Residents can volunteer to participate in various City programs and efforts.

Emergency

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Neighborhood Captain
The City needs Neighborhood Captains to coordinate emergency preparedness efforts for specific neighborhoods. Training and support is provided by the City.

Office of Emergency Services
Volunteer with the Office of Emergency Services as a ham radio operator, trainer, public speaker, phone and office assistant, newsletter editor, or CERT program coordinator.

Public Safety

Neighborhood Watch
Community involvement is essential to combat crime. By cooperating with each other and the police, people can fight crime in their community in the most effective way—before it begins. San Mateo has one of the most active programs in the county. Join a Neighborhood Watch group to help keep the community safe.

Police Department Reserve Officer Program
The Reserve Officer program is a voluntary opportunity for responsible men and women from the community who are interested in law enforcement. They assist the San Mateo Police Department in a wide-range of police functions.

Police Activities League (PAL)
The San Mateo Police Activities League is dedicated to providing high quality recreational, educational, and leisure activities to the youth of San Mateo and surrounding communities at little or no cost. San Mateo PAL utilizes police officers and community volunteers as coaches, teachers, and mentors to thousands of youth, families, and the community. Click here to learn about current volunteer opportunities.

National Night Out
National Night Out is a national event designed to raise crime prevention awareness, strengthen neighborhood unity and spirit, and develop partnerships between the City and the community. Find out about how to help your block organize or participate in this summer event.

Library

Library Volunteers
Join the many people who share their time and talents as members of our San Mateo Library Team. We need volunteers who will share their love of books, language and culture; volunteers who enjoy working with staff to assist customers in using the Library’s many new resources. As a library volunteer, you can make a difference every day.

Project Read
Project Read-San Mateo is the literacy program of the San Mateo Public Library, which helps adults improve their reading, writing and communication skills. Project Read trains volunteer tutors who work one-on-one or in small groups teaching adults the skills they need. Learn how you can volunteer and help someone learn to read.