Folsom, CA

"Every day, ordinary people become extraordinary through their selfless acts of courage to help others."
~ Unknown 

Citizens Assisting Public Safety
Citizens Assisting Public Safety (CAPS) volunteers are an elite team of volunteers who work togetherwith public safety departments to improve the city while giving back to the community.

The CAPS volunteer program supports the Folsom police and fire departments in their activities of protection and service to the community. CAPS volunteers assist with various tasks, including patrol, vacation checks, front desk reception, records assistance, backboard collection, leading department tours, providing neighborhood watch or business watch presentations, leading dog walker watch trainings, and participating in safety fairs and community events. Learn more about volunteering with the CAPS volunteer program.

 

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program
Due to the ongoing risk of wildfires and potential dangers from earthquakes, pandemics, and other disasters, Folsom’s CERT volunteer program is essential in advancing community safety.

The CERT program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks. For more information, visit the CERT website or contact the Folsom CERT volunteer coordinator at contact@folsomcert.org.

Neighborhood Watch
A crime prevention partnership is formed when citizens band together as a Neighborhood Watch group and work together to recognize and report suspicious activities to the Folsom Police Department.

Neighborhood Watch groups don't patrol their neighborhoods or act like police officers. Neighborhood Watch members:

• Get to know each other, learn what vehicles their neighbors drive, typical schedules, and who lives in each home. If something seems off, they can check on each other or report it
• Report suspicious activity to the Police Department.
• Share crime information and prevention tips.

Learn more about the Folsom Police Department Neighborhood Watch program.

"The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library."
~ Albert Einstein 

The Folsom Public Library offers many ways to give back to the community. Volunteers play an integral role in making the library a great place to learn, read, and connect with others. 

Teen Library Council: Teens ages 14 – 18 interested in gaining leadership experience by planning and assisting with library programs are encouraged to apply to the Teen Library Council. The program runs from September through May each year, and applications open on August 1. Visit the library's website for information about programs and the application process.

Teen Summer Volunteer Team:  The Teen Summer Volunteer Team is a great way for teens ages 14 – 18 to give back to their community during the summer. Teens volunteer at least 15 hours from May through July, helping the library deliver its Summer Reading programs. Applications open on April 1. Visit the library's website for more information.

Adult Library Volunteers: Limited opportunities are available for adults interested in volunteering regularly and assisting the library in organizing and retrieving materials. Learn more online. Additional adult volunteer opportunities may be available through the Friends of the Folsom Library.  

"The environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share."
~ Lady Bird Johnson 

Tree Plantings and Tree Care
Trees provide habitat for our wildlife, shade on our trails, clean air, and beauty in our open spaces – and are a big part of why Folsom is “Distinctive by Nature.” Join us for tree plantings and tree care events. Stay informed about volunteer opportunities.  

 

Creek Clean-Up
Help clean and maintain Folsom creeks and connect with nature while removing garbage and debris, improving the environment, restoring habitats, and preserving the beauty of our waterways. To organize a creek-cleanup, or for more information, contact pwdept@folsom.ca.us.

Adopt-A-Trail Program
Folsom is home to more than 50 miles of Class I bike and pedestrian trails for walking, running, hiking, and cycling. Our trails support a healthy, active lifestyle while protecting and preserving open space for residents to enjoy.

Folsom Parks & Recreation developed the Adopt-A-Trail program to allow community members and organizations to beautify, restore, and help maintain the city’s treasured trail system. Through the dedication of our volunteers, the trail system receives the extra attention needed to help keep the trails clear of litter and debris.

Trail sections are adopted in approximate one-mile segments. Adopters make a one-year commitment with regular trail checks and cleanup days. There is no fee to adopt or participate in a cleanup day. The Friends of the Folsom Parkways serve as the Adopt-A-Trail Program Coordinator and the main point of contact for the program. Learn more about the Adopt-A-Trail program.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
~ Mahatma Gandhi 

The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary provides a haven for dozens of rescued wild and domestic animals. The zoo sanctuary’s mission is “Teaching Responsible Behavior Toward All Animals.” Guests enjoy visiting the animal residents, including bears, wolf-hybrids, monkeys, birds, raptors, cougars, reptiles, insects, and many more.

 

Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary can be a fun, educational, and rewarding experience. Volunteer opportunities include:

• Zookeeper aide
• Commissary aide
• Barn attendant
• Gift shop attendant
• Horticulture assistant
• Grounds and maintenance assistant
• Corporate/community organization work group projects

For more information, visit the Zoo Sanctuary’s website or email Jessica Donahoo at jdonahoo@folsom.ca.us.

Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary Docent Program
Docents serve a vital role in helping to promote the zoo sanctuary’s educational mission, host school tours, interact with the public at community events, help with youth camps, and assist at a variety of special events. The Docent Training class is held once each year. Registration opens in November, and the class typically begins mid-February and continues through mid-March. Classes are held on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Register online and complete the volunteer application. Visit the website for more information, or call Sue Bean at 916-715-8610. 

Zoo Sanctuary Holiday Lights Decorators and Carolers
Volunteer decorators and carolers are needed for the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary’s annual Wild Nights and Holiday Lights event. We supply the lights, and you and your group provide the hanging power! Visit the Zoo Sanctuary website to stay informed about volunteer opportunities, or email Jessica Donahoo at jdonahoo@folsom.ca.us.

"Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality."
~ Warren Bennis 

Commissions and Committees
The City of Folsom has long benefited from residents' involvement in many civic activities. One way that residents can be involved is by serving on one of the city’s commissions or committees. Various opportunities are available, serving different areas of interest, and residents are encouraged to help develop city programs. Find all City of Folsom committees and commissions.

 

Folsom Teen Council
The Folsom Teen Council is a dedicated group of Folsom high school students who want to make the world a better place. The students provide volunteer assistance for community projects and special events throughout the school year. 

Candidates must be willing to attend monthly meetings and participate in Teen Council activities regularly. Membership is valid for one year. All members need to complete a new application and emergency waiver each year.

Interested teens can contact Frankie Nelson at fnelson@folsom.ca.us or call 916-461-6614 for more details.