If you are looking to volunteer as an individual, whether for a long term or one-time opportunity, a great place to start is the Volunteer Center of Greater Kalamazoo. To start looking for the right volunteering opportunity, follow this link and click on the “get involved” button on the upper right hand corner.
If you are looking to find a volunteer opportunity for a RSO or any student group, contact Kate Bates directly and she will assist you with finding a good match.
Check out the WMU Office of Service-Learning. They can assist you with identifying service-learning courses, finding or developing service-learning opportunities, and coaching for service-related leadership. The office also offers support for collaborations among students, faculty, and community partners, as well as providing reflection to help you frame your experiences.
Midwest International Games
When: Saturday May 25, 2013
Time: 10:00a-10:00p (volunteer shifts will be available)
Where: Volunteers will meet at the Rec Center
Volunteer Project: Volunteers are needed to assist with the Midwest International Games, an event which has 1, 000-1, 500 participants. Training, t-shirts, and food will be provided to volunteers.
To sign up to volunteer or with questions contact: Kelvin Yap , kelvin.yapjiawye@wmich.edu
Rolling Thunder Marching Band
Contact: David Smith, 269.349.8152, david.s.smith@wmich.edu
Date: Saturday, June 8, 10:30-12:30p
Where: Volunteers will meet in the parking lot of the Pfizer Building where line-up begins
Volunteer Projects: Volunteers are needed to assist with pushing handicap members of the Rolling Thunder Marching Band within the Kalamazoo Do Dah Parade. More information on the parade can be found at: http://www.downtownkalamazoo.org/Visit/Events/Do-Dah-Parade.aspx
Community Impact Measurement Project
Contact: Ashanti Walker (WMU Intern)
When: Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services
Time: 3-4 hour time periods, with multiple volunteer dates available beginning Saturday June 1, 2013 (please contact Ashanti for exact dates & times)
Where: 802 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI
Volunteer Project: Volunteers are needed to assist with the Community Impact Measurement Project. Volunteers will help pass out and answer any questions regarding the survey within the east Kalamazoo neighborhoods. Training on the survey will be provided. Transportation to pass out the survey will be provided. More information can be found at http://knhs.org/eastsideresidentsurvey/
With questions to sign up or volunteer contact: Ashanti Walker, 269-364-2537; ashanti@knhs.org
Volunteers are needed to enhance the customer experience for Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. We have openings for weekdays, weekends and evenings. We are requesting a once a week 31/2 to 41/2 hour commitment for the duration of the exhibit. We need volunteers to commit to a specific volunteer opportunity, one specific day of the week, and one specific shift.
SUNDAYS:
At the entrance of the exhibit checking ticket & distributing boarding passes – 11:45AM to 4:15PM
Crowd Control Greeter in lobby directing customers - 12:30PM to 3:30PM
MONDAY, TUESDAY,THURSDAY & FRIDAY, SATURDAY:
At the entrance of the exhibit checking tickets & distributing boarding passes – 8:45AM to 12:00PM
TUESDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY:
At the entrance of the exhibit checking ticket & distributing boarding passes - 11:45AM to 4:15PM
SATURDAYS:
Crowd Control Greeter in lobby directing customers – 12:30PM to
3:30PM
EVENINGS :
5PM to 9PM – selected dates each month
In exhibit & at entrance
For additional information or to sign up contact Joyce Makinen, Volunteer Manager, 929-1753 or jmakinen@gr museum.org
Big Truck Event
Contact: Ray Waurio
When: Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Time: 9:00a set up. Program: 10:00s-12:00p
Where: Portage Public Library, Portage MI
Volunteer Project: This event is an opportunity for children to see and touch large equipment from the City of Portage, Kalamazoo County Road Commission.
With questions or to sign up to volunteer contact: Ray Waurio, 269-329-4430, waurior@portagemi.gov
Senior Services
Contact: Renee Huff
When: As soon as possible
Time: 4 hours in the afternoon, preferably Monday, Thursday or Friday
Where: 918 Jasper St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Volunteer Project: Senior Services is in needed of administrative assistance. Volunteers will help creating office clinic packets, do copying and other related office work.
For more information and to sign up to volunteer contact: Renee Huff at 269.382.0515, ex. 102.
Washington Square Co-Op Apartments
Contact: Karen Baker, Service Coordinator at Washington Square Co-op
When: As soon as possible, anytime throughout the week
Time: 1-3 hours per week
Where: 710 Collins St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Volunteer Projects: A volunteer is needed to help a disabled elderly female resident organize her apartment, to help organize and clear of excess things to place into a storage unit.
For more information and to sign up to volunteer contact: Karen Baker 269.343.8870; kbaker@hannan.org
This May the Kalamazoo Humane Society will be hosting our 29th Annual Dog Walk. This is our major annual fundraiser. It puts the “fun” in fundraising! We have many volunteer opportunities available for individuals or groups. The Walk is held the first Saturday in May, this year it is May 4th, at Prairie View Park in Vicksburg. This event draws over 1000 registered walkers and 2000+ dogs! In addition to the 2 mile walk, there are also pet photos, raffles, a children’s area, pet adoption areas, education booths and exciting dog competitive events. Volunteers are scheduled for a two or three hour shifts in a variety of areas (Doggie Dash Obstacle Course, Raffle Tent, Children’s Tent, or Greeters! You are invited to spend the rest of the day, before or after your shift, to enjoy the event. Lunch is included with your volunteering also. Volunteers are also needed on Friday, May 3rd for set-up.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of this event, and present a great opportunity for groups and organizations to volunteer. We would appreciate your help in making this year’s Dog Walk a great success. If you and your group would be interested in volunteering for our annual Dog Walk, on May 4th, please contact me at gtaylor@kazoohumane.org.
Kalamazoo in Bloom Volunteers
Kalamazoo in Bloom’s planting day in Bronson Park is Thursday, May 23 from 9am-1pm. All volunteers get a shirt and pizza lunch; gardening supplies and water are provided. No gardening experience necessary! If you are interested please contact Monika Trahe at director@kalamazooinbloom.org
Blood Drive Volunteers
Michigan Blood is looking for volunteers to help at blood drives in the Kalamazoo area, as well as surrounding counties. Volunteers trained in the Post-Donation Station are responsible for socializing with donors, observing donors for reactions, and offering fluids and other refreshments after the donation process. We do ask donors to remain in the Post Donation Station for a period of time after their donation, in which the volunteer will be available to serve refreshments and offer conversation.
Any time you can give is extremely appreciated. You can volunteer as often or as little as you want. This opportunity is perfect for those in college, retired, and those working who want to be more involved in their community. No experience is necessary, just a friendly, dependable, and caring attitude, and a willingness to travel to blood drives. Training is provided by Michigan Blood. Please contact Terri Drafta, Volunteer Services Coordinator at (269)585-3761 or tdrafta@miblood.org
Skilled in home repair? Want to make a difference in your community? Help educate and empower low-income homeowners by sharing your professional knowledge and skills in one of Community Homeworks’ home repair and maintenance workshops.
Skills/Requirements:
Instructors must have legitimate experience in home maintenance and repair to ensure the safety and quality of workshops. The Community Homeworks Education Coordinator will accompany instructors and provide all teaching props, curriculum, and handouts. This is a simple way to share your unique skills with others!
Hours: Generally- Tuesday or Wednesday, 6-8pm
Location: Community Homeworks Education Center
Trinity Lutheran Church
504 S. Westnedge Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Community Homeworks equips low and very low-income homeowners with skills, resources, and financial assistance to empower them to maintain their property, build equity and engage with their communities through mentorships and collaborations to build healthy neighborhoods.
For more information, contact Josh Kieser or Linda Digby:
(269)-998-3275, ext.204
education@communityhomeworks.org
Community Homeworks needs volunteer assistance to construct props and prop platforms, to be used for our weekly home maintenance and repair workshops. Come play a crucial part in teaching low-income families how to be self sufficient in home repair!
Construction projects may include: Building storage shelves, securing appliances like water heaters and toilets onto rolling dollies, adjusting appliances to fit needs, framing a display window, and creating classroom displays.
Skills/Requirements:
Hours: Project dependent – Ideally 1-3hrs/Two weeks
Location: Community Homeworks Education Center
Trinity Lutheran Church
504 S. Westnedge Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Community Homeworks equips low and very low-income homeowners with skills, resources, and financial assistance to empower them to maintain their property, build equity and engage with their communities through mentorships and collaborations to build healthy neighborhoods.
For more information, contact Josh Kieser or Linda Digby:
(269)-998-3275, ext.204
education@communityhomeworks.org
Grace Hospice Volunteers
Grace Hospice is seeking compassionate individuals who are willing to provide companionship and support to our patients and their family members. Volunteers are a vital part of our hospice team because family members often become overwhelmed and need the assistance that our volunteers can offer. Grace Hospice Volunteers also provide friendly visit to our patients, and offer them additional companionship and solace during a time when they it the most. We are looking for volunteers to help us with the following tasks:
• Companionship
• Support for the caregiver
• Running errands for the patient/caregiver
• Administrative (office) Support
Volunteers need to be 18 years or older and have reliable transportation. We provide free training for those interested! Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at Grace Hospice for the Greater Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan area by calling 888-937-4390 or by e-mail: kbrintnall@ghospice.com.
Kal-Haven Trail Run
The Kal-Haven Trail Run is being held on March 23, 2013 and is looking for volunteers in a variety of roles. Click on this link to find out more: http://kalhaventrailrun.wordpress.com/volunteers/