Give Back During the Holidays and Year-Round: Volunteer

I can remember the first time I painted a room--it was for a family that was moving into a Habitat for Humanity house. I was just about to become a teenager and I remember feeling important because I was helping making a difference in someone's life. I continue to volunteer for my community and have listed a few ways (and resources) so you can help volunteer your time during the holiday season (and throughout the year).

If you're already a member of an organization that is for (or relates to your job), it's the easiest way to start volunteering. I'm a member of NAPO (the National Association of Professional Organizers) and I volunteer my time as the assistant editor for the online newsletter for my Los Angeles Chapter. You might already be a member of your local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, or Kiwanis--all which give every member an opportunity to volunteer and serve the community.
I had a friend who volunteered for LA Works and it ended up being such a rewarding experience that he continued to volunteer year after year. LA Works is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, volunteer action center that creates and implements hands-on community service projects throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
Become a volunteer for animals in need. Pet Orphans of Southern California has numerous volunteer opportunities from helping out with special events to becoming a cat socializer.
I've signed up this holiday season to volunteer at Food on Foot, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the poor and homeless of Los Angeles with nutritious meals, clothing, and assistance in the transition to employment and life off the streets.
Let us know where you volunteer in your community!

[Image from Vale Volunteers]

I am a different type of volunteer. I donate time as a mentor for Team in Training which is an organization that trains people for Triathlons, Marathons, and Bicycle races, while they raise money for the leukemia lymphoma society.

It doesn't feel like I am volunteering as my time is spent working out and hanging out with fantastic people. In just 6 weeks my team alone (there are several local chapters all over North America) has raised over $75,000.

As a volunteer I get way more out of it then anyone I work with, and it makes me feel better about my self. Plus I stay in shape and meet awesome people.

posted by petesid on December 19th 2008 at 2:10pm
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In my new town I work with the Women's Wilderness Institute in different capacities (just last night I was gift wrapping for donations at an REI), as well as give time and effort for the hosting committee for the Denver Green Festival scheduled for next May via Coop America.

I have always volunteered in every town I have lived in. I gave a lot of my time to the Red Cross when I lived in Miami. I didn't realize doing Team-in-Training was a volunteer activity, but I did give them a lot of time before my move to Miami with my fundraising and triathlon training.

I suppose my favorite volunteer process was AmeriCorps. I gave half a year to the Montana Conservation Corps one year. As a kid from Los Angeles at the time that was a huge experience for me. So while I got to serve a lot of communities in that state, I got a crazy education in the outdoors.

posted by kmarie on December 19th 2008 at 4:56pm
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Please consider volunteering at your local museum. Museums are, for the most part, chronically under-funded and under-staffed. I am on staff at a museum where the volunteer corps puts in hours annually equivalent to three full-time staff members. This is the norm, and we cannot do what we do without volunteers.

Personally, I volunteer at Planned Parenthood, phone-banking, stuffing bags full of condoms, helping with office stuff, whatever they need. Millions of low-income women without health insurance (a steadily growing number!) rely on PP for reproductive health care and contraception. PP also is on the front lines of advocacy for women's health, working hard to make sure we have legal access to essential services.

posted by Jezebella on December 22nd 2008 at 11:41am
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