People choose to volunteer at the City of Brownsville for a variety of reasons. For some it offers the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around them. For others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. Regardless of the motivation, what unites them all is that they find it both challenging and rewarding.

Below are some of the reasons people choose to volunteer for the City of Brownsville.

• Give something back that has impacted a person’s life, either directly or indirectly
• Make a difference to the lives of others
• Feel valued and part of a team
• Spend quality time away from work or a busy lifestyle
• Gain confidence and self-esteem

For some, volunteering can be a route to employment, or a chance to try something new which may lead to a career change. From this perspective, volunteering can be a way of: Gaining new skills, knowledge and experience

• Developing existing skills and knowledge
• Enhancing a Resume
• Improving one’s employment prospects
• Using one’s professional skills and knowledge to benefit others (usually described as pro bono)
• Meeting new people and making new friends
• A chance to socialize

Here are some of the departments you can volunteer with and information on what they are about. 

Brownsville Animal Regulation & Care Center

The Brownsville Animal Regulation Care Center is committed to improving the quality of life for all members of our extended community.

You can make a positive difference in the quality lives of the animals that found their way to us! If you are an animal lover, please take the time to help our furry friends by providing care, comfort, and a clean habitat to help lower stress levels and benefit their overall health and well-being. Provide a break from the stress of the shelter by allowing dogs to engage in exercise and constructive activities outside the shelter. For any questions regarding volunteer opportunities or the application feel free to contact us at (956) 544-7351.

Brownsville Public Library

The Brownsville Public Library System is dedicated to providing its community with the best service possible by constantly improving its services, to include nontraditional and traditional forms of service.

There are volunteer opportunities at the library for all ages! Have a go at shelving books and learning some of the behind-the-scenes activities in the library. There are tasks for everyone, and we have the opportunity to engage with our community. You can volunteer from Southmost Library Branch to Main Library Branch.

Brownsville Public Health Department

The Public Health Department is committed to promote, educate, protect, and serve the citizens of Brownsville by utilizing innovative solutions for human, animal, and environmental health. 

Help keep Brownsville clean and promote community involvement; obtain the chance to assist your neighbors in need. As a volunteer, you'll be helping meet goals and help increase community engagement.

Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department

The City of Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) offers quality valued assets and programs to the community through a variety of services that enhance Brownsville’s quality of life, economic value, and sense of community. The PARD manages 40 parks encompassing over 1,000 acres of parkland, features 32 miles of hike/bike trails, 3 gymnasiums and 2 public pools, 50 buildings and structures, over 55 athletics fields, and the Catherine Stillman Dog Park. The Department also offers exceptional recreation programming for all ages in the areas of aquatics, athletics, golf, youth enrichment, and special events.

If you like outdoor activities, you'll enjoy volunteering with parks and recreation. You'll have the opportunity to participate in many of the programs and activities of this department. The City of Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department welcomes you to participate in our recreations, programs, and events. 

Brownsville Police Department

The Mission of the Brownsville Police Department is to provide the citizens within our community a safe community free of crime, and the fear of crime, and continually work to enhance the quality of life, through professionalism, trust, communication, and teamwork.

The Brownsville Police Department sponsors and participates on several Community Events throughout the year increasing its Personnel relationship with the Citizens of Brownsville. The Brownsville Police Department proudly serves the City of Brownsville Citizens and tries to keep them informed of how the Police Department works, for that reason it offers Citizens a chance to participate on the Citizens Police Academy and Jr Police Academy where participants received an in-depth view of the different Divisions and the tasks, they perform to serve the Public.

Brownsville Fire Department

The Brownsville Fire Department pledge to proactively serve the public by providing solace and adaptable solutions during emergency responses while fostering a safe environment through education and training that exudes hope, pride, and professional service.

If you are willing to put in the time and effort, we welcome you to serve as part of the City of Brownsville Fire Department volunteer opportunities! Become a volunteer with us and help in your local community. This decision is one of the most rewarding, challenging, and enormous commitments you can make to serve the public.

Please feel free to stop by and talk with us about becoming a volunteer firefighter for your community. You'll be surrounded by dedicated, motivated people who will help you develop your potential and become your best.

Volunteers must be 16 years of age to apply. Volunteer applicants 18 years of age and over are subject to a Criminal History check; ensure to include background check and authorization forms with completed application. 

Be advised a valid form of Identification is required with each application. Student ID’s are permitted.

More volunteers are needed. You may submit your volunteer application to the following link: Form Center • Brownsville, TX • CivicEngage (brownsvilletx.gov)