Volunteer Highlight: Park Rangers and Clean Up Papago

On Sunday, January 21, in Papago Park, Park Rangers Joseph Santillan, Esther Zanovitch, Hollon Kinney, and Park Supervisor Josh Parnell teamed up with Clean Up Papago for a cactus replanting project around Hunt's Tomb. The goal of the project was to revitalize the surrounding area and discourage park users from going off trail. Jenny Vitale provided the cacti (Saguaro, Barrel, Prickly Pear, Hedgehog, and Cholla) and educated the group on the proper replanting process for each cactus, in order to increase its survival rate. Two Mesquite trees and Brittlebushes were planted near Hunt's Tomb, as well. Everyone in the group enjoyed bringing life back into the area.

Volunteer Ushers Needed 

Ushers are needed for the Symphony Hall and Orpheum Theatre!

We are eagerly seeking passionate individuals to join our esteemed team of volunteers at Symphony Hall and Orpheum Theatre.

Phoenix Symphony Hall is home to The Phoenix Symphony, Arizona Opera, and Ballet Arizona.

The historic Orpheum Theatre hosts a variety of entertainment and educational programs including stage productions, concerts, dance, comedy shows, and silent and classic films.

As a member of our ushering team, you'll play a pivotal role in crafting unforgettable experiences for our patrons.  With warmth, courtesy, and a genuine desire to assist, our ushers ensure that every moment spent within our majestic theatres is nothing short of enchanting. Let's create magical moments together for our community in the heart of Phoenix's thriving arts community!

For any inquiries or to take the first step towards your adventure, reach out to us at pcc.volunteer@phoenix.gov.

AmeriCorps Opportunities

There are a total of eight AmeriCorps positions available with the City of Phoenix!

There are three AmeriCorps VISTAs positions with the City of Phoenix, AZ USA that are AVAILABLE: one with the Office of Sustainability, another with the Office of Innovation, and a position with the City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department!

The role with the Office of Sustainability will help educate the community and receive community feedback regarding sustainable transportation options. The role with the Office of Innovation will support implementing innovative equity, inclusion and sustainability projects in underserved communities.

The role in the Neighborhood Services Department will work to expand a unique form of student engagement within the community!

For more information and to apply for one of the positions, visit the following link:

HandsOn Greater Phoenix | AmeriCorps VISTA (handsonphoenix.org)

The deadline to apply for the AmeriCorps VISTA positions fast approaching and is Sunday, February 18th!

There are five Northern Arizona University Arizona Climate Resilience Corps AmeriCorps positions available. The Arizona Climate Resilience Corps (AZCRC) will help build resilience and address climate issues in Arizona’s communities through environmental education, outreach, and volunteer coordination projects. 

The positions are the following: City of Phoenix Water Services Department AmeriCorps Member – Listening and Learning (Commercial) Project, City of Phoenix Water Services Department AmeriCorps Member – Teacher Listening Series Project, City of Phoenix Office of Heat Response and Mitigation AmeriCorps Member – Tree Equity Assistant, City of Phoenix Office of Heat Response and Mitigation AmeriCorps  Member – Heat Resilience Project, and the City of Phoenix Office of Heat Response and Mitigation AmeriCorps  Member – Heat Resilience Project.

Interested applicants can apply at the following link: Apply AmeriCorps | Center for Service and Volunteerism (nau.edu).

Zero Waste Internship

The Phoenix Public Works Department Zero Waste Team is recruiting and intern. The primary responsibilities that will be performed by the Zero Waste Intern include: solid waste education, assisting with Material Recovery Facility (MRF) tours, inventory work, logging information received from telephone and email correspondences, scheduling meetings, handling inquiries from residents, shadowing public events and presentations, co-hosting a booth at community events, assisting with waste sorts, providing zero waste knowledge, social media development, assisting in pilot program roll-outs and researching advanced solutions to serve our residents better and meet the department’s strategic goals

Interested applicants must be a senior in high school or college student.

Recruitment closes on March 11, 2024. The first review of applications will occur the week of March 4, 2024.

For any questions and to express interest in the  internship, please contact Alicia, Zero Waste Analyst, at alicia.flores-garcia@phoenix.gov. 

Get Help this Tax Season from VITA

Did you know it costs about $300 to $500 on average to have your taxes prepared by a professional? You can SAVE that money this tax season by using the City of Phoenix’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. There are three ways you can file for free:

1. Do It Yourself: prepare your own state and federal tax returns using our free online software and get help from a VITA tax volunteer. (For individuals and families who make less than $79,000 AGI)

2. In-Person Assistance: Make an appointment to work with an IRS-certified tax preparer to file your returns. (For individuals and families who make less than $64,000 AGI)

3. MyFreeTaxes.com: Complete your taxes for free online at home using a self-paced, step-by-step guide to file your returns. IRS-certified tax volunteers are available to help through online chat.

Please schedule an appointment today by visiting our website at www.phoenix.gov/taxhelp or call 602 534 8359. To receive our free Do It Yourself Link, please email vita.taxhelp@phoenix.gov.

If you would like to volunteer to help others receive these great services, please contact us. Tax services are provided through the month of September. Last year, 259 volunteers provided over 11,000 hours to help 3,500 households receive over $4.3 million in refunds.