October VolunteerNews
News. Updates. Opportunities

There’s a little magic in the air this October! As pumpkins appear on doorsteps, leaves turn brilliant shades of gold and red and our community embraces the spirit of the season, we’re taking a moment to celebrate something truly special: our City volunteers. Like a bountiful harvest, the time, talents, and generosity you share throughout the year help our community grow and thrive. Whether you’re lending a hand at an event, caring for our parks and natural areas, welcoming neighbors, or supporting City programs behind the scenes, you make a meaningful difference. Thank you for bringing your own special kind of magic to Fort Collins!

September Recap: Disability Etiquette & Ableism Training

On September 22, almost fifty City of Fort Collins volunteers from across a number of departments attended a presentation hosted by Adam Shake, Business Outreach Specialist and ADA Coordinator with the State of Colorado’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. The slides focused on understanding disabilities amongst participants attending the City’s busy events, and how best to support a positive experience. In particular, Adam emphasized three main points:

  • Treat each person as an individual. Disability may be visible or non-apparent, temporary or permanent, and only one part of someone’s identity—don’t make assumptions about ability, needs, or interests. 
  • Ask before helping, and follow the person’s lead. Offer assistance respectfully, communicate directly with them, and accept their answer; they are the expert on their own access needs. 
  • Use respectful language and examine your assumptions. Avoid pity, stereotypes, and “inspirational” labels. Notice ableist assumptions or unconscious bias, then choose language and actions that support inclusion and accessibility. 

City staff know that our volunteers are life-long learners and work hard to plan regular continuing education opportunities.  Community leaders like Adam make great learning possible by generously sharing their time and expertise. Thank you Adam!

Join us for Open Streets!

We're looking for several more afternoon volunteers for this year's Open Streets event on Sunday, October 18. Join us as we celebrate 11 years of Open Streets! Open Streets offers one to two miles of car-free streets for people of all ages to enjoy. 
 
This year's event will be held on Laurel Street between Mason Street and Shields Street. 
 
Open Streets:  
- Shows how streets can be redesigned to better support walking, biking and rolling 
- Encourages people to choose active ways to travel, even after the event 
- Highlights local businesses and organizations that support health and community well-being 
- Helps neighbors connect with each other and build a stronger community. 
Volunteer Today!

Teen Self-Care Fair

The Teen Self Care Fair is a FREE event for youth to explore new ways to practice self-care, including yoga, medieval longsword, art, aerial silks, music, and much more. Also, enjoy therapy dogs, community resource booths, free food trucks, and giveaways! 
 
The annual Teen Self-Care Fair will take place on October 18th, 2026, at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. The goal is to create a space for youth to learn new coping skills and join the conversation around suicide prevention through experiential learning. This event is open to all youth who want to explore new ways to practice self-care. Whether you’re into medieval longsword, art, aerial silks, yoga, meditation, working out, or creating your own superhero, you’re welcome here. 
Learn More

Treatsylvania

Treatsylvania 2026 is approaching fast and we are looking for volunteers to assist the day of as well as getting ready for all our trick-or-treaters! 

Consider joining us on Tuesday, October 13th from 8-12 or 1-5 to help stuff the trick-or-treat bags or pick a shift (or more) on October 23-25th to pass out candy and help during the event! Please reach out to Cheri Schonfeld, cschonfeld@fcgov.com for additional questions and information. 
Volunteer

Thank You Volunteers!

Tonya Dunn, Horticulturist with the City's Parks Department, wants to share deep gratitude to all the volunteers who have helped make this new pollinator garden at Water's Way Park a beautiful success. Thank you everyone!

Volunteer Services
215 N Mason St 2nd Floor
Fort Collins, CO 80524