Giving your time is the most generous gift that anyone can give.
It’s also essential to many of San Diego County’s causes, and great for developing community. Giving your time is the most generous gift that anyone can give. But where do you begin to find the right opportunity for you?
The easiest way is to connect with what matters to you. There is always some way to give back that’s meaningful to you.
• Animals
• Children
• Political
• Aging
• Environmental
• Educational
• International
When there are major elections, the Registrar of Voters engages over 6,000 volunteers to help facilitate them. They set up polling places and help their fellow citizens exercise their voting rights at one of roughly 1,500 poll sites all across the County.
The County’s Aging and Independence Services recently started a program called Senior Volunteers in Action (SVA) and they are actively recruiting volunteers aged 50+. They have a pressing need for volunteers at Ronald McDonald House, Resounding Joy, San Diego Canyonlands and Chula Vista Garden Club.
Last year over 5,000 people volunteered at one of 30 Library branches throughout the County. There are a range of opportunities available through the libraries such as: Tutoring adult literacy learners, reading to children, helping students with homework, leading book discussion groups, leading exercise classes or craft programs, and serving as Internet docents.
If you are looking Teen-centric volunteer opportunities, consider checking with Teen Giving Clubbased at Canyon Crest Academy. This group of high school students is dedicated to planning fun and exciting events for disadvantaged youth in the San Diego Area.
In addition to building long lasting relationships with the kids they are supporting, they're determined to inspire other teenagers to love volunteering as much as they do. TCG has expanded to several other nearby campuses, including Torrey Pines and Cathedral Catholic.
Volunteers are essential to the YMCA of San Diego County’s cause and to its future as a vital not-for-profit committed to developing community.
With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, Y volunteers support programs, assist with special events, coach, serve on committees or boards, raise funds or serve to make their communities a better place to live.
Volunteer – Provides a directory of environmental volunteer opportunities with organizations such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service.
U.S. Peace Corps – Offers volunteer opportunities overseas and includes a 50 Plus division for older adults.
American Red Cross – Find different ways to volunteer in any of the Red Cross’s key service areas.
Wherever you decide to give your time and talents, there are many organizations that could use your help!
