FOR VOLUNTEERS

Ready to make a difference? Volunteer Houston makes it easy to turn your passion into purpose. Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or a lifelong changemaker, our platform connects you with local opportunities that inspire action and strengthen our community

Your time, energy, and compassion help shape a stronger, more connected Houston — one act of service at a time.

Your Volunteer Journey

  • Create your volunteer profile – Find opportunities that match your interests, schedule, and location.

  • Build your volunteer résumé – Log your volunteer hours and service in one place.

  • Stay updated – Receive notifications from organizations you follow and never miss a chance to serve.

  • Log your volunteer hours after each activity to see how your service adds up over time.

  • Tracking your hours helps recognize your efforts and measure community impact.

  • Tip: Logging hours regularly helps ensure your service qualifies for awards and recognition.

  • Browse active volunteer opportunities across Houston.

  • Filter by skills, interests, location, and availability to find the right match.

  • Sign up for opportunities that fit your schedule and goals.

Volunteer Houston Roadmap

From curiosity to community impact, here’s how your journey with Volunteer Houston can unfold

 

 

1

Create Your Profile

2

Connect

3

Serve

4

Grow & Share

 

🟣 I’m New — Sign Me Up
Create your volunteer account

🟣 I’ve Volunteered Before — Sign In
Access opportunities and your hours

Volunteer Houston Service Recognition Award

Volunteer Houston celebrates individuals whose service creates a lasting, positive impact across our community. Through the Service Recognition Award, we honor volunteers who give their time and energy to make Houston stronger and more compassionate.

✩ Be at least five (5) years old

✩ Complete eligible volunteer service within a 12-month recognition period

✩ Have volunteer hours accurately logged and verified through the Volunteer Houston portal

✩ Perform unpaid acts of volunteerism that directly benefit others

✩ Complete service through nonprofit, community, or civic organizations

✩ Meet the minimum hour requirements for the applicable age group and award level (Bronze, Silver, or Gold)

✩ Ensure all submitted information is complete, accurate, and verifiable

The following activities do not qualify toward recognition hours:

✩ Donating funds or in-kind contributions

✩ Political lobbying or advocacy

✩ Religious instruction, worship services, or proselytizing

✩ Court-ordered or mandatory service

✩ Service provided exclusively to family members

Volunteers are recognized based on the impact, commitment, and values reflected through their service. Considerations may include:

✩ Consistency and length of service

✩ Positive impact on a nonprofit, program, or community

✩ Leadership, initiative, or willingness to go above and beyond

✩ Alignment with Volunteer Houston and IM Houston’s mission and values

Kids (Ages 5–10)

✩ Bronze: 26–49 hours

✩ Silver: 50–74 hours

✩ Gold: 75+ hours

Teens (Ages 11–15)

✩ Bronze: 50–74 hours

✩ Silver: 75–99 hours

✩ Gold: 100+ hours

Young Adults (Ages 16–25)

✩ Bronze: 100–174 hours

✩ Silver: 175–249 hours

✩ Gold: 250+ hours

Adults (Ages 26+)

✩ Bronze: 100–249 hours

✩ Silver: 250–499 hours

✩ Gold: 500+ hours

Applying for the Volunteer Houston Recognition Award is simple:

✩ Log in to your Volunteer Houston portal account

✩ Ensure your volunteer hours are accurately logged and verified for the recognition year

✩ Download or generate a summary of your volunteer hours from the portal

✩ Complete the Recognition Award application form and upload your hours summary

✩ Applications may be submitted by individual volunteers or, when applicable, by a parent, guardian, or organization on the volunteer’s behalf.

The application form is accessed through a link and typically takes only a few minutes to complete once hours are verified.

Award recipients may receive:

✩ A personalized certificate of recognition

✩ A letter of appreciation signed by Sheroo Mukhtiar, President & CEO of IM Houston

✩ Public acknowledgment through Volunteer Houston’s communications and events

Recognition methods may vary based on award level and cycle.

Download Qualification Guide (PDF)
👉 Apply Now

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