
• Students and young adults under 18 through student poll worker programs
• Individuals from all political parties and backgrounds

Poll working is generally nonpartisan and focused on helping elections run smoothly.

TIME COMMITMENT
Time commitments vary by state and local election office:
• Some locations offer shifts
• Others may require a full Election Day commitment
• Early voting opportunities may have different schedules

If you’re unsure about availability, you can still apply and discuss scheduling options with your local election office.

WHERE CAN YOU SERVE?
Poll workers generally serve in the state or jurisdiction where they live or are registered to vote. Opportunities are available across multiple states nationwide.

COMMON QUESTIONS
• Can I help if I’m under 18? In many states, yes.
• Do poll workers get training? Yes.
• Are poll workers paid? Usually, though it varies by location.
• Are accommodations available? Many jurisdictions provide accommodations and accessibility support.

For more FAQs and eligibility information, visit:
Power the Polls FAQ Page

Ready to help your community?
Sign up and learn more about becoming a poll worker here:
Power the Polls – UMGC Sign-Up Page

Volunteer Opportunity: 2026 Annual Business Expo

We’re excited to share a great opportunity to get involved, gain experience, and serve the community!

One of our community partners, the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is seeking volunteers for their 2026 Annual Business Expo.

Volunteer Responsibilities:
Volunteers will support on-site event operations and work alongside the event team to ensure a smooth and successful experience.

Volunteer Benefits Include:

Volunteer Pass (access to workshops and exhibitor hall when not on shift)Lunch and/or snacks (depending on shift)DoorDash Gift CardCertificate of Service

Requirements:

Commit to at least 4.5 hoursBe available during event hoursUse a valid, individual email addressDemonstrate professionalism and courtesyAgree to the Volunteer Release & Waiver of LiabilityFollow all volunteer policies and guidelines

⚠️ Spots are limited, so we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible!

Sign up here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLHyOPqinQ-FUZuGtP8zq51vZpeSme4X8gAk1lQ4fz86fGIQ/viewform

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Don’t miss this opportunity to build connections, gain experience, and support a major community event!

The Capital Area Food Bank distributes food through over 400 Shopping Partners. In 2026, over 60 Partners will begin using a secure shared client intake website to record household information and visits. This website is called Service Insights. By using Service Insights to record client information and visits, we learn more about the diverse communities we serve. As more Partners begin using Service Insights, we gain a much more detailed understanding of food insecurity in the region. Partners use the data in Service Insights to apply for grants, order more appropriate food for their clients, and improve their operations.

The Capital Area Food Bank is seeking volunteers to aid Partners on their first day using Service Insights. This day is often called their “go live."

At a Partner’s go live, the volunteer will collect basic demographic information from clients by helping them complete paper intake forms or by verbally asking questions about their household. Volunteers will use Service Insights to record visits from clients who have first registered with another Partner. Volunteers will help the Partner gain confidence using the website so they can successfully use it on their own in the future.

The ideal volunteer has experience working with diverse audiences and the ability to make technology accessible and helpful to inexperienced users. You can register to volunteer in 3 easy steps here.

The Capital Area Food Bank will hold an in-person training at our offices for all Service Insights volunteers. Volunteers will receive in-depth training on how to use Service Insights, resolve basic problems, work with clients, and support Partners. Following the training, volunteers will accompany Food Bank staff at a Partner site to learn in a hands-on setting. After this, volunteers may begin working with Partners independently.

This volunteer commitment will involve 2–6 hours of service per month for 5–6 months, with an anticipated start in March 2026.

• Support Partners with client registration on their first day using Service Insights, a secure web-based data collection system
• Assist clients with registration, including those who do not speak English or have low English proficiency
• Troubleshoot basic technology problems related to Service Insights, laptop computers, tablets, and the internet
• Communicate with Capital Area Food Bank staff to provide feedback on efforts

• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Comfortable using a tablet or laptop computer, accessing the internet, and typing
• Experience working with diverse communities
• Able to travel to Partner sites around the DMV metro area, not all of which can be accessed by public transportation

• Previous experience working with social service providers, faith-based organizations, food-insecure populations, and immigrant communities
• Proficiency in other languages used in the region, such as Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Farsi, Amharic, or ASL

• Ability to work indoors and outdoors, including in potentially uncomfortable summer temperatures
• Ability to lift/carry 20 pounds
• Some volunteer opportunities may require standing for up to three hours at a time

• Volunteers must commit to one in-person training (two hours) at the Capital Area Food Bank in late winter
• Volunteers will shadow Food Bank staff at a Partner site (three to four hours) before assisting a Partner independently
• Volunteers are expected to contribute three to four hours of service per month (one shift with a Partner) for four months
• Because Partners are open during the day, mornings, evenings, and weekends, volunteers may choose Partner hours that best match their availability

For any questions, please contact jkaraisz@capitalareafoodbank.org

Overview: Community Youth Advance (CY Advance) volunteers will support small groups of middle and/or high school scholars/mentees. Sessions may include English Language Arts (ELA) or math tutoring, homework assistance, workshops, or special projects. Each volunteer typically works with a group of four to six scholars during a one-hour session.

All sessions are conducted in person and are led or closely supervised by a trained CY Advance facilitator or full-time staff member. These staff are skilled in group facilitation, youth development, and social-emotional learning techniques to ensure a positive and supportive environment for all participants. 

If you’re ready to share your talents and make a meaningful impact in our school community, please take a moment to complete the volunteer application using the link below:  https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/LPfk7ijbbvu2S6eYAGUc2g?t=175

Time Commitment 

Minimum of 6 hours per month from September – May 

Monday to Thursday, 3:30–6:30 PM (depending on assigned site/needs of scholars/mentees and CY Advance focus) 

Monthly Training Call 

Qualifications 

Sincere desire to support scholars/mentees to achieve personal and professional goals 

Ability to communicate with scholars/mentees openly, honestly, and stay curious 

Ability to listen empathically and reflectively 

Ability to establish a relationship based on mutual responsibility and respect 

Ability to convey practical problem-solving skills and suggest options and alternatives 

Possess a social awareness and consciousness of persons of different educational, economic, cultural, or racial backgrounds 

Requirements & Responsibilities 

Complete CY Advance and online volunteer applications, screening, background check, and signed policies [including Prince George’s County Public School] 

Background check cost: $15–$50 (varies by state; $15 in Maryland) 

Reimbursement available after completion of a minimum of 6 volunteer hours — billed through CYA and sponsored by UMGC 

Time availability to commit to program to develop and maintain a supportive, positive, and professional relationship with scholars/mentees 

Assist with facilitating small group discussions focusing on social-emotional development 

Collaborate with program staff to drive program deliverables 

Maintain a safe, nurturing learning environment for scholars/mentees