Become a Rainey Volunteer | Rainey Institute

be a Rainey volunteer

Share your time for Cleveland’s art and education scene

View Volunteer Opportunities

be a part of something special.

Experience the joy of changing children’s lives through the arts.

volunteer program at rainey institute

Volunteering at Rainey Institute is a rewarding experience. Whether you’re interested in helping out with an event or several days a week, your contribution makes a huge difference in the lives of the children we serve and our community!

Since 1904, Rainey Institute has changed countless lives through education and engagement in performing and visual arts. We recognize potential in all its forms and embrace children with no arts background just as readily as those with perfect pitch. Whether it is after school, on weekends, or over the summer, Rainey Institute is a creative oasis for those who need us most.

Rainey Institute has served as a community anchor in Cleveland’s historic Hough neighborhood for more than a century. Today, Rainey Institute’s on-campus and off-site programming change the lives of over 2,500 children each year!

Reasons to Volunteer

Support our goal of delivering high quality and accessible arts education to Cleveland youth
Work alongside and learn from lifelong educators, artists, and nonprofit staff
Witness the artistic progress our students make

volunteer program F.A.Q.s

Who can be a Rainey Volunteer?

Everyone who cares about children, education, and community art is a potential volunteer. Prior teaching experience is not necessary. Volunteers may be:

Parents
Family members (grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.)
College students
Senior citizens
Community members

I’ve submitted my volunteer request! What’s next?

Within 1-2 business days, our volunteer coordinator will email you the role(s) that
work best for your interests and availability.

If you want an On-going Volunteer Opportunity, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the role up to 3 times. Then, if you decide you want to volunteer on a regular basis, we’ll help you complete the onboarding process at your convenience.

If you want a One-time Volunteer Opportunity, no on-boarding is required. We’ll email you when special events at Rainey are coming up.

I want to register a group of volunteers. How do I do that?

The best way to start a group volunteering arrangement is to Email [email protected]. Introduce yourself, and our volunteer coordinator will send a group registration form.

Also, if you participated in a group volunteer role prior to the COVID 19 outbreak (for example, our good friends at American Greetings), please reach out! We are looking to reopen past volunteer roles that worked for community and corporate partners.

Can I prepare for my volunteer role beforehand?

Absolutely! Please refer to the Volunteer resources area of this page.

What makes a great Rainey Volunteer?

A great Rainey volunteer is someone who affirms the dignity of ALL our students. That means they call them by their name, ask them about their artistic practice, and listen to their thoughts. A great volunteer knows that even routine tasks are the vehicle for providing good interpersonal care.

A great Rainey volunteer is someone who the staff can depend on. That means they complete what their supervising staff assigns and aren’t afraid to ask for clarifying directions.

A great volunteer acts as an essential player in Rainey’s staff, both by working as equals and learning from our experienced childcare and art instructors. A great Rainey volunteer does this for the Cleveland community. A great volunteer recognizes that their service to the children is a service to the next generation of Cleveland artists and citizens.