Volunteer at Arbutus Folk School
Arbutus Folk School volunteers make our mission possible by supporting our operations through their time and skills. Since our founding in 2013, volunteer support has allowed us to expand our community resources and positive impact with otherwise limited resources. See below for currently available volunteer opportunities, and contact us at info@arbutusfolkschool.org for any questions. Thank you!
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Handy Helpers
We are in constant need of repairs, maintenance, and upgrades to our equipment and facilities. If you are creative and handy, we need your help! Example projects could include: build and install shelving; install acoustical treatment on the ceilings and walls; unclog toilets and sinks (haha…); repaint and refresh walls; party and event set-up; holiday decoration; furniture/equipment moving; putting up art and bulletin boards; and more. If interested, contact us at info@arbutusfolkschool.org. Currently an area of high need.
Clean Team
Support Arbutus Folk School’s operations by serving on our Monday Clean Team. This fun group meets weekly to clean and organize the facilities so that classes and events are welcoming to the community and functional for our artists. This is an essential volunteer role that builds community through regular, in-person work together with a small but mighty team. Tasks may include sweeping, dusting, disinfecting, vacuuming, taking out trash, sorting art supplies, etc. and will vary from week to week.
Current area of high need: Our Monday Clean Team does an awesome job, but we are getting so busy that this once/week cleaning needs to be supplemented! We are seeking to add a volunteer shift on Thursdays or Fridays between 11am and 2pm. Duties would include vacuuming the three carpets in the doorways, wiping down and/or vacuuming dust in the woodshop, and emptying trash cans if needed.
If interested, contact us at info@arbutusfolkschool.org!
Youth Ceramics Aide
Inspire and encourage young artists ages 6-9 and 10-13 as they explore ceramic handbuilding and wheelthrowing. Our kind and skillful youth ceramics instructors appreciate the support of an aide, ideally with some experience in ceramics, to ensure students have the help and supervision needed to succeed and stay safe in the studio. Background checks are required and commitments are generally from 4 to 8 weeks at a time, with weekly 2-hour meetings for each class session. If interested, contact us at info@arbutusfolkschool.org. All positions currently filled.
Accessibility Aide
Help us provide more equitable access to the arts by serving as a classroom aide when requested by students with special needs. The classroom aide does not need prior experience in the assigned craft area, but rather keeps a sharp eye and ear out for any help that is needed during classroom activities. This can include lifting or holding items for students with physical disabilities or limitations, as well as support for students with cognitive needs such as following instructions, orienting in the studio, or other accommodations. The ideal aide will have relevant experience in an educational setting, strong communication skills, and ability to identify needs in the moment in collaboration with the instructor. If interested, contact us at info@arbutusfolkschool.org. All positions currently filled.
Flyer Team (Area of Highest Need!)
Help us expand our services to the community by getting the word out to new audiences: take flyers to businesses and community centers in the area to advertise scholarships, special events, job openings, and more. We welcome the leadership and knowledge of the volunteer to help us identify ideal flyer locations in their community in addition to our own lists, and volunteers can focus on the areas they already frequent. Flyering is an important way to reach beyond our usual ‘bubble’ to audiences we have historically underserved, so volunteers supporting this work are making a great impact! If interested, contact us at info@arbutusfolkschool.org.
Circle Leaders
Highly-trusted circle leaders support community gatherings in fiber arts and miscellaneous crafts that are free/donation-based at Arbutus Folk School. Volunteering your time and skill as a leader in this way allows us to offer something accessible to everyone that builds community and promotes continued practice of your favorite craft! A current example is monthly Embroidery Circle. Leadership positions of this nature require working closely with our team and work well for community members who are somewhat familiar with our facilities from taking classes or other past involvement. Please inquire with us if you would like to propose leading a monthly craft circle and to learn more.
One-Time Projects
If you would like to help us with a one-time project on weekdays between 11am-2pm, we have a long list of things that need doing and would love to have your help and leadership to get it accomplished! Some current needs include:
- Add gaskets to doors between studios to help block noise. This would entail researching, procuring (with reimbursement), installing, and testing.
- Finish doors between studios. This would entail removing the doors from their hinges to apply a stain which we have already on hand.
- Dusting up-high. This would entail researching and procuring (with reimbursement) tools to reach ductwork and other surfaces in need of dusting beyond normal reach.
- Re-pot our lobby plant. This would entail moving the plant into fresh soil and a new pot handmade by our Studio Manager. Not much soil will be needed, so it would be great if you could bring some you already have!
- Moving furniture. We have several shelves, tables, and lockers that we would like to rearrange. This would entail heavy lifting and use of our ramp in the back.
- Repaint the trim on our exterior windows. This would entail cleaning the windowsills and protecting the area. We have paint provided by the landlord.
- Purge and organize our bulletin boards. This would entail reading flyers for out-of-date events and materials, then arranging the remaining materials on the board.
Other volunteering questions or ideas? Email us at info@arbutusfolkschool.org!
