We offer a diverse range of volunteer opportunities. Our volunteer opportunities include assisting with our special events, engaging in outreach activities, working in the office assisting in administrative tasks, and serving on our Hike Advisory Team. Our volunteer opportunities primarily take place outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the gateway communities around the national park in North Carolina and Tennessee. Occasionally, we may have outreach opportunities outside our region. We may also have remote volunteer opportunities such as social media assistance, writing, or photography.
Once you fill out your volunteer application, you will receive an email to sign up for an orientation date. If you have any questions about volunteering, email Olivia Wright at olivia@friendsofthesmokies.org.
Volunteer Orientation Schedule:
Thursday, January 16th, 2025
Oconaluftee Visitor Center Administration Building
10am-3pm
This orientation will focus on becoming a Friends of the Smokies Ambassador
Email olivia@friendsofthesmokies.org to sign up!
Learn more about our volunteer opportunities below!
Assisting with our special events
We host special events throughout the year to raise both funds and awareness for the park. The primary goal of our fundraising events is to generate donor contributions while also engaging current supporters and welcoming new friends into our community. Meanwhile, donor cultivation events focus on demonstrating the impact of these contributions by sharing meaningful stories of how donor dollars make a difference.
Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring the success of these events. From assisting with logistics to creating a welcoming atmosphere, each volunteer contributes to a smooth and enjoyable experience for all. Volunteer roles vary depending on the event and can include activities like handing out water to racers at the Cades Cove Loop Lope, greeting guests at the Evergreen Ball, setting up tables at the Greenbrier Barn Party, and so much more.
Engaging in outreach activities as a Friends of the Smokies Ambassador
Our outreach events are great opportunities to meet new friends, bring awareness to our organization, and highlight the projects we support in the park. We are invited to many community events throughout the year to have a booth for Friends of the Smokies. Volunteers can help play a pivotal role in amplifying our message and mission by engaging in conversation and handing out informational materials. Our outreach volunteers are Friends of the Smokies representatives. They attend community/tabling events throughout the community and speak to interested people about what we do and who we are. These roles are for outgoing folks who like to meet new people. Tabling involves bringing Friends of the Smokies gear and materials to a community event and setting up a display for people to view and visit. These events take place throughout our service region in TN and NC. We also have digital outreach opportunities that include developing blogs and other social media content that helps share our stories.
Working in the office assisting in administrative tasks
Volunteer help with administrative tasks can make a huge impact for our staff members. We have ongoing and one-time office tasks throughout the year that volunteers can help with. It can save time for staff and allow more time to be spent furthering our mission. Office and Administration volunteers can help with various tasks from counting money to stuffing envelopes to filling out spreadsheets. These volunteer roles are determined based on the needs from the staff. They can be ongoing or a one-time opportunity. Opportunities are presented as needed and can take place in our North Carolina or Tennessee office.
Serving on our Hike Advisory Team
Our hiking series, Trails Forever Hikes, brings folks into the park to experience the trails in Great Smoky Mountain National Park while learning about how Friends of the Smokies makes a difference in the park. Volunteers help lead, sweep, and educate at our hiking series. Our hike advisory team helps lead and sweep our guided hike series, Trails Forever Hikes. The hike leaders are required to attend a training at the beginning of each year. The team members lead or sweep 1-4 hikes throughout the year. We also have opportunities for knowledgeable volunteers to attend the hikes to give our hikes an educational proponent, these volunteers are knowledgeable about an aspect of the trail/area of the park whether it be cultural, historical, or environmental.
If you are interested in volunteering with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, please visit their website, https://www.nps.gov/grsm/getinvolved/volunteer.htm.