Disclaimer: I think the University of Illinois is the best school in the nation. And, I’m def saying that because I went there For all of my Illinois alumni, the University is asking students and alum to show our orange and blue pride by volunteering during the weekend of October 2-4. Even if you aren’t on campus, there are plenty of volunteer opps available. All you have to do is visit www.uiaa.org/ihelp and learn about [...]
Volunteer Opps
For all of you who want to add some meaningful service to your vacation, the Ritz-Carlton is going to give you a (swanky) hand with that. The Ritz-Carlton Give Back Getaways volunteer program allows guests to serve alongside R-C employees as they support local programs and initiatives. Not only will guests get to lend their time, but the Ritz will donate the profits of each excursion to the sponsoring organization. Here are some of the [...]
I’ve been wanting to put together a volunteer outing for a loooong time, and finally decided “Why not now?” SO, on August 8th, I’m asking for peeps to join me at The Bottomless Closet (445 N. Wells) from 8:30a-12p to volunteer at their monthly intake. Here’s how it works: People drop off clothing and we receive it and help sort it out. Doesn’t sound too bad, right? And, to top it off, we’re going to [...]
This weekend during the Taste of River North, I’ll be volunteering inside the tent with supporters/staff of the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. On Sunday afternoon, I’ll be manning the booth while helping to raise awareness about the the strength of pediatric cancer fighters, sell raffle tickets and (of course) have some fun! It’s supposed to be sunny and in the low- to mid-70s this week, so if you’re looking to sprinkle some service in [...]
Happy Wednesday! Here are a couple great Chicago service opportunities that I’ve come across! 7/11: From 10:45-2p, be part of an unique grocery shopping experience! Vital Bridges runs four grocery centers across Chicago that cater to the specific dietary needs of people living with HIV. Clients fill out their grocery menu and you shop the food pantry for the items. For the details, click here. 7/25-7/27: If you speak fluent Spanish and have great communication [...]
Most of us volunteer just for the sake of giving back to our communities. However, that doesn’t mean that we wouldn’t also enjoy a “tangible” reward. Well, how about this? When you volunteer for eight hours with a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, you qualify for either a complimentary night stay or 50% discount on hotel rooms at Sage hotels nationwide. Once you’ve completed your service, contact the hotel nearest you to use the “Give a Day, [...]
In keeping right along with my “Summer of Service” theme, here’s an opportunity to help prepare teenagers and young adults for career opportunities. Jobs for Youth is a Chicago nonprofit that provides workshops and development opportunities at no cost to participants. This summer, JFY has plenty of opportunities for volunteers to assist students with mock interviews and one-on-one workshops, such as Resume Writing. Volunteers can get trained to teach classroom workshops on networking and internet [...]
Hey, guys…I’m a day behind with the service opps, but here you go! Have fun Sat, 6/27: Head on over to Humboldt Park to help plant, weed, water, and organize the Campbell community garden from 10a-12p! Click here for details! Sat, 6/27: South Siders, come on out to Jackson Park and help cut brush, seed, and plant native species in Bobolink Meadow and Woods and on Wooded Island from 10a-1p! Click here for details! If [...]
First Lady Michelle Obama attended the National Conference on Volunteering and Service in San Francisco yesterday to speak to attendees and encourage them to remain active in their communities. In addition, her keynote marked the official rollout of the “United We Serve” campaign, a summerlong initiative promoting community service. You can read more about the initiative in my Examiner article. Here’s a video of the First Lady discussing “United We Serve.” [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZaBHgj6jYE] -kb
At the beginning of the month, I promised that I would post some great summer volunteer opportunities for those of you who want to give back while enjoying the weather! Well, here you go! Check out a few upcoming opportunities! Wed, 6/17: Participate and supervise middle school students at Bontemps School (1241 W. 58th) for an afternoon of sports and outdoor activities, including soccer, basketball, volleyball and kickball. Click here for details! Sat, 6/20: Plant [...]
