One short phone call can change the shape of someone’s day.
Plus you are never doing it alone.
As a Coffee Talk volunteer, you offer friendly conversation and steady connection to older adults. From home, you join a live, supportive team sharing the morning together while making meaningful phone calls.
What You’ll Do
Simple conversations that make mornings better.
You will have friendly, one on one phone conversations with older adults who call into Coffee Talk during various weekday mornings. Calls last up to 20 minutes, which keeps conversations focused, manageable, and welcoming.
There are no appointments for callers and no cost to participate. Older adults simply call in, share their first name if they wish, and can remain anonymous. This makes Coffee Talk easy to access and especially helpful for people who may be feeling isolated or unsure about reaching out.
There is no counseling and no grandiose “fixing” things. Just real conversation, reliable presence, and a simple way to help reduce isolation.
During Your Shift, You’re Part of a Team
During your shift, you are also connected with the Coffee Talk volunteer team through live messaging. Volunteers share encouragement, quick check ins, and a bit of banter as the morning unfolds. Many people say this shared team energy is one of the most rewarding parts of the program.
Real conversations. Real people. Real mornings.
Time Commitment
Coffee Talk is structured, predictable, and designed to fit into your mornings.
Shifts take place on various weekday mornings 9am to noon. Volunteers commit to a daily shift take several calls during that time, with each call lasting up to 20 minutes.
Ongoing weekly participation is encouraged, as it helps build routine and familiarity for both volunteers and older adults.
Many volunteers say the shared mornings and team energy are just as meaningful as the calls themselves.
What You Need
- Be age 18 or older
- Live in Minnesota or Western Wisconsin
- Feel comfortable using a phone and simple online tools
- Enjoy working independently while also being part of a group
- Pass a background check
- Complete provided training before starting (Training is welcoming, practical, and designed to help you feel confident and connected.)
You don’t have to fix anything to matter and make a kind impact.
Who This Is Great For
If you enjoy conversation and being counted on, you’ll feel at home.
Coffee Talk is especially meaningful for people who enjoy conversation, value structure and routine, and want to use their time in a way that feels purposeful.
This role is a strong fit for those who prefer volunteering from home, appreciate being part of a friendly and respectful team, and want to make a real impact without emotional pressure.
If you like knowing people count on you and enjoy a little camaraderie along the way, you will feel right at home here.
It’s simple, it’s kind, and it gives my mornings meaning.
-Coffee Talk Volunteer
Why Volunteers Say Yes
“This gives my days purpose and people count on me.”
Coffee Talk volunteers build routine, support one another, and create moments of connection that ripple outward.
Become a Volunteer in 3 Easy Steps
Getting started is simple, and we guide you through each step.
Step 1 Apply Online
Complete a short volunteer application, including a required background check.
Step 2 Complete Training
Once your background check is approved, you will complete our training so you feel confident and supported.
Step 3 Choose Your Time Slots
After training, you sign up for weekday morning shifts that work for you and join the Coffee Talk team.
Most volunteers are fully onboarded and ready to start within a short period of time.
I didn’t expect to look forward to the team chat as much as the calls.
It feels like showing up to work with friends.
-Coffee Talk Volunteer
Ready to be Part of the Morning?
Apply to Volunteer as a Coffee Talker
Your voice matters. Your time matters. And the team will be glad you are there.
