New Volunteer Opportunities

New Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteerism plays an important role here at Marion County, helping to build our relationship with citizens while building our capacity to deliver important services and supports. We are fortunate as we benefit from a community committed to civic engagement, and many volunteers make significant contribution in time, energy and expertise.

Marion County offers a wide variety of program and event volunteer opportunities, as well as opportunities to serve on an advisory boards, committee or task force. Opportunities vary by department, and by the time of the year, and evolve.Summary of Marion County Volunteer Opportunities.pdf

Spotlight on a current volunteer opportunities:

Farm Direct Nutrition Program Seasonal Volunteer
Are you looking for a meaningful way to help families in our community? The WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children) is a special nutrition and health program that provides education, breastfeeding support, health screenings, and nutritious food to low-income families.

This summer, our WIC participants can also participate in the Farm Direct Nutrition Program, which provides WIC participants with additional resources to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs - helping them eat healthy while supporting local farmers.

As a volunteer, you will help ensure local families have access to this wonderful benefit by helping with general office tasks, helping to gather and manage supplies for events and activities, and assisting with educational and outreach efforts. Volunteers are needed April through the end of September.  Our ideal volunteer is available to help from 4 to 16 hours each week, and is available to volunteer during the week and on an occasional Saturday. To be considered for this volunteer opportunity, complete and submit your application no later than Friday, April 18, 2025 May 9, 2025.

 

Volunteer at the 2025 Marion County Fair – July 10–13!

Join us at the Fairgrounds in Salem for the 2025 Marion County Fair! We're seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help create a great experience for our community. Volunteers assist with various tasks, including greeting guests, providing information, and ensuring special events run smoothly. 

Perks of Volunteering:

• Free admission to the fair

• Exclusive event t-shirt

• Opportunity to meet new people and support your community 

Interested in helping at this year's fair? Visit https://bit.ly/2025mcfair to find specific volunteer opportunities and shifts. Let's make the 2025 Marion County Fair the best one yet—together!

 

Fair Board Key Volunteer
Do you love the County Fair? Are you passionate about Marion County’s economy, culture and heritage? Join the dedicated team that organizes and manages the county fair! Fair Board members and Key Volunteer work together, with partners, and with staff to bring the annual Marion County Fair to life. Both Fair Board and Key Volunteers are appointed by the Board of Commissioners for serve three-year terms, attend monthly meetings in Salem, and are present at the fair which is held the second weekend of July. We are currently looking for community members interested in serving as a Key Volunteer to the Fair Board. Find out more about the Marion County Fair Board here. To be considered as a Key Volunteer to the Fair Board submit your Advisory Board Application today!

 

Parks Commission
Do you have an interest in ensuring county parks are designed, utilized and maintained to fit the needs of our community? Consider joining the Marion County Parks Commission. The Commission meets on the 3rd Thursday of every other month. Members must be 18 years of age, live or work in Marion County, and each member is appointed to a 4-year term. The Parks Commission advise the Board of Commissioners on land acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of  the system of Marion County parks - which includes 17 developed, and 3 undeveloped parks.  Find more information about Marion County Parks Commission here. Submit your Advisory Board Application no later than 11:59pm on Friday, April 25, 2025 be considered for a position on the Parks Commission.

 

Planning Commission

Marion County is seeking community-minded individuals interested in serving on the Marion County Planning Commission — a great opportunity to help shape the future of land use and development in our county. Preference will be given to residents of St. Paul, Stayton/Sublimity, or Santiam Canyon to ensure broad geographic representation. Read more here2025 Planning Commission media alert.pdf. Please note: We cannot accept applications from those actively involved in buying, selling, or developing real estate for profit. Interested in helping guide Marion County's growth? Apply now and make your voice heard! Submit your Advisory Board Application no later than 11:59pm on Friday, May 9, 2025 be considered for a position on the Planning Commission.

 

Victim Advocate
Are you compassionate, caring and able to work well with a diverse group of clients? Consider joining the District Attorney's team as a volunteer Victim Advocate. Marion County’s Victim Assistance Program serves thousands of victims each year, providing support to victims of child abuse, stalking, sexual assault, elder abuse, domestic violence, and homicide.

As a volunteer advocate or student intern you'll work side-by-side with program staff to provide immediate crisis intervention and advocacy throughout the investigation and prosecution of the case. In addition to providing direct services to victims, there are volunteer opportunities providing office and special event support. Volunteers receive specialized training to prepare for this important role. The next training starts September 22, 2025, and applications must be received by Monday, September 8th. Find our more about the application process, and find the program specific application here.

 

Find a Volunteer Opportunity:

• Visit the Ongoing Opportunities page for a list of volunteer opportunities by department. 
• Visit Advisory Boards to find more information about open positions on an advisory board, commission, or committee. Eligibility requirements vary by board, but generally applicants must work or live in Marion County to be considered for appointment to any advisory board.
• Visit Intern Opportunities for information on opportunities for students enrolled in an academic institution.

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