Many people have hectic schedules and often would like to volunteer but feel they do not have the time. We would like to give you a few helpful hints on volunteerism:

1. Volunteerism can be as simple as 1 hour per week or as much as a full summer internship. The key to volunteerism is to commit to yourself that this is something you would like to incorporate into your life, once you focus and commit to it, the time will open up.

2. Where to volunteer? Try to think about where you are in your life. If you have youth in your life, try to volunteer with agencies, projects and organizations that involve youth either in age and interests similar to your own youth or with projects and programs that can easily incorporate the involvement of your youth either as participants or as mentors to other youth involved. Try to apply this to other aspects and interests in your life. Filling out the volunteer form provided will give us a basic idea of the areas you are interested in, knowing a little about other facets that could inhibit you being able to volunteer can help us maybe make a fit that incorporates more of your life's demands. We can change a volunteer opportunity into an inclusive activity rather than a time consuming obstacle.


 

3. Remember volunteerism is truly about reciprocation. Think of areas in which you are interested in volunteering that will give something back to you. If you are interested in public lands, but haven't had time to study it, volunteering with a project, agency or organization that deals with this topic helps you learn something new about your area while assisting them with much needed volunteer work. Smart volunteerism is not only about giving but also about being able to take something with you above and beyond warm fuzzy feelings.

4. Finally, we would like to remind you that volunteerism comes in many different forms; it could be anything from making sandwiches to fundraising to building to research and grant writing. Think about who you are and your comfort level with other people. If you are outgoing you may want a volunteer site that has a lot of direct contact with people. If you are stronger functioning away from people you may want to pursue volunteer opportunities that draw off of other strength such as writing, research, prep-work or board membership. Everyone has something to contribute.

 

Current Featured Agencies

Click the agency for more information

Agency Description Start Date
La Plata County Children, Youth and Family Master Plan Committee work from citizens of La Plata County work on seven action areas identified by the National League of Cities platform for Strengthening Families and Supporting Children and Youth Outcomes as a template. 04/22/08
Growing Partners 12/1/05
Durango Four Corners NOW Volunteer opportunities in outreach and marketing, newletter publication, legislative research and meeting preparation. 09.09.05
San Juan Citizens Alliance Assist this non-profit organization with administrative work, project based work, fundraising and public information sharing. Multitude of volunteer opportunties available.. just give us a call!!! 11/2004
Food Not Bombs FNB is interested in the involvment of any person interested in the pickup and redistribution of food at feeding centers located throughout the Durango, CO. community and Fort Lewis College campus 11/4/2004
Trails 2000- community Volunteers are needed mainly for trail work during spring, summer, and fall. Volunteers must be able to get to trail head, work well with others and have an appreciation for a fun but sometimes labor intensive project. Each person can work at their own pace and for any length of time. Interested volunteers can receive e-mail notices about trail work projects by subscribing to the \"E-List\" via www.trails2000.org Spring-Fall
Alzheimers Association AA Annually we hold a Memory Walk, we would appreciate volunteers and participants for this event. It is usually held in October. We also have ongoing volunteer opportunities throughout the year. If interested please contact us.