Volunteer
If you care about kids and climate, we can use your help!
CARE (Climate Action Ripple Effect) is a hands-on education and community engagement program that mobilizes student climate action in School Districts 22 (Vernon) and 23 (Central Okanagan).
Working with volunteer mentors and advisors from all sectors, middle and high school students work in teams to design real-world projects that support local and global climate action goals – from energy efficiency, waste reduction, and pollinator gardens to food initiatives, education and lobbying campaigns, and community events.
You don’t need to be a climate scientist or engineer! We’re looking for people from diverse backgrounds – trades, business, non-profits, public sector, arts and culture, health, education, food systems, seniors, students, and more.
Volunteer Opportunities
As a CARE volunteer, you will:
- Share your diverse experience, ideas, and questions – not just your “expertise”
- Support a small group of students to shape and carry out a real project
- Help turn climate anxiety into climate action
- Foster community climate action while building your own connections
If you care about community and are willing to show up for youth, you’re welcome here!
For more info connect with our mentor recruiter Kasey Van Sickle at kasey@freshoutlookfoundation.org. To apply for a volunteer position, complete this application. After we review your application we’ll follow up with more details and next steps.
Thank you for sharing your time, energy, and encouragement with local youth!
Stoke your passion and student learning!
In 2025 alone, more than 100 mentors were matched with almost 700 students create 211 projects in six categories: Nature & Biodiversity, Agriculture & Food, Energy Buildings, Waste Reduction, Eco-Friendly Transportation, and Human Health & Culture. Student learning was celebrated at CARE Expos in Vernon and Kelowna. Whatever your climate passion, there’s an opportunity to help kids who are keen to learn.
CARE’s Proven Benefits
Comprehensive pre- and post-CARE evaluations of student and mentor experiences show that CARE benefits all participants. For more details check out our CARE 2025 Feedback Outcomes Summary.