Join Our Volunteer Network

Be the person who shows up.

Your kindness can become someone's favorite memory. Join a growing community of people who believe nobody should have to celebrate alone.

Apply to Volunteer

Volunteer Roles

Ways You Can Help

Choose a role below to automatically preselect that interest in the volunteer application form.

Be a Call Buddy

Offer encouragement and a friendly voice when communication is permitted and an appropriate arrangement has been approved.

Attend a Graduation

Celebrate a recruit's achievement when attendance arrangements and installation policies allow.

Write & Encourage

Share messages, letters, and cards that can help someone feel supported during basic training.

Help Behind the Scenes

Support outreach, coordination, administration, event logistics, and community building.

Two hands forming a supportive heart silhouette against a warm sunset

Open to Caring Adults

Who Can Volunteer?

You don't have to be a veteran or have military experience. We welcome thoughtful, reliable people from all walks of life — including veterans, military families, educators, community leaders, and everyday neighbors who care.

Because our mission involves supporting recruits at meaningful milestones, protecting their privacy and well-being comes first. Volunteering may involve identity verification, background screening, orientation training, privacy obligations, and additional installation clearance requirements before any direct contact or event participation is approved.

Kindness is our starting point; reliability, respect, and safety make that kindness trustworthy.

Step Forward

Volunteer Application

Complete the application below. All applications are reviewed privately by administrators before any orientation or coordination takes place.

1 Contact & Location Information

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

City *

State *

ZIP Code (Optional)

2 Eligibility & Background

Are you 18 years of age or older? *

Military Background

3 Volunteer Interests & Availability

How would you like to help? (Select all that apply) *

Be a Call Buddy — Friendly phone call encouragement Attend a Graduation — In-person ceremony celebration Write & Encourage — Letters, cards, and notes Help Behind the Scenes — Outreach, admin, and logistics

Participation Preference *

General Availability *

Willingness to Travel Locally (Optional)

Why would you like to volunteer with No Empty Seat Project? (Optional)

4 Agreements & Screening Acknowledgment

I agree to uphold the Volunteer Expectations below and consent to the handling of my application under the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. *

I understand that submitting an application does not guarantee placement and that identity verification, background screening, and orientation may be required before any recruit contact or graduation attendance. *

Standards of Care

Volunteer Expectations

Every volunteer represents a promise of warmth, dignity, and trustworthiness.

1. Reliability

When we commit to writing a letter, answering a permitted call, or attending a ceremony, we follow through dependably and communicate early if plans change.

2. Respect & Inclusion

Volunteers honor recruits of every race, ethnicity, gender, faith, and background without proselytizing, partisan pressure, or judgment.

3. Boundaries & Privacy

Recruits' names, locations, and personal stories are strictly confidential and may never be posted on social media without explicit authorization.

4. Appropriate Communications

All letters, messages, and calls must remain uplifting, appropriate for basic training environments, and free from financial or personal solicitation.

5. Military Installation Rules

Base security, visitor passes, and command regulations always take precedence. Volunteers must follow all installation entry and ceremony guidelines.

6. Screening & Approval

Volunteers never initiate unapproved contact. All connections are coordinated by administrators after required verification steps are complete.

Make Every Milestone Count

You could be the reason someone remembers graduation differently.

Whether you write a single encouraging card or cheer from the stands on graduation morning, your presence reminds a recruit that they matter.

Join the Mission