Dakota County, MN

Welcome to Dakota County Volunteers

Welcome to Dakota County’s volunteer event directory. This webpage will show you what events and activities are currently open for recruitment as well as provide access to helpful program information. We pride ourselves in offering a robust volunteer program that offers our communities the chance to share their skills, expertise and time to enhance the quality and variety of services that benefit our residents.  

Searching for an Opportunity. Dakota County offers a variety of opportunities for individuals and groups wishing to share their talents and time volunteering. To view what opportunities are currently available to sign up for, use the search bar on the left of the screen to filter results based on personal preferences. 

Not finding a certain opportunity? More than likely, it is not the right season or time for the activity or the recruitment period for that event has passed. Our opportunity roster changes throughout the season and new events are added every month, so check back often to stay informed on the latest happenings in Dakota County. 

Annual Report: Take a look at what we accomplished in 2025. 

Benefits of Volunteering With Dakota County

• Make new friends, build up current relationships and get to know your community in a new way.
• Volunteer hours can be used for work, school and other program credits (as applicable).
• Live healthier! Studies have shown that volunteering positively impacts physical, mental and social health in people who participate on a regular basis.  
• Invitations to volunteer social events hosted by Dakota County.
• Actively learn about local government and the important work that is accomplished.
• Service awards and personal recognition.

Safe and Secure

We work hard making sure our volunteers are safe, whether on-site or online. We make sure that our online database is safe and secure so that you can have peace of mind when providing us with your personal information.

• All data is encrypted in transit over the internet from computer to computer.
• All passwords are encrypted.
• 24x7x365 server monitoring for intrusion attempts and prevention.
• Program data is housed in a CSAE4316 certified environment.
• 10 year up-time of 99.987% (99.997% over the past three years).

FAQs and Helpful Tutorials

Why a volunteer account? - It allows our volunteers to get all of the necessary documents, establish emergency contacts, and consent to forms that we need to have on file. When you arrive at an event, you just check in and are ready to go. No hassle, no worries. 

Do I have to live in Dakota County? - Absolutely not, you do not have to be a resident of Dakota County to participate in our programming. Our volunteers come from all over the Twin Cities metro region, greater Minnesota and beyond! 

Need help using Better Impact? Below you will find helpful step by step walk-throughs of some of the most commonly asked questions about using our volunteer management system, Better Impact.

Setting Up An Account

Better Impact Account Overview - Video Walkthrough

Reset a Lost/Forgotten Password

Signing Up for an Opportunity

Withdraw from an Opportunity or Shift

Confirming My Participation/Checking Your Schedule

Log Hours and Feedback

Update Your Contact Info

Add Assignments to Your Personal Calendars

Set Up a Weekly Schedule Reminder

Volunteer Account Help Center

If you have additional questions or need help with your county volunteer account, please contact Garrett Zaffke at garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us.

Looking For Internships?

Several departments in Dakota County provide internships for students pursuing an education in a related field. Through these placements, students receive valuable training while completing internship requirements and providing public service to the community. 

To see what internships are currently available, visit the Dakota County's job board. For Social Services and Community Corrections opportunities, please contact the county's internship contact.