The Best Way to Volunteer in the Big City

One Brick, headquartered in San Francisco, California, is a non-profit organization that brings volunteers together to support other local non-profits. One Brick currently serves the San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. areas. Organizations that One Brick serves include AIDS Walk, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, Bay Area Discovery Museum, Bay Area SCORES, Brooklyn Bridge Park Coalition, California Shakespeare Festival, Career Gear, Central Park Conservancy, Children's Aid Society, Children's Health Council, Children's Hope Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Manhattan Theatre Club, March of Dimes, Parkinson's Unity Walk, Partnership for the Homeless, Second Harvest Food Bank, Trips for Kids, Waterkeepers, Youth at Risk, and many more. One Brick focuses on creating a friendly atmosphere around volunteering. After most volunteer events, which usually last 3 to 4 hours, volunteers are invited to gather at a local restaurant or café, where they can share experiences and get to know one another.

Another great aspect of One Brick is the commitment-free volunteering, which lets you choose when you want to volunteer and for what activity, all of which are varied and offer different opportunities. You can be involved and impact your community as a volunteer without make any long-term commitments. Another plus is that after joining One Brick, you will receive via email a monthly calendar that lists all organizations in need of volunteers and a clear description of the activity, including time and place, the exact tasks you will be expected to perform, what to wear, and the length of time the event will last. You can sign up for the event online and receive notices reminding you of the event as it approaches.

The volunteer opportunities that One Brick offers vary immensely and allow you to experience a wide array of activities. Available opportunities include preparing and serving food in soup kitchens, ushering at non-profit theaters, cleaning up city parks, helping at non-profit fund-raising events, and much more. Times vary, so regardless of when you are available, you will find an event for which you can volunteer - days, evenings, weekdays, or weekends. Each opportunity is well organized, with volunteers led by a team leader for each event. Canceling for an event you have signed up for is hassle-free. All they ask is that you let them know ahead of time so they can fill your
slot - no questions asked.

I have volunteered for One Brick for more than a year now, and I love the flexibility that enables me to help when I can. If you want to lend a helping hand now and then, check out their site and get on the list for your area. You won't be disappointed. Remember, we can help build our communities one brick at a time.