Volunteering at the Garden
Garden Guide Carol Otis leads a tour
Stephanie Moss
Our present work at the Garden continues a vision first conceived in the 1950s, when a group of community-minded citizens wished to build a world-class Japanese garden for the people of Portland, Oregon. Now widely recognized as one of the finest Japanese gardens in the world, our Garden is a realization of that vision.
The Japanese Garden Society of Oregon was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1962 and is maintained through admissions, memberships, special gifts, and donations. The Society currently has over 4,500 members and relies on the dedication of the many volunteers who generously give their time to help with Garden events and activities.
What kinds of volunteer opportunities do you offer?
- Assist with art exhibitions including our popular Art in the Garden series
- Facilitate Japanese festivals such as O-Shogatsu (New Year's) and Tanabata (The Star Festival)
- Lead guided tours of the Garden for the general public, school children, vacation groups, seniors, and more
- Assist with educational events such as lectures and workshops
Why should I consider volunteering?
Volunteering at the Garden can provide opportunities to meet diverse people, learn more about Japanese culture, share your love of the Garden with others, and more. Volunteers provide much-needed services to our visitors such as leading guided tours or making connections between art and the Garden.
20 Great Reasons to Volunteer from VolunteerMatch.org
- Help others
- Make a difference
- Find purpose
- Enjoy a meaningful conversation
- Connect with your community
- Feel involved
- Contribute to a cause that you care about
- Use your skills in a productive way
- Develop new skills
- Meet new people
- Explore new areas of interest
- Meet good people
- Impress your mom
- Impress yourself
- Expand your horizons
- Get out of the house
- Make new friends
- Strengthen your resume
- Feel better about yourself
- Insert your favorite reason here!
How do I become a Garden volunteer?
Complete our online application form. For more information about volunteering, please contact Stephanie Moss, Volunteer Coordinator, at (503) 223-9233 or volunteer@japanesegarden.com.
