Celebrate National Volunteer Month by Giving Back in Downtown Tempe

April is National Volunteer Month, a time to spotlight the important work that volunteers do in communities and to recognize the incredible individuals who donate their time and talent to strengthen them. In Downtown Tempe, volunteers are the backbone of much of the work we do to shape our community - from beautifying streets and supporting events, to fostering connections among residents, businesses, and visitors.

Why Volunteer?
Giving back to your community through volunteering has many benefits—for the community and even for your health and personal well-being. Some of the benefits include increased self-confidence, improved mood, lower rates of depression, and stress reduction. Don’t just take our word for it; science-backed studies show that volunteers gain professional skills, mental health benefits, and even a longer lifespan.

That’s not all: A 2020 research study determined that volunteering increases happiness and found that happiness levels rose the longer people volunteered. Volunteering is also great for every age and stage of life:

• Children can build healthy habits and learn diverse perspectives.
• Teens can develop self-awareness and build skills.
• Adults can connect with a passion or cause.
• Seniors can cultivate a vibrant social life or sense of purpose.

At Downtown Tempe Authority (DTA), we see firsthand how volunteering benefits both individuals and the community.

Did you know that in 2024, 256 volunteers contributed 1,403 hours to support events, sustainability projects, and community outreach? These efforts made a direct impact on the success of our events and community initiatives.

By coming alongside our team at Downtown Tempe, volunteers helped us serve thousands of event attendees and visitors, ensuring that our events were high-quality, well-supported, and welcoming.

"I love Tempe, and want to support the community!" - a 2024 volunteer

Volunteers are so critical to the work that we do, each year at our State of Downtown event, we recognize at least one volunteer who we feel has made a big difference and should be celebrated in front of stakeholders and community partners. The announcement for this volunteer will be revealed on our social media channel and in this blog, in late-April after our State of Downtown event.

Ready to Volunteer? Here’s How to Get Involved :

Downtown Tempe Events
From the Tempe Festival of the Arts to Tempe Blooms or the Downtown Tempe Pride Party, volunteers serve as ambassadors, assist with setup/teardown, and staff info booths—ensuring seamless experiences for thousands.

Beautification & Sustainability: A clean, vibrant downtown enhances the experience for everyone. Occasionally, there are sustainability or beautification projects that help keep our community clean, welcoming and safe!

Community Outreach: Support local businesses, neighbors in need, and initiatives to make downtown more inclusive. Search for open volunteer positions.

Join Us

• View Current Opportunities – this page will post current opportunities
• Sign up for our Volunteer Newsletter- be the first to be notified about upcoming opportunities

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Project Spotlight

"Happiness Blooms"

Community members of all ages are invited to help install a new public artwork at Flower Power Park in Downtown Tempe. We will beautify Downtown Tempe by decorating 160 feet of chain link fence on the SE corner of 7^th Street and Mill Ave. Participants will help unveil an inspiring Earth Day message by threading vinyl strips through the fence, piece by piece.

When: Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 10:30 a.m.–noon (drop-ins welcome). Stay for a half hour, hour, or until complete!