How To Volunteer For Los Angeles Olympics
Yo, wanna be part of the biggest, most epic event to hit Los Angeles since... well, since the last time the Olympics were here, like, a million years ago? We're talking about the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games! It's gonna be a total banger, and they need a squad of super-cool volunteers to make the whole thing sparkle. Think of it: you, at the center of the action, helping athletes, chillin' with international fans, and getting a uniform that you totally get to keep!
This ain't just handing out flyers, fam. This is a chance to say, "Yeah, I helped run the frickin' Olympics!" It's a massive undertaking, which means the process is long, but don't sweat it. We've broken down how to get your name on the list, so you can stop scrolling through those "Which Olympic Sport Are You?" quizzes and start making history.
Disclaimer Alert! The official volunteer applications for LA 2028 haven't dropped yet—they’re still cooking up the details, probably tasting a bunch of different uniform fabrics (I hope they pick something comfy!). But this guide has the inside scoop on what you gotta do now to be totally ready when the gates open. Get hyped!
Step 1: Pre-Game Prep: Get Your Head in the Game
You wouldn't show up to a marathon without lacing up your sneakers, right? Same vibe here. To snag one of those coveted volunteer spots, you need to get your stuff together way before the application goes live.
| How To Volunteer For Los Angeles Olympics |
1.1 Do Your Homework, Dude
Bookmark the Official Site: Seriously, this is your new homepage. Go to the official LA 2028 website and look for the 'Sign Up' or 'Volunteer' section. Right now, it’s all about the newsletter. Click that subscribe button! You need to be the first to know when the application window opens, because trust me, it’ll be a digital stampede.
Know the Dates: The Olympic Games run from July 14 to July 30, 2028, and the Paralympic Games follow right after, from August 15 to August 27, 2028. You'll likely need to be available for at least 10 days, plus some training sessions beforehand. Check your 2028 calendar and clear the decks! No excuses like, "Sorry, I had to binge-watch that new show."
The Age Check: This is a biggie. For most major Olympic volunteer roles, you have to be at least 18 years old by the time the Games start in 2028. If you're 12 now, you'll be 15 or 16 in 2028, so you might need to look for other youth involvement programs that the city of LA will probably roll out closer to the date. If you will be 18 by July 2028, you are golden!
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
1.2 Get Your Skills on Fleek
Volunteers do everything. They guide people, translate, manage equipment, assist with technology, and sometimes just help people find the nearest giant pretzel stand.
Language Master: Can you speak a second language like Spanish, Mandarin, or French? That is a major, massive plus. Los Angeles is super diverse, and the Games bring the whole world. If you can help an athlete from another country, you are practically a superhero. If not, no worries! English is the main language, but maybe download a language app and start practicing, just for funsies.
Secret Talents: Do you have mad skills in something random? Are you super organized? Are you a coding whiz? Did you volunteer at your school fair and manage the ticket booth like a boss? Highlight all of it. The application will ask about your experience, and they need all kinds of talent!
Step 2: The Online Gauntlet (Coming Late 2026!)
Based on past Olympics, the application process will likely kick off about 18 to 24 months before the Games, so keep an eye out in late 2026. This is where you actually apply.
2.1 The Digital Forms Fiesta
When the link finally drops, it’s gonna be a long online form, so grab a snack and a cozy blanket.
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
Personal Deets: They need the basics: your name, contact info, where you live, and proof that you’re at least 18 (or will be). Make sure everything is accurate—no fake names, please! They’ll be doing background checks, so keep it real.
The Skills Flex: This is your time to shine! Detail all those cool skills you prepped in Step 1. Be specific. Don't just say "Good with people"; say "I have customer service experience helping 100+ visitors a day at the City Museum and solving their tricky map problems."
Role Preference vs. Reality Check: The form will let you pick your top roles, like "Athlete Services" or "Spectator Guide." Pick the ones that sound the most fun and where your skills fit best. But keep this in mind: The Olympic Committee is the boss. They will put you where they need you most, so be ready to be flexible. You might think you’re going to meet the world’s fastest sprinter, but you might end up managing the flow of media people. Both are super important!
2.2 Submit and Vibe Check
Double-check everything, hit submit, and then... you wait. The committee has hundreds of thousands of applications, so the waiting game is real. Don't spam their inbox, just be patient.
Patience is Key: This is the ultimate life lesson. It could take months, maybe even a year, to hear back. Go live your life, but keep checking your email.
Prepare for the Interview: If you make the first cut, you'll be invited to an interview. It might be in person or a video call. They're looking for folks who are friendly, reliable, and have a positive attitude. Practice answering questions like, "Why do you want to volunteer?" and "How do you handle a stressful situation?" Show them your sparkling personality!
Step 3: The Golden Ticket: Training and The Big Event
If you get selected—major congrats, you’re a legend!—it’s time to get ready for the grand stage.
3.1 Training Montage Time
QuickTip: Pause when something feels important.
Around spring of 2028, you’ll get called in for training.
Learn the Ropes: This is where you learn the layout of the venues, the security protocols, and exactly what your job is. Pay attention! This is not the time to be scrolling TikTok. You are an official representative of the Games.
Gear Up: You get your official, super-exclusive volunteer uniform and accreditation (your ID badge). This uniform is your golden armor for the Games! Wear it with pride, and remember, you get to keep it. Total flex.
3.2 Show Up and Shine
The Games are here! This is your moment.
Be a Good Squad Member: You'll be working with a diverse crew of people from all over. Be kind, be helpful, and be a team player. A positive vibe makes everyone's experience better.
The Commitment: You committed to those 10+ days? Stick to it. Showing up on time and fulfilling your shifts is crucial to the success of the whole shebang. Your dedication is the real gold medal here.
Perks! You’ll get meals during your shifts, you’ll meet amazing people, and sometimes, depending on your role, you might even get a quick peek at the competition! You won't get a paycheck (it's volunteer work), and you usually have to pay for your own travel/housing, but the experience? Priceless.
How to FAQs for LA 2028 Volunteering
How to find the LA 2028 volunteer application? The application isn't open yet, but you must sign up for the official LA 2028 newsletter on their website to be notified the second it goes live, likely in late 2026.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
How to know if I am old enough to volunteer? You must be at least 18 years old by the time the Games begin in July 2028 to be eligible for the main volunteer program.
How to make my application stand out? Highlight any unique skills like speaking multiple languages, prior customer service, organizational, or event experience, and emphasize your reliability and enthusiasm.
How to pay for my travel and stay in LA? Volunteers are usually responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and meals outside of their shifts, so start saving up your coins now!
How to know what kind of jobs volunteers do? Volunteers handle everything from logistics and transportation to accreditation, media support, language interpretation, and guiding spectators and athletes.
How to prepare for the volunteer interview? Be ready to talk about your commitment, how you handle problems, why you want to be involved, and show your bright, friendly personality.
How to stay updated on the latest volunteer news? Follow the official LA 2028 social media accounts and, most importantly, be subscribed to their official email newsletter.
How to find out if I was selected? If you are selected after the interview stage, the organizing committee will contact you directly via email to let you know your role and to start training.
How to get free tickets to the events? Volunteers do not receive free tickets, but depending on your assigned role and venue, you may be able to catch glimpses of the action during your shift.
How to be a good Olympic volunteer? Be reliable, show up on time for your shifts, maintain a positive and helpful attitude, and treat everyone (athletes, spectators, and fellow volunteers) with respect.