Join the City of San Luis Obispo in April 2025 in celebrating the hundreds of community members who volunteer their time to make San Luis Obispo a more welcoming, safe and enjoyable place.
In 2024, more than 300 community members volunteered their time with the City, logging more than 6,300 hours! So far in 2025, more than 100 new volunteers have signed up to make a difference in San Luis Obispo. These include, students, professionals of all ages, retirees, parents, Rotarians, professors and more.
“Volunteers are the heart and soul of our engaged community,” said San Luis Obispo City Manager Whitney McDonald. “From beautifying our parks to supporting critical programs, the impact of our local volunteers is felt in every corner of the City. This month (and every month!) we proudly recognize their contributions and encourage more residents to get involved. Visit volunteer.slocity.org to learn how you can help do your part!”
Volunteer Appreciation Month is celebrated annually during the month of April nationwide and around the world. It is an opportunity to celebrate volunteers, highlight their impact and encourage community members to get involved with causes they care about. This year, the City of San Luis Obispo acknowledges the heart and skill volunteers bring to advancing City projects and serving alongside staff to move community priorities and goals forward. The theme this year is “Cultivating Community”.
“We’re incredibly thankful for community members who give their time, talent, and heart to serve our beautiful corner of the world,” said Kiersten Anderson, the City of San Luis Obispo’s Volunteer Coordinator. “Volunteers help us keep open spaces accessible, parks enjoyable, streets safe, staff events manageable and City projects moving forward with keen insight and support from those co-invested in our city’s long-term health and vitality.”
Looking to cultivate community, give back, and support San Luis Obispo? The City invites you to volunteer starting in April 2025 and receive a special token of our appreciation in celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Learn more about the following volunteer roles and sign up on the City’s volunteer portal, Engage SLO volunteer.slocity.org, or contact the Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].
What volunteers do for the City:
- Build out new and maintain existing open space trails (Ranger Workday Volunteers)
- Clean up parks to keep recreational spaces safe, beautiful, and enjoyable (Adopt-a-Park Volunteers)
- Traverse neighborhoods to remove litter from public streets and drains (Beautification Volunteers)
- Bring energy and enthusiasm to special events like Leprechaun Lost, September Scramble and Tree Plantings (Event Support Volunteers)
- Teach kids about teamwork and build skills around sports (Youth Sports Clinic Coaches and Volunteer Scorekeepers)
- Embed in City offices and help organize files and administrative projects (Administrative Support Volunteers)
- Remove graffiti, provide Chaplain services, and support cold case investigations (Police Department Volunteers)
- Teach the community about recycling and the City’s efforts on a more sustainable SLO (RecycleRight Volunteers)
- Help make Public Art sparkle and support local artists’ work around town (Public Art Beautification Volunteers)
“Volunteers help us do more, with more,” Anderson added. “We celebrate their service every day and are proud to be able to amplify their contributions to the City of San Luis Obispo during April’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Month.”
Visit www.slocity.org/Volunteer for more details. To receive updates from the City, please register for City News e-notifications on the City’s website at www.slocity.org/subscribe or follow the City of San Luis Obispo on social media.