Join Raina, Kathleen, and Holly and volunteer in your own community!

Not sure how you might like to volunteer? Why not try something that suits your interests. If you like animals, volunteer to help out at your local animal shelter. Or if books are more your cup of tea, you can consider reading to a children’s group at your local library. There are tons of great ways you can become active and make a difference in your own community. You’ll even have a lot of fun along the way and meet new friends!

Below are some web sites and organizations that can help you get started thinking about ways you’d like to volunteer in your community. For more ideas on volunteering in your community, you should also try talking to a teacher or librarian for tips on where there might be volunteer opportunities.

Help out in your community!

Network for Good: Youth Noise
http://www.networkforgood.youthnoise.com
Youth volunteer network with volunteer stories, tips on how to be heard, and database of current volunteer opportunities.

DoSomething.org
http://www.dosomething.org
Encourages young people to create their own vision for making a difference in their community and provides them with the resources and support needed.

Servenet.org
http://www.servenet.org/
Enter your zip code, city, state, skills, interests, and availability and be matched with organizations needing help.

Habitat for Humanity
http://www.habitat.org

YouthVenture.org
Got a new idea on how to help? Start your own community service!
http://www.youthventure.org/

Idealist.org
http://www.idealist.org/kt/index.html
Learn about nonprofit organizations and find volunteer opportunities, organizations started by kids, and resources to help you get involved in your community.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Learn about this group that puts volunteers together with kids who need mentors.
http://www.bbbsa.org/site/pp.asp?c=iuJ3JgO2F&b=14576

Work with Animals!

Volunteer Information from the ASPCA
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=nyc_volunteer

Humane Society
Tips for Volunteering at Your Local Animal Shelter from the Humane Society
http://www.hsus.org/ace/11811

Help the Environment!

Earthforce
National non-profit youth organization empowers kids to solve local environmental problems.
http://www.earthforce.org

Tree Musketeers
http://www.treemusketeers.org/index.asp
Organization dedicated to empowering young people to lead environmental improvement movements, such as tree-planting programs.

YMCA Earth Service Corps.
A service-learning program for teens ready to make a difference in their communities.
http://www.yesc.org

Tips for Volunteering in State Parks
http://usparks.about.com/