“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi
When people ask about volunteering with Ujima, they usually want to know what they’ll be doing. Will they coach soccer? Help with homework? Mentor students? Support after-school activities?
The answer is yes. But those aren’t the most important questions. The better question is:
Who will you become?
At Ujima, volunteers build relationships with incredible young people in East Knoxville. They celebrate goals, encourage students through difficult days, share meals, laugh together, and simply show up week after week.
Those moments matter.
But if you ask our volunteers what they’ve gained from the experience, they rarely begin by talking about soccer. They talk about perspective. They talk about purpose. They talk about belonging.
You’ll Make a Difference
Every young person deserves an adult who believes in them. At Ujima, volunteers become mentors, encouragers, coaches, and trusted adults. Sometimes the most meaningful moment isn’t winning a game. It’s remembering a student’s name. Listening to their story. Showing up again next week. For many of our students, those consistent relationships are life-changing.
You’ll Grow, Too
Last year, Abby Stapleton joined Ujima as a senior in the University of Tennessee College of Social Work. She had interviews lined up with two different organizations, but after meeting with Ujima, she canceled the second interview.
“I was immediately drawn to the program because I have always loved soccer, and I knew I wanted to work with kids, so it felt like the perfect combination. After my first meeting with Jonathan, I decided not to interview with the other organization because I knew Ujima was the right fit. Hearing Jonathan share his vision and the mission of Ujima made me excited to be part of a program that uses soccer to positively impact the lives of young people.”
Like many people who grew up in Knoxville, Abby realized she carried assumptions about East Knoxville and Vine Middle School that simply weren’t true.
“Volunteering with Ujima has completely changed that perspective and shown me how inaccurate many of those assumptions were. This experience has inspired me to continue working with youth in East Knoxville because I have seen firsthand the positive influence Jonathan has on these kids and how much they look up to him.”
She discovered what so many volunteers discover: when we invest in relationships, our own perspectives begin to change.
Investing in the Next Generation
Javen Carter’s story is different, but just as meaningful. He has played soccer since he was four years old.
“Soccer has been much more than just a sport to me. It has given me the freedom to express my passion and love for the game while teaching me valuable lessons along the way. Through soccer, I found fun, family, community, and lifelong relationships that have helped shape who I am today.”
After graduating from high school and beginning college as an Information Technology major, Javen knew he wanted soccer to remain part of his life. But more importantly, he wanted to give back.
“Volunteering with Ujima has given me the opportunity to give back to the people and programs that have poured into me since I first became connected with them. It’s a meaningful way to invest in the next generation through a game that has given me so much.”
Today, one of his favorite parts of the week is visiting elementary schools on Fridays to play soccer with students during recess.
“Hearing about the impact of the program is one thing, but being a part of that work is something completely different. I love connecting with and encouraging the younger generation. One of my favorite parts of the week is visiting the elementary schools on Fridays to play soccer with the students during recess. Seeing their excitement and joy reminds me why this work is so meaningful.”
Learn Skills That Last
Whether you’re studying social work, education, psychology, business, public health, engineering, or simply looking for a meaningful way to serve, volunteering with Ujima is an opportunity to grow.
Our volunteers gain hands-on experience building relationships with young people, working alongside experienced mentors, and supporting youth development in a school setting. They develop practical leadership skills, learn about trauma-responsive coaching and social-emotional learning, and discover what it means to lead with empathy, consistency, and encouragement.
These are skills that will serve you long after your time with Ujima.
Find Your Community
The word Ujima means collective work and responsibility. We believe young people thrive when an entire community chooses to invest in them. That community includes teachers, social workers, university students, professors, volunteer coaches, nonprofit leaders, parents, and neighbors—all bringing their unique gifts together for the sake of our students.
When you volunteer with Ujima, you’re not simply filling a role. You’re becoming part of a community that believes every young person deserves to be known, valued, and encouraged. And you may discover that you needed that community, too.
We’d Love to Meet You
Whether you can volunteer once a week, once a month, or just want to learn more, we’d love to meet you. Volunteers who work directly with students complete a background check and orientation before serving, helping us ensure a safe and supportive environment for every child. We also provide training in youth development, trauma-responsive practices, and positive relationship-building so you’ll feel equipped and supported from day one.
Come invest in a student. Grow as a leader. Find your place in the Ujima community. Because sometimes the person whose life is changed isn’t only the student. Sometimes it’s the volunteer.
