GET INVOLVED

At the core of any successful community engagement are it's volunteers. Men and women who give of their time, talents, resources, wisdom, skills or experience to benefit to the future of the community. People who have an open hand, a desire to be helpful, and the will to help build community and camaraderie where it's needed most.

These men and women who give of themselves mean more to us, to the communities and to the city of Chicago, than words could ever express. Thank you for becoming a part of the great work that is happening on the west side of Chicago.

ANYONE CAN BE A COACH AND MENTOR! 

Expert knowledge of the sport is not necessary.

You will be a great coach/mentor if you CAN:

• Smile.
• Say, “Good job!”
• Laugh heartily. 
• Enjoy encouraging youth to reach their full potential. 
• Listen to their players’ feelings on a good or bad day.
• Connect players with resources available within the sports conference.
• Enjoy building relationships with youth and their families through sports.
• Pass a background check. 
  
  

ANYONE CAN HELP WITH SNACKS AND WATER!

Want to volunteer but can’t commit to weekly practice times? You can always volunteer to help make sure that each team has enough water to drink on hot days. The players also really appreciate snacks and pizza after the games.

LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS

Looking for a way to serve while enjoying sports with youth on the Westside of Chicago?

Active and retired police officers are a very important part of our coaching staff. When officers coach, everyone benefits. Through sports, police and community are provided an opportunity to see each other in a different light. Connecting in positive ways outside of 911 calls builds strong, lasting relationships that make communities safer.

Previous coaching experience not required. Contact Sgt. Jermaine Harris at jermaine.harris@chicagopolice.org for more information.

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

Looking for a way to connect with youth that are not currently a part of your organizations' programming? Our programming exists to connect local resources with the local community. Sometimes this connection is difficult. Many of our coach/mentors that work for partner organizations have discovered that the time spent each week with the players and their families translates into more participants within their own programming. We HIGHLY encourage each organization to promote their own programs and resources and send out weekly communications  highlighting partner organization events and programming.

Single events planned during our games and practices have been very successful. This can include food or resource distribution, event or program registration opportunities or community BBQ's. 

CHURCHES

Looking for safe and positive activities for the youth in your church? During the summer months, youth ministry staff can incorporate free summer baseball into their youth programming free of charge. The same opportunity exists during the winter with basketball.

Is your church "older"  and looking for a way to invest in the youth? Our coach/mentors' ages range from 16 - 76. Every caring adult can make a positive impact in a life using the gifts they have available. Some of our best coaches are seniors that come out and encourage!

Looking for a fun and meaningful outreach? Several partner churches, both local and suburban, have found sending a coach/mentor to assist a team has led to lasting relationships. Opportunities exist for single events or weekly service opportunities. Contact Stephanie at smarquardt@cityofrefugechicago.org for additional information or complete the volunteer registration form below.

COMMUNITY INDIVIDUALS AND PARENTS

We love when our parents help coach/mentor our teams! We love when local residents stop at a practice and ask how they can involved!

Parents and local residents are encouraged to get involved in building this sports conference. It is no secret the Westside has very real challenges. For sustainable transformation, it will take everybody in the community to support the next generation coming up. The time invested in the local youth changes the trajectories of their lives and that of the community. Complete the volunteer registration form below to begin making an impact today!

DONORS
(IN-KIND AND MONETARY INVOLVEMENT)

Offering quality sports with zero cost to participants in under-resourced communities only happens when people and organizations are motivated to support these efforts. In kind gifts of uniforms, equipment and monetary donations are always appreciated.

THE IMPACT OF PARTICIPATION: