Volunteer

The Foundation runs on volunteers.

Every event, every program, every hour of operational work is delivered by a volunteer. Roles are organized by pillar — find the work that fits.

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Esprit de Corps Foundation volunteer group in Chicago

This is the crew

Nobody here does this alone.

Volunteers show up and get to work. Setup crews, floor teams, station leads, tear-down — every part of every event is delivered by people who chose to spend their Saturday for someone else’s neighborhood.

The crew in the photo above is our UIC Army ROTC cadets, who helped make this specific day possible. You don’t need a uniform or a red shirt. You just need to want in.

Where the work happens

Volunteer roles by pillar.

Every pillar of the Foundation’s work opens a set of volunteer roles. Pick the pillar closest to what you want to build.

Esprit de Corps Foundation veterans kayaking on the Chicago River

Pillar 01

Recreation & Adventure

Outdoor programming operates on volunteer safety leads, guides, and event support.

  • Kayak trip safety and shore support
  • Trail leads and back-of-pack sweepers
  • Group workout facilitators and judges
  • Event photography and video
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The Esprit de Corps Foundation community at the 2026 Back to School Community Day in Chicago

Pillar 02

Community & Service

The Back to School Giveaway and every community day is built by shift-based volunteers.

  • Back to School station staff — backpacks, haircuts, family resources
  • Setup, teardown, parking, and cleanup crews
  • Community-partner coordination and greeter roles
  • Neighborhood outreach and flyer distribution
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Esprit de Corps Foundation leadership development for veterans in Chicago

Pillar 03

Growth & Opportunity

Career transition and education support is one-to-one work — mentors and facilitators, not event-day shifts.

  • Career-transition mentors (2–4 hours/month)
  • Workshop and panel facilitators
  • Resume review and mock-interview coaches
  • Small-business and entrepreneur clinic advisors
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Esprit de Corps Foundation military family event in Chicago

Pillar 04

Family & Belonging

Family programming and Gold Star recognition operate on hospitality and event volunteers.

  • Family-day station staff and childcare support
  • Spouse network event hosts and coordinators
  • Gold Star family recognition and event support
  • Hospitality, greeting, and check-in roles
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Cross-cutting roles

Roles that span every pillar.

Muster Planning Council

Multi-month commitment. Help design the Memorial Day weekend Remembrance Muster — programming, sponsors, venue, volunteer logistics.

Behind-the-scenes operations

Administrative support, communications, design, and technology work. Remote-friendly, project-based.

Board committees

Serve on the Development, Governance, Programs, or Finance committee. Real seat, real work — apply through Apply to Serve.

What to expect

Standard nonprofit volunteer terms.

Event-day volunteers sign a waiver. Some ongoing roles may require a background check — a few minutes online if we ask. All volunteers receive a briefing and site orientation.

Interested in a formal team seat — Board Director, Officer, staff, committee, advisor, or intern? Those are handled through Apply to Serve.

Apply to Serve

Start with one shift.

Portal signup takes two minutes. Track hours, see open shifts, and pick roles when they match your calendar.

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