Getting Involved

Getting Involved Page

Upcoming EDAF Events

Watch this page for a calendar of upcoming events. Organizations who are sponsoring events should contact us in order to be in our future listings.

Project Warmth Concerts are being set for the 2010-2011 season. Check back soon for details.

A convenient way to locate a charity to help is through the nonprofit group Idealist, who publishes an online database of agencies, resources and charity-related information. No matter where your interests lie in the volunteer field, there are plenty of opportunities to truly make a difference..

Why Volunteer?

As human beings living in a structured civilization, everything we do touches the lives of those around us. Just as dropping a pebble in a calm pool results in a succession of expanding ripples, even the simplest act — such as a smile — may reverberate in ways you could not expect. Each day we have the power to choose to make our world better by lending a hand to others and our environment. In this way, we ourselves can fulfill the role of being angels to one another.

Volunteerism is a great communal tradition that has produced a wealth of charitable organizations throughout the world and improved lives for millions. Many volunteers have found it a wonderful and valuable experience to offer their time and energy to those in need. From helping at foodbanks, to giving blood, to cleaning a beach, volunteerism is a wonderful way to make a difference. Not only does it benefit those in need, it builds your confidence and connects you with the world in which you live. No act of kindness is too small, so even if you only have a little time, consider the impact you can make.

The first step of any journey is likely the hardest, so here are some ideas to start with, and a list of agencies and groups that need volunteers or provide support in many areas.

Suggestions for Community Service and Activities You Can Participate In

There are many ways you can make a difference in your own local community, whether you have an hour or a day to share. While there are many volunteers, there always seems to be more work than hands to get it done!

Help your local food bank by sorting at their warehouse, collecting food items or making donations of food items or money.
Recycle! We are burying ourselves in our own waste. Call your city offices and ask how the local program works, and start participating now. If there is no program in place, lobby for one.
Contact your local hospital and volunteer for programs where you can read to a child or elderly patient, or help out with other jobs.
Donate "personal care" packages to any abuse shelters in your area. Many of those sheltered at these facilities would benefit from the simplest (and fairly inexpensive) items, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and hair care products.
Donate blood regularly — the life you save could one day be your own!
Join a "Meals on Wheels" type program, and help prepare or deliver food.
Help at a local day camp or child care facility — perhaps at one that is for exceptional children with learning disabilities.
Collect books and other learning materials for donation to your local school system, library or adult learning center.
Volunteer with a resource "hotline". Many exist, servicing areas such as substance abuse and crime intervention, and provide training to the phone volunteers, who refer the callers to appropriate agencies.
Clean up and improve your local playground.

Improve the World Through Simple, Everyday Consideration of Others

It doesn't take a very significant gesture to make — or break — someone's day. Follow the golden rule of treating others how you would like to be treated. Better yet, how you would like your friends, family and other loved ones to be treated!

Useful Web Links for Resources and Agencies

A list of volunteer organizations to get you started, as well as sites to help you protect your children from age-inappropriate web content.

Cyber Giving

There are many ways to make a difference online from the comfort of your web browser. GreaterGood.com arranges for donations of up to 15% of your shopping purchases at select online retailers. And, if you can spare a mouse click or two a day, you can also easily donate food, save rainforest land or improve health around the world — for free.

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