How can I volunteer to help or participate in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles?
Register now on the LA28 website to volunteer for the 2028 Games or immediate community events; applicants must be 18+.
Sylvie Vance
The most direct way to begin participating as a volunteer for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games is by registering your interest through the official LA28 website now, as organizers have launched an expanded volunteer program that allows individuals to express interest for immediate community events or for the main Games in 2028 (https://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/story/2025-11-06/registration-begins-to-volunteer-for-the-la28-olympics). This initial registration is critical because LA28 anticipates needing between 50,000 to 70,000 volunteers, making it one of the largest volunteer programs ever assembled for the Games (https://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/story/2025-11-06/registration-begins-to-volunteer-for-the-la28-olympics). Understanding the multi-stage process, eligibility criteria, and current opportunities is the first step toward securing a meaningful role in this historic event.
### What are the basic eligibility requirements to become an LA28 volunteer?
While the process is designed to be accessible, there are fundamental prerequisites candidates must meet to be considered for volunteer roles during the Olympic and Paralympic Games themselves. Based on initial guidelines, applicants must generally be at least 18 years old at the beginning of the Olympic year (2028) to qualify for Games-time positions (https://www.nbclosangeles.com/olympics-2028-los-angeles/how-to-become-volunteer-2028-olympics-los-angeles/3488322/). Furthermore, successful volunteers must also be available to commit to working for a dedicated period, typically spanning three to four weeks during the event (https://www.nbclosangeles.com/olympics-2028-los-angeles/how-to-become-volunteer-2028-olympics-los-angeles/3488322/). While the LA28 organizing committee is expected to detail more specific requirements—such as background checks or language proficiencies—the core requirements center on age and availability for the primary event window.
### What is the formal application timeline and process for the 50,000+ volunteer positions?
The volunteer journey for LA28 is structured in phases, rewarding those who engage early with the organizing committee. The initial action required is to submit an expression of interest form available on the LA28 website (https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/la28-olympic-paralympic-volunteer). This initial submission notifies the committee of your intent to participate and places you in their database for future communications (https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/la28-olympic-paralympic-volunteer). If you register your interest now, you will be notified when specific opportunities become available (https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/la28-olympic-paralympic-volunteer). Because the scale of the Games—including the first-ever Paralympics in L.A.’s history—is so vast, requiring up to 70,000 volunteers, organizers are using a tiered approach to manage applicants and ensure a strong pipeline leading up to 2028 (https://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/story/2025-11-06/registration-begins-to-volunteer-for-the-la28-olympics).
### Beyond the Games themselves, what are the immediate community volunteer opportunities available now?
A unique feature of the LA28 organizing strategy is integrating volunteerism into community-building initiatives leading up to 2028, allowing enthusiasts to start contributing immediately. The LA28 piloted its volunteer program through key initiatives like **Shine LA**, which is Mayor Karen Bass’ effort to beautify the city ahead of the Games, and work with the **Los Angeles Regional Food Bank** (https://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/story/2025-11-06/registration-begins-to-volunteer-for-the-la28-olympics). By filling out the initial volunteer registration form, interested parties can indicate their preference for volunteering *now* with these community-focused events, rather than waiting specifically for the 2028 Games (https://www.secretsanfrancisco.com/la28-volunteer-program-olympic-paralympic-games/). This early engagement allows participants to gain valuable event experience and connect with the organizing body before the massive recruitment drive closer to the event date.
### What specific skills or roles will be in highest demand for the LA28 Games?
While general enthusiasm is necessary, the sheer complexity of hosting the Olympics means that specific functional skills will be in high demand across dozens of operational areas. Although detailed skill breakdowns are likely to emerge as the event nears, experience suggests that roles requiring language fluency, specialized technical support (IT, broadcasting logistics), guest services, and transportation management will be crucial (https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/la28-olympic-paralympic-volunteer). Volunteers often fill roles across venues, accreditation, athlete services, media centers, and technology support. Early registrants who indicate specific professional backgrounds or language proficiencies during the initial sign-up phase may find themselves better positioned for specialized assignments that require a longer lead time for training and integration.
### What is the lasting legacy expected from the LA28 volunteer program?
The LA28 organizing committee views the volunteer corps not just as temporary staff, but as a core element of the Games’ lasting legacy in Los Angeles. As the city is not undertaking major permanent construction projects for the 2028 Games, the hope is that the positive impact and connection felt by Angelenos will be rooted in the human element of the event (https://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/story/2025-11-06/registration-begins-to-volunteer-for-the-la28-olympics). By involving tens of thousands of residents in direct service, the goal is to embed the spirit of the Games within the community fabric, ensuring that the memory of participation lasts long after the medals are awarded.
## Key Takeaways
* **Start Now:** The initial step for interested individuals is to register their interest on the official LA28 website to be included in early communications.
* **Dual Opportunity:** Registration allows selection for either immediate community service roles (like Shine LA) or for the main 2028 Games.
* **Age Requirement:** Prospective volunteers for the Games must generally be 18 years or older by the start of the 2028 event.
* **Commitment Needed:** Successful volunteers should anticipate a commitment of approximately three to four weeks during the event period.
* **Scale is Massive:** With up to 70,000 volunteers anticipated, securing a spot requires early, dedicated engagement.
The decision to volunteer for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games is an investment in community history and a rare opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s largest peacetime operations. By following the established registration protocol and engaging with pre-Games initiatives, interested individuals can move from mere spectator to essential participant. As the planning accelerates, those who have already shown their commitment will be best positioned to shape the experience for athletes and visitors alike.
## References
* https://www.nbclosangeles.com/olympics-2028-los-angeles/how-to-become-volunteer-2028-olympics-los-angeles/3488322/
* https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/la28-olympic-paralympic-volunteer
* https://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/story/2025-11-06/registration-begins-to-volunteer-for-the-la28-olympics
* https://www.secretsanfrancisco.com/la28-volunteer-program-olympic-paralympic-games/