Volunteers are an integral, essential, and valuable resource.  They help accomplish the department’s mission by enhancing services and programs that impact offenders’ healthy development.

Over 1,300 volunteers serve as role models and critical links to resources that prepare inmates for successful entry into the community following completion of their court-ordered incarceration.

Volunteers supplement services and programs offered by Minnesota Department of Corrections’ staff, supporting community reentry efforts and promoting institution safety.  Volunteers assist the department in delivery of programs and services that help offenders become educated, self-efficient, law-abiding citizens.

Volunteer Criteria

• Be 18 or older and not currently on an inmate’s visiting list
• Complete a Volunteer Application and Offender Association Form
• Pass criminal history and offender visiting check
• Complete training/orientation (annual recertification)
• Abide by all Minnesota Department of Corrections’ policies and procedures

Volunteer Services Program policy

Current volunteer opportunities include:

• Links (chemical dependency aftercare programming)
• MnCoSA (Minnesota Circles of Support & Accountability)

To volunteer for these programs, complete the Links/MnCoSA Volunteer Application and Offender Association Form and return it to the address indicated on the form.  Please do not use this form to volunteer for any other program.

Those interested in other volunteer opportunities should contact the volunteer coordinator at the facility where they would like to volunteer. Anyone interested in volunteering at multiple sites should contact the Lino Lakes volunteer coordinator.