Our local communities desperately need volunteers. Read about some new opportunities. You can sign up for them and learn about local agencies all through a free service available to you as a member of the BC community.
More Information:
As we continue to move towards this new normal, local non-profits, faith-based agencies, advocacy groups, and government offices can use a lot of help. Volunteering is a great way to learn about your community while making an impact. You can give your time, your expertise, your efforts, and your passion to making your community a better place.
The RISE Learning Institute partners with nearly 200 local non-profit and government agencies from North Shore to North Bend, from Maple Valley to Pioneer Square, many of which have volunteer opportunities available to you. Some are in-person, and others virtual. Some require long and deep commitments, and others occur once. Below are some examples of upcoming and urgent opportunities:
21 Acres: “Work alongside knowledgeable 21 Acres staff on a variety of seasonal restoration and farm projects that build soil health and climate resilience. Your help supports local food systems by increasing farm productivity; building habitat for animals, birds, and insects; decreasing stormwater runoff; and storing carbon.” Learn more and express interest.
Real Change: “Real Change is an award-winning weekly newspaper that provides immediate employment opportunities to homeless and low-income people. If you’re interested in working directly with Real Change newspaper vendors, we would love to have you volunteer at our Sales Desk!” Learn more and express interest.
Bellevue Police Department: “Do you like helping others? Do you have good writing skills? Do you know how to handle stressful situations in a calm, sympathetic manner? Are you able to interact with others professionally? Do you enjoy doing research? Are you able to solve problems and motivate others? If yes, consider being a Volunteer Crime Victim Assistance Attendant!” Learn more and express interest.
Seattle Humane: “Tuxes & Tails is a festive and fun evening featuring cuddly pets of all shapes and sizes! Guests are invited to be part of Seattle Humane’s bright future as we expand our programs to support pets and the people who love them. We’re seeking volunteers to assist with preparations in the week leading up to the event.” Learn more and express interest.
These are just a few of many volunteer opportunities listed in BC’s online volunteer portal, BC in the Community. This portal is free for anyone at the college, and registration is very quick (start with “LOGIN” at the top!). Once in, you can learn about the many community organizations we partner with, see more volunteer opportunities, log hours after you volunteer, create a volunteer resume, and earn digital badges. Volunteering builds lifelong skills, exposes you to different communities and identities, and looks great in a resume!
The RISE Learning Institute has some short user guides and instructional videos to help you make the most of your visit to BC in the Community. Additionally, if you would like to talk with someone at the RISE Learning Institute about how to find the right opportunity for your interests and location, how to build your volunteer experience into your resume or LinkedIn, and/or how else you can make an impact on your community, shoot us an email.
Organizations need your help. We hope that you find a way to head out into your communities and make a difference.
Last Updated March 16, 2023