Interested in Doing Volunterr Work but Don't Know Where to Start!

Hi,

I foster for animal rescue groups! It cant be much more rewarding then seeing unconditional love! EVERY time they see you they appreciate even a few minutes you spend with the animals! Dogs need walking all the time. http://www.pawplacement.org/ is who I volunteer for.

Good Luck

I see a lot of information about Phoenix... I'm confused about why. :) Are you out of Albuquerque or Phoenix? If Albuquerque, how about Roadrunner Food Bank? It's a great location, safe building, they could use some help bagging food!

Volunteer at you child's school. It's a great way to be involved with his education - even if you aren't volunteering directly in his classroom. Studies show that kids who have parents that are involved in their school end up getting better grades, test scores, etc. Schools always need the help.

Hi J.!

It looks like you've received some wonderful suggestions, but I just had to tell you about our organization in case you have ever had an interest in working with horses and children/adults with disAbilities/special needs. Hoofbeats with Heart provides therapeutic and recreational horseback riding, as well as other equine assisted activities all in our great AZ outdoors!! I strongly encourage you to contact me if you are interested in joining us out at the farm:-)

Barb Morris
Hoofbeats with Heart
Volunteer Coordinator
###-###-#### C
(located near Queen Creek Rd. and Val Vista in Gilbert)

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http://handsonphoenix.org/
This isn't my favorite organization by any stretch, but you could always go here and do a couple of different projects and see what moves you the most. many nonprofits ask you to make a commitment to them for s certain amount of time. Through one of the hands on Projects, you don't have that commitment so you can make sure you really like working at that organizations.

There are also other internet volunteer matching search engines, but they don't always have updated information.

On meetup.com there is a group about volunteering you can join that has lots of ideas.

Hi J., My boys were were 5 and 3 last August and I also felt like I wanted to do some volunteering. One of the best things I did was volunteer to help at the Kindergarten. Maybe you could start there? It is a great way to stay involved with your oldest and help the school. Your 3 year-old will be able to go with you (at least mine was) and you can choose how much time to commit. I helped with PE once a month and also helped organize the holiday parties, etc. If you are interested, just talk to your son's teachers and let them know you want to be a room parent. Also talk to the principal and/or front office and let them know you want to volunteer. They probably have some proceedure in place for signing up. Just one idea! Have fun!!

FIrst, I would sit down and think of what it is that you have always wanted to do, but could not afford to do or be!!! As a teenager I always wanted to be a nurse, so I used to volunteer at a hospital. The one place that I really wanted to volunteer and only had one chance to do it was our local zoo. It is so awesome being behind the scenes and having contact with some of the animals. That is what I would do again. And it's a fun experience to share with your children. They would really get into the stories that you could tell them about the animals. Also through out the valley there are some archeological digs that need volunteers, or local museums that contain our natural local history. Good luck on your adventure!

My thought would be volunteering at the NICU (NeoNatal Intensive Care Unite) at your local hospital. We had twin baby girls at 31 weeks. We've spent ever day from the past 2 1/2 months going to the hospital to spend time with our babies. The nurses are amazing and do so much to care for premature babies but there are times where a baby just needs to be held. Mom and dad aren't able to spend 24/7 in the hospital and some mothers don't bother visiting their babies but a few times a week. Anyhow my point is, these babies need to feel comfort from being held by someone. They need to be held so they know they are cared for. It really does help them grow and get stronger. So if you have time and are willing to sit for an afternoon holding and talking to a baby you'd do them a world of good. Volunteering no matter what you do is such a wonderful gift,

Good morning~

Here is a current list of Volunteer Opportunities listed through the City of Albuquerque. There is also the contact person's info. for more info. Good luck!

Volunteer Opportunities as of August 06, 2009

The Mayor's Office of Volunteerism & Engagement (MOVE) was created by Mayor Martin J. Chavez in January 2005. MOVE serves as a clearinghouse for volunteerism in the greater Albuquerque community. Listed below are short- and long-term volunteer opportunities which are available. To see a more comprehensive list of opportunities, please go to http://www.cabq.gov/move and click on "View Current Volunteer Opportunities." Please share this e-mail with your family, friends, co-workers, church group, etc. If you do not want to receive this weekly e-mail, please notify us at ###-###-#### or ____@____.com.

Albuquerque Film Festival. The festival will take place Thursday-Sunday, August 6-9, 2009. Shifts available between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. on those dates to help with: collecting tickets, phone reception, ticket sales, security, and serving guests. Volunteers also welcome at this time to help with preparation. To learn more about the festival, go to http://www.albuquerquefilmfestival.com. Contact: Nicole, ____@____.com, OR Aynn Kirby, ###-###-####

Albuquerque Little Theatre, 224 San Pasquale S.W. Volunteers will be needed for the run of "High School Musical 2" (August 6-23). Dress code for every event is black or navy trousers (or neat, modest shorts) and white shirts. Shoes should be in good condition. No flip flops please. Minimum age for all volunteers is 18. Shifts listed below are available. Contact: Donna Toscano, ____@____.com, ###-###-####

· Thursday, 8/6/09, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.: We need two “runners” to liaison between box office and party outside in our parking lot. Runner would carry messages back and forth between box office and outside staff and assist with any last minute needs. We also need one person to help with cash and credit card merchandise sales (prior sales counter experience preferred but not mandatory).

· Friday, 8/7/09, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.: We need 5–7 assistant “hosts” to help set up, host and clean up for a special event opening night party of High School Musical 2. We thank our volunteers by giving them tickets to see the show on another night.

· 8/8/09 through 8/23/09: Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Fridays (two shifts available) from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.: We need one person to help with cash and credit card merchandise sales (prior sales counter experience preferred but not mandatory).

American Cancer Society. We are in search of volunteers to help with Climb to Conquer Cancer, a 6.5 mile non-competitive event that will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2009, at the base of the Sandia Peak Ski Area to the top of the mountain where a family-fun festival awaits with food, entertainment and more! Help needed between 6:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Volunteers will receive a t-shirt, breakfast and lunch. Minimum age: 15. Volunteers will help with:

- Parking
- Festival area / survivor celebration
- Registration
- Water stops
- Clean-up
- Banking
- Advocacy

All funds raised will go to the American Cancer Society’s nationwide priorities to provide high-quality information, conduct research, improve cancer patients’ quality of life, increase prevention and detection, and continue establishing advocacy. Contact: Estefania Bafunno, ____@____.com, ###-###-####

N.M. Center for Self Advocacy. We serve individuals with developmental disabilities. Learn more about us at http://www.nmddpc.com. We will host a summer retreat at the YWCA Camp in Tijeras, N.M. on Saturday & Sunday, August 22 & 23, 2009. We are in search of 6-8 volunteers to help with planned activities that will include: arts and crafts, talent show, karaoke, scavenger hunt, meal preparation and cleanup, etc. The volunteers can stay both days or just attend one or the other. We will probably start setting up on Saturday morning around 9:00 a.m., and start taking down camp on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Minimum age: 18. All meals will be provided and transportation is negotiable. Contact: Nikkol Olinger, ____@____.com, ###-###-####

Roadrunner Food Bank. The Rotary Club of Albuquerque will host a fundraising golf tournament to benefit Roadrunner Food Bank Programs on Saturday, August 29, 2009, at Isleta Country Club. We expect that 200 players will compete for great prizes. Volunteers are needed to help register participants, monitor competitions at the various holes, monitor raffle and silent auction prizes. Shifts available from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. OR 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to choose a 3½ hour shift or a full day. Minimum age: 21. If you are interested, please register on the following website. We will contact you to arrange shifts and assignments. &&&http://www.golfdigestplanner.com/cgi/page.cgi?event_id=88.... Contact: Christina Berlin, ____@____.com, , ###-###-####

African American Performing Arts Center, 310 San Mateo N.E. The public is invited to a benefit concert An Evening With The Master Musicians, on Saturday, August 29, 2009, 8:00 p.m. The concert will feature principal musicians from major opera and symphony orchestras around the country. Tickets are specially priced at $25.00. For ticket information contact the box office at ###-###-####.

Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church, 7920 Clarement N.E. On Sunday, August 30, 2009, we will celebrate Choir Day. Church choirs from around the city will sing. The event will begin at 3:00 p.m., and will be followed by a reception at 5:00 p.m. We invite everyone in the community to share Choir Day with us. Contact: Pat Jerabek, ###-###-####

WHEELS Museum. We will hold our annual fundraiser gala on Saturday, September 26, 2009. We are in search of items for our silent and live auctions. If you have any items (large or small) to donate, please contact Leba Freed, ____@____.com, ###-###-####. We can pick them up!

Debra L. Saine
Mayor's Office of Volunteerism & Engagement (MOVE)
P.O. Box 1293
Albuquerque, N.M. 87103
###-###-####

http://www.cabq.gov/move

The local paper has information sometimes on places to volunteer. I volunteer at Save the Family - www.savethefamily.com because they help homeless families with children and I think children are the most important people. There are all kinds of different ways you can volunteer for this organization - tutoring, helping with activities, helping to get apartments ready for families, etc.
K.

you can do pretty much anything as a volunteer..if you like kids, schools always need volunteers, kids in hospitals, if you like older folks, nursing homes, hospice,
there are a lot of businesses as well that can use help specifically farmers
i would think about what you like to do and find a business and go talk to them.

start at your child's school

Hi, J.! Welcome to AZ! As far as volunteer work, find something that moves you - that is near and dear to your heart. I support the National MS Society because my mom has MS. I volunteer for various things for Phoenix Children's Hospital because one of my former students was treated there for cancer. I do things for my children's school because it benefits my kids plus having been a classroom teacher, I remember how hard it all can be. I personally chose not to foster animals or work at an animal shelter because I'd get too attached and/or bring at least one animal home per week. Not to mention, my family (myself included) has multiple animal dander allergies, so my doing volunteer work in this area would not be as rewarding as it could be. I think people who do this type of work are fantastic because it takes a certain, special type of person to perform each volunteer job. I am able to do things that others feel they are unable to do while others can do things I feel unable to do. It's a great team effort! Anyway, I hope this helped! Good luck! Most of all, your volunteer work should be fun and meaningful for you!

Hi, J. -
I'm sure your son's school could use some help if you'd like to volunteer your time there.
Good luck.

Check out my article on this subject for some great places to start ...http://www.examiner.com/x-6779-Phoenix-Family--Parenting-...

J.: You received lots of great suggestions, but I didn't see any for the homeless. Urban Outreach is a based in Tempe. They have several programs to help the homeless. There is the shower program - they offer showers and coffee to the homeless, and I-Help where many churches get involved. The churches host a day where the homeless come for a meal and then stay the night at the church. They go to a different church every night. Bethany Community Church is hosting an I-Help on August 12 and August 23. If you are interested in helping email me at ____@____.com don't have to be a member. This is an interfaith outreach that is a part of Urban Outreach. For more information on Urban Outreach here is a link, http://info-on-net.com/urbanoutreach. This is just another suggestion since I didn't see one on helping the homeless. You may not even be in the area. If not, you can always do a web search to find a local area outreach. Libraries often need volunteers also.

I do think volunteering at your child's school at least one to two times a month is great. This way you have an idea what is going on. If possible I'd volunteer in the classroom. However, that said, you have to be careful because you can get overwhelmed with the amount of volunteer opportunities at the school, actually that can happen anywhere. So, just do your best to keep a balance between family and volunteer work.

Take care, I hope you find an outreach that is dear to your heart.

K. =)

Volunteer in your childs class or school.

Habitat for Humanity

Local food bank

Local shelter

Local Meals on Wheels

Library

If you attend church, you can always ask about volunteer work there. Soup kitchens, church thrift shops,shelters etc.. I agree that animal shelters always need help. Even the Salvation Army or Goodwill may need help. Good luck finding something that you will enjoy!

Young Lives with teen moms. Helping them know God.
Animal Shelters love volunteers for walking the dogs
or playing with cats. West Valley Animal Shelter is great.
Girls and Boys Club.
YOur school... many teachers are open to it.

hospitals, nursing homes, shelters, even your childrens school.....

Hey J.,
Currently I work with several non profit organization. Parkinsons, Tu Nidito, Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, Ben's Bells and the U of A Alumni Association. All of them work for great causes and need a plethora of volunteers. Choose one you like and give it a try.

good luck,
M.

The local Crisis Pregnancy Centers always have room for volunteers of all kinds! You could try the Crisis Pregnancy Centers of Greater Phoenix or the Pregnancy Care Center of Chandler if you have any inclinations that way.

How about one of the great animal shelters? I know they need sooooo much help!! Or maybe your kids school? Good luck and Welcome to Arizona!!

Would you mind working eith persons with disabilities?