Volunteer

Help Shape the Future of American Rail Travel...And Help Your Own Career, Too!

Every day, passengers experience the national rail system in ways that policymakers, planners, and executives often don’t see. At Rail Passengers Association, our strength has always come from the lived experience of riders — our members, our supporters, and our community.

We are launching a Volunteer Staff Program to deepen that connection and bring more voices directly into our work. This is an opportunity for members to contribute their skills, experience, and passion to help improve passenger rail in the United States — and to do so in a structured, meaningful, and visible way.

It’s a career-enhancing gateway into transportation policy and advocacy.

If you’re a student, or an early career professional, or you’re mid-career and thinking about a career change, giving some of your time to Rail Passengers might be a great fit for both of us. You’ll be advancing your own career, building your own skills, getting the opportunity to acquire professional certifications, and shaping your own legacy in passenger-rail advocacy, as well as beefing up your resume and tapping into new networks.

Our volunteer staff aren’t simply “helpers.” If you join, you are part of the team.

You’ll research policy, support riders, contribute to advocacy campaigns, help shape our communications, and serve as the eyes and ears of passengers around the country. Volunteers work closely with RPA national leadership, collaborate with peers, and contribute to real outcomes — better trains, better stations, better service.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering with RPA can help you:

• Make a real difference in how your community is served by passenger rail.
• Develop and showcase skills — whether in policy, communications, advocacy, accessibility, data, or passenger experience.
• Build professional and personal networks across the national rail advocacy community.
• Help ensure that passengers are heard at every table where decisions are made.

Whether you are a corridor commuter, a long-distance traveler, a rail industry professional, a student, a veteran, a disability-access advocate, or simply someone who cares about a more connected America—there is a role here for you.

We’ll also invest in our volunteers, helping with professional certifications, arranging special volunteers-only behind-the-scenes tours and events, and developing awards and recognition programs focused on fun, fellowship, and friends.

Explore Volunteer Opportunities

We’ve organized volunteer roles into several categories so you can find the best fit:

Resource Development

• Data Entry Assistant
• Email Marketing Assistant
• Volunteer Development Associate
• Volunteer Grant Researcher
• Volunteer Partnerships

Marketing, Public Relations, and Communications

• Blogger
• Director Marketing, PR, Comms
• Graphic Design Associate
• PR Marketing Associate

Community Engagement & Organizing

• Certified Citizen Advocate
• Regional Advocacy Manager
• State Support Coordinator

Government Affairs and Policy

• Director of Accessibility
• Legislative Assistant
• Routes Spokesperson

Consumer & Passenger Affairs

• Consumer Affairs Advocate
• Director of Consumer Affairs

Technology

• Technology Generalist
• Volunteer Chief Technology Officer
• Volunteer Network Administrator
• Web Content Assistant

Research & Policy Analysis

• Volunteer Data Analyst

Each role clearly outlines responsibilities, time expectations, and the support you’ll receive.

Ready to Get Started?

1. Browse the role descriptions.
2. Select a role that best matches your skills and interests.
3. Submit an email to [email protected] with a cover letter and your resume to apply for the role you’ve chosen.

Our team will follow up to schedule a conversation and begin the interview process. If you’re selected, you’ll begin a formal onboarding and orientation process.

We’re glad you’re here.
Passengers have always been our greatest strength.
Welcome aboard.