Volunteer with Norte

Make a Difference In Your Community

Norte is a leader in building a more active and connected community in northern Michigan, and we couldn't do it without our dedicated volunteers. Here’s how you can get involved!

  1. Fill out our volunteer application and browse current volunteer opportunities HERE.

  2. Head to the bottom of this page to see the Norte Volunteer Handbook and descriptions of our most common roles!

  3. If you have questions, please email Rachel Rademacher.

Coaching with Norte is a rewarding experience and you know every day you're making a difference.

Norte Super Volunteers

Super Volunteers give extra time and help us in our most critical programs. If you volunteer at least 15 hours in a calendar year, you’ll be recognized as a Super Volunteer.

As a thank you for your efforts, Super Volunteers may participate in early registration for all youth programs.

Volunteer Resources

  • Assistant Coaches serve an essential role in keeping riders engaged, encouraged, and having fun. No experience is necessary to volunteer as an assistant coach. You provide your time, Norte provides the training.

    • Assist the head coach during practice in addition to helping during arrival & after

    • Keep the group together by riding as a sweeper. The head coach rides in front!

    • Be a buddy to Norte’s riders. Many of them arrive a little nervous.

    • Lead by example to encourage safe and courteous riding wherever you go!

    Assistant coaches must be 14 years of age or older.

  • Interested in wrenching on bikes? Our volunteer mechanic position is for you!

    No previous experience is required.

    Bike mechanic volunteers are asked to:

    • Work closely with Norte’s Lead Mechanic to get the bikes in our fleet ready to roll.

    • Choose your own schedule, committing to at least 3 volunteer shifts per season.

    • Must be able to follow instructions and comfortably lift 15 pounds.

  • Bikes for All accommodates individuals with special needs and varying abilities so that everyone can enjoy riding.

    Bikes for All volunteers support our weekly Summertime Meetups by:

    • Creating a welcoming space for participants to connect & build a sense of community

    • Helping prep adaptive bikes and fit helmets

    • Encouraging our riders and have fun!

  • Balance Bike programs are for our youngest riders.

    We offer in-school programs in the winter, after-school programs in the spring and fall, and weekly meetups in the summer.

    Balance Bike Club volunteers:

    • Keep kids engaged, moving, and smiling!

    • Work with 2-5 year olds

    • Adjust bike seats and fit helmets

    • Encourage, encourage, encourage!

  • We always need more volunteers who are willing to help out with one-off events and tasks throughout the year. General volunteers fulfill all kinds of vital roles, including:

    • Helping out at events by greeting guests, tabling, and sharing information about us.

    • Supporting Slow Rolls by leading or sweeping the rides and welcoming participants.

    • Assisting with carpentry projects for our wooden skills courses.

    • Helping out at camp programs by distributing shirts, greeting, and more!