A Question About Giving Back
Several people have come to us lately asking how they can volunteer or be part of a new Tacoma. We’ve pointed them to non-profits, commissions, and other community groups. Yet, there are so many more organizations in the community than just the ones we know.
How do you, our readers, volunteer or give back to the community? Do you volunteer or work for an organization looking for more people? If so, do you have a story to tell?
If you’re one of those people new to Tacoma or looking for options … maybe there’s something here for you.
Filed under: General
12 comments
S Squid March 17, 2008
For anyone out there who has a regular schedule, the Werlin Reading program is tremendously valuable and personally fulfilling. You work with young kids who are reading below grade level in grades 1-3 but whose difficulties are not a result of learning disabilities. The kids make tremendous progress with their reading mentors, but I guarantee you will get even more out of it.
B beerandhotdogs March 17, 2008
We just go outside with a garbage bag and start picking up trash. No meetings, no sign-ups, and the pay-off is immediate. We do the same when at parks. It amazes me when people toss trash on the ground near a trashcan, and I am amazed even more when people see it and walk around it. Have a little pride and just take care of your surroundings, even if it’s not your private property :)
I intacoma March 17, 2008
I give back so much that I’ve been subpoenaed to show up in court. You could follow my lead and call 911 when you see people doing something they shouldn’t unlike most people who just look the other way.
R RR Anderson March 17, 2008
I was looking at donating my 1998 “Shark Mouth” Mercury Tracer the wheels2work goodwill program, but came to learn the car cannot be over 10 years old.
so now I’m all “Whatever”
E Erik B. March 17, 2008
How do you, our readers, volunteer or give back to the community? Do you volunteer or work for an organization looking for more people?
Going to a neighborhood council meeting is often a good start. Finding out what neighborhood you are actually in is the initial challenge.
H Heather March 17, 2008
I found a list of neighborhood councils (and links) on the City of Tacoma site. My neighborhood meeting is this Wednesday and I’m hoping to attend.
Puget Creek Restoration Society is a great non-profit that always welcomes volunteers. There are many ways to volunteer, both in the office and in the field. An easy start is to show up for 2nd Saturday restoration work. Everyone gathers at 9 a.m. at 3505 North Alder Way. The entrance to Puget Park is half a block away on North Alder Way. There is a PCRS banner to help you find your way. PCRS provides direction, refreshments, work boots, and gloves. Dig in! For more details, check out their informative website: www.pugetcreek.org.
T tressie March 17, 2008
be like me and become a CASA.
Court Appointed Special Advocate! (I’m Special!)www.nationalcasa.org/
Or contact Lin Spellman, volunteer coordinator. Or call Shelly Maluo, Juvenile Court Administrator to volunteer for the Pierce County Juvenile Court Diversion program at
5501 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA.
Information Telephone: 798-7900
Some Juvenile Court Diversion program kids (with supervision – your potential position)
were out to clean up around the Dome District on Saturday …..otherwise known as My Front Yard.
C Clare March 18, 2008
PTAs in schools are always trying to do people-dependent programs and services. From helping with the creation of a school newsletter to popping popcorn, from hanging up artwork to putting library books back onto shelves, the fun never ends. I strongly recommend joining a PTA or helping a PTA do its fabulous work. NO YOU DON’T HAVE TO HAVE A CHILD IN A SCHOOL TO BE IN PTA. ANYONE CAN JOIN AND PARTICIPATE! :o)
S Sarahsnow March 18, 2008
The Humane Society is a great place to volunteer at- walking dogs, bathing dogs and the ocassional kitten, helping potential adopters find their newest family member. Or you can foster- it’s almost kitten season, and they need some kind souls to bring underage kittens, with or without their mother, into their homes until they are old enough to be adopted (2-3 months old). You can also foster adult cats, underage puppies, or adult dogs. Yes it is sad to give them back, but it is worth it!
M morgan March 18, 2008
One Thing
If every resident did just ONE thing to help improve Tacoma, that would be almost 200,000 things. Now, if everyone did just one thing every year or even every month, think about the impact it would have over time!
S Sherry March 18, 2008
One of the most rewarding programs that I know of is the Hilltop Artists. The program is a non-profit that connects with Tacoma students at risk using glass art to give them a skill and success. As posted before here at exit 133, some of their glass art is on view still at the Seymour Conservatory at Wright Park for the next couple of weeks for you to see what they do! They welcome volunteers and support for this program.
http://hilltopartists.org
P.S. There will be a fundraiser- “Glass in the Garden Auction” that will auction off the glass you see at the Conservatory on Saturday, April 19th from 5-8pm. (RSVP info on the website)
J Jeannie Darneille March 23, 2008
Sounds like we all are having a great time volunteering in Tacoma, hence all the “do what I do” entries. So I’ll be “shameless”, too, and plug my great experience as a literacy volunteer at Tacoma Community House. It’s estimated that as many as 15% of adults in our community are illiterate. Imagine your impact on reducing poverty by improving someone’s ability to be successful in employment. Or helping to improve a child’s reading ability by helping a parent to become a teacher. Good stuff. Call Karen at TCH at 383-3951.