HI-Chicago 
Chicago 
HI-USA 
Get Involved
Volunteer at the BEST hostel in the USA!
Hostelling International Chicago thrives on the work of its volunteers who serve travelers from around the world and around the country. You can help to enhance the experiences of our travelers as well as getting involved with the mission-based programming that we bring to our Chicago community.
For detailed information about internships at Hostelling International Chicago, please go to the internship section. Click here for internships.
The HI-USA mission is "to help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling." Volunteers play an integral role in fulfilling the mission by promoting global understanding and world peace through travel. Volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, experiences, and professions. You can bring your many different skills and talents to this service work. Read the overview of the volunteer positions below.
You can make a difference at HI-Chicago!
As an HI-Chicago volunteer, you will have the opportunity to meet travelers from around the world; share your knowledge and appreciation of Chicago 's rich resources; learn more about the Chicago area; meet other volunteers and make new friends.
Volunteer opportunities are divided into three service areas:
Traveler programs
Chicago Guides
You connect travelers to Chicago . Chicago Guides take hostellers out to summer festivals, free days at the museums, baseball games, music clubs, ethnic restaurants, you name it! You choose the event, place or activity you want to try. Staff will publicize the information and put out a sign up sheet. You meet your group of travelers at the hostel and bring them to the activity.
Minimum commitment: 1 event per month.
Chicago Specialists - Information Desk
At the info desk in the hostel Chicago Specialists are on a mission to "Go beyond the guidebook!" You will provide the most up to date inside information about everything Chicago . Show travelers how to take the CTA all over town. Recommend a great cheap restaurant in a fun neighborhood. You can make the difference for our international travelers. You should have a passion for Chicago - whether you know everything or are still learning your way around.
Minimum commitment: 2 - 3 hour sessions per month
Downtown Walking Tour Guide
One of the hostel's exceptional services is our downtown walking tours developed over many years by super-volunteer Tom Judge. Learn from the master and start giving your own walking tours for hostel guests. Guides are needed for weekday morning tours. Training will be on Saturday mornings with Tom.
Minimum commitment after training: two 3 hour tours per month
Interested in helping the hostel?
Complete the online volunteer application.
Community Outreach and Education
Community Wall Project Leaders
Teach local youth about community and culture through a community wall project, part of an international effort by Hostelling International to teach cultural understanding. We partner with Girl Scout troops and community based youth organizations, like Boys and Girls Clubs, to create paintings of community which are hung in the hostel for travelers to see. Leader commitments vary from once a week to twice a month. Ideal position for artists and people with painting skills.
Cultural Kitchen Aide
Assist in giving local youth the opportunity to learn about
other cultures through exploration of food and culture. You
do not need any expertise with children or cooking to make a
difference with Cultural Kitchen. Volunteers join the groups
in the afternoon at 4:00pm and help the students prepare and
cook the food for the meal. This evening session runs from 4:00pm
until 8:00pm. We ask volunteers to commit to one session per
month, and we welcome you to help with more sessions, time permitting.
Community Service Liaison
Help the hostel connect service-minded groups with community
service organizations in the city. Church groups, alternative
spring break groups and others ask the hostel for assistance
in connecting to service. You will contact community service
organizations to find out about opportunities for groups staying
at the hostel. Minimum commitment: 4 hours per week.
Travel Scholars
Travel Scholars works with youth aged 13 - 18 who come to stay
at the hostel for two nights for educational programming, including
a visit to a cultural institution and participation in a service
project. Volunteers help facilitate activities, act as guides
for off-sight visits talk with participants as role models.
Groups usually come on, but are not limited to, weekends.
Interested in helping the hostel?
Complete the online volunteer application.
Administrative Support and Development
Welcome Flags project
Help support the hostel by getting involved in a fun project to recognize contributions through country flags. Supporters of the hostel can designate a country flag to be raised in the hostel's main floor lobby. You will choose a country flag and pursue possible donors to support that flag. This effort will put you in touch with the international community, especially counsel generals, trade commissions and international associations.
Minimum commitment: 10 hours per month
Art Galleries Coordinator / Curator
The hostel has two exhibit areas for hanging art. past exhibits include a Gallery 37 project "There Goes the Neighborhood," the peace Museum's "What I Would Change in the World," and currently a photography exhibit "Eye on Uncommon Chicago." You will help to find, organize and install exhibits in the hostel.
Minimum commitment: 10 hours per month
Media Relations
The hostel is a major organization in Chicago accommodating travelers from around the world. The hostel conducts substantial community outreach and education for our community. press coverage is important to enhance awareness of the hostel and its efforts. You will assist in writing and submitting press releases and following up with media contacts.
Minimum commitment: 10 hours per month
Volunteer Coordinator
The hostel thrives on the work of its volunteers. Volunteers need to be properly tasked and properly recognized for their work. You can help hostel staff in recruiting, training and recognizing volunteers. This position requires substantial prior volunteering experience and excellent interpersonal skills.
Minimum commitment: 4 hours per week.
Interested in helping the hostel?
Complete the online volunteer application.