Needs From: United Way of Rhode Island

Volunteer: Good at multitasking?!

Become the heartbeat of the riverwalk as a WaterFire Merchandise Ambassador! We’re looking for energetic volunteers to light up our merch tents—from the bustling main hubs to our nimble Mini Merch stations—helping visitors take home a piece of the magic. If you’re tech-savvy enough to tap a tablet and love chatting with fans of the fires, you’re the perfect spark for our team. Every shirt sold helps us raise the vital funds needed to keep the braziers burning, making you a key part of the fire's future. Join us for a night of music, art, and community, and help us turn souvenirs into support!!

Interested? Sign up at Volunteer.WaterFire.Org

Agency: WaterFire Providence

Become the heartbeat of the riverwalk as a WaterFire Merchandise Ambassador! We’re looking for energetic volunteers to light up our merch tents—from the bustling main hubs to our nimble Mini Merch stations—helping visitors take home a piece of the magic. If you’re tech-savvy enough to tap a tablet and love chatting with fans of the fires, you’re the perfect spark for our team. Every shirt sold helps us raise the vital funds needed to keep the braziers burning, making you a key part of the fire's future. Join us for a night of music, art, and community, and help us turn souvenirs into support!!

Interested? Sign up at Volunteer.WaterFire.Org

Agency: WaterFire Providence

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Nov 7, 2026

Zip Code: 02908

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Love Talking to People!?

Want to meet people from all around the world? Have the best restaurant recommendations? Want to be the host of WaterFire?! Become a WaterFire Guest Ambassador!! 

We'll give you all the information, you bring the energy! 

Make sure you sign up by going to Volunteer.WaterFire.Org


Agency: WaterFire Providence

Want to meet people from all around the world? Have the best restaurant recommendations? Want to be the host of WaterFire?! Become a WaterFire Guest Ambassador!! 

We'll give you all the information, you bring the energy! 

Make sure you sign up by going to Volunteer.WaterFire.Org


Agency: WaterFire Providence

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Nov 7, 2026

Zip Code: 02908

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Romance Supporter?!

Interested in hanging out among the stars? Sign up here: Starry Starry Night

Visitors to WaterFire can "wish upon a star" of their own at this magical installation in Memorial Park, where large blue paper star lanterns are nestled in the treetops of this dark and dreamy grove. There is generally a proposal or two that happen here! Volunteers are needed to help welcome visitors, assist in hanging stars, and placing Luminaria lanterns where they are needed. This is a quiet, yet busy location; volunteers can expect frequent interactions with visitors....

WaterFire Volunteer Attire:

All black head to toe - you are a part of the art!Closed-toe shoes - there are many areas with cobblestone

Suggestion: No large personal items and weather-appropriate clothing.


We ask that you please bring a reusable water bottle to your shift, and you will be able to refill on site.

Check-in time is subject to change *

Agency: WaterFire Providence

Interested in hanging out among the stars? Sign up here: Starry Starry Night

Visitors to WaterFire can "wish upon a star" of their own at this magical installation in Memorial Park, where large blue paper star lanterns are nestled in the treetops of this dark and dreamy grove. There is generally a proposal or two that happen here! Volunteers are needed to help welcome visitors, assist in hanging stars, and placing Luminaria lanterns where they are needed. This is a quiet, yet busy location; volunteers can expect frequent interactions with visitors....

WaterFire Volunteer Attire:

All black head to toe - you are a part of the art!Closed-toe shoes - there are many areas with cobblestone

Suggestion: No large personal items and weather-appropriate clothing.


We ask that you please bring a reusable water bottle to your shift, and you will be able to refill on site.

Check-in time is subject to change *

Agency: WaterFire Providence

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 02908

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Thrive in a Fast Paced role?

\Special Ops volunteers are one-part ceremony leaders and one-part crowd control -- and they get the best seat in the house. Our Special Events vary in size from 16-300 torches coming from all directions. Some events require us to use torchlight to spotlight Chinese cultural performances. Sometimes we aren't using torches at all, but one things for sure Special Ops makes each event unique. Being a Special Ops volunteer helps us ensure these go off without a hitch.

Interested head to Volunteer.WaterFire.Org 


Private Group Details:

Group Size Range: 1 - 50+Event can be held at a volunteer group location (e.g. office, park)Donation Requested

Agency: WaterFire Providence

\Special Ops volunteers are one-part ceremony leaders and one-part crowd control -- and they get the best seat in the house. Our Special Events vary in size from 16-300 torches coming from all directions. Some events require us to use torchlight to spotlight Chinese cultural performances. Sometimes we aren't using torches at all, but one things for sure Special Ops makes each event unique. Being a Special Ops volunteer helps us ensure these go off without a hitch.

Interested head to Volunteer.WaterFire.Org 


Private Group Details:

Group Size Range: 1 - 50+Event can be held at a volunteer group location (e.g. office, park)Donation Requested

Agency: WaterFire Providence

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 02908

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Want to be on a boat?!

Help build the iconic braziers that will set the city alight at sunset. You will get the chance to hop aboard a WaterFire wood boat and help artistically construct these pyres.

After all the braziers on the river are built, we'll load the six wood boats for the evening feeds. Afterwards, enjoy lunch with your crew and the WaterFire staff..

Make sure you sign up by going to Volunteer.WaterFire.Org


Agency: WaterFire Providence

Help build the iconic braziers that will set the city alight at sunset. You will get the chance to hop aboard a WaterFire wood boat and help artistically construct these pyres.

After all the braziers on the river are built, we'll load the six wood boats for the evening feeds. Afterwards, enjoy lunch with your crew and the WaterFire staff..

Make sure you sign up by going to Volunteer.WaterFire.Org


Agency: WaterFire Providence

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Nov 7, 2026

Zip Code: 02908

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: WaterFire Spark Nights 2026

Try something new this year! Spark your interest in being a WaterFire Volunteer! Spark Nights are an interactive, fun, and social way to learn more about WaterFire, and Volunteer Opportunities. You'll hear from current WaterFire Volunteers, Barnaby Evans, and more. Join us and find something that ignites your passion!!!

Spark Nights will be held at the WaterFire Arts Center from 6 PM to 8 PM on the following date:

Thursday, May 7th 

Spark Night overview:

Welcome from WaterFire Staff Brief background information Conversation about volunteer opportunities Q & A with staff and volunteers

 

We offer opportunities for any skill set and interests, whether you are more of a ‘behind the scenes’ person, enjoy socializing and talking to people, or just want to give back to the community. We hope you can join us! Reach out with any questions to volunteer@waterfire.org.

 

Manager of Volunteer Programs and Internships:

Gary Saint Laurent c: 401-481-1469

Agency: WaterFire Providence

Try something new this year! Spark your interest in being a WaterFire Volunteer! Spark Nights are an interactive, fun, and social way to learn more about WaterFire, and Volunteer Opportunities. You'll hear from current WaterFire Volunteers, Barnaby Evans, and more. Join us and find something that ignites your passion!!!

Spark Nights will be held at the WaterFire Arts Center from 6 PM to 8 PM on the following date:

Thursday, May 7th 

Spark Night overview:

Welcome from WaterFire Staff Brief background information Conversation about volunteer opportunities Q & A with staff and volunteers

 

We offer opportunities for any skill set and interests, whether you are more of a ‘behind the scenes’ person, enjoy socializing and talking to people, or just want to give back to the community. We hope you can join us! Reach out with any questions to volunteer@waterfire.org.

 

Manager of Volunteer Programs and Internships:

Gary Saint Laurent c: 401-481-1469

Agency: WaterFire Providence

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 02908

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: WaterFire Photographer!

Join the Photo Corps!

You can sign up for the events you are able to! You'll start with a buddy, and after that you'll be given a shot sheet, but also have the flexibility to capture anything else you might want to during the night!

Every us the second Tuesday of every month when we get together to review the photos taken at WaterFire lightings and have guest speakers to provide guidance and tips on how to improve our photography skills. If you are interested in joining us and learning more about photography, please sign up, all skill levels are welcome! Email volunteer@waterfire.org with any questions!

The photography group meetings will be led by volunteer Duane Brouillette!

Agency: WaterFire Providence

Join the Photo Corps!

You can sign up for the events you are able to! You'll start with a buddy, and after that you'll be given a shot sheet, but also have the flexibility to capture anything else you might want to during the night!

Every us the second Tuesday of every month when we get together to review the photos taken at WaterFire lightings and have guest speakers to provide guidance and tips on how to improve our photography skills. If you are interested in joining us and learning more about photography, please sign up, all skill levels are welcome! Email volunteer@waterfire.org with any questions!

The photography group meetings will be led by volunteer Duane Brouillette!

Agency: WaterFire Providence

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 02906

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Fan of the Flames?

Get on a Boat during a WaterFire lighting and be a part of the art! You will receive a safety speech from the Captain/First Mate/ to start. From there, you are a part of the lighting procession. Every 20-ish minutes, you will ceremonially place logs onto braziers to rekindle fires, reload firewood into the boat, and work with fellow crew members to uphold the artistic integrity of the installation. This is a performance, symbolizing the effect and influence of a community when individuals work together..

NOTE: You will be very close to the fires to gently place the logs into the brazier so they continue to burn throughout the evening.

Interested? Sign up at Volunteer.WaterFire.Org

Agency: WaterFire Providence

Get on a Boat during a WaterFire lighting and be a part of the art! You will receive a safety speech from the Captain/First Mate/ to start. From there, you are a part of the lighting procession. Every 20-ish minutes, you will ceremonially place logs onto braziers to rekindle fires, reload firewood into the boat, and work with fellow crew members to uphold the artistic integrity of the installation. This is a performance, symbolizing the effect and influence of a community when individuals work together..

NOTE: You will be very close to the fires to gently place the logs into the brazier so they continue to burn throughout the evening.

Interested? Sign up at Volunteer.WaterFire.Org

Agency: WaterFire Providence

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Nov 7, 2026

Zip Code: 02908

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Are you a Mystery Bag type?

"Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not get bent out of shape"

Sign up for Anything and we'll place you where you are needed most! 


You'll get a message from us on Wednesday before the event letting you know where you'll be and what to expect!!


Sign up for anything by going to WaterFire - Anything!

Agency: WaterFire Providence

"Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not get bent out of shape"

Sign up for Anything and we'll place you where you are needed most! 


You'll get a message from us on Wednesday before the event letting you know where you'll be and what to expect!!


Sign up for anything by going to WaterFire - Anything!

Agency: WaterFire Providence

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 02908

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Visitor Support and Store Clerk Volunteer

Current Openings: Wednesdays from 1 pm - 5 pm. 


About the Role:

WaterFire is seeking an outgoing and friendly face to be the first point of contact for people entering the WaterFire Arts Center! In this role, you will answer questions from guests both in person and over the phone. You'll also be helping guests support WaterFire with every purchase from the store. 

This is a perfect opportunity for anyone looking to get experience in retail, or just looking to get out of the house! Bring a book or some homework for when the space isn't activated. 

We will train the volunteer on everything they'll need to know!!


About WaterFire Providence

WaterFire Providence is an independent nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy. The WaterFire Arts Center presents the opportunity for WaterFire to further engage with the community by hosting events, activities, presentations and art installations throughout the year. We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help assist with daily operations as a front desk receptionist and retail store representative. In this position you will be the first point of contact for visitors entering the WaterFire Arts Center.

Roles and Responsibilities

Greeting and directing visitors to appropriate locationsCreating a positive and educational experience for visitorsAnswering the main WaterFire phone lineProviding information about the organizationAssisting customers with purchasesUsing Square register to complete all retail transactionsRestocking merchandise and maintaining store appearance

Benefits of Becoming a Visitor Support and Store Clerk Volunteer 

Visitor Support and Store Clerks participate in satisfying experiences working with all visitors from children, college students, and community members while they expand their understanding of local art and artists, current art exhibits, retail and so much more.

WaterFire Arts Center Hours 

Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.Thursday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (- 8 p.m. during art exhibit) Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m

Agency: WaterFire Providence

Current Openings: Wednesdays from 1 pm - 5 pm. 


About the Role:

WaterFire is seeking an outgoing and friendly face to be the first point of contact for people entering the WaterFire Arts Center! In this role, you will answer questions from guests both in person and over the phone. You'll also be helping guests support WaterFire with every purchase from the store. 

This is a perfect opportunity for anyone looking to get experience in retail, or just looking to get out of the house! Bring a book or some homework for when the space isn't activated. 

We will train the volunteer on everything they'll need to know!!


About WaterFire Providence

WaterFire Providence is an independent nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy. The WaterFire Arts Center presents the opportunity for WaterFire to further engage with the community by hosting events, activities, presentations and art installations throughout the year. We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help assist with daily operations as a front desk receptionist and retail store representative. In this position you will be the first point of contact for visitors entering the WaterFire Arts Center.

Roles and Responsibilities

Greeting and directing visitors to appropriate locationsCreating a positive and educational experience for visitorsAnswering the main WaterFire phone lineProviding information about the organizationAssisting customers with purchasesUsing Square register to complete all retail transactionsRestocking merchandise and maintaining store appearance

Benefits of Becoming a Visitor Support and Store Clerk Volunteer 

Visitor Support and Store Clerks participate in satisfying experiences working with all visitors from children, college students, and community members while they expand their understanding of local art and artists, current art exhibits, retail and so much more.

WaterFire Arts Center Hours 

Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.Thursday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (- 8 p.m. during art exhibit) Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m

Agency: WaterFire Providence

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 02908

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Volunteer Docent

Volunteer Docents

As a volunteer Gallery docent you will be responsible for greeting guests in the gallery space, help answer any questions about the current exhibition and inform about the WaterFire Arts Center mission.


Sign up by going to: https://share.vomevolunteer.com/yCXQIqvifSb

 

Agency: WaterFire Providence

Volunteer Docents

As a volunteer Gallery docent you will be responsible for greeting guests in the gallery space, help answer any questions about the current exhibition and inform about the WaterFire Arts Center mission.


Sign up by going to: https://share.vomevolunteer.com/yCXQIqvifSb

 

Agency: WaterFire Providence

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 02908

Allow Groups: No