The United States has a wide range of volunteer projects to offer, thanks to the vast amount of charities and nonprofit organizations in the country. Whether you want to get involved in revitalizing your neighborhood or helping youths develop their artistic and social skills, there are suitable projects to donate your time to. Volunteer projects offer a rewarding way to spend your free time. They are a good opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and still give something back to the community.
Habitat for Humanity
The Habitat for Humanity foundation is a community housing concept that first began in 1976. Through the foundation, homes are constructed in a cooperative effort by groups of volunteers and those who need housing. The result is a home built by the community for one of its own members. Habitat for Humanity has many projects for volunteers throughout the United States. These range from renovating neighborhoods to assisting in disaster relief. The foundation also offers long term volunteer programs at their headquarters in the state of Georgia. Here, volunteers can be involved in office duties such as drafting assignments, or help the reconstruction teams with maintaining the Habitat-owned properties. No experience is necessary to volunteer, just a willingness to take part. Those interested in volunteering for a project can sign up online at the Habitat for Humanity website.
Animal Medical Center
Located in New York City, the Animal Medical Center is a veterinary hospital that has been serving the local community since 1910. The center offers everybody the opportunity to volunteer in their summer outreach program. The outreach program visits nursing homes and institutes for people with disabilities. The aim of the program is to connect pets with people who may feel isolated by their circumstances. The animals can be used as part of a rehabilitation program or simply an opportunity for the residents to have social interaction. Volunteers are allowed to bring all kinds of pets as long as they are comfortable being handled and at ease around other animals. All of the volunteers receive extensive training in animal activities and make their visits effective. Applying to become an outreach volunteer is a straightforward process. Interested parties simply contact the volunteer coordinator directly at the Animal Medical Center to being the application process.
Art for Change
A nonprofit organization based in East Harlem, Art for Change's mission is to encourage social change through the arts. Incorporating painting classes, drama and music, the organization provides a creative environment for the community. Programs deal with social concerns such as racism and homophobia in a positive way, allowing participants to have their own voice on these concerns. Those gifted in the arts can volunteer for a variety of projects including children's painting workshops. These workshops take place every first Saturday of each month and give children from the ages of 4 to 12 the chance to be creative, expressing emotions through painting. Each child is required to be accompanied by a family member or guardian. This provides an opportunity for children and family members to work together on a fun, artistic project. Applications for the voluntary teaching positions can be filled in at the Art for Change website.
The Woods Project
The Woods Project is a wilderness leadership program that operates out of Houston, Texas. Volunteers lead youth hikes through many of the country's national parks such as Yosemite and Big Bend. Each volunteer project varies in length with some trips lasting two nights and others being at least five nights of camping. Volunteers for the Woods Project must have a good level of fitness and be comfortable working with youths. The ability to lead and teach is essential as the programs are designed to be mentoring programs for youths. Each hiking group has at least two volunteers guiding the trek and one of the volunteers must be wilderness first aid trained. This is a good project to be involved in for those who like being outdoors and involved with youth programs.
Tags: Habitat Humanity, Animal Medical, Animal Medical Center, Medical Center, Woods Project, outreach program, projects offer