Volunteer
Whether through one-on-one student help in classes, administrative assistance in the ACT office, or providing direction through one-time events, we are so thankful for our volunteers. See below for our on-going and one-time volunteer opportunities.
Volunteering With ACT
Becoming a volunteer with ACT is easy!
Fill out the Application Form
First, fill out the brief volunteer application form online. Please note that some volunteer placements will require a background check.
Schedule Volunteer Orientation
An ACT staff member will reach out to you to schedule a volunteer orientation.
Attend Volunteer Orientation
During orientation, you and the ACT staff member will decide which volunteer area is a good fit for you, based on the interest areas you select in the form.
Questions? Contact our Community Arts Coordinator.
Volunteer Spotlight
Jenna Dominique
Jenna first connected with ACT back in January 2014 as a programming intern. Even now that she’s a kindergarten teacher, Jenna still makes time to volunteer with the ACTion drummers! “I’ve continued my involvement with ACT because it is an organization that provides artistic opportunities to students, no matter their abilities, which resonates with me greatly as a teacher. ACT is not just an organization, but a caring community that gives people a sense of belonging, and I feel lucky to be apart of it. I secretly want my own drum set, with dreams of being in a band, after being part of the ACTion drummers for so long!” Thank you Jenna for bringing your positivity and inspiring spirit to the ACTion drummers!
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Fall 2022
Weekly & Monthy Programs
Empower U Art Explorations
When: Tuesdays beginning September 13 through December 6
Where: ACT Studio (1140 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 4101, Grand Rapids MI 49504)
Volunteer time: 8:45am-11:15am
Experience: Art Explorations enables transition-aged special education students (ages 18-26) to experience multiple art forms over several sessions of classes.
Volunteers will support the Teaching Artist in leading art instruction for students, and assisting students with projects.
Early Childhood Art Explorations at Huntington Woods
When: Tuesdays beginning September 13 through December 6
Where: Huntington Woods Early Childhood Center (4334 Byron Center Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49519)
Volunteer time: 12:30-2:00pm
Experience: Art exploration classes provide arts access to children with disabilities ages 2-6. This program combines visual arts, creative movement, yoga, theater, and music to develop fine and gross motor abilities, communication, following directions, and team work in non-traditional ways.
Volunteer will assist the Teaching Artist in leading visual arts or music instruction for students.
Empower U Art Intensives
When: Wednesdays beginning September 14 through December 7
Where: ACT Studio (1140 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 4101, Grand Rapids MI 49504)
Volunteer time: 8:45am-11:15am
Experience: Art Intensives provides transition-aged special education students (ages 18-26) an opportunity to focus and strengthen their skills within one specific art form over several weeks.
Volunteers will assist the Teaching Artist in leading art instruction for students, and assisting students with projects.
KISD Apprentice Program
When: Thursdays beginning October 20th through December 8
Where: ACT Studio (1140 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 4101, Grand Rapids MI 49504)
Volunteer time: 8:45am-11:15am
Experience: The apprentice program is designed to provide high-caliber, intensive art apprenticeships to young artists with disabilities attending special education transition centers in West Michigan. As apprentices, artists work and train under a professional artist and gain experience in arts administration, professional development, artistic training, and experiential learning.
Volunteers will support the Teaching Artist in leading art instruction for students, and assisting students with projects.
ACTion Choir
When: Thursdays beginning September 15 through December 8 (12 weeks, no class 10/20 and 11/24)
Where: Kuyper College (3333 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525)
Volunteer time: 12pm-1:30pm
Experience: ACTion Choir is a community choir focused on fun, upbeat music, friendship, and technique.
Volunteers will support students with learning songs, following along with sheet music, and enhancing the already-exciting learning environment of ACTion Choir!
Open Studios
When: 2nd Wednesdays of each month
(September 14, October 12, November 9)
Where: ACT Studio (1140 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 4101, Grand Rapids MI 49504)
Volunteer time: 5:45pm-7:45pm for each evening
Experience: Join as at the ACT studio for art-making, community, and fun! Open Studio welcomes those with disabilities, their friends, siblings, and peers of all abilities!
Volunteers will support participants in themed art activities at the ACT studio.
One-Time Community Events
Creative Cube at After Dark Night Market: 555 Monroe
When: Saturday, September 10
Where: 555 Monroe Skate Park & Community Space (555 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)
Volunteer time: 2pm-8pm
Experience: The Creative Cube will join After Dark's 555 Monroe event with free hands-on art and music-making activities. The event will feature art vendors, live music, food trucks, and community organizations in celebration of public art and art education.
Volunteers will support students in art and music making at the Creative Cube.
Creative Cube at ArtPrize 2022
When: Thursday, September 15
Where: Calder Plaza (525 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)
Volunteer time: 9am-3pm
Experience: The Creative Cube will be open to the public for the first official day of ArtPrize 2022!
Volunteers will help provide hands-on art for visitors as they explore the ArtPrize competition downtown.
Creative Cube at Huntington Woods Early Childhood Center
When: Wednesday, September 21
Where: Huntington Woods Early Childhood Center (4334 Byron Center Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49519)
Volunteer time: 8am-3pm
Experience: The Creative Cube is visiting Huntington Woods for a day of art, music, and play for Early Childhood Special Education students!
Volunteers will support students in art and music making at the Creative Cube.