Volunteer For A National Organization
Right in Your Own Community
Volunteering is a rewarding way to lend your time in helping the environment and essentially all those around you. There are a countless number of ways to volunteer, and in the process it can get confusing about which opportunity works best for you. When deciding which method will best fit your lifestyle there are several things you should consider:
1. Evaluate What Your Interests Are
Do you want to help animals affected by habitat loss? Do you have a strong opinion about air pollution, recycling, or environmental policies? Decide what peaks your interest!
2. Identify How Much Time You Have
Volunteering is supposed to be fun and rewarding. If you choose a volunteer activity that requires too much or too little of your time, the activity could become something other than a positive experience. Check your schedule to see how often, what days, and how many hours you are willing to commit, be honest with yourself, and share these expectations with the agency or group you will be working with.
3. What Setting Do You Want To Work In?
Identify where you feel most comfortable doing the best work possible. Would you rather do hands on work, such as planting a tree, or planning a fundraiser or advocating for a change in policy? There are so many different ways to get involved, identify a setting that will play to your strengths!
4. Pick The Right Match!
There are many ways to get matched with the right organization. Research organizations that deal with your interests and find opportunities they may have or visit local schools and agencies. Another option is to be matched online, visit Volunteer Match to be set up with a place that works for you!
1. Evaluate What Your Interests Are
Do you want to help animals affected by habitat loss? Do you have a strong opinion about air pollution, recycling, or environmental policies? Decide what peaks your interest!
2. Identify How Much Time You Have
Volunteering is supposed to be fun and rewarding. If you choose a volunteer activity that requires too much or too little of your time, the activity could become something other than a positive experience. Check your schedule to see how often, what days, and how many hours you are willing to commit, be honest with yourself, and share these expectations with the agency or group you will be working with.
3. What Setting Do You Want To Work In?
Identify where you feel most comfortable doing the best work possible. Would you rather do hands on work, such as planting a tree, or planning a fundraiser or advocating for a change in policy? There are so many different ways to get involved, identify a setting that will play to your strengths!
4. Pick The Right Match!
There are many ways to get matched with the right organization. Research organizations that deal with your interests and find opportunities they may have or visit local schools and agencies. Another option is to be matched online, visit Volunteer Match to be set up with a place that works for you!
Farm to School
Did you know that just one hour of volunteer time has a dollar value of over $20 per hour? Giving of your time is one of the best ways to maximize the impact an organization can have on the community and nation. Through volunteering with a local chapter of a national organization, individuals can make a difference. The ‘Farm to School’ program is just one example of many who invite individuals to become involved and see first-hand the difference you are making.
What is Farm to School All About?
Farm to School is broadly defined as a program that connects schools (K-12) and local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing agriculture, health and nutrition education opportunities, and supporting local and regional farmers. Portland Public schools have caught this vision with the delivery of farm direct fruits and vegetables to all elementary and K-8 schools at least once a month from February to June.
Programs also exist within schools such as the Garden of Wonder "outdoor classroom" at Abernathy Elementary school. This program serves as part of an integrated cafeteria/gardening effort where the garden gives students hands-on experience through planting, tending and harvesting. This outdoor experience is enhanced by coordinated math science and social studies classwork. The other half of this integrated program is of course their Scratch Kitchen recently featured on NPR. For a link to the NPR web page regarding Abernethy's Test Kitchen/Garden of Wonders please click HERE.
How Can You Get Involved?
Volunteer opportunities such as grounds maintenance days are hosted throughout the year at Abernathy or you can see what local ‘Farm to School’ programs are in your area by clicking here:
Oregon Farm to School.
What is Farm to School All About?
Farm to School is broadly defined as a program that connects schools (K-12) and local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing agriculture, health and nutrition education opportunities, and supporting local and regional farmers. Portland Public schools have caught this vision with the delivery of farm direct fruits and vegetables to all elementary and K-8 schools at least once a month from February to June.
Programs also exist within schools such as the Garden of Wonder "outdoor classroom" at Abernathy Elementary school. This program serves as part of an integrated cafeteria/gardening effort where the garden gives students hands-on experience through planting, tending and harvesting. This outdoor experience is enhanced by coordinated math science and social studies classwork. The other half of this integrated program is of course their Scratch Kitchen recently featured on NPR. For a link to the NPR web page regarding Abernethy's Test Kitchen/Garden of Wonders please click HERE.
How Can You Get Involved?
Volunteer opportunities such as grounds maintenance days are hosted throughout the year at Abernathy or you can see what local ‘Farm to School’ programs are in your area by clicking here:
Oregon Farm to School.