Volunteers are needed to act as jurors, clerks, and attorneys in Youth Court, a nationwide program run locally to help unclog the court system.  Juveniles charged with misdemeanors or minor felonies waive their right to be tried in traditional court and are tried in youth court in return for a clean record upon completion of probation (or whatever sentence the court imposes).  The recidivism rate, or rate of re-arrest, in youth court is 4-5% versus the 28-34% rate of traditional court.  Recently the Youth Court Program was expanded to include the Teen Drug Court function as well. Youth Court is held in four locations throughout the county, including Delray Beach Courthouse at 200 West Atlantic Ave where trials take place every Thursday evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. Other locations include West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Belle Glade. Parents are welcome to watch their children in action, but all proceedings must remain confidential.  Attorney training takes place in September; student volunteers will be coached by pro bono lawyers.  Great for students interested in a law career.

Best Buddies enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities through a one-to-one friendship and integrated employment. Best Buddies needs volunteers to help with clerical work, filing, answering phones, and organizing and implementing events. Minimum age is 14 years old.

SunFest is Florida's largest music, art & waterfront festival held APril 27th - May 7th in downtown West Palm Beach. Every year we have hundreds of student volunteers who earn community service credit helping with a variety of tasks.

To access volunteer opportunities, go to "Team Sunfest" at www.sunfest@sunfest.com. A schedule of orientation meetings and volunteer activities will be listed.

Tutors/Playmates: Many volunteers are needed to help with sixty children aged 6-12 after school at Lois Martin Community Center in Dixie Manor, a local housing project. Duties include planning special events, helping with homework, and playing outside.  The program is child-oriented, designed to encourage and motivate the kids to live a successful life.

Serving more than 13,000 children each year, our purpose is to inspire and enable young people, ages 7-18, especially those from challenging circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Boys and Girls Club offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities, year round, every day of the year. Teen volunteers, at least 16 years old, can assist at special public events, and help with bulk mailings or other office work during weekdays or some Saturday mornings. Groups of volunteers are welcome for special projects, mass mailings, fundraisers and other projects.