Do you volunteer, and, if so, where?
Posted by BitterestLily@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 286 comments
It occurs to me that we hear a lot about ways that we Americans are divided, ignorant, and selfish, but we also do a lot of good (I'd argue): some sources put as at the top worldwide for volunteering among adults.
Do you volunteer? If so, where and what do you do? Why do you do it? I would love to hear your stories about the impact it's had on others, your community or the world more broadly, and on you.
Responses are welcome from folks of all ages. Also, let's please be respectful toward one another's answers, even if it's volunteering we personally wouldn't do.)
Hatweed@reddit
I donate blood. That’s about as far as I can realistically go volunteering in my area.
____ozma@reddit
I am a court-appointed special advocate to a foster kid in my county. Every county in the US just about has this program, and they always need new volunteers or donations! These programs have been around for decades and give kids an extra person on their team who knows all the facts and sees the kid often. It's a lot of diligent background work but also just like doing whatever, I just picked up a night light from storage with human services to bring to my next visit where we just chitchat about books and gossip. Anyone who's ever been interested in fostering but for any reason can't would probably really get a lot out of volunteering like this!
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
CASA is a great program!
Usuf3690@reddit
Sometimes I volunteer at a local food bank.
Sorry-Ad-1169@reddit
Before the pandemic anywhere involving my church, NSPCA, my school, and my community. After the pandemic, not so much. I'm a sad poppet.
famousanonamos@reddit
I volunteered at my daughter's school for many years. It was basically a full time job amd eventually I got hired on. I helped out at the local animal shelter for a while as well. I'm trying to get in with the library now.
Original-Locksmith58@reddit
I do free IT work for charitable organizations; mostly churches. I also do volunteer work at farms (gleaning mostly), food pantries, and soup kitchens but pretty infrequently. My favorite thing are coordinating Angel Trees around Christmas time.
Honestly it feels pretty unappreciated by both the organizations I assist and the people using their services. It has not made me feel more connected to my neighbors at all, but I still feel like it’s the right thing to do…
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Sorry to hear your experience hasn't been as good as it might have been!
Eureecka@reddit
Yes.
I’m a volunteer dog transporter for KHTC and other rescues. (They take dogs out of high kill shelters in Texas and pass them like track batons across the country to fosters/rescues in MI, WI, and surrounding areas.)
I give blood several times a year.
I volunteer with the nature conservancy in invasive flora control. (Fancy way of saying I pull weeds in the woods.)
At my last job, I taught junior achievement in underserved middle schools.
I volunteer several times a year at my kid’s school for their events.
Before the kid, I volunteered at a couple horse rescues.
Eureecka@reddit
And twice a year, I volunteer with my current company at Feed my starving children.
vinyl1earthlink@reddit
I am the treasurer of the village tax board. Nobody who sits on the board is paid, and not many people chose to run for a seat. We collect about $2 million a year, and pave roads, plow snow, and maintain trees and street lights.
_Internet_Hugs_@reddit
I do! I volunteer with local events like Pride Fest and the arts festival. I'm also in a program to mentor teenagers. My deteriorating health limits me, but I'm a big believer in volunteering.
I've been volunteering in one capacity or another since I was 14, so 30 years.
JNorJT@reddit
Nope I don’t volunteer
ThePurityPixel@reddit
In my previous city, I regularly volunteered for a non-profit that feeds and clothes 150~200 homeless folks every Monday evening. (In my new city, I haven't really found anything quite like it.)
taniamorse85@reddit
I haven't volunteered in a long time because of my medical issues, but I have volunteered multiple times. In my teens and early 20s, I volunteered with multiple libraries, as well as the American Red Cross. For the libraries, I mostly shelved books, especially easy readers. I also occasionally helped arrange activities the libraries held for younger kids. As for the Red Cross, I did some clerical work for my local chapter. I also helped organize and run some fundraisers for them.
A little later in my 20s, I volunteered with my local district attorney's office. My primary duty was to update misdemeanor case dispositions in certain databases. I also became a go-to person for various employees who needed information from those and other databases. I'm a research geek, so I loved that so many people trusted me to do that.
Inevitable-Store-837@reddit
I have volunteered for a local dog rescue for 15 years. Been one of the most rewarding things in my life
Dalyro@reddit
I work with an organization that provides professional clothing to women who are re entering the work force. We also provide formal dresses to local high schoolers wanting to go to prom or homecoming. Everything is free to the women/girls.
It is amazing to see the confidence that the right clothing can offer to someone. In a small, rural town, this organization continues to amaze me.
Turtlemcflurtle@reddit
Animal shelter and fire department
the_vole@reddit
I volunteer as a mentor with my nephews’ high school robotics team. I’m not much of a help (liberal arts guy here) but I’m good at being the adult in the room when all the other adults want to “go home” or “eat dinner with their families” or “go to bed at a reasonable hour” when the kids just wanna keep working.
moneymutantJP@reddit
I also volunteer as a robotics mentor who has no actual robotics knowledge. My son joined a team last year, so I'm there as a second adult with clearances.
the_vole@reddit
Right on! Are y’all doing FIRST Robotics?
QueenofNighshade@reddit
Yes I volunteer for a cat rescue
KittyCat723@reddit
Same! 😸
sneezyailurophile@reddit
I volunteer at my own cat rescue.🐾
KittyCat723@reddit
Wonderful! ❤️
skateboreder@reddit
This thread would make you think that most people volunteer here.
They do not. There's a lot of people who might do somtehing nice once a year to feel like they are a good person...and they probbaly do this through their church or some organizationm and do it more for their social standing.
Most people are selfish and won't even volunteer to answer their door to help somebody. Not everyone; most.
Otherwise we wouldn't cheer on holding people down, kicking them out of our country, exploiting our workers, and on and on.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
I don't know that the thread would make you think that "most" people volunteer, but the stats say that between 30 and Jjust over 40% of adults do. That is, as you say, literally not most adults...but it's a big assumption (and one that would need to be backed with its own data) to say that those who don't volunteer don't do so because they're selfish. Some have physical or other barriers that prevent them from doing so, or some have too much on their plate to find the time for it.
And, absolutely, some people are juat plain selfish. And as a liberal, i am in no way pleased with what our country as a whole is doing right now. But that doesn't negate the fact that many people do go out of their way to help in meaningful ways, whether that's once or many times a year. I'd argue those actions are even more important in times when many parts of our society are under attack.
MeanTelevision@reddit
You will find a lot of people might not divulge everything because if they go by the Bible "do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing," which means, do not think about your good deeds even to yourself. So, we feel weird talking about it.
MeanTelevision@reddit
Americans are among the most altruistic and generous of people.
One reason it irks me when people bash us. Of course they usually do not divulge which perfect place they hail from.
Yes I have spent the majority of my time volunteering for a while but I don't want to say where; I've also volunteered various places doing various things over a lifetime. Also donations to charities e.g. gifts items time or funds as or when I can.
I think a lot of people do the same.
Angel tree is just one small example of things we Americans enjoy doing without benefit to ourselves.
Cruitire@reddit
I’m a volunteer citizen scientist.
I collect and analyze samples of lake water in my state as part of an effort to gauge the health of the ecosystem and plan measures to minimize negative impacts on the wetlands.
It is an almost entirely volunteer effort involving several hundred people monitoring hundreds of lakes.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Citizen science is si much fun, and so important! I was recently looking to see if there were any local opportunities i could participate in...
No_Individual_672@reddit
I currently volunteer at our food bank 2 days a week.
Shot_Construction455@reddit
I volunteer at a clothes closet. I'm also on the Board of an organization that fundraises for things our local schools and other organizations need to improve the lives of kids in our community. My teenager volunteers at a food bank.
mind_the_umlaut@reddit
I deliver grocery orders for a food pantry.
unknown_anaconda@reddit
Not so much now that my daughter just graduated, but my wife and I were very involved in her activities. Girl Scouts, PTO, boosters, etc.
Profleroy@reddit
I am a retired college professor of studio art and art history. I volunteer at a local house museum, I teach native American ceramics to anybody who wants to donate to the upkeep of the old historic house. We do everything the old way, including firing in a pit kiln. I have been honored to teach this art pro bono to native American young people, who in turn will pass it on.
nemc222@reddit
I lead a support group for older women with eating disorders.
TrueInky@reddit
I occasionally volunteer for litter clean ups or house repairs for the elderly. Recently I took a class to become a poll worker during elections, and though it’s not technically volunteering because they pay you a little bit, I still see it as an act of community service.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Absolutely
FloridianMichigander@reddit
I volunteer for an organization called Give Kids The World village in Kissimmee Florida. GKTW is where most of the Wish children who come to Orlando stay while they're here. We work with hundreds of different wish granting organizations around the world (Make a Wish being the biggest)
The families get a place to stay, all their food at the village, entertainment and attractions, pools and play spaces, pretty much everything. Disney and Universal are excellent partners, and the families get tickets to both parks.
I've been volunteering with GKTW since 2004. Lately, I work exclusively as an airport greeter - meeting the families as they get off the planes, help them get their luggage and rental cars, and send them on their way. In the past, I've done a variety of things at the village itself, from running the rides to serving food to helping with special events.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
That sounds like a really great org!
Opportunity_Massive@reddit
Yes, I volunteer at a local library and also at a kids’ recreational club
Head-Major9768@reddit
I volunteer on village tree commission.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Cool! What do you all do?
Head-Major9768@reddit
We get grants for new trees for parks, public spaces. We care for existing trees. Help residents in need with tree removal.
susannahstar2000@reddit
For the last ten years I have been volunteering at the library, with the toddler playgroups, programs for other ages, processing book donations and helping with other library functions. I don't know what impact it has had on anyone, but I do know that child literacy is one of the most important parts of a kid's life, and the only way they will succeed. Making the library a fun place and showing kids the magic of books can impact them forever.
ScatterTheReeds@reddit
Yes, food bank
SpatchcockZucchini@reddit
I do lake cleanups monthly
EclipseoftheHart@reddit
I volunteer with my local tea ceremony group in the summers and do occasional volunteer work with my local fiber & textile guilds for both equipment maintenance and outreach.
I’m looking in to some art mentorship programs in my area for local youth, but my work schedule just doesn’t quite work to make it happen just yet.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
That sounds really cool! What exactly do the textile and fiber guilds do?
I feel like the only association I have with something like that is related to renaissance fairs, but I'm sure that's a very limited perspective.
EclipseoftheHart@reddit
The textile & fiber guilds mostly serve as a centralized place for people to meet, use equipment/spaces (you can rent time on a loom or a dye lab for example), and teach/take classes.
When I volunteer I usually help with cleaning and maintaining looms and outreach events like folk/art/state fairs to help get people interested in the programming provided by the guilds. I usually demo yarn spinning using a spindle.
There are ren faire & reenactment groups as well as adjacent groups like the SCA out there who do a fair amount of fiber & textile stuff as well.
Vachic09@reddit
Making enrichment toys/treats at an animal shelter
Chemical-Finish-7229@reddit
Same as a lot of others. We currently foster dogs for a rescue, serve at a place on occasion that gives great meals to those who need it, donate blood, donate money to various causes, and volunteer with our church. I try and be a good human out in the world, I pick up litter while walking the dogs, be friendly and helpful, etc.
KissMyGrits60@reddit
I am a volunteer. I will be 65 years young tomorrow. I volunteer, for a buddy program, through a lighthouse, vision Loss Education Center,, Of Sarasota, FL. I live in a small town in highlands County Florida, the program what it is, it’s called the body program. I am completely blind, I live independently, I cook, I attend zoom support groups, in person support group, I walk to the store, the post office, and another little plaza near the grocery store. What I do is when people are getting ready to go in the program, because there is a waiting list, of course, I’m giving somebody to talk to via phone, and I become their body, let them know what to expect, ask them what their goals are, and also share my experiences. I started losing my eyesight when I was 40, my youngest son was five, through a divorce because my ex-husband couldn’t handle it, but I made it all work. I also suffered a brain, aneurysm rupture, a stroke, and then I have to have brain surgery. None of that took my eyesight away, when I was 40, I was diagnosed with macular degeneration, retinal, detachment, glaucoma, and myopia. I thank the Lord I’m alive, and it’s my duty I feel in my heart, to help others who are like me and give them advice and help them through the journey of blindness. I was offered a rehab, rehab, rehabilitation instructor, but I decided to do the volunteer route instead. Since I’m 65 tomorrow. Lol. I live a nice, independent life, and sub housing. I am the happiest I have ever been in my entire life. I truly found my purpose. To encourage, and strengthen others when they need it.
Background-Cod-7035@reddit
I have several chronic medical conditions that have cut down on what I can do, as my body is too unreliable for a schedule. So what I do is volunteer graphic design services to my town’s conservation groups (we’re silver-certified in the state)! Things like leaflets, signs, door hangers, and a planned website overhaul. I hope that no matter what happens I am always able to help.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
That's very cool! I'm always awed at people who are talented at graphic design and love seeing it put to a good purpose!
Background-Cod-7035@reddit
Aw thanks!! I’m actually proposing a pro bono project on light pollution, and it’s great to hear that people even NOTICE graphic design :)
I_Keep_Trying@reddit
Retired guy here. I volunteer at a local nature center. Usually once a week. It’s usually school field trips (a school outing with a teacher on a school day) and I lead or assist a nature education program and then lead a hike. It’s fun and the kids love it.
BPC1120@reddit
Volunteer rescue and EMS
MakeupForAliens@reddit
I volunteer for Warm Up America. I knit squares for them while I'm watching TV or something and mail them to Texas where they are sewn into blankets for people in need.
Gertrude_D@reddit
Oh, I might have to look into that. I like to keep my hands busy.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Haven't heard of this group, but I love that idea!
_pamelab@reddit
I plan to do this once I finish learning how to crochet
Gertrude_D@reddit
In my 20s I volunteered to be a docent in our Art Museum for a handful of years.
Starting in my 40s, I volunteer at our local Czech school - we teach language and culture to anyone interested (lots of Czech immigrants at one point).
I know these are more vanity projects, but I am passionate about them and want to share that passion.
blessings-of-rathma@reddit
I have done science education volunteering with my astronomy club, and I used to volunteer at a cat rescue. I do a little political type volunteering right now.
Ok_Motor_3069@reddit
I volunteer at a life long learning center 3x a week. Most of the work I do there is landscaping, plant care, and garden design. I teach a class now and then too.
Pigglywiggly23@reddit
I volunteer weekly at two different places. The first is a small food pantry that delivers non perishable food to people in need in Detroit. The other is a dog/cat rescue. I walk the dogs, hang out with them, visit the cats. I've been doing them both for two years.
GlitteringSwan8024@reddit
I volunteer at a hospice, doing administrative work in the office. I also deliver for Meals on Wheels
Creepy-Following-723@reddit
Food bank, the big one here in Houston. Sadly, it has had its funding slashed.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Sorry to hear that! I hope we see a turnaround in that trend...
twowrist@reddit
I volunteer weekly at a local zoo, answering questions for guests, pointing out where the animals are hiding, etc. It’s a selfish way of volunteering because I benefit so much from being outside, walking, learning, and enjoying the animals myself.
In my youth in the 70s, I did a lot more volunteering help gay rights efforts get established.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
I used to volunteer at a zoo, too, as a "tamarin watcher." The golden-lion tamarins were free-roaming and were required to have someone near them whenever the zoo was open.
I did it because I loved the animals and the outdoors, too--totally nothing wrong with that! Volunteering helps us as much as it helps others, often.
Unhappy-Fox1017@reddit
My wife goes and delivers lunches for Meals on Wheels. Together we often make brown sack lunches for the homeless and hand them out. Every winter we also often drive around and hand out blankets, gloves, mittens etc. People know to donate stuff to us because they know we will be out there on the streets trying to help. Nobody should have to live out there, homeless. It breaks our hearts to see it. When I was a young teenager I volunteered at the hospital and the local nursing home. I filed paperwork for the hospital, but at the nursing home all I had to do was go visit with the residents that didn’t get a whole lot of company. It was impactful for me to do that at that age, and I’m thankful my parents gently pushed me to do it.
Randygilesforpres2@reddit
I’m not right now, but for a long time I volunteered at Seattle humane (animal shelter) and DAWN (domestic abuse womens network.) I’m a computer whiz so I most did computer stuff for them.
Maleficent_Scale_296@reddit
I’m a Hospice volunteer.
AffectionateJury3723@reddit
I volunteer at local food pantry and for disaster relief organizations.
Opposite-Ship-4027@reddit
I teach English to new Americans at the public library and the community college.
Melodic_Pattern175@reddit
Do you have a teaching degree? I have up to a Masters (not in teaching) and I’m disabled so can’t do anything physical, but something like this would be great!
HRHDechessNapsaLot@reddit
Check out your local literacy council - they often have lots of opportunities for things like this! I have a friend who teaches ESL and another who does conversational English (which anyone who can speak English can do, because you’re just having a conversation, so people can practice their languages skills).
Opposite-Ship-4027@reddit
No. But I have a teaching certificate from the community college. You don’t need it unless you want to teach a class on your own or you want to teach overseas or K-12. If you’re able to get out a little bit and you live in a major metro, a lot of churches and libraries have nighttime adult ESL classes once a week and need volunteers to help sit with the students and practice one on one, it’s a good way to see if you like it (I do that too).
Some folks also just want conversation and not lessons. If you want to volunteer online to help a young Ukrainian practice their English (no experience necessary): https://www.enginprogram.org/
Melodic_Pattern175@reddit
Thank you!!
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
I do ESL volunteering online and don't have a master's in teaching or ESL/TESOL either. If there are any refugee relocation organizations in your area, they might have some opportunities for you. They also will probably provide at least some training and resources.
Landwarrior5150@reddit
That’s awesome! I’m a campus safety officer at a community college and one of my favorite things to see every year is the ESL students get more and more comfortable & confident with having conversations with us as the year goes on.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Nice! I work at a California university and have definitely appreciated the presence of CSOs before. Thanks for helping keep us safe, including the newly arrived students!
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
I do something similar with Afghan women refugees. I sometimes find it a little challenging because I don't have a background in ESL, but my master's degree and strength in languages help some.
If you have any online resources or books you'd recommend, I'd lobe the inf
Opposite-Ship-4027@reddit
Honestly the teaching classes don’t teach you much - the best way to learn to teach ESL is to observe. A lot of formal books focus on teaching pedagogy which really isn’t necessary.
Ask your students what they want to learn and go from there - sometimes they want survival English, sometimes writing, grammar, etc. If you are doing traditional lessons, focus on one point at a time. I find role plays useless and a lot of curricula for new Americans irrelevant or too advanced. People often use Google translate on their phone to communicate and aren’t going to read conversations with a doctor off of a piece of paper in real life.
I have to design my own curriculum for conversation classes for the library and just pull together a bunch of existing resources. Because it’s a walk in class and students speak different languages and can speak English at any level (I don’t recommend doing this TBH) I mostly put together small group activities and don’t do a lot of lecturing. There’s so much out there for you to use for ESL, don’t re-invent the wheel.
https://www.elllo.org/ is great and underutilized
Anything by Hadar Shemesh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngo8RF1Tjb8
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/browse/free?search=free%20esl
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Thank you! I've used VOA before but am a little wary of them at the moment and islcollectibe and definitely take the lead from my current "conversation partner"--she's a very determined lady who knows exactly what she wants to get out of her time with me. And she and her family are just amazing human beings...
Opposite-Ship-4027@reddit
No worries! The ESL content hasn’t changed, and there’s a UK equivalent (and lots of UK learning resources, some of which have made me laugh)
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/
HRHDechessNapsaLot@reddit
I am currently at about 300 volunteer hours for the year, which is about average for me. Last year I think I ended up with around 650 hours total.
I serve on a Board of a nonprofit that funds grants and coordinates community service for a large group of local residents, which is about half of my volunteer effort. Through that organization, I also try to volunteer at multiple other non-profits in my community, usually for one-off events (community fairs, fundraising, that sort of thing).
I’m a CASA (court appointed special advocate) for youth in foster care, and that is usually about 15-20 hours a month (sometimes more, usually not any less). That’s the other bulk of my volunteer service and where my passion lies.
I also volunteer to assist with therapeutic horse riding lessons for children and adults with various physical or mental/emotional special needs (cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, etc). Usually this is only a couple hours a month though I’m trying to get out there more this year.
And then I volunteer at my kid’s elementary school as and when I can.
I like to daydream that one day I’ll be able to retire early and then volunteer as much as I’d like to.
theatregirl1987@reddit
I'm on the board for the religious school at my synagogue. I wish I could do more volunteer work, but I work two jobs and own a small business on the side, so there's no time.
twowrist@reddit
Does the religious school have a separate board, treating it as a separate organization. When I was (briefly) involved with my synagogue’s board, there was a school committee but not a separate board.
theatregirl1987@reddit
Yes. It is a collaborative school with another synagogue, which is only a few miles away. We get our budget from tuition and each synagogue sends a stipend. Both synagogues board presidents and Rabbis are sort of non-viting members who sometimes attend meetings, and we each report to our respective boards. But pretty much everything from hiring, to curriculum and things like that is up to us.
twowrist@reddit
Very interesting. It reminds me a little of the way regional school districts in Massachusetts operate. It sounds like an excellent way to combine resources.
theatregirl1987@reddit
Yeah. When I was a kid each synagogue had a separate school. Enrollment went way down so three synagogues combined. The third left last year when their Enrollment went to again. Its nice too because we are different denominations (reform and conservative) so the kids get to experience both perspectives.
gadget850@reddit
I have been a leader with Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America) for over 50 years, including six years in Germany. I have been the commander of a Veterans of Foreign Wars post for almost ten years. Scouting keeps my mind young and I really enjoy working with young people.
Misstucson@reddit
Local animal shelter, it’s the best!
304libco@reddit
Yep. I volunteer for various city events. It’s fun and you get free admission to various events.
sammysbud@reddit
I volunteer at a no-kill animal shelter once a month to walk dogs, often more over the summer. I wish I could do it more, but during the school year I’m swamped. I don’t live in a place suitable for a dog so it’s how I get to spend some time w some pups.
When there is a big storm, my neighborhood fb group organizes a clean up of our park, so I try to keep an eye out to help w that.
chrlsful@reddit
me too, love it.
Late in life I developed allergies, hada get rid of cats/dogs. After awhile I realized I was missing them. Couldnt foster, wrk w/preppin a service or support dog... I said I’ll try to go Elsewhere’n C if I can B ina place that keeps them (I missed my 4 legged friends). A yr’n 1/2 search later I now volunteer ina shelter and get my 'hit’, no longer broken hearted. I cough a lill on my way home, eyes runny a few hrs, but it’s worth it.
sammysbud@reddit
I'm sorry about the allergies, but I love that you found your fix!
Even though its "volunteering" I get more out of it than if I just stayed at home, scrolling social media or watching TV. I think humans need to give ear scratches and belly rubs as much as doggies need to receive them 🤷♀️
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
I've wanted to do the dog walking, too, for similar reasons--I'm upstairs, already have two cats, and miss interacting with dogs.
Very cool on the storm cleanup! I'm trying to decipher your flags...is that Maryland on the right? As a Southern Californian, we don't have much need by way of storm cleanup but support in the aftermath of fires is definitely becoming more common...
sammysbud@reddit
Yeah, currently in MD.
I highly recommend checking out some shelters for dog walking! It really helps to fill the void of not having a dog (although I love my cat too!) Our shelter has a structured volunteer program for dog walkers, but I’m sure any would love to have folks take some dogs out.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Yeah, our local no-kill shleter/human society has a structured.program ("Rover 'Round" or something like that). I just need to figure out my availability and commit to signing up...
sammysbud@reddit
Then this is the sign to sign up!
I had to do a 1.5 hour orientation, before I could sign up for "shifts," which are super flexible. There wasn't a hard "you have to commit to this many hours" which allows me to go once a month during the school year and as much as I want during the summer.
Most of the dogs at my shelter are pit-mixes, which are the hardest to adopt because of the "bully-breed" bias... The pitties I've walked are absolute sweethearts. The staff knows what dogs have behavioral concerns, so they get outside time in a controlled environment (not volunteer walks).
It is so much fun (and good exercise for myself!) walking them, then giving them pets and belly rubs before we head back. It's been so hard not to adopt a few along the way lmao.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Good point on this contributing to exercise, too!
n_bumpo@reddit
I took classes at Penn State cooperative extension, and became a certified master gardener. I volunteer my time in the community, helping my neighbors at the community garden, educating people with food and security on the importance of fresh produce and how they can grow it on their own. Even if I teach someone how to maintain potted vegetables on a balcony garden, give them the pride and satisfaction of knowing “I did that.”. Teaching people about succession gardening., planting for the spring summer and autumn harvests. And companion planting. How planting beans, corn and squash in the same plot is mutually beneficial. (the corn grows up., the beans wrap around the corn the squash is broadleaf and the leaf shades the ground depriving weeds of sunlight) the beans are also an nitrogen fixture which means they put nitrogen into the soil that the corn and squash need to produce a bumper crop.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Yes! I've thought about doing my state's master gardener program, too, and have appreciated every interaction I've had wirh my local volunteers!
n_bumpo@reddit
It’s totally worth it as far as I’m concerned. One of the best things I’ve done as a volunteer master gardener is to drive four hours out to the flight 93 memorial to spend a hot August day pruning about half a mile of red twig, dogwood and weeding the flower beds along the promenade to prep the property for the 9/11 memorial service. There was over 100 of us there representing just about every county in Pennsylvania.
auntiecoagulent@reddit
Yes. Local food pantry
Cold-Call-8374@reddit
I cook for a weekly lunch for unhoused folks (3 years) and I donate blood (20+ years). I also used to answer phones on the local crisis service line (3 years) and I worked for production at a local arts festival (4 years).
I used to work in the nonprofit sector and the volunteer drought is real since Covid. So here are some ideas for volunteering: see is your local nonprofit of choice needs any administration help. Everyone wants to do "The Thing" that a nonprofit does (make art, teach classes, build houses etc) but no one wants to answer phones, keep books, stuff envelopes, mind the front desk etc.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Thanks for giving people that insight!
It's interesting that feeder people are helping since COVID. I'd almost think people would be craving the connection that volunteering can provide, but people are also struggling financially and in other ways since, so I can see that...
Cold-Call-8374@reddit
Honestly? And anecdotally? Covid killed or disabled a lot of our elderly volunteers who did a lot of the backbone work in our organization. And no one really stepped up to replace them.
Less anecdotally ... a lot of younger generations starting with millennials and going down really have a dim view on volunteering. Especially volunteering when they could be working a second job. And truthfully, I don't really blame them.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Okay, yeah, I can see that with the elderly population. And with millenials/Gen Z, I guess it surprises me because I work at a university that's actually been nationally recognized for the altruism of its student body, so I guess I may a skewed sense of what those age groups value (I'm also a shoulder Gen X/Millennial person myself, and the people I know who are more solidly Millennial dont fit that profile. But again, I may have a skewed sample...)
Cold-Call-8374@reddit
There's a lot of rewards and recognition like that for that for young people in the US, But often it's extremely conditional and short-lived. I think the intention is to foster a more altruistic society, but often it just ends up being a box to tick for a class or application.
Longer term, a lot of it is a skepticism of "working for exposure" which I think is healthy and understandable. Also in the younger generations, so many people are working two and three jobs to try and live on their own and that leaves zero capacity for volunteer work unless they're really passionate about something. And even then, like I said in my original post, it's hard to find people willing to do a job for free like answering phones or working in a nonprofit office.
Cold-Call-8374@reddit
And let me be clear... this is not me shitting on "kids these days." This is me saying we need better work/life balance so people have the energy and time to do things like volunteer.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Totally agree on work-life balance. Cost of living is way too high for a lot of people, especially younger folks to have extra time time for free work.
And I also see some of the box-checking behavior, so I hear you on that. I work with a lot of pre-health undergrads, and the volunteering is just something that needs to be done for a lot for them.
And, shamefully, I've been guilty of the "I don't want to answer phones!" thought..
Cold-Call-8374@reddit
Yeah... I worked for a theatre and we had auditions that burst at the seams but no one wanted to take ticket orders or deal with spreadsheets.
Davmilasav@reddit
I'm a volunteer blood delivery driver for the Red Cross. I'm too needle shy to donate but I wanted to help so now I deliver instead. If you have a free two days a month (minimum) think about joining us. We'd be glad to have you.
hotlettucediahrrea@reddit
I’m on the executive board of my local union - a little self serving, but that takes up a lot of my time. I also serve on the board of a local foster/adoption agency for children whose parental rights have been severed, advocating for children rights, family preservation - when safe and appropriate, and requiring prospective parents be well educated in trauma informed care. I also have volunteered at a local school in a literacy program, and lastly, I do some work with a litter pickup program.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
All of that sounds really great! I lobe that there are so many orgs that contribute in different ways to creating a sense of "normalcy" for people in various difficult circumstances
Historical_Grab4685@reddit
I am a chair of the General Exhibits for a local fair. General Exhibits is were adults & kids enter art, vegetables, needlework, to be judge and win ribbons. This is one of the things that makes this event a fair versus a festival.The fair raises money for local charities.
NorraVavare@reddit
Not anymore due to my disability
Before that, I volunteered for as long as I could remember. It was with mostly formal organizations, specifically the American Legion and Girl Scouts. In my late teens and early adulthood, it was mostly helping my mom with whatever she was volunteering with at the time. So things like setting up events for Rotary, Chambers of Commerce, or helping at veterans picnics, etc.
My mother moved 5 states away from where I grew up partially because she had "helium hand." She was exhausted from volunteering too much but couldn't bring herself to say no. I was careful to not become the go to volunteer like her. Instead, I had a habit of helping other people with their volunteer work. A lot of the time, I helped friends or family with whatever they volunteered for. Help set up a demo, cut out stuff, stuff envelopes, set up a meeting, make food, etc. This way my name was not attached to it. The only thing I was known for was teaching how to throw weapons in a recreation group. But that was not considered a big deal because everyone was expected to volunteer part of their time.
foolishfoolsgold@reddit
Currently, I’m in a genetics lab to beef up my grad school applications! It’s fun. Centrifuge go weeee
ketamineburner@reddit
I volunteer for a committee within my professional association and do pro Bono work in my field.
FiendishCurry@reddit
I work with a city cleanup group, garden group that gives people free indigenous plants and local plant education, and the local food bank. Once or twice a month for each.
My husband and I are also foster parents (9 years) for our local county and take emergency short and long term placements.
MeanderFlanders@reddit
Church. My kids school. Literacy center for adults. Member of a local conservation governing board. Occasionally voter registration drives and help out our political events.
anneofgraygardens@reddit
at the moment, no. for the past seven or eight years I tutored a woman who immigrated to the US from China in English once a week. We started having a ton of technical problems (we moved to online tutoring during COVID and she preferred that and didn't want to go back to in person meetings) and I finally gave up. this was a few months ago and I still feel pretty guilty about it. This was though my local library is you're looking to do something similar and don't know where to start.
I also periodically volunteer at my local food bank. Usually it's sorting things or bagging 5 pounds of potatoes or whatever. But I don't do it regularly.
I'm pretty big on volunteering in general. I was a peace corps volunteer so I've given literally years of my life to it.
CupBeEmpty@reddit
My uncle did peace corps and it was a huge thing for him.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Yeah, i get it. I work in academia, and it can be hard to deel wngaged online. For my own ESL volunteering, I actually prefer online because it saves me a 20-minute drive each way, and I can share online resources, but it can definitely be challenging in a lot of ways.
ZetaWMo4@reddit
We create our own volunteer opportunities. My husband and brother run a BBQ place and on the 4th they close to the public to hand out free plates to the community. We do the same on Thanksgiving. We also organize a back to school bash with free school supplies, free haircuts for boys, and free braid style for girls. We like to know exactly where our money is going and who it’s serving.
CupBeEmpty@reddit
I love the local community stuff. I do work with our local food pantry. It’s just a bunch of local grandmas and grandpas and local groceries that feed a bunch of families for free. They do school supply bags too.
I should talk to them about haircuts. I absolutely believe our local barbers would take a day to do it.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
I think that makes a lot of sense-you've identified where your community has need or what'll be meaningful to them and you're doing that. That's the best kind of community support!
MrLongWalk@reddit
I do trail restoration and litter cleanup.
I’m also part of a group that tracks down stolen bikes and helps reunite them with their owners or refurb and donate them to needy.
CupBeEmpty@reddit
One of my favorite experiences has been trail rehab for a local conservation org. My neighbors actually work for the org but they host a lot of volunteer projects.
CupBeEmpty@reddit
Local food pantry and transitional housing for folks in addiction recovery.
0rangeMarmalade@reddit
I volunteer at the local animal shelter, a girls softball league, and donate to several nature/wildlife conservation efforts.
KAKrisko@reddit
Yes, at a wildlife rescue, specifically outreach & education with unreleasable animals.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Oh, so cool! I wanted to go into zoology during undergrad and tried to look into doing that.
Beet-your-meet@reddit
I have been a volunteer firefighter for 15 years, also as a dept we do many unrelated things for our members, families, and community as a whole. We raised money and built children’s playground and softball field on dept. Land for community use. If a dept member family becomes ill or injured and can’t use the stairs we go tho their house and build ramps so they can get in and out of their home.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
That's so great!
einsteinGO@reddit
I volunteer for political campaigns, though I have in other ways before. These days I might do some door knocking, and right now I’m writing postcards to voters in Virginia for this November’s election.
Imaginary_Ladder_917@reddit
It’s sporadic for me, but I’ve helped at a free clothing distribution warehouse, helped in the office at Habitat for humanity, helped cook meals for those starting at the Ronald MacDonald House. These are just little things, mostly with a church group or group of friends. I know people who do FAR more than that
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
There are people who do a lot, but everything you can do is meaningful!
cww357@reddit
I volunteer a local food pantry. I've done this for many years at several different locations. I remember what it was like not having enough food and like to do a little something so another person doesn't have to worry.
Victor_Stein@reddit
I’m still involved with my old scout troop.
Ok-Equivalent8260@reddit
Ive never not volunteered somewhere. Currently, and for the past 7 years, I’ve worked with DV survivors and their children.
AnotherStarShining@reddit
I volunteer a few times a year with disabled veterans charities doing things like motorcycle runs and food drives. I also used to regularly volunteered at a crisis pregnancy center before we sold our house and moved to the road.
Limp_Dragonfly3868@reddit
I volunteer at an elementary school. I listen to kids read every week and I help with special events like field day. I don’t have kids or grandkids at the school.
BrackenFernAnja@reddit
At the food bank
CleverGirlRawr@reddit
Yes. I volunteer, fundraiser and donate to our high school band so they can have uniforms, instruments, color guard flags and costumes, buses to competitions, food for the band members.
I volunteer for child care at church, and for special events like the school supplies & backpacks drive and distribution, food bank and holiday collections and distribution.
BobsleddingToMyGrave@reddit
Yup, free mom hugs and a local food pantry. I also sew items for a local shelter and a village in Liberia.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Love the mom hugs!
BobsleddingToMyGrave@reddit
I love being a part of FMH. I hear horrible stories of homelife from kids and adults. A hug and affirmation is such a small thing, but it means the world to people.
I cry at least 3 times during each event. 2 more prides to go this month!
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
I haven't tried it yet, but I may next year. I'm certain I'd would sob at some point (probably more than once), bu, like you said, that affirmation is so important!
libbuge@reddit
I volunteer at our city's warming shelter. We have a large unhoused population here, so we need a lot of help.
SpecialistBet4656@reddit
I do pro bono immigration(asylum) work.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
I volunteer wirh asylees/refugees also. Thanks for helping them with (presumabl) the legal end of things
SpecialistBet4656@reddit
Thank you. Yes, I’m a lawyer.
floofienewfie@reddit
I volunteer with the state’s veterans agency. Our mission is to educate veterans about the benefits that are out there and point them in the right direction to apply, as that has to be done at the federal level.
furie1335@reddit
I’m a volunteer EMT in my local fire department
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Wow, super important!
HorseFeathersFur@reddit
I volunteer for two organizations that help restore and maintain native habitats, one org helps educate people on the importance of native habitats for wildlife and pollinators and helps them start and the other organization helps to maintain endangered habitat and also restore habitats lost to invasives and development.
Another org I have a tertiary relationship with keeps abreast of local legislation that affects the environment, waterways, watersheds, soil impacts, and of course, habitat , and works with politicians to help keep the environment in mind when making policy.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Outdoor and environmental volunteering is something I've always wanted to get into, but I feel like I just haven't found the right fit yet...
HorseFeathersFur@reddit
Keep looking. There are a lot of small organizations that could be doing good work near you.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Thank you, I will! I've lately been considering becoming a certified California Naturalist (bachelor's in biology and decent knowledge of plants and wildlife already), and that both requires volunteering afterwards and would probably open some doors. Fingers crossed!
HorseFeathersFur@reddit
That’s one way to go for sure! I became a naturalist in my state and it has been absolutely wonderful working together with the people I’ve gotten to meet along the way.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the encouragement, and the example of what it would let me do!
Technical_Plum2239@reddit
It's not really "official" but Massachusetts has a lot of immigrants. More than Texas even. There's a lot from Haiti and the Dominican and Venezuela and VERY poor. There's a group of us who (through public school teachers) get their families what they need. Lots only had a single set of clothes that had on their back - and unlike the most of history - that are not allowed to work and get money.
So we just do things like raise money for laptops if some kid is headed to college or backpacks and school supplies, and work on getting each kid clothes and shoes their size, or prom dresses and tuxes.
I also "volunteer" by helping the homeless/addicts that are in some of the pockets of my nearby city. I keep seasonal appropriate stuff in the car like wool socks (I get them from Costco), water, and food that acknowledges their situation. (Maybe of these people are very poor/from troubled familes/foster care and never had an opportunity to go regularly to the dentist so just any-food doesn't work because they often have painful/missing teeth. ) I also give them rides when I can, sometimes an errand, moving their whole est-up, and sometimes it's just to Dunks to get a snack and warm up in a car, getting to talk with an acquaintance and feel like a regular person for a bit.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Sounds like youre doing some really great things for people!
Technical_Plum2239@reddit
I do wanna say, as far as volunteering goes? Mine is so simple and barely any time at all. It's virtually zero sacrifice to do something that might make things a teeny bit better for someone.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Yeah, it's not necessarily about time at all. I always tell the college students I work with that the small things you might do that seem meaningless to you may be life-amteting for someone else.
Technical_Plum2239@reddit
Yeah, I just know so many people that REALLY devote their life and time to great causes. I feel dumb even mentioning what I do (although I do think it makes a difference) because there are some amazing folks out there sacrificing everything to do good.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Not dumb at all! Every little thing matters 💜
Entiox@reddit
I used to volunteer as a pro-choice clinic escort at Planned Parenthood. I did that for several years and had to stop when I became my mother's caregiver to take care of her for the last few years of her life while she fought cancer. I hope to start volunteering again when my work schedule allows for it, which it currently does not.
int3gr4te@reddit
I help run my states chapter of a kids science/engineering educational nonprofit (creative problem solving competition) called Destination Imagination. Been volunteering with DI in various capacities for more than 15 years now.
I also do astronomy education events and outreach with my local astronomers club. A few times a year we bring telescopes to a campground in a state park and put on star parties. I've also given talks at a local school, and for Girl Scout troops and other random members of the public who visit our monthly events. And a few months ago in my astronomy capacity I got to help put on a couple of space-themed concerts with the local symphony orchestra.
I was in Girl Scouts from elementary through high school. There has never been a time in my memory that I was not volunteering.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
I love the idea of DI and just glanced at the website! Where in California are you all centered? I'm in inland SoCal.
stewiesaidblast@reddit
I used to volunteer with BBBS. I just had my baby/my match came to a natural close. I did it for about 3 years. It was great for my match and for myself.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
I've considered doing that in the past. It's really inpactful work
Infinite-Dinner-9707@reddit
I volunteer regularly at my church, with a local Veteran's group, and with a meal delivery program. We volunteer sporadically as a family at a local food bank and a nursing home.
I used to volunteer with hospice but I needed to take a break from that for a while
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
I really admore those who can work in a hospice setting. It's so important, but I'm not sure if l could handle the emotional strain of doing it. Thank you for having been there for people during g that stage of their lives.
Amazing-Level-6659@reddit
I retired 18 months ago at the relatively young age of 55. My husband is constantly busy working on the “fixer” house we purchased, so I signed up to 1. Drive seniors who can no longer drive to their appointments; 2. Foster kittens through the Humane Society; and 3. Distribute food at a local food bank. Honestly #1 and 3 only take up maybe 3 hours a week. Everyone I come into contact with has been super nice and friendly, so I really enjoy the interactions. I still browse the local volunteer opportunities that are listed in the newspaper every Sunday just to see if something interests me.
papercranium@reddit
I'm down for the growing season this year since I had knee surgery, but I volunteer for a local gleaning organization that prevents food waste and supports local food pantries. We'll go to local apple orchards and pick fruit off the ground, separating all the bruised ones from the ones that can be stored. We'll pick the last of the fruit in berry fields when they close for the season. We'll find all the small potatoes that got missed in a field. And we have some gardens that are grown specifically for us to help feed the community, so we'll help plant, weed, water, prune, harvest, or prepare beds for winter.
It's such a great organization, and I love that we can all make sure folks don't go hungry around here. We don't have as much infrastructure as larger towns and cities, but we sure as hell know how to grow food.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Such a great thing to do. My area of SoCal, which has traditionally been agriculture heavy (usually also orchards), also has an org that does that.
Starlit_Buffalo@reddit
I work about 4 hrs a week at a farm our town owns. It provides people in town with free fresh veggies and herbs (and maybe apples this coming fall!!). In the winter, I will volunteer at my kids' schools or at the library. Americans have a pretty strong sense of community.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Yes, we do! More than people think, even bigger cities, I think.
Prof-Rock@reddit
As a family, we always did an act of service as well as monetary donations around the holidays. Each child would get to choose their own charity to donate to. The volunteering was often toy drives or serving meals to first responders. I have also volunteered at many different animal groups off and on over the years. I am also in the process of setting up free reading tutoring at the local library.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Oh, nice! Wonderful that you had that experience growing up!
iaminabox@reddit
I volunteer at my local library. I have classes on bicycle safety, maintenance and repair, organize group rides. It's one of my interests.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
We need that at the university where I work...
GF_baker_2024@reddit
I volunteer with a local branch of a national organization focused on voter education and registration and lobbying for voter rights and election protection; we also lobby for and support various environmental, social justice, and civil rights-related causes. I've held a leadership role in the local branch for several years. Currently I'm focused on voter service: producing voter guides, organizing candidate forums and community events, and overseeing teams that produce information for voters and the community and run voter registration drives.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Amazing!!
geopimp1@reddit
Not in an organized manner. But when I’m out offroad I try to take a bag for trash and collect along the way. And if I can afford it at the time I do note to events that do the like. My schedule usually doesn’t work out for to go
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Yeah, I wish more people juat IDed those little ways they could make things better. Thanks for taking the time to do that!
Zizi_Tennenbaum@reddit
In 2023 31% of American women and 26% of American men formally volunteered (through an organization). https://www.americorps.gov/newsroom/press-release/more-757-million-people-volunteered-america-americorps-reports
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Yep, to your last statement!
...and some of the numbers I saw said as many as 41% of American adults, but i decided not to cite since I wasn't sure how accurate that was...
-DoctorEngineer-@reddit
I spend my weekends during the winter as a ski patroller at a nonprofit hill near me, work the food shelf once a week, and help out with whatever local events go on from charity meals for the fire department to working the first aid stand at local races. I feel like pretty much everyone I know volunteers in some way or another in my small town, things just couldn’t happen without it
sundial11sxm@reddit
I donate platelets to the Red Cross. That takes a couple of hours each time, so I'd count that
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
For sure!
MetalEnthusiast83@reddit
I do not.
I already work 40 hours a week have kids, upkeep the house and have hobbies. I don't have time for it.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Totally fair. Working and taking care of a family are very important.
MojoShoujo@reddit
I help out at a local thrift store that focuses in craft materials. I spend a few hours a week sorting and labeling donations, usually yarn.
Most of the other staff find labeling yarn mind-numbingly boring, but I find it soothing.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
I would definitely be happy sorting yarn, too 😆
GOTaSMALL1@reddit
I don’t have time but circuitously I do ‘cause I support my wife and she volunteers. She works with a group near us that helps teens/young adults escaping (or getting kicked out) of the polygamist groups around us.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Oh awesome! I have family members in Utah who've been closely tied to that work also.
LunarVolcano@reddit
My volunteer org rents out health and safety equipment for events. We meet online. Outside of meetings, I do a lot of the online-only work, like dealing with emails and forms, and it’s great to be able to contribute without leaving the house. Feels even better given how many people in the community have been very grateful for our services.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Cool! What kind of health and safety equipment do you all provide?
beepbeepboop74656@reddit
I volunteer at a local non profit my friend started, we offer free lectures and walks about the local neighborhood and city. I was one of the first volunteers, it’s been amazing to see it grow. It was one woman with an idea a decade ago and now it’s proper non profit with a board, over 50 regular volunteers and we cover topics and walks that cover the city. I’m always amazed at what a good group of regulars we have and how welcoming they are to new people. We serve a really age diverse community and it’s great to see people of all ages passionately and respectfully discuss local issues. I’ve personally made several close friends through the org as well.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Wow!! Congrats to your friend, and to you for getting this started! Community-based orgs are the best!
I was on the board of a non-profit a friend of mine started a few years back. I loved pur missop but quickly realized having him as my "boss" wasn't going to be the best for our friendship lol, so I stepped away. But we got a scholarship endowed before I did, so I'm pretty glad I got to participate in it!
fbibmacklin@reddit
Regularly, no. Have I, and do I? Yes. I have volunteered at food pantries, rang the bell for the Salvation Army at Christmas, and volunteer at school events often (I'm a teacher, so that's par for the course, I guess, even though I am not obligated to do this).
theOldTexasGuy@reddit
I am an essentially full-time volunteer chaplain in a state prison in Texas
Parking_Cranberry935@reddit
I volunteered for my local animal shelter for a few months, but it was limited to once a week so I reached out to a local rescue and just in time too.
It was originally 2 hours a week, but when covid hit most of the volunteers (older women) were compromised and could no longer come in person. It ended up being myself and 2 other college students who picked up every shift for about a year. I was clocking 20 hours a week in person and honestly it was really nice to have a reason to leave the house. The work was isolated and I was always by myself, but with all the cats there I never felt alone. I did that for about 2 years before I moved away to a different college.
I was too busy in college to volunteer much which I was disappointed about, and then I developed a chronic illness so even though I’ve graduated it’s not in the cards for me to go back as much of the work is manual labor.
Recently my city started a new project secondary to an existing group called CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). It’s called CERT neighborhood connections. Basically we get together with other CERT neighbors and try to create disaster plans together and educate other neighbors to be more prepared. I’m one of the leads for my evacuation sector so most of the work is planning and coordinating over email. The in person work is just meetings with existing members once a month, so it’s much more doable with my illness. I’ve been really enjoying it.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Oh, that's great--what you're doing will definitely have a long-term result!
seidinove@reddit
I drive folks who can’t drive to/from medical appointments, mostly dialysis.
I also deliver food from a food pantry.
letoiledunordstars@reddit
I serve lunch at a domestic violence shelter every other week
Maleficent-Hawk-318@reddit
Volunteering has always been an important part of my family culture, so I've been doing it since I was a kid.
Probably my most time-consuming was that I volunteered as a K9 search and rescue handler for about 10 years, that was basically a part time job. I don't have the time for it at the moment but hope to return to it some day.
I've also volunteered extensively with animal rescue, ranging from fostering to dog walking and on-site care to being on boards and helping to develop behavioral rehab and support programs for dogs and their people.
I've volunteered on and off at food pantries and homeless shelters over the years. I also do a lot of one-off trail maintenance days and stuff like that, not a consistent volunteer thing but if I see a call for volunteers and can go, I usually do.
Currently I volunteer at a domestic violence shelter, and I'm looking into volunteering at a natural history museum.
Landwarrior5150@reddit
I volunteer a lot as part of two Star Wars costuming groups: the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion. We build our own screen-accurate costumes and do things like help other charities (at their request of course) raise money & awareness by appearing at their events, attend other community events, go to children’s hospitals to visit the kids, organizing out-of-costume work doing things like beach cleanups or volunteering at food banks, etc. We work with organizations like Make-A-Wish, Starlight Children’s Foundation & others and are officially recognized by Disney & Lucasfilm.
Cowboywizard12@reddit
Iirc when Andor was filming something on I want to say Ghorman they didn't have enough had stormtrooper costumes they to turn to 501st volunteers because they did have screen accurate costumes
Landwarrior5150@reddit
Not sure about Andor, but I know that happened with The Mandalorian season 1 and the Obi-Wan Kenobi show!
Cowboywizard12@reddit
That's probably what I was thinking of.
I know a lot of people like to complain about Disney star wars.
I'm mostly just glad we arw getting lots of star wars content again. Some of its not good, but a lot of it is
Landwarrior5150@reddit
100% agreed
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Very cool! As a Star Wars fan, you get double kudos from me!
TuttiFlutiePanist@reddit
I'm our church nursery coordinator. I schedule volunteers to serve each week, ensure there are (allergen-free) snacks, and generally maintain the room, supplies, and toys. I also lead a group at our weekly school-year children's ministry, as well as our week-long Vacation Bible School (VBS).
Icy_Consideration409@reddit
M51. Food banks.
I hope to do a lot more of it when I retire.
HotButteredPoptart@reddit
I'm a Shriner, and as a former Shriner kid myself, I'm very proud of what we do. Every event we hold raises money for the Shriners' hospitals which provides free care for so many kids.
FramePersonal@reddit
I’m an assistant principal, so there’s extra I do with my job for the kids (events and such), but I don’t know that it counts strictly as volunteerism. Also, one Friday a month (outside of football season) I volunteer at my church. They do a respite night for families who have special needs kids—6-10 pm free childcare for all kids in the house. My church pairs a kid and adult and we hangout/play games.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
That's cool!
vaginawithteeth1@reddit
I’ve volunteered at the local soup kitchen a few times. I used to be homeless and an addict so I like to give back. It’s been a while since I have done it though.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
I'm glad things got better for you!
Plane-Investment-791@reddit
I volunteer every Thursday, I’m a delivery driver for meals on wheels.
Fillmore_the_Puppy@reddit
I love to volunteer to work at fundraising events for causes I support. It's a "sneaky" way to enjoy the event for just the cost of my time and labor. My very favorite is volunteering at this event: https://pikeplacemarketfoundation.org/events/sunset-supper
That's how I got started in my regular volunteering gig, which is for a local annual garden tour that raises grant money for education and arts nonprofits. I originally was just going to volunteer to work the day of tour, but I got invited to join the year-round efforts of several subcommittees and I really enjoy the community I am now a part of.
I have volunteered regularly with greyhound rescue in the past (hosting meet & greets, fostering), but haven't gotten back into that since we moved states.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
The opportunities that connect you to your community in ways you didn't expect are the best!
Mrs_Noelle15@reddit
I don't and am not considering it
minidog8@reddit
Absolutely, donating blood is very important!
Mrs_Noelle15@reddit
Then yea, I do that. That's probably the closest I'll ever get to doing volunteer work, it's just something I'm not interested in personally lol
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
That's fair
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Seconding that this counts!
Mrs_Noelle15@reddit
Nice, then yea I donate blood but that's probably all I'll ever do lol.
aWesterner014@reddit
I have volunteered in the following fashions..
Head/Assistant youth baseball coach (10 years)
Youth baseball program director (4 years)
Community Park Board member (7 years)
Community Park Board president (4 years)
Church council member (3 years)
OrdinarySubstance491@reddit
Yes. I volunteer with my local animal shelter. I clean cages and feed and socialize dogs. I also do intra state transport to drive animals from over crowded shelters to less crowded ones so that they aren’t euthanized.
I volunteer with an organization that helps women and children who are victims of SA. We hold monthly group therapy sessions, esteem building workshops, and provide therapy dogs for children who have to take the stand and testify against their abusers.
I also help coordinate transport of supplies to areas which have experienced natural disasters.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Sounds like you do some really helpful, meaningful things!
NastyNate4@reddit
Not sure if others would consider it volunteerism, but i coach a recreational league soccer team and am involved in Boy Scouts though not technically a den leader.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Coaching a recreational soccer team definitely counts! I was an assistant coach for several season years ago, and it definitely takes time and dedication!
Interesting_Might_19@reddit
I volunteer at the local food banks & also feeding the homeless when I can at least 2x a month. Also donate money & any clothing I can for the homeless. There but for the grace of God, there go I.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Exactly my sentiment, re: your last statement.
nyehssie@reddit
i do some volunteer work (when i have money to travel & have time between work and school) for lgbtq+ nonprofits :)
Designer-Travel4785@reddit
I've been a volunteer firefighter for almost 30 years. I volunteer for other organizations occasionally as well. I would like to do more, but life seems to get more hectic every day.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Yeah, life does complicate things, but volubteer firefighting takes some guts! Thanks for doing that!
starksfergie@reddit
Not constantly, but a few times a year, I volunteer for the local ALS chapter (it’s the disease that has hit my family the hardest, 5 in my immediate family, Mum, Aunts and Uncles and Grandma). It hasn’t affected the current generation at all (yet), but we are sure it will
Low-Run-9706@reddit
I volunteer with the public library's outreach program and have been doing so for a couple of years. Specifically, I deliver books and other media to the elderly and infirm who cannot get to the library in person. I began doing so as a way to honor my father, who died in 2023 and spent many years of his life as a volunteer. When he was diagnosed with dementia and eventually terminal cancer, his social life collapsed around both him and my mother, his primary caregiver. It was with this in mind that I chose my volunteering role. I love spending time with the elderly of our community and getting to know them. It's not always easy, but it's very rewarding.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
I'm really sorry to hear about what happened to your dad and mom, but what a meaningful way to pay tribute to them.
Asparagus9000@reddit
Feed My Starving Children. Not as often as I used to, but still do occasionally.
You basically pack super nutritious food for places that are starving. Volunteers are cheaper than robots and they put all their money into buying and shipping the food.
TheBimpo@reddit
I've done a lot.
Board member of a mentoring program for high schoolers, probably spent 10+ hours weekly doing everything from outreach to programming to fundraising. I started a cornhole tournament that raises tens of thousands for scholarships every spring.
Ronald McDonald House fundraising and programming.
Toys for Tots collection/distribution.
A local run club that has a different charity each month, from supporting employment opportunities for women living in shelters to backpacks full of supplies for their kids to the local SPCA.
Local food banks, regular whole blood donation, annual contributions to local charities that help people with housing instability.
I've scaled it back a bit in the last few years, I was simply overcommitted for a while. Looking at checking out a few local opportunities with park cleanup, downtown beautification, and MealsOnWheels.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Awesome!! Snart idea woth the cornhole tournament!
Confetticandi@reddit
I volunteer to help kids from an underserved school district on their essay writing, college applications, and financial aid applications.
A lot of their parents don’t speak much English. I minored in Spanish in college and am proficient, so I’m able to help the parents and the kids alike.
I also do occasional neighborhood trash pickup and various service projects through a women’s volunteer org.
TheRealTaraLou@reddit
I dont usually have time to volunteer but I always donate to the local food bank, food and plastic bags that the food bank gives the food out in. I also donate blood every 8 weeks like clockwork
o93mink@reddit
I’m active in the lay leadership of my church, I volunteer extensively at my kids’ school and sports teams, I lead my college’s local alumni chapter, and I give tennis lessons to inner city kids once a week after work.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Sounds like you keep yourself quite busy!
elonmusktheturd22@reddit
Used to, not many opportunities to volunteer in my area, did when i could but not in many years.
LadySiren@reddit
Not at the moment, unless you count serving on my HOA board. However, when my kids were growing up, we always rang bells for the Salvation Army during its Red Kettle campaign.
I know there are mixed feelings about the Salvation Army but in our area, they do indeed help a lot of people. We always looked forward to our shifts each year. Plus, three of my kiddos were big-eyed little girls, so we inevitably pulled in some bigger donations.
I am older these days and my little girls are all grown up and are married, raising their own babies, or in the case of my youngest, finishing college. We donate instead since we don’t volunteer.
dopefiendeddie@reddit
I donate blood to the Red Cross
flowbkwrds@reddit
I regularly volunteer to work local arts & culture events. I think it's important to support this because its providing activities and fostering creativity in our community. I've volunteered for lots of different things in the past like helping at Special Olympics, preparing meals at a food bank, delivering holiday meals to the elderly, and various fundraisers. Volunteering in the community is something my family values and I grew up doing these things with them.
Positive-Avocado-881@reddit
Yeah, I volunteer in the kids room at my church basically every week. I also volunteer at a local food bank and also at a charity that gives clothing to underprivileged children in my city.
xmodemlol@reddit
I contribute not by volunteering, but by donating to my favorite charity, Toy Guns for Tots.
Odd-Help-4293@reddit
I volunteer with the local LGBT community center. They're a nonprofit that provides support groups, legal clinics, clothing drives, organizes the city Pride festival, etc. Mostly I've done tabling and helping with event setup and such.
RonPalancik@reddit
I used to do food bank volunteering every now and then, not on a regular schedule. I did catch rescue and fostering. I have volunteered with my children's scout troop, field trips, marching band trips.
As the kids age out of activities and I slide toward retirement I suspect I'll make room for a steady volunteer gig.
Cowboywizard12@reddit
Yeah i just did a volunteer orientation at my local food bank
myseaentsthrowaway@reddit
I fundraise for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, including selling beer at sporting events (all tips to LLS), and work at a registration drive for National Marrow Donor Project (NMDP) getting people to registered to be bone marrow donors. Oh and I donate blood regularly.
Mrs_Noelle15@reddit
Oh I've heard about that, what do you do to get registered? I'm curious
myseaentsthrowaway@reddit
It’s pretty easy! At the registry, we have tablets or people can use their phone to answer some basic health questions and then they swab their cheek for some DNA cells. We ship the swabs back in a batch. You can also do it through their website and they can mail you a swab kit. Totally painless and totally up to you whether or not you want to donate if someone ever needs it, but you can save a life!
https://my.nmdp.org/s/join?language=en_US&joinCode=headerjoin&_gl=1r96m0a_gcl_auODA0MzUxODUzLjE3NTE4MjEzNjI._gaMTA3NDg4NzY2Mi4xNzUxODIxMzYy_ga_6VM6CH82YM*czE3NTE4MjEzNjEkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTE4MjE0MDMkajE4JGwwJGgw Join the donor registry | NMDP
myseaentsthrowaway@reddit
I should note that they want donors to be between ages 18 and 40. That’s how I started volunteering, I am over 40 but wanted to help my friend who needed a transplant.
tara_tara_tara@reddit
I volunteer at an organization that helps elderly people stay in the homes by giving them rides, doing light handy work around the house, going on walks, various other little things.
I also volunteer (when I can), at our local food bank. They are really hurting these days.
Dunnoaboutu@reddit
I’m a trustee and treasurer of a small historic cemetery and girl scout leader. PTO at school. The majority of my other volunteering comes under the Girl Scout leader. We do food/toy drives, we have a nursing home we do the programming for, litter pickup, doing games with kids at the local park events, flowers at the park, and a lot more.
highhoya@reddit
I used to volunteer at a home for women and children escaping abuse. I don’t really have time for they in this stage of life but I do some volunteering with my kids’ schools and occasionally things for the church or community.
HeyAQ@reddit
Synagogue president, nonprofit board member, foster parent, support group facilitator.
charlottebeech@reddit
I just started picking up opportunities here and there with my city's gardening and park management organizations.
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
Those can be super fun and regarding. Do you do planting and weeding and things along those lines, or other things?
Ok-Car-5115@reddit
Not currently. I’ve volunteered in children and youth programs for about 20 years. Mostly in churches or church summer programs. I’ve also helped lead adult church small groups.
Not really “volunteering” but I for about 4 years, I lived near an intersection with high panhandling traffic. I made a point to stop and talk with whoever was there, get their story, offer what help I could, point them towards local services, etc. One day, there was a man I didn’t recognize with a sign. As I chatted with him, I could tell he was pretty raw emotionally. His situation had just happened. I asked him if he needed a hug. With tears in his eyes and a trembling lip, he nodded. I gave him a good hard hug and he told me I had no idea how much I had helped him.
I don’t recommend doing this on the regular but something told me he needed it (and no, he didn’t pick pocket me).
BitterestLily@reddit (OP)
I'm glad you were there for him. Sometimes, sinply being treated like we're human is exactly what we need. I'm sure you made a lot of other people feel that way, too.
_pamelab@reddit
I work with a Samoyed rescue. I transport big fluffy dogs away from bad situations and to their foster parents. I love those dogs, but I could never handle one on a permanent basis.
WatermelonRindPickle@reddit
Yes, for over 15 years we have volunteered with a dog rescue. We foster senior dogs occasionally. We volunteer in local community with quarterly highway trash pickup, that's been 20 + years. I volunteer at a free clinic one half day a week, have been doing that for 15+ years.
Prize_Common_8875@reddit
Yup- I help in the toddler class at my church on Sundays. It’s one of the best parts of my week!
NewtOk4840@reddit
Yes at my local mosque giving out food twice a month to around 300 people
Rarewear_fan@reddit
Church
Professional-Pungo@reddit
a long time ago I did some volunteer at a cat shelter. it was a no-kill place so they needed people to come in and play with the cats so they don't get lonely.
that was pre-covid, it closed to the public during covid and then I moved states.
rubyrubyru@reddit
I foster for animal rescue organization and help with packing for a mobile food pantry
theniwokesoftly@reddit
Yes, with two different dog rescues.