TOP PLACES TO GET ENGAGED

Below is a list of organizations that offer local service projects and volunteer opportunities where individuals can roll up their sleeves, share their time, and meet new people.

United Way is a national network of more than 1,300 local organizations that work to create lasting positive changes in communities and people’s lives by addressing the underlying causes of the most significant local issues. Volunteerism is a cornerstone of United Way. Great things, no matter their size or scope, are achieved by people, not institutions. Visit www.unitedway.org/getengaged.

1-800-Volunteer.org, a service of the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network, connects volunteers with quality service opportunities in their local community.  Supported by a network of more than 350 community-based Volunteer Centers, Points of Light mobilizes millions of volunteers while developing national and local partnerships to address serious social problems. Visit www.1800volunteer.org.

Hands On Network brings people together to strengthen communities through meaningful volunteer action. The organization is a growing network of more than a half million volunteers changing communities inside and outside the United States. Hands On Network creates and manages nearly 50,000 projects a year, from building wheelchair ramps in San Francisco to teaching reading in Atlanta, to rebuilding homes and lives in the Gulf Coast communities. Visit www.handsonnetwork.org.

Idealist.org, a project of Action Without Borders, is a website that facilitates connections between individuals and institutions that are interested in improving their communities. Here you can design the perfect volunteer opportunity by setting up one or more volunteer profiles with your interests, skills, and schedule. Organizations can then search these profiles by organizations. Visit www.idealist.org.

VolunteerMatch provides volunteers with a comprehensive database of opportunities that can be searched based on location, interest area, skill set, or age. Visit www.volunteermatch.org/volunteers.

Network for Good enables users to donate to more than one million charities and search from among more than 36,000 volunteer opportunities. Visit www.networkforgood.org.

Youth Service America (YSA) is an international resource center that partners with thousands of organizations committed to increasing the quality and quantity of volunteer opportunities for young people, ages 5 to 25, to serve locally, nationally, and globally.  Founded in 1986, YSA’s mission is to expand the impact of the youth service movement with communities, schools, corporations, and governments. Visit www.ysa.org.

KaBOOM! is a national nonprofit that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. Celebrating 10 years of service in 2006, the organization rallies communities to achieve better public policy, funding, and public awareness for increased play opportunities nationwide. Join KaBOOM February 8-10 in New Orleans for the KaBOOM! University of Play (U Play!) – its award-winning training on play and playspaces.  Visit www.kaboom.org.

AmeriCorps Alums is a national network of civic leaders who are actively engaged in shaping their communities. AmeriCorps Alums helps alumni continue to “get things done” by connecting alumni, advancing commitment to service, and building the capacity of alumni to be agents of change in their communities. Visit www.lifetimeofservice.org.

City Year brings together young adults from diverse backgrounds for a demanding year of full-time community service, leadership development, and civic engagement. United in their desire to serve, these young leaders invest their talents and energy to solve critical problems in their communities, engage volunteers, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Visit www.cityyear.org.

More Ways to Get Engaged

Signature ‘Get Engaged’ Events:
Working with the Hands On Network, three cities – San Francisco, Chicago and Philadelphia – will host special “Get Engaged” volunteer events the weekend prior to Valentine’s Day and you’re invited!

Create Your Own Cause:
Simple ways to make this Valentine’s Day more meaningful.

Volunteer and Make a Difference