BECOME A VOLUNTEER
JOIN THE SQUAD
CHEER San Francisco is on the constant lookout for talented and passionate individuals to join our family of volunteers. If you're ready to have a blast while making a difference in your community, then consider volunteering with our exciting philanthropic organization.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
THREE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
CHEER San Francisco is on the constant lookout for talented and passionate individuals to join our family of volunteers. If you’re ready to have a blast while making a difference in your community, then consider volunteering with our exciting philanthropic organization.
Performing Volunteers
Performing Volunteers serve as the face of CHEER SF, literally! After 40 years, we've grown into two performance teams. Our Stunt Team thrills crowds and raises spirits with stunning choreography and dynamic stunt routines, while our Spirit Team brings the spirit (you guessed it) through dance routines and crowd engagement!
Production Volunteers
Production Volunteers work behind-the-scenes to ensure the success of our fundraising and performance operations, coordinating logistics and engaging with fans and supporters at our events.
Leadership Roles
Non-performing leadership positions within CHEER SF are organized around four functional departments: Artistic, Events, Operations and Brand.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
REQUIREMENTS
Performing Volunteers
Performing Volunteers try out for one of two teams — Stunt or Spirit. While previous dance, cheerleading, stunting, and gymnastics experience can certainly help, equally important are a positive attitude and an aptitude for teamwork: a willingness to learn, the ability to follow through on commitments, and a dazzling smile ready to inspire countless adoring fans.
Stunt Team
Production Volunteers
Production Volunteers coordinate logistical elements, network with outside organizations, and build and maintain relationships to secure donations and sponsorships.
Strong communications skills are required, as Production Volunteers frequently communicate through electronic channels such as email and online collaboration platforms. All Production Volunteers are required to be at least 18 years of age.
Our Stunt Team builds the gravity-defying pyramids, tosses, and partner stunts CHEER SF is known for. Prior stunting, cheerleading, or gymnastics experience helps, but trust, communication, and rock-solid technique matter most — you're literally holding your teammates up.
Spirit Team
Our Spirit Team brings the energy through sharp technical dance, turns, and leaps. If you've got a dance or performance background and know how to command a crowd, Spirit is where your talent takes center stage.
Members of both teams are required to be at least 18 years of age and maintain a level of physical fitness sufficient to withstand the rigors of performing.
WHAT TO EXPECT
TIME COMMITMENT
Performing Volunteer Practices
Weekly practice every Tuesday from 7pm to 10pm at Head Over Heels Athletic Arts in Emeryville, CA. Additional practices may be mandatory with time and location determined on a case-by-case basis.
Production Volunteer Meetings
More flexibility in scheduling, meeting the 2nd and last Tuesday of each month from 7:30pm to 10pm at Head Over Heels Athletic Arts in Emeryville, CA.
Breaks
The team enjoys a short break from mid-November through early January, and again from July 5th through early August.
Minimum Term
CHEER SF requires all Volunteer Team Members to commit to a one-year minimum term. We participate in events and fundraising 365 days a year.
Cheer Camp
All first-year Performing Volunteers must attend Cheer Camp where collegiate-level cheerleading skills are taught by licensed instructional staff. Typically scheduled on a weekend between mid-August and late September.
Event Requirements
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8 mandatory events (prescheduled)
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10-15 elective events (your choice)
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1 weekend practice (usually April/May)
COSTS
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
Since CHEER SF is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit, related costs borne by all volunteers are tax-deductible.
We urge our volunteers to consult with their tax professionals.
$450*
First-year uniform and Cheer Wear (one-time, design changes roughly every 4 years)
$200
Annual participation dues for new and continuing volunteers
$150*
Cheer Camp fee for Performing Volunteers
* Approximate cost.
All additional expenses relating to food, travel, and lodging are covered out-of-pocket by each individual.
NEXT STEPS
HOW TO JOIN
Performing Volunteers
CHEER SF holds official auditions every summer. We hold workshops (Tryout Clinics) prior to auditions, teaching applicants basic elements of cheerleading including motions and elementary stunts. During the workshops, we also teach a short dance routine which applicants perform during tryouts. A short interview is the final part of the audition process.
Performing and Production Volunteers
More flexibility in scheduling, meeting the 2nd and last Tuesday of each month from 7:00pm to 10pm at Head Over Heels Athletic Arts in Emeryville, CA.
