South Salt Lake is a city that thrives on neighborly support and engagement. Whether you’re passionate about helping the underserved, enhancing public spaces, or mentoring the next generation, there are a variety of opportunities to get involved with the city. Here are a few: 

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) 

The CERT program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that can occur in the city. The program will train you in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. 

The program is guided by FEMA and offers a nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on in times of crisis. According to their website, the South Salt Lake CERT program was developed out of their need for a well-trained civilian emergency workforce. 

When emergencies happen, CERT members provide critical support to first responders and provide immediate assistance to victims. Members will also assist with nonemergency projects that help improve the safety of the community. 

To become a CERT member, you’ll complete an online training and a hands-on practical training. Joseph Dane, SSL’s public outreach coordinator, said the Emergency Management Coordinator is working to keep this program interesting with new, optional training programs throughout the year. 

South Salt Lake Animal Services

If you’re a lover of animals, volunteering at South Salt Lake Animal Services may be the best spot for you. SSL Animal Services promotes responsible pet ownership through education and enforcement. It’s a no-kill shelter and they find good homes for the pets through adoption programs. 

Shelters can be stressful places for animals. Volunteers can make a big difference in the lives of animals during their stay at the shelter. As a volunteer, you will do many different things, like playing with the animals, walking them, feeding them, cleaning up the pens and photographing the animals for the adoption website. 

To be a volunteer, you will need to pass a background check and fill out a short application on their website. 

SSL Animal Services is a popular volunteer organization, so while they hire as many as they can, not all volunteers will be accepted. 

Friends of Fitts Park

South Salt Lake has several parks, dog parks, open spaces and trails for residents and visitors to explore. Friends of Fitts Park is a volunteer group interested in keeping Fitts Park clean and beautiful for residents and visitors. 

Fitts Park holds several pavilions for community events, a children’s play area, a Zipline, exercise equipment, a community garden and more. Volunteers will help in a variety of ways, including planting trees and pollinator plants, pulling invasive weeds, protecting Mill Creek and Spring Creek, and helping at special events held at the park. 

To get involved, you can visit the South Salt Lake Parks website. 

Neighborhood Watch

South Salt Lake is home to thousands of residents and businesses, all of which are potential targets for crimes. Residents and business owners can help prevent these crimes with Business and Neighborhood Watch. 

Their methods use concepts and strategies based on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. The CPTED approach outlines proper design and effective use of the environment which can lead to the reduction of crime and improvement in the quality of life. 

Neighborhood Watch is a great way to get to know your neighbors and take an active role in the safety and security of your neighborhood. Currently, there are several established Neighborhood Watch groups throughout the city. To find out more about the group in your neighborhood, or starting one, you can join the monthly Neighborhood Watch meeting on the first Thursday of each month. To find the link, you can visit the Neighborhood Watch page on the South Salt Lake City website. 

Volunteering in South Salt Lake City is not only fulfilling but also a great way to connect with others and strengthen the community. Whether you can spare a few hours a month or want to commit to regular service, there’s a place for everyone to contribute. 

For additional information or to sign up to volunteer, email [email protected] or call 801-464-6757. λ