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Welcome to WW's 2013 Volunteer Guide.
The idea here goes something like this: You were generous financially with our 2012 Give!Guide.
Fifty or so worthy nonprofits have identified their needs in the pages of this guide. If you can fill one of them, terrific! If you know someone else who can, point that person in the right direction.
Thanks for giving this your attention.
Jump to category: Animals | Arts | Community | Education | Environment | Health & Wellness | Social Action | Youth
Animals
Autism Service Dogs of America
What we need help with: Families or individuals interested in helping raise and train autism service dogs for a local nonprofit while making a difference in the quality of life for an individual with autism! We are looking to bring new board members onto our team and develop our fundraising committee.
Ideal Volunteer: Dedicated
volunteers willing to devote the time and energy necessary to raise,
socialize and help train a service dog. This includes being able to
bring the dog to work or school and out in the community! Interest in
nonprofits, dogs, children and families in need,
or fundraising.
Contact: ASDA info@autismservicedogsofamerica.org
Cat Adoption Team
What we need help with: As a CAT volunteer, make purr-fect matches as an adoption counselor, foster a litter of kittens, represent CAT at a community event, cuddle with shelter cats, provide daily care, take photos, write about cats, host a supply drive, and greet and assist clients all while having a purr-tastic time and getting paid in head-butts and purr!
Ideal Volunteer: If you love talking about cats, caring for cats, and
helping others fall in love with cats, we need you.
Contact: Nancy Puro, volunteer manager, nancyp@catadoptionteam.org, 503-925-8903 ext. 258
Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon
What we need help with: Office volunteers schedule and confirm appointments, and screen cats for eligibility for FCCO clinics. They assist callers with questions regarding feral cats and spay/neuter.
Outreach volunteers attend street fairs, farmers' markets and other events. They share accurate information about our services with the public and answer questions.
Clinic volunteers will be given additional training for assigned positions. Jobs include: reception desk, cleaning cages, sterilizing surgical instruments, and monitoring cats post-operatively. Fundraising volunteers help plan fundraising events, volunteer at events, grant writing or create new opportunities for FCCO.
Ideal Volunteer: We are looking for people who have excellent communication skills, can follow directions, be punctual and reliable, and are compassionate! Phone experience, and office or administrative skills are a plus. Positive attitude required!
Contact: Caitlin Traxler, volunteer@feralcats.com, 503-797-2606
The Oregon Cat Project
What we need help with: Here are some of the ways you can volunteer your time at TOCP, Oregon's fastest-growing feline rescue and spay/neuter clinic. Adoption Centers: (Lake Oswego, SE Portland, Gresham, Downtown & Sherwood) socialization, feeding, cleaning, adoption counseling, transportation. Veterinary, foster care, clerical, accounting, legal, special events, fundraising. Put your skills to work for TOCP.
Ideal Volunteer: We are looking for individuals who possess these qualities: Enthusiasm, a positive attitude is vital. Common sense, knowing the difference between right and wrong, reliable, willing to devote a set amount of time regularly.
Committed, demonstrating you're passion, self-confident, able to work both autonomously and with others, good communication.
Contact: D. Lionel or J Walsh, theoregoncat@gmail.com
Portland Animal Welfare Team (PAW Team)
What we need help with: 40 volunteers—5 in marketing/PR/social media, 10 for special events, 25 for monthly clinics.
Ideal Volunteer: Must like animals, vet care, social media, event planning, marketing, office.
Contact: Cindy Scheel, Executive Director, cindyscheel@pawteam.org, 971-282-8443
Arts
Independent Publishing Resource Center
What we need help with: Volunteers can help our organization as an Open Hours Staffperson, fundraiser, special knowledge volunteer, publicity helper, workshop facilitator, or database entry person, ask an Open Hours Staffer for an application or go to iprc.org.
Ideal Volunteer: We are always looking for volunteers whose skills and interests coincide with our mission to facilitate creative expression and identity, by providing public access to the resources and tools needed to create independently published media and art.
Contact: Michael D'Alessandro, michael@iprc.org, 503-827-0249
Northwest Dance Project
What we need help with: Northwest Dance Project is a leading contemporary dance company with 150+ original works created and premiered in Portland. Volunteers help at our Studio + Performance Center and with outreach and community events, assist with office and administrative needs, distribute posters and fliers and help in many ways at shows and events.
Ideal Volunteer: Our volunteers love dance and value new works and the creative process. Dedication, dependability, organization, flexibility, communication and customer service skills are key. Sense of humor and patience are musts. Marketing/development experience a plus, as well as computer skills including Word, Excel, database, ticketing and experience with social media.
Contact: Katie Lofgren, katie@nwdanceproject.org, 503-421-7434
Write Around Portland
What we need help with: More than 250 people volunteer at Write Around Portland each year. Volunteers facilitate our creative writing workshops, help produce each of our publications and staff community readings. Volunteers also help with all of the behind-the-scenes tasks that make our workshops, readings and professionally designed books possible.
Ideal Volunteer: Our volunteers are committed to respect, writing and community. They are passionate about our mission to bring workshops to hospitals, schools, prisons, treatment centers, and other facilities. They love being part of an organization where everyone pitches in and every job, whether making copies or facilitating workshops, makes a difference.
Contact: Liz Eslinger, eeslinger@writearound.org, 503-796-9224
Community
Bicycle Transportation Alliance
What we need help with: Volunteers strengthen the work of the BTA every day. You can get involved by helping at events, assisting in the office, doing research, attending meetings, stuffing envelopes, leading community rides, fixing bikes for our youth classes, and more.
Ideal Volunteer: Our volunteers are passionate about their communities. They have a desire to help others save money on transportation, support the goals of creating safe and vibrant neighborhoods, and build a stronger local economy. We're always looking for people with experience in grant writing, phone banking, public outreach, and volunteer organizing.
Contact: Chris Knott, chris@btaoregon.org, 503-226-0676
Community Vision, Inc.
What we need help with: Through Community Vision's Homeownership Independence Program, work parties are held throughout the year to accomplish home-based repair and house painting for the individuals with disabilities living in their homes.
Ideal Volunteer: The ideal volunteer for Community Vision would enjoy working with a small group of other community volunteers, in three- to four-hour increments to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
Contact: Valerie Plummer, valerie@cvision.org, 503-292-4964 ext. 124
Impact NW
What we need help with: Volunteers engage in a wide range of activities, from sporadic to regular, in groups or alone, that help people prosper in a community of support. They serve clients ranging in age from 1 month to 103 years old throughout the metropolitan region.
Ideal Volunteer: Impact NW volunteers range from those with professional skills to those with time who wish to gain a new skill. People interested in helping children achieve success, families gain independence and seniors maintain active involvement in our communities all will find a satisfying role.
Contact: Community Involvement Manager, volunteer@impactnw.org, 503-988-6000
KBOO Community Radio
What we need help with: Answering phones, database entry, administrative support, coordinating projects and events, outreach, marketing, promotion, solicitation, graphic design, website and social media, engineering, IT, live broadcasts, local news production, writing, editing, audio recording and production, volunteers are the heart & soul of KBOO.
Ideal Volunteer: A good sense of humor, creative, out-of-the-box thinker, organized, good follow-through and initiative, independent, friendly, good oral and written communication skills, flexible, dependable, able to adapt and respond quickly, good attention to detail, willing to share ideas and solutions, trustworthy' and interested in building community through radio.
Contact: Lynn Fitch, Station Navigator, manager@kboo.org, 503-231-8032 x222
Neighborhood House
What we need help with: Neighborhood House uses hundreds of volunteers each year in our education and social services programs serving low-income children, families and seniors. Volunteers distribute food in our food pantry and tutor struggling students after school. They help out at our Senior Center and in our Development office, supporting our fundraising and communications activities.
Ideal Volunteer: Our ideal volunteer is passionate about helping low-income people make it through hard times and start on a path toward a better life. A kind, nonjudgmental attitude is essential. Experience with kids, customer service skills, knowing languages other than English, writing/graphic design skills and gardening are helpful, but not required.
Contact: Jeanine, volunteer@nhweb.org, 503-246-1663 x2117
On-the-Move Community Integration
What we need help with: Volunteer as a reading tutor for adults with developmental disabilities. Tutors support diverse students who are working to improve independence through increased literacy skills. In a celebratory environment, form new relationships and discover the rewards of creating an inclusive community of Portlanders with and without disabilities.
Ideal Volunteer: Our ideal volunteer is fun, flexible, compassionate, and reliable, and believes that the contributions of all unique community members are valuable. Volunteers should be good readers and able to make a three-month commitment. We provide disability/ diversity training and guidance on best practices in special education and community integration.
Contact: Molly Mayo, molly@onthemoveonline.org, 503-287-0346
Oregon Food Bank
What we need help with: We are building a community of folks who are passionate about making a difference! Come repack food for distribution across our statewide network. We run fun, lively 2- to 3-hour-long volunteer shifts Monday through Saturday at our Portland and Beaverton locations. Your help inspires hope. Sign up at www.oregonfoodbank.org.
Ideal Volunteer: Do you like working in a group? Do you want to be a part of hunger relief in Oregon? We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate folks to help sort and repack food. It's easy to get started. Visit www.oregonfoodbank.org to sign up. Age 6 and up.
Contact: volunteer@oregonfoodbank.org, 503-972-2993
The ReBuilding Center of Our United Villages
What we need help with: Help turn unwanted building materials from a waste into a community asset! De-nail, sort and stock reclaimed old-growth lumber and tons of other used-building materials for reuse to benefit communities and our environment. Administrative tasks, handing out literature to the public at events, writing, technology, video and much more!
Ideal Volunteer: We need people of all skill levels. We thrive on positive energy and are committed to sustaining an environment that's filled with respect, discovery, laughter, fun and making a meaningful difference. Commitment to safety and a sincere desire to make a positive difference for community and the environment is a must.
Contact: Volunteer 'Igniter' coordinator, volunteer@ourunitedvillages.org, 503-467-4985
Street Roots
What we need help with: Street Roots needs a variety of volunteers for all of our programs: graphic designers to assist creating promotional material for development. Hospitality and front desk volunteers for our vendor program. Volunteers to assist with the Rose City Resource guide data entry and distribution. We are also interested in volunteers who are willing to be at the forefront of social media use to affect change in the community.
Ideal Volunteer: Street Roots volunteers come from all backgrounds. We need creative individuals who enjoy a fast-paced variable environment. Volunteers are problem solvers who have good people skills and an ability to multitask.
Contact: Volunteer coordinator, volunteer@streetroots.org, 503-228-5657
Transition Projects
What we need help with: We need groups (5 to 10 people) to donate their time and a thoughtful meal to homeless individuals. Groups purchase food and prepare and serve the meal to people working to overcome their barriers to housing. Cooking opportunities are for our 90-bed residential programs. This project could be corporate team building, a faith-based mission project or a fun night with friends.
Ideal Volunteer: A compassionate group who wants to see the immediate effect of their contribution and play a supporting role in peoples' success. Cooking, planning and leading skills are all a plus, but not required. Youth volunteers allowed with adult supervision.
Contact: Sam Haffey, volunteer@tprojects.org, 503-280-4770
United Cerebral Palsy of Oregon & SW Washington
What we need help with: United Cerebral Palsy of Oregon & SW Washington has been advancing the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities since 1955. We are pleased to announce the opportunity for volunteers to serve on our board of directors. Board service provides a unique opportunity to "give back" and use your professional expertise and personal experience to help shape the organization.
Ideal Volunteer: The following characteristics are desirable for our Board: previous experience with committee work; comfort in communicating ideas in a group setting; an interest and dedication to working with persons with cerebral palsy and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. We have particular interest in gaining members who are competent in the following areas: accounting; financial management; community organizing; development / fundraising; and public relations / marketing.
Contact: Ann Coffey, acoffey@ucpaorwa.org, 503-777-4166
Education
Architectural Heritage Center
What we need help with: The Architectural Heritage Center's mission is to preserve the historic character and livability of our built environment, and to promote sustainability through the reuse of period homes and buildings. We need volunteers to help with our outreach efforts, education programs, walking tours, collections, reception desk and special events.
Ideal Volunteer: The ideal volunteer will enjoy interacting with the public and will have an appreciation for historic preservation and the historic architecture of Portland. A willingness to be flexible with volunteer tasks is greatly appreciated (as is a sense of humor).
Contact: Ita Lindquist, ital@visitahc.org, 503-231-7264
Children's Book Bank
What we need help with: The Children's Book Bank is dedicated to providing books to kids in low-income households who may not otherwise have books at home. Whether by hosting book drives, repairing well-loved books, sorting books by levels and categories, delivering books to schools, or representing CBB at community events, your efforts will support a new generation of readers.
Ideal Volunteer: Volunteers share our belief that ALL kids should grow up surrounded by books. They are self-motivated book lovers who are detail-oriented, can commit to regular volunteer shifts, and enjoy participating behind the scenes. A library or bookstore background is a plus, but not necessary.
Contact: Robin, robin@childrensbookbank.org, 503-616-3981
"I Have a Dream" Oregon
What we need help with: IHAD helps low-income students succeed in school, college and career, and a key component of our program is connecting Dreamers with adult role models. We're looking for committed and fun volunteers to become mentors to students in East Portland. Are you ready to make memories with a Dreamer? Get involved!
Ideal Volunteer: No special skills required. Just hang out once a week with a Dreamer! You'll get lots of resources and support so you won't be alone. We require that mentors be 18+, complete the background check/training, and commit to a year of mentoring. Dreamers live in East Multnomah County, so proximity to or ability to travel weekly is necessary.
Contact: Kelsey Pine, kelsey.pine@ihaveadreamoregon.org, 503-287-7203
Oregon Humanities
What we need help with: Oregon Humanities seeks event coordination volunteers for Idea Lab, an innovative three-day summer program where Oregon teens and teachers use the humanities to study the pursuit of happiness. Volunteers are needed in late spring/summer to assemble reading materials, provide administrative support and oversee onsite logistics for the late July event.
Ideal Volunteer: An enthusiastic problem solver who communicates clearly, meets deadlines, has a passion for the humanities and wants to work with an amazing group of Oregon teens and teachers in an academic camp setting.
Contact: oregonhumanities.org, o.hm@oregonhumanities.org, 503-241-0543
Portland After School Tennis & Education (PAST&E)
What we need help with: PAST&E delivers one-on-one academic tutoring, tennis lessons, a nutrition/fitness curriculum, and enrichment activities to at-risk K-12 children and their families. Volunteers serve as coach/tutors, providing support on the tennis court (assisting in drills and fitness activities) and in our classrooms (helping children develop academic skills).
Ideal Volunteer: We're looking for volunteers who can provide encouragement and positive reinforcement for at-risk children on the tennis court and in our classrooms. No tennis experience required.
Contact: Trenton Corvino, program director, program@pastande.org, 707-888-1190
SE Works
What we need help with: SE Works is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers. ESL Volunteers conduct tutoring sessions for adults learning English, GED tutors help at-risk youth study for the GED, mentors provide ongoing guidance to youth, and Civic Justice Corps Volunteers tutor students who have been involved with the juvenile justice system.
Ideal Volunteer: Successful volunteers have the ability to explain difficult concepts with patience and empathy, respect for diversity, have cross-cultural competence, and have the ability to work well with others. All volunteers are provided with training and materials as well as ongoing support from SE Works' staff.
Contact: Julia Martin, jmartin@seworks.org, 503-772-2341
SMART (Start Making A Reader Today)
What we need help with: Volunteer with SMART and help children discover the joy of reading! We are an early-literacy nonprofit that engages community volunteers to help preK-third grade children become confident readers by providing one-on-one literacy support, valuable adult mentorship, and books to take home and keep.
Ideal Volunteer: Ideal volunteers will have an enthusiastic love of books and enjoy working with young children. They will need to be available to read for one hour per week during public school hours through mid-May.
Contact: Staci Sutton, ssutton@getsmartoregon.org, 971-634-1616
Zenger Farm
What we need help with: Volunteers help Zenger Farm offer field trip programming to over 6,000 youth a year, teach healthy cooking classes to families, raise crops and livestock, and help spread the good word about Zenger Farm in the community through events.
Ideal Volunteer: Zenger Farm volunteers are friendly, dependable, and enthusiastic. Background in cooking, gardening or outdoor education is helpful, but not required. Drop-in volunteers help with farm projects at weekly work parties and people interested in taking on leadership roles have the opportunity to make seasonal commitments to the farm.
Contact:Alice Froehlich, alice@zengerfarm.org, 503-282-4245
Environment
What we need help with: Forest Park Conservancy volunteers preserve and enhance Forest Park's trail network and native habitat. Stewardship projects include trail maintenance and repair, removal of invasive plant species, construction of split rail fence, repair and construction of bridges, and planting of native trees and shrubs.
Ideal Volunteer: Ideal volunteers are passionate about the environment and interested in getting to know Forest Park more intimately. A willingness to get dirty working and hiking in the great outdoors is a must. Forest Park Conservancy provides all necessary tools and training, and welcomes family, group and business participation.
Contact: Mikala Soroka, mikala@forestparkconservancy.org, 503-223-5449 ext. 106
Friends of the Columbia Gorge
What we need help with: Be a steward of Gorge trails and landscapes. Volunteer to build and maintain trails, remove obnoxious weeds, trim vegetation, and plant natives. Explore new places by working on our land trust properties not open to the public. As the only nonprofit dedicated to preserving the Columbia Gorge, we need your help in keeping the Gorge an unspoiled treasure for everyone to enjoy.
Ideal Volunteer: Likes working with your hands and getting a bit dirty! Wants to revel in the surrounding beauty and be rewarded with taking care of this one-of-a-kind landscape right here in our own backyard.
Contact: Maegan Jossy, maegan@gorgefriends.org, 971-634-2028
Friends of Trees
What we need help with: We welcome volunteers in dozens of ways, but our biggest need is planting trees! We plant every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm October-April around the metro region. Simply show up dressed for the weather. We provide gloves, tools and guidance, as well as snacks and coffee. Rain or shine. No need to preregister.
Events: www.FriendsofTrees.org/calendar/calendar-portland-vancouver
Ideal Volunteer: Our ideal volunteer likes being outdoors in the Pacific Northwest's finest winter weather, meeting new friends and neighbors and laughing a lot, as well as learning about trees, how to plant them and why they're awesome. All ages welcome. Family and group friendly. We can't wait to work with you!
Contact: Andy Meeks, andym@FriendsofTrees.org, 503-595-0213
Tualatin Riverkeepers
What we need help with: Tualatin Riverkeepers' Trips & Tours program is the "heart and soul" of our organization. Our Volunteer Trip Leaders are trained to guide our canoe and kayak paddle trips through our Trip Leader Training classroom session and pool training session (paddle safety & rescue). Volunteer roles include trip leader, trip assistant, gear coordinator, registration coordinator and hauler. Volunteers should be willing to volunteer for at least two paddle trips per season (May-October). If you enjoy being on the water, are looking to help promote our mission to restore and protect the Tualatin River, and would like to meet other paddlers in the area, please consider volunteering with Tualatin Riverkeepers.
Ideal Volunteer: The ideal Volunteer Trip Leader would be someone who is outgoing, enjoys working with the public, has paddle experience and skills, has an interest in river issues, is enthusiastic and owns their own canoe or kayak. Volunteers with some or all of these traits are encouraged to apply.
Contact: Margot Fervia-Neamtzu, margot@tualatinriverkeepers.org, 503-218-2580
Willamette Riverkeeper
What we need help with: We need help protecting and restoring the Willamette River! A handful of volunteers are needed for targeted water-quality monitoring. Get your hands dirty at our seasonal restoration work parties and cleanup events along the Willamette River. Join our e-news community or Facebook page to learn about upcoming events.
Ideal Volunteer: An ideal volunteer is friendly, interested in connecting with their river and community, and enjoys being outdoors rain or shine.
Contact: Marci Krass, marci@willametteriverkeeper.org, 503-223-6418
Health & Wellness
Albertina Kerr
What we need help with: Albertina Kerr strengthens Oregon families and communities by helping children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. We are looking for volunteer activity partners, music instructors or music therapy, art, yoga, events, sports, visiting friend, reading or cooking. You can also volunteer in our restaurant, retail thrift shop, jewelry, antiques and collectibles stores.
Ideal Volunteer: Highly motivated, enthusiastic, ability to work well with others, patient, personal commitment to helping others and improving lives, willingness to share, teach and learn, extremely dependable, able to commit to 6-9 months, ability to understand and accept differences as well as work well with others.
Contact: Meghan Anderson, Community Relations Manager, meghana@albertinakerr.org, 503-262-0187
The Lotus Seed
What we need help with: Volunteers can help the Lotus Seed by using their time and energy in the following areas: teaching yoga, movement or art, office administration, graphic design / marketing, improving the building and grounds, and fundraising.
Ideal Volunteer: The Lotus Seed is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing yoga, movement and art to the community through outreach programs and continuing education. Volunteers who have a focus on community development through health and wellness are perfect candidates for working the Lotus Seed.
Contact: Wren deVous, wren@lotusseed.org, 503-278-3799
Meals on Wheels People
What we need help with: Our greatest need is for Meals on Wheels drivers. Meals are delivered daily between 10:30 a.m. and noon. We have 35 locations where meals can be picked up throughout Multnomah, Washington and Clark counties. Meals on weekends are served in Multnomah County only with a pick-up on SE Belmont. We also use volunteers on committees, to do administrative work and help with special events.
Ideal Volunteer: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. For those who wish to deliver meals, you must have your own car and insurance and undergo a background check. You should enjoy talking with elderly people and be willing to visit for a few minutes with those on the meal route. Volunteers with office skills are always needed at our adminstrative office and at our meal sites.
Contact: Diana Creitz, diana.creitz@mealsonwheelspeople.org, 503-953-8101
ReFIT: Remodeling for Independence Together
What we need help with: At ReFIT, you are our lifeblood. We are a volunteer organization dedicated to helping people struggling with illness, injury, disability or the aging process to live independent lives' at home. By providing essential remodeling services such as access ramps and bathroom modifications, we help those who want to stay in their homes but lack the financial resources to make necessary modifications to stay there safely.
Ideal Volunteer: The ideal volunteer would be someone with construction experience and a project management background to head up a specific project. In addition, we are always on the lookout for individuals for fundraising event planning, marketing and community outreach. If you have a passion to help the most vulnerable and isolated members of our community we can use your talents.
Contact: Laurey Maslyk, lmaslyk@refitportland.org, 503-943-9544
Returning Veterans Project
WHAT WE NEED HELP WITH: Returning Veterans Project asks licensed and insured mental health practitioners, massage therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors and naturopaths to open a pro bono slot in their practice to provide free, confidential services for Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans and their families across Oregon and SW Washington.
IDEAL VOLUNTEER: We welcome Providers who want to work with us to help support and heal our veterans and their families. You must be insured, licensed and have a professional office space. Supervised Interns working toward licensure may be eligible. For more information and to apply, please go to
http://www.returningveterans.org/for-providers.
CONTACT: Pam Beaty, mail@returningveterans.org, 503-954-2259
Ride to Remember
What we need help with: Helping at rest stops, day-of setup, on-course monitors and spotters, cleanup, Warrior Dash checkpoint monitors, drivers to pick up and deliver items as needed.
Ideal Volunteer: We need volunteers who are energetic, want to help encourage and motivate the participants, can be flexible and willing to help out where needed, and are dependable.
Contact: Sandee Cano, sandeecano@gmail.com,503-916-9480
Social Action
Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East
What we need help with: Habitat for Humanity builds year-round throughout Portland and Northern Clackamas County. Volunteers help with all aspects of construction. All skill levels are welcome, just a willingness to learn and must be 16 years old. Our construction days are Wednesday-Saturday 8:30-3:30.
Ideal Volunteer: Weatherproof volunteers needed for busy winter! Habitat staff has known for years that our volunteers are so sweet they could be made of sugar! Perhaps they are made of a special weather-resistant, anti-dissolving sugar that only the Portland metro area can produce. Habitat has many construction and non-construction volunteer opportunities available right now to help keep our momentum going on each of our homes.
Contact: Marianne McClure, marianne@habitatportlandmetro.org, 503-287-9529 ext. 14
Potluck in the Park
What we need help with: Potluck is a volunteer-driven organization. All of our jobs from fundraising to picking up food and supplies is thru volunteers.
Ideal Volunteer: Every job is different, so we wouldn't turn away anyone who is interested away. Some jobs require a self-starter. Some request a long term commitment if possible.
Contact: Cheri Baber, cheribaber@potluckinthepark.org, 503-255-7611
Sisters Of The Road
What we need help with: Sisters Of The Road offers a space to build community, empower ourselves, learn from one another, dine with dignity and organize for justice and human rights for all. Sisters' Volunteer Program exists to ensure that volunteer resources are available throughout our organization to support Cafe operations, events and systemic change campaigns.
Ideal Volunteer: Volunteers work in all areas of the organization including fundraising, community outreach, event planning, office/reception, food service, and political activism. We ask that all volunteers demonstrate a commitment to Sisters' philosophies of nonviolence and gentle personalism, grassroots community organizing and a systemic change model.
Contact: Lindsay Day, lindsay@sistersoftheroad.org, 503-222-5694 x43
Youth
Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia NW
What we need help with: You can change a life by simply becoming a friend to a child. Many of the youth we serve come from single-parent families, are of low income and some are foster children. They face a variety of challenges and often just need another adult to talk to. By being a Big Brother or Sister you become that friend by just sharing a little time with them. That might include going to the library, taking a hike, playing ball or simply just talking. Our studies show that through this friendship, our children are better in school and less likely to be involved with drugs, alcohol or criminal activity. Please sign up today and be a friend to a child.
Ideal Volunteer: To become a Big Brother or Sister, all you need to be is a caring adult who wants to be a great friend to a child.
Contact: Ericka Carbajal, ericka.carbajal@bbbsnorthwest.org, 503-249-4859
Boys & Girls Aid
What we need help with: Volunteers proficient in a particular skill or activity they can teach to youth in our programs are encouraged to apply. Project volunteer activities could include things like arts and crafts, cooking, music, dance, job search / interview skills, sports or exercise, or storytelling. In addition, we welcome event volunteers for fundraising events throughout the year.
Ideal Volunteer: Volunteers must be positive role models with the ability to work with teens and young adults with challenging behaviors and traumatic histories. Volunteers must be flexible and adaptable. Project volunteers must be proficient in the skill or activity they plan to teach.
Contact: Christy Noyd, info@boysandgirlsaid.org, 503-542-2301
CASA for Children
What we need help with: Our trained and empowered advocates are a voice for each child. Our tireless volunteers advocate for the health, safety, stability and well-being of children who have been abused or neglected and are under protection of the court. They contact those involved in the case and report their findings to the court to ensure necessary safety, care and permanence for the children.
Ideal Volunteer: Volunteers
work to ensure that each child's need for a safe permanent home is met.
Our advocates need to be conscientious, thorough and reliable and have
the ability to maintain perspective and objectivity. They need time to
devote to training sessions and follow up for their child. We have
volunteers from all walks of life. No special professional background is
needed, but volunteers do need to be 21
or older.
Contact: Debi Sakamoto, recruitment@casahelpskids.org, 503-988-4224
Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon
What we need help with: Our volunteer program aims to provide a meaningful experience as we work toward achieving our mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Whether you train to become a Girls Guide to deliver our after-school programs or you explore opportunities around one-day activities or events, we'll work with you to find a good fit.
Ideal Volunteer: Our ideal volunteers are professional women and college students interested in positively impacting girls in the greater-Portland area. Professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math, media artists, counselors, educators, and college students are among our current volunteers. Your interest in serving area girls and inspiring them to be strong, smart and bold is the key! Learn more and apply on our website: http://girlsincnworegon.org/volunteer/.
Contact: Darby Burn Strong, darby@girlsincnworegon.org,503-230-0054 x4
Macdonald Center
What we need help with: Volunteers help us foster the sacredness and dignity of all individuals and build community by breaking down social isolation. Our Community Room provides a safe space for our community to gather, seek support and feel connected. We are in need of volunteers to help welcome people to this space, play games, teach classes or just be present.
Ideal Volunteer: Our ideal volunteer is someone who is open-minded and engaging, interested in meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and compassionate toward individuals struggling with addiction issues, disabilities, mental illness and poverty. We ask our volunteers for a weekly commitment. All ages and backgrounds welcome.
Contact: Sarah Knuth, sk@macdcenter.org , 971 202-7451
Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls
What we need help with: Help build girls' self-esteem through music creation and performance! Be a mentor, empower Campers, and support their creative endeavors. We are looking for responsible volunteers 18+ to help with our 2013 Summer Camps! Year-round volunteer opportunities also exist.
Ideal Volunteer: Despite our name, no musical experience necessary for many volunteer positions. Our ideal volunteer is energetic, prompt, passionate about the Rock Camp mission, and puts our campers' physical and emotional safety above all else. We are looking for female-identified mentors to be instrument instructors, band coaches, workshop leaders and counselors. Several indirect mentorship opportunities are available to all responsible adults as well!
Contact: Molly Gray, molly.gray@girlsrockcamp.org, 503-445-4991
WWeek 2015