Volunteer With Us

Help young inventors and readers grow. Share your time at Inventor Workshop cohorts, library literacy events, and community book drives across Milwaukee.

Ways You Can Help

Every volunteer is matched to work that fits their skills, schedule, and screening.

Inventor Workshop Support

Help students in grades 3–5 brainstorm, build prototypes, and practice their pitch — always alongside Bottor staff.

Literacy & Library Events

Welcome families, run activity tables, and help with WiggleWoo's Word Quest and community literacy events.

Book & Donation Drives

Sort, pack, and distribute books and donated items. A great fit for groups and behind-the-scenes helpers.

Events, Media & Office

Set up events, take photos, support tech and AV, or help with administrative tasks.

Choose Your Path

Both paths use the same application. Choose the one that fits you.

General Volunteer

For community members, students 18+, educators, professionals, and groups who want to give their time.

  • Flexible, one-time or recurring shifts
  • Matched to your interests and skills
  • Service-hour records available on request
Apply as a General Volunteer

Court-Ordered Community Service

For adults completing community service hours required by a court, probation office, or diversion program.

  • Supervised assignments with every shift logged
  • Hours verified by a supervising staff member
  • Printed verification letter for verified hours
Apply for Community Service
Please note: Submitting an application does not guarantee a placement. All volunteers are reviewed and approved by Bottor Learning Foundation staff. For court-ordered service, whether your hours count toward a requirement is decided by your court or supervising agency, not by the foundation. We never ask about offense details.

What Happens Next

  1. ApplyComplete the form below. It takes about 10 minutes.
  2. ReviewOur team reviews your application and contacts you, usually within one to two weeks.
  3. ScreeningRoles that involve students require screening, and in some cases a background check, before you begin.
  4. ServeYou serve with a named supervisor who records and verifies your hours.

Volunteer Application

Fields marked with an asterisk are required. Volunteers must be 18 or older.

1. Application path

2. About you

Include area code, e.g. (414) 555-0100

3. Availability & interests
When are you available?

What would you like to help with?

4. Emergency contact

5. Volunteer Agreement

Please read the full agreement. Open a printable copy.

6. Privacy
Privacy notice: how we use your information
  • What we collect: only what is on this form. We never ask for Social Security numbers, offense details, or ID documents online.
  • Why: to review your application, schedule and supervise your service, contact you or your emergency contact, and verify your hours.
  • Who can see it: authorized Bottor Learning Foundation staff only, through a secure, password-protected system. Shift supervisors see only what they need to run a safe shift.
  • Sharing: we never sell your information. For court-ordered service, we share your verified hours only with the agency contact you provide.
  • Background checks: if your role requires one, it is handled separately through a screening provider. Reports are never stored on this website.
  • How long we keep it: declined or withdrawn applications are deleted after 12 months. Volunteer records are kept while you serve and for up to 3 years afterward so we can verify your hours.
  • Your choices: to see, correct, or delete your information, email info@bottorlearningfoundation.org.