1. Play With Upower

Come see what a Upower class is all about!

Join us for a 90 minute visit at one of our school or community program sites. You’ll get to move, play, and connect with youth alongside our coaches. Depending on the program, you might jump into a game of kickball, dodgeball, basketball, soccer, or another group activity.

Get to know Upower by shadowing one of our coaches, participating in activities, and experiencing our programming firsthand.

You may help by:

•Setting up and putting away equipment

•Participating in games and activities with youth

•Cheering loud!

•Encouraging youth to try something new

•Helping create a welcoming and positive environment

Want to come back?

Returning volunteers may have opportunities to become more involved in class activities. With guidance from a Upower coach, you might demonstrate a game, help facilitate an activity, or lead a group discussion with youth.

Our coaches will always lead programming and remain responsible for youth supervision. No coaching experience is necessary, just a willingness to show up, participate, and have fun.

Great for: Individuals, college students, community members, and small groups

Experience required: None!

Time commitment: 90 minutes per visit

2. Play for a Purpose: Corporate Play Day

Think your team has what it takes?

Bring your coworkers together for a 90-minute play day with Upower youth!

Your team can participate in a friendly school vs. company game or play alongside youth on mixed teams. Choose from activities like dodgeball, kickball, basketball, or soccer, and we’ll work with you and our program partners to find the right fit.

Upower coaches will organize and lead the activities. All you need to do is show up ready to play!

What to expect:

•Learn more about Upower’s work and impact

•Help set up equipment and join a group warm-up

•Play alongside youth

•See firsthand how movement and mentorship create connection

Corporate Play Days are also a great opportunity for companies looking to connect employee volunteerism with community giving.

Great for: Corporate teams, employee groups, sponsors, and workplace giving partners

Experience required: None! Just bring a positive attitude, remember it’s friendly competition, and come ready to connect with youth and be a positive role model.

Time commitment: 90 minutes per visit

Can’t make it onto the court?

There are other ways for your workplace to support Upower! Your team can purchase supplies from our wishlist, help assemble youth celebration kits, sponsor a program, or support one of our community events.

Email Paige Ronsen, Development and Marketing Manager, for more info at paige@u-power.org.

3. Empowerment Crew

You don’t have to step onto the court to make a young person feel supported.

Join our Empowerment Crew and help us celebrate youth, recognize their accomplishments, and remind them that their community is cheering them on.

Create handwritten cards with encouraging messages for Upower youth. Cards may celebrate graduations, holidays, program milestones, or other meaningful moments throughout the year.

Participate individually or gather your friends, family members, classmates, coworkers, or community group for a card-writing event. Upower will provide the cards, writing prompts, and youth-safe guidelines, along with instructions for returning the completed cards. Our team will review and distribute the cards to youth.

Great for: Individuals, corporate teams, student organizations, community groups, and volunteers who prefer opportunities outside of direct youth programming

Experience required: None! Just a little creativity and a willingness to spread some encouragement.

Time commitment: 60 to 90 minutes