NohoJobs.com: Volunteer Opportunities in Northampton, MA and Neighboring Towns

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SOJOURNER TRUTH MEMORIAL STATUE COMMITTEE
Our mission is celebrating and furthering the historical legacy of
Sojourner Truth and other abolitionists living in Florence in the 1840-
1860’s in connection with the utopian community, the Northampton
Association of Education and Industry. (See our web site:
www.sojournertruthmemorial.org). Projects include: upkeep of
Sojourner Truth Statue and Memorial Park (located at corner of Pine
and Park Streets, Florence Center); planning and working at the
Annual Community-wide Celebration in May; raising funds and
selecting graduating high school senior recipients of our Scholarship
for Social Justice; assisting with the African American Heritage Trail -
Florence 1840-1860 led by local historian, Steve Strimer; working
with the Curriculum Development Committee (offerings for elementary
through high school teachers). Volunteers are welcome but not
required to attend regular meetings on last Tuesday evening of the
month. Independent volunteer tasks might include assistance with
publicity, planning for May event or fundraising. Contact Committee
Chair, Carol Rinehart, 413-587-0743 or e-mail:
renick.rinehart@comcast.net.

PARENT AIDE
Do something meaningful! Become a Volunteer Parent Aide and
reach out to Hampshire County parents looking for support. By
volunteering three to five hours per week, you can make a difference
in the life of a family. If you are caring, non-judgmental and a good
listener, then you can be a Parent Aide. The spring training group is
forming now. Call Katarina at Berkshire Children and Families at
(413) 584-5690 ext. 140 or knoyes@bcfcma.org.

CASA LATINA
Casa Latina, a Northampton-based cultural and community education
center committed to the empowerment of Latinos throughout
Massachusetts, seeks fluent Spanish-speaking volunteers to assist
with special events and ongoing translation needs. For more
information, please contact Lillian Torres or Eneida Garcia at
586-1569.

BEST BUDDIES MASSACHUSETTS
The Best Buddies Citizens Program pairs adult individuals with
intellectual disabilities in casual, one-to-one friendships with adult
volunteers from their communities. We match people who are the
same gender, have common interests, live close in proximity, and are
of similar ages. The Buddy Pairs commit to keeping in touch by
phone or email once a week, and to spending time together twice a
month.

Once you are matched with a Buddy, how the two of you spend time
together is entirely up to you – from meeting for lunch or dinner to
visiting a local museum, from kayaking on the Connecticut River to
attending a play – the possibilities are endless!

All too often, people with intellectual disabilities lack opportunities for
meaningful and enduring friendships. The Best Buddies Citizens
Program works to change this scenario, while at the same time
promoting a community of inclusion, in which no one is cast aside
because they are different. Many of the friendships that begin as
Buddy Pairs last a lifetime, and all participants are encouraged to
become more understanding, patient, and accepting of others.

No special skills required – only the desire to make a new friend.

For additional information, or to request an application, please contact
Matthew Andrews, Citizens Program Manager, at (413)420-0114 or
MatthewAndrews@bestbuddies.org. You can also check out our
website at www.bestbuddiesmassachusetts.org.

EDUCATIONAL SURROGATE PARENT PROGRAM
Volunteer to make a difference in the life of a child. A child with
special educational needs in the custody of the MA Department of
Social Services needs you to become an important member of their
education team! The Educational Surrogate Parent Program (ESPP)
seeks volunteers to act as educational decision-makers for students
whose parents are unknown or unavailable. Volunteers with the ESP
Program provide a strong voice of advocacy for students to ensure
that they receive the educational supports they are entitled to and
deserve. ESP Volunteers will meet and observe the student at
school; review all school records; attend school meetings concerning
the child; approve an Individual Education Program (IEP) and monitor
the child's placement. Volunteers with the ESP Program spend
10-20 hours per year supporting the rights of students. Volunteers
receive ongoing support from program staff, have access to
professional assistance and optional workshops and training
programs. Please call 508-792-7679 or visit www.espprogram.org for
more information.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD LEAGUE OF MASSACHUSETTS
Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts is currently accepting
applications for a variety of volunteer positions at our Springfield site.
Volunteers are involved in every facet of PPLM’s work, from
advocating for reproductive rights and helping with administrative
tasks, to assisting in our health centers and providing direct services
to our clients. Commitment to PPLM’s mission is a must, and any
necessary training will be provided. For more information and a
volunteer application go to www.pplm.org/Help/pplm5.html. For any
questions, e-mail: volunteer_information@pplm.org or call
413-732-1620 x 1645.

Open positions include:

Outreach Volunteer
Work with Public Affairs staff to distribute information about Planned
Parenthood's services, promote safer sex practices, and rally support
for pro-choice legislation by tabling at events such as concerts,
college fairs, festivals, etc., and assisting in other forms of community
outreach. Very flexible scheduling, varies by event and needs.

Tuesday Night Volunteer
Assist various PPLM departments with projects such as making
packets, mailings, phone banking, designing posters, and other
special projects. Snacks are provided for this fun and relaxed
evening. The session runs from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday
evenings, though you can arrive and leave whenever you’d like.
No minimum time commitment.

Recovery Room Assistant
Assist nurses and medical assistants in the care of patients
recovering from their surgical procedure. Applicant must be pro-
choice, gentle, and caring. Must have a level of professionalism and
maturity that is appropriate in sensitive situations. Shifts are 9:30
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

LINDA MANOR EXTENDED CARE FACILITY
Linda Manor Extended Care Facility in Leeds is currently searching
for volunteers for our Saturday programs:

9:30 - 11:00 a.m. -- Coffee/Tea Social
- Help escort residents to activity room
- Pass out snacks and coffee/tea
- Escort residents back to rooms
- Help pick up activity room following social
- Wipe down tables and set up for afternoon bingo game

1:30 - 3:30 p.m. -- Bingo
- Set up bingo cards
- Assist residents to Bingo
- Escort back to rooms
- Pick up bingo cards and chips

Contact person: Rita Mello, Activity Director at 586-7700 x.13.

AMHERST SURVIVAL CENTER
The Amherst Survival Center is always looking for volunteers to sort
clothing, prepare lunch, pick up food donations, enter data, assist
with the regularly scheduled jobs, or help with an unexpected need.
People with computer proficiency, fundraising, and/or carpentry
knowledge are especially needed. Are you interested in helping out?
We want to hear from you. To talk about volunteering individually or
with your group, please contact Tracey at 549-3968, ext. 202 or via
e-mail: tracey@amherstsurvival.org. For more information about the
Center, please visit our website at
www.people.umass.edu/support/asc/index.html.

PRISON BOOK PROJECT
Prison Book Project is a volunteer collective working to send free
reading materials to men and women incarcerated in New England
and Texas. We receive hundreds of letters every week from
prisoners. Volunteers are needed every Sunday to read letters,
match their request with books and send packages. We meet every
Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Our office is located at the North
Hadley Congregational Church, 243 River Drive (Route 47 between
Route 9 and Sunderland, near the sugar shack), North Hadley.
For more information: www.prisonbooks.org,
prisonbookproject@riseup.net, or (413)584-8975 ext. 208.

THE HITCHCOCK CENTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
The Hitchcock Center for the Environment is an independent nonprofit
environmental education center serving over 6,000 people a year.
Located one mile south of the Amherst Common, we offer many ways
for volunteers to help out, from greeting people and answering phones,
to helping teachers prepare craft materials, writing press releases,
working in the gardens, trail maintenance, and all sorts of
independent projects. If you have a few hours a week and would like
to work in a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, and if you enjoy the
environment and are comfortable around both children and adults, call
us: 413-256-6006. The Hitchcock Center for the Environment is
located at 525 S. Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002. For more
information, please visit our website at www.hitchcockcenter.org or
e-mail us at hcenter@crocker.com.

HAMPSHIRE CARE NURSING HOME
Skilled nursing facility in Leeds seeks volunteers to visit their elderly
residents for conversation, assistance with reading and/or writing of
letters, and general companionship. Time commitment is very
flexible. For more information or to volunteer, please contact (or leave
a message for) Bonnie at 413-584-8457, x. 117.

SHELBURNE FALLS TROLLEY MUSEUM
Volunteers needed at Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum. Learn to
operate our 110-year-old electric trolley car and take visitors back in
time as you tell about life in Franklin County back when the Bridge of
Flowers was a trolley bridge. We need motor-people and conductors
(we will train you, it is easy) from May to October, weekends, and
Mondays in July and August. Can you donate one day a month? We
also need ticket/gift sellers, track and yard workers, painters,
carpenters, general repairs and cleanup. See www.sftm.org for more
details on the museum. Call Sam Bartlett at 413-624-0192 or e-mail
trolley@sftm.org.

MAB COMMUNITY SERVICES
MAB Community Services is dedicated to working with individuals
who are blind or have loss of vision to eliminate barriers and create
opportunities. We are looking for volunteers to help blind and visually
impaired individuals in Western Massachusetts maintain their
independence by giving of your time and talents. You can be of
service in any of the following ways: as a driver, shopping escort,
friendly visitor and/or clerical aide. A desire to help with sighted tasks
such as reading, clerical tasks, and/or driving for errands is required;
some time and a car would be just perfect. For information about
volunteering, please contact Carolyn Caliri at (413)734-7343 or
ccaliri@mabcommunity.org. For more information about MAB
Community Services and some of our other programs, please visit our
website: www.mablind.org.

AAMP: ADOLESCENT ADVOCACY MENTORING PROJECT
Helping Teens in Foster Care Transition to Adulthood

The Franklin/Hampshire Adolescent Advocacy Mentoring Project is
seeking volunteers for its fall training program. Volunteers will be
appropriately matched with a young person who is expected to age
out of the foster care system.

In Hampshire and Franklin counties, scores of adolescents are forced
to enter into the long-term care of the Department of Social Services
because they either have no family to help and support them or their
families are unable or unwilling to do so. Without ongoing support
and guidance, youth who “age-out” of the child welfare system are at
increased risk of homelessness, incarceration, and unemployment.

AAMP is designed to foster a young person’s positive transition to
independence by providing a long-term, structured, supportive one-on-
one relationship between an adult and an adolescent in the custody of
the Department of Social Services who has no identified family to aid
them. The volunteer mentor will serve a vital role in helping a young
person develop important life skills such as conflict resolution, social
skills and job readiness.

Mentors are required to submit a written application, several
references, participate in a formal interview, and agree to a records
check. A pre-service training is required of all volunteers.
Additionally, volunteers will receive ongoing support and supervision.
Interested adults over 21 years of age should call the AAMP office at
413-586-0011 for more information. Please visit our website
at www.friends-of-children.org.

THE ACT COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
The ACT Community Service Center is a volunteer database that
serves Hampshire and Franklin Counties, and the North Quabbin,
connecting volunteers seeking to serve and local organizations
seeking volunteers. To post opportunities for your organization or to
find opportunities if you are a volunteer, please visit
http://act.dialself.org. If you cannot find what you're looking for, we
are happy to help you find a good fit for your volunteering. We also
host a monthly Volunteer Coordinator's Network meeting in which we
discuss volunteer issues and share ideas. Contact Karen at
413-641-0023 x1 or khakala@dialself.org for more information.

TOUCHSTONE FARM & YOGA CENTER
We are a small yoga, dance centre and organic farm (5 acres)
near Northampton, Western Mass, offering sacred dance twice a
week and a yoga class once a week as well as different events, and
growing organic foods, herbs and flowers which we sell on a local
farmer's market. We are looking for people who are interested in
helping out 20 - 25 hours a week with gardening and caretaking of our
farm, going to farmer's market, learning to make bouquets and other
farm works, carpentry work, building a solar greenhouse, and making
herbal products for the market like teas and tinctures. In addition, we
are open to any projects you feel inspired about, like building
underground shelter, permaculture garden, etc. As an exchange, we
offer a simple place to live and foods for a mostly vegan diet, and all
the offerings of the farm are included: hot tub and sauna, dance,
yoga. You can find us under www.sacredcircles.com. We look for
help between May and October.

CENTER FOR NEW AMERICANS
CNA is a non-profit educational organization offering free English
classes and basic computer skills classes for adult immigrants,
refugees and migrant workers. Volunteers are needed to work
one-on-one with learners as English tutors. We have volunteer
opportunities in the Northampton, Amherst and Greenfield areas.
2 hours a week is requested, and a 6-month commitment. Training
is required and workshops are held several times a year. For more
information and an application, please call Peg Thibbitts, Volunteer
Coordinator, at (413)587-0084, or e-mail to info@cnam.org.

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY INTERFAITH SHELTER
Overnight volunteers wanted at the Hampshire County Interfaith
Shelter, 43 Center Street, Northampton. One night a month from 9:00
p.m. to 7:00 a.m. assisting the ServiceNet professional on staff.
Duties include emptying the dishwasher, socializing with guests,
organizing the breakfast. Sleep in your own room with futon, up at
5:45 to help with breakfast, leave at 7:00 a.m. For more information,
call Anne Benedict, Coordinator at 268-7872 or e-mail:
abene@comcast.net.

AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE
Western Massachusetts American Friends Service Committee
(AFSC) is a long-standing peace and justice organization involved
locally, nationally, and globally. Programs range from counter-military
recruitment to prison reform to “Books Building Bridges” between
Iraqis and Americans. AFSC is dependent on volunteers. Our work
is enriched by people of different ages, ethnicities, classes,
orientations, and abilities. Jobs and hours are flexible, and we
encourage each applicant to bring her or his passion. For further
information check our website, www.WesternMassAFSC.org, or call
413-584-8975.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Growing up, were there people in your life who encouraged you,
showed you the ropes, and helped you become the person you are
today? Think about family members, a teacher or coach, a neighbor,
a boss, or family friend; those people were mentors to you. Most
successful people say they had mentors along the way who guided
and encouraged them. So, who mentored you? Think about
individuals in your own life who offered you encouragement, shared
their experiences and knowledge, and sometimes just listened when
you needed to talk. Who Mentored You? Thank Them, and Pass it
On...Mentor a Child! Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County is
seeking mentors for the 150 children on our waiting list ages 6-16.
We especially need male mentors in Northampton & Easthampton.
Don't hesitate. Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters today:
413-253-2591; www.bbbshampshirecounty.org.

THE RESTORE HOME IMPROVEMENT CENTER
The ReStore Home Improvement Center is a non-profit organization
whose mission is to reuse valuable materials, make home
improvement affordable for more people, and create local jobs and
provide job training. The non-profit ReStore accepts tax-deductible
donations of quality used cabinets, doors, windows and more. The
ReStore then sells those items at low cost to the community.
Anyone can shop at the ReStore. The ReStore is looking for
energetic volunteers to help realize this mission. Volunteer
opportunities include data entry, flyering, and making outreach calls
to potential donors. Time commitment is flexible. You can work from
home or come to our office in Springfield. For more information
contact John Grossman at 413-788-6900 or johng@cetonline.org.
Check out our website: www.restoreonline.org.

NORTHERN HILLTOWN CARING COMMUNITY
Northern Hilltown Caring Community is looking for volunteers (some
paid) to assist senior citizens and their caregivers living in our towns
to live, work, and spend quality time within their own communities and
living situations. We match elder needs with community members to
provide needed services such as grocery shopping, leaf raking, snow
plowing, medical exams, companion care, legal advice, visitation etc.
in nursing homes or supported housing, handyman services, respite
and care giver support. The list goes on and on... If you live in or
near: Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Plainfield, Westhampton,
Williamsburg or Worthington, MA, and are willing to help a senior
neighbor to continue to live as independently as possible, please call
Jeanne at 413-743-2035 or Jami at 413-665-9675. Seniors Welcome
to Apply. Thanks for Caring!

REMINERALIZE THE EARTH
Towards a Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, and Climate

Remineralize the Earth promotes the regeneration of soils and forests
worldwide with finely ground rock dust as an economically and
ecologically sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers and
pesticides, creating fertile soils much as the Earth does. Not only do
we need to recycle and return all of the mineral nutrients which create
fertile soils and healthy crops and forests. Generously undertaking
the task of remineralization is essential to restore ecological balance
and stabilize the climate. Come help us mount a ‘We Want Real
Food’ campaign and promote remineralization for carbon
sequestration. For more information, please have a look at our
website.

We work with volunteers (as well as federal work study interns from
the Five Colleges) to see how far we can take remineralization into
the public awareness. One or more skills would be helpful: Web
design and web programming skills, press release and public
relations, writing and editing articles and interviews, Internet
research skills, fundraising, grantwriting, nonprofit organization
development. Also welcome and greatly needed: general assistance
at the computer and in the office.

Joanna Campe
Remineralize the Earth
152 South Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Telephone: 413-586-4429
E-mail: jcampe@remineralize.org
Web: www.remineralize.org

ADVOCATE VOLUNTEERS
The Massachusetts Justice Project (MJP), a non-profit legal services
program, is currently looking for volunteers to serve as lay advocates
on behalf of tenants facing eviction in the Springfield session of the
Western MA Housing Court through our Volunteers For Justice (VFJ)
project. Prior legal experience is not necessary. Volunteers will
receive a comprehensive training on tenants’ rights and continued
supervision by an experienced attorney. Must be available either
Thursday mornings or afternoons. Seniors and students are
encouraged to apply. Call Karen Hansmann or Marcia Crutchfield at
413-533-2660, or e-mail khansmann@majp.org for more information.

WESTERN MASS LEGAL SERVICES
Support the work of Western Mass Legal Services in providing access
to justice   for low income individuals and families by providing
volunteer filing support to individual attorneys. Requires: strong
organizational skills, reliability, good attention to detail, ability to
follow instructions and ask for direction when necessary,
understanding and ability to work with highly confidential information.
This project is designed to support attorneys with the research files
and client case files they maintain. Each attorney will supervise
their assigned volunteer. Minimum time commitment: 1 month
(2 hours/week); ideally on-going commitment. Volunteers will be
oriented to the work done at WMLS, and given specific instructions
for the projects in which they assist. Attorneys will be present during
the volunteer sessions, and the volunteer coordinator is available to
answer questions. Great opportunity to get exposure to information
about careers in Legal Services. Work will be performed at Western
Mass. Legal Services, 100 Hampton Court, Suite #100, Northampton,
MA. If interested, contact Toni Hochstadt, Volunteer Coordinator at
(413)584-4034 x.208.

THE THERAPEUTIC EQUESTRIAN CENTER
The Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC), a private non-profit
organization located in Holyoke, MA, is seeking volunteers to assist
with its therapeutic horseback riding program for riders with
disabilities. To find out how volunteers can help, contact Judy at
413-532-1462 or e-mail TEC5321462@cs.com.

GIRL SCOUTS OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
The Girl Scouts of Western Massachusetts, serving 6,000 girls ages
5-17 in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties, has
both short-term and ongoing opportunities available for volunteers to
assist with its programs and troop activities. Time commitment is
flexible. Leadership opportunities are also available for individuals
interested in working directly with the troops, which typically meet
every week (or every other week) for one hour. For more information,
please contact Anita Sever, Director of Membership Development, at
413-584-2602 x.18 or asever@gswma.org. Please also visit our
website at www.gswma.org.

FORBES LIBRARY
What are your talents and interests? Put them to good use in the
friendly congenial atmosphere of Forbes Library. Volunteers can help
in many areas of the library, including book shelving, clerical tasks,
circulation support, information technology, craft projects, special
collections, homework help, landscaping & yard work, or special
projects. The Children's Department sponsors the "Read to Your
Little Buddy" volunteer program. If you would like to volunteer at
Forbes, please pick up an application at the Circulation Desk, or call
587-1017.

PIONEER VALLEY THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION
Horseback riding lessons are fun for everyone. For an adult or child
with a disability, horseback riding lessons can unlock the door to a
new world of ability and self confidence. Pioneer Valley Therapeutic
Riding Association, Inc. is looking for volunteers to assist with the
brushing and tacking-up of the horses, leading the horses during the
lessons and side-walking with the horse and rider. Horse knowledge
and experience is helpful but not necessary. Training and volunteer
orientation will be provided in the spring. The lessons will be
conducted in Belchertown, MA. You can visit our website at
www.pvtra.com to download a Volunteer Registration form. If you
would like to donate a few hours of your time or for further information,
please call Michele at 413-583-5242 or Pat at 413-668-8260. PVTRA
is a nonprofit organization which promotes the benefits of therapeutic
riding and provides horseback riding lessons for students with
disabilities. Volunteer. You can make a difference.

RED FIRE FARM
Red Fire Farm is a 50 acre organic vegetable farm in Granby, MA.
We have apprentice positions and also accept volunteers who are
interested in organic farming and Community Supported Agriculture.
Please see our website at www.redfirefarm.com or contact Ryan at
redfirefarm@gmail.com or 413-467-7645 for more information.

THE PASCOMMUCK CONSERVATION TRUST
The Pascommuck Conservation Trust, a non-profit environmental
organization which protects important land and other natural
resources in Easthampton for the public benefit, is in need of
volunteers of every skill level and ability for whatever time and energy
you are willing to commit. PCT is an entirely volunteer organization,
so opportunities range from trail maintenance and property clean up
to sign making and writing thank you notes. Or if you have a
particular skill you enjoy using in art, woodworking, computers,
finance, etc., we welcome you. You will find it a rewarding
experience available right in “your own backyard”. For more
information, please contact Dawn Ackley at dawnackley@charter.net,
or visit our website at www.pctland.org.

PIONEER VALLEY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity is seeking volunteers to work
with us on our sites building homes for low-income families
throughout summer and into fall. In addition, volunteers are welcome
to join committees. To learn more, come to one of our Volunteer
Orientations which are held the first Thursday of every month at
7 p.m. and the third Saturday of every month at 9 a.m. at our office
located at 140 Pine Street in Florence. For more information, call
(413)586-5430 or visit our website: www.pioneervalleyhabitat.org.

THE LITERACY PROJECT
The Literacy Project offers free classes to adults and older teens in
basic reading, writing, math, computers and GED test preparation.
We operate 5 learning centers in western Massachusetts, in
Northampton, Amherst, Greenfield, Orange and Ware. We are
looking for volunteers to help out in our classes, working one-on-one
with our students, supervised by a staff instructor. The commitment
is 6 months, or two school semesters. We provide training, and no
previous teaching experience is required. For more information,
contact Margaret Anderson, Volunteer Coordinator, at 413-774-3934,
ext. 15, or via e-mail at margaret@literacyproject.org.

INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE INSTITUTE OF MASSACHUSETTS
Volunteer as an English Tutor! The International Language Institute,
located in downtown Northampton, is looking for volunteer tutors to
help adult immigrants who are learning English. One hour/week,
6-months commitment, and participation in training required. Look at
our website, www.ili.edu, for program details and application. For
more information, call Amy Ben-Ezra at 586-7569, ext. 100.

CARING COMMUNITY MAPPERS PROGRAM
Remember when everyone knew everyone else and helped each other
with neighborly favors when a need arose? The Caring Community
Mappers Program, serving the citizens of Easthampton, provides the
opportunity to regain that sense of community, the ability to create
friendships, the chance to help others, and the openness to receive
help yourself when needed. Opportunities are available in a number of
different capacities: raking leaves, indoor and/or outdoor painting,
walking someone’s dog, reading someone a book…the list is
endless! Volunteer assistance (especially house cleaning and
spring/fall clean-up) is needed on both an ongoing and one-time only
basis. High school students and adults are both welcome to apply. If
you can help, please contact Linda or Gliffy at the Easthampton
Council on Aging at 527-6151.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL GROUP #76
Amnesty International Group Number #76 is one of hundreds of
all-volunteer groups in 150 countries that work to promote the human
rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and
other international human rights standards. To find out more about
Amnesty International, go to: www.amnestyusa.org. Here in
Northampton, we work on behalf of prisoners of conscience, torture
victims, and victims of discrimination on many levels. We take part in
letter writing, public education and other actions designed to influence
governments and corporations. We are currently addressing human
rights catastrophes in Africa, and intend to focus on the topic of child
soldiers pressed into war in Uganda and other countries. A
commitment to work with us can be as little as a few hours a month.
We meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM at the
Unitarian Church on Main Street in Northampton (enter at the right
hand side rear door). You can contact us through our web site:
amnesty76.tripod.com or call Barry Nigrosh at 413-584-5537.

HIGHLAND VALLEY ELDER SERVICES
The home delivered meals program, “Meals on Wheels”, is actively
seeking volunteers to deliver meals to Hampshire County’s elders.
Highland Valley currently delivers over 800 hot, noontime meals,
with a daily check in, to the surrounding communities. Flexible
routes can be tailored to your time schedule, between 10:30 a.m.
and 1 p.m. Meal deliverers use their own cars with mileage
reimbursement available if needed. Walking routes/inside apartment
routes also available. If you don’t drive, team up with a friend and
become a navigator. “Partner” with Highland Valley Elder Services
to provide a friendly visit to an elder in your community! For more
information, please call Sue Keane at 247-0480 for Hatfield and the
Hilltowns, Alice LaPrade at 527-1048 for Easthampton, Carolyn
Burrows at 584-6784 for Northampton and Hadley, Natalie Skrzyniarz
at 584-8827 for Florence, or Highland Valley's main office at
1-800-322-0551.

CASA: COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE
A Child’s Voice in Court

CASA was created to ensure that the abuse and neglect many
children suffer at home doesn’t continue in our overburdened court
and child welfare systems. The Franklin/Hampshire CASA program
trains community volunteers to advocate for the child’s best interest
and assist the court in making an informed decision with the goal of
providing each child with a safe permanent home.

Who are CASA volunteers?
CASA volunteers stand up and speak out for abused and neglected
children -- men and women who work full time, retirees and young
parents. What do they have in common? They are all CASA
volunteers and they believe that all children deserve to grow up in a
safe, permanent and loving home.

What do CASA volunteers do?
CASA provides its volunteers with in-depth training and then assigns
each volunteer to one case at a time. The volunteer follows the child
as she/he navigates through the system. In fact, the CASA volunteer
may be the only constant the child knows as the case proceeds.

Criteria for applying to the program include the following:
You must be over 21 years of age, must have a clear CORI and DSS
check, must fill out an application and provide three references, must
have a personal interview, and must have transportation and good
writing skills. No legal skill required - only the desire to help a child.

For additional information or to request an application, please contact
Randee Laikind, Friends of Children CASA Director at 413-586-0011
or randeelaikind_@verizon.net. You can also visit our website at
www.friends-of-children.org.

THE GARDEN: A CENTER FOR GRIEVING CHILDREN AND TEENS
Become a small group facilitator at The Garden: A Center for Grieving
Children and Teens! The Garden exists to provide support groups and
grief education to grieving children, teens and their families whose
lives have been disrupted by death. We are the bereavement support
program of the Hampshire Regional YMCA in Northampton.
Volunteers are the heart of our program. We are looking for dedicated
and creative adult facilitators to co-facilitate groups with grieving
young people. We meet at the YMCA every other Sunday from
October to June. The monthly time commitment for facilitation is 9-11
hours. The next volunteer training will be September 11, 13 and 14th.
Call today! Other volunteer opportunities include: office support,
development and special events planning. Visit our website at
www.garden-cgc.org to download a volunteer application, or call
Shelly Bathe Lenn at 413-584-7086 ext. 124 for more information.

SAFE PASSAGE
Be part of the community effort to stop violence against women and
provide support and services to victims of domestic violence.
Volunteers needed to help with hotline and shelter coverage, childcare
and children's programming, community education and organizing,
fundraising and development, and a myriad of other tasks and
projects. To learn more or to download a volunteer application, please
go to http://www.safepass.org/volunteer.html or contact Gariné at
Safe Passage, 43 Center Street, Suite 304, Northampton, MA 01060;
413-586-1125, ext. 22; garine@safepass.org.

ACCESSIBLE RECREATION
Venture Into Well-Being is seeking fellow adventurers! We provide
year round adaptive outdoor activities in state parks with the Universal
Access Program/Department of Conservation and Recreation. We
create opportunities for people with special needs to get into the
woods and on the water to enjoy beautiful places with friends and
family. Through the use of modified equipment such as hand powered
bikes, kayaks, sit-down skates and skis, everyone can join in the fun.
Participants have a variety of needs such as difficultly walking or
holding a paddle or may need a sited guide to be assisted with an
activity.

Volunteer activities vary depending on your interest: program
assistance such as event preparation such as phones calls to sign
up participants and equipment set up, helping to put on skis and
assisting to get into boats, etc and then heading out to play.
Additional needs are for office and administrative skills of setting up
databases, recruitment and developing marketing materials.
Internships available. Volunteers work along side Venture Into
Well-Being staff.

We provide training on disability issues, how to use the adaptive
equipment, guide techniques. Great resume material and opportunity
for youth groups, students. See you in the parks!

Brenda Kennedy, OTR/L
Venture Into Well-Being
413-259-0009

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THE FOOD BANK OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is currently seeking
part-time volunteers for the following opportunities:

Advocacy
Work with the Director of Programs in supporting The Food Bank's
advocacy program. Tasks include research, outreach material
development, developing e-mail newsletters and website material
and assisting with the development and execution of community
programs. We are seeking individuals with skills in data entry,
internet research and word processing, good verbal communication
skills and attention to detail. Candidates should have an ability to
work effectively and respectfully within diverse communities.

Target:Hunger Farmer's Market
Work with the Target:Hunger Springfield Coordinator in supporting the
efforts of the Mason Square Farmer's market. There are opportunities
for more administrative and coordinative tasks at our location in
Hatfield, coordination and labor oriented tasks at the Saturday
farmer's market and picking fruit at a farm in the Springfield area.

Target:Hunger Springfield Coordination Assistance
Work with the Target:Hunger Springfield Coordinator on tasks related
to the hunger reduction work of this program. Projects include:
updating a resource guide, assisting with an intergeneration cooking
class program, help with organizing a health fair and community
cookout and assisting with outreach activities and community
meetings. Potential tasks include: phone calling, internet research,
database management, outreach, creating marketing materials,
events organizing and advertising.

Programs Assistant
Work with our Director of Programs in the upcoming year assisting in
administrative work and special projects. The volunteer position is
also an excellent opportunity to gain an understanding of the
programs of The Food Bank along with the fine work of people and
organizations in our community. This position is located in Hatfield.

Donated Food Sorting
Work with our Food Distribution department in the upcoming year
sorting donated food and produce. The volunteer position is also an
excellent opportunity for individuals to do hands-on work towards our
mission while doing physical activity. This position is located in
Hatfield.

If interested in any of the above opportunities, please contact
Christine Dutton at christined@foodbankwma.org or 413-247-9738,
ext. 104.

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FOSTER PARENTS FOR KITTENS NEEDED!
The Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society needs foster parents to
care for kittens. Foster parents provide love, food, and rehabilitation
until the kittens are old enough to return to the Humane Society for
adoption. Some parents specialize in bottle-feeding orphaned kittens
while others host mother cats with their litters. The DPVHS makes
arrangements for and pays for all medical care for its foster animals.
If you are interested, please contact Lisa Sihvonen-Binder, volunteer
coordinator, at 413-548-9898 ext. 3 or lsihvonen-binder@dpvhs.org.

LEADERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
Help plan and organize the Regional Sustainable Energy Summit at
the UMass Campus Center, June 20-21, sponsored by Co-op Power.
Volunteers needed to join a great team and take leadership for one of
the following aspects of the conference, beginning immediately:
outreach/publicity, exhibit hall, conference volunteers, youth
programs, and Friday night dance. We also need people to take the
lead in making the conference truly multi-class and multi-racial and to
see that it has the least environmental impact possible. Leaders
must be organized and responsible, have great people skills and
attention to detail, and be able to commit to at least 2-3 flexible hours
per week from now until the conference. Working from home is fine -
few if any meetings. For more information, call Jill at 413-341-3855 or
e-mail JillHiggins@cooppower.coop. We also need lots of other
volunteers for smaller tasks in exchange for admission. You can read
about some of these opportunities and sign up at:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=qm_2fRX5AuJV_2foOSRs
DKe3Ww_3d_3d

THE SALVATION ARMY
Interested in volunteering and helping your community? The Salvation
Army Service Center in Hampshire County is in need of dedicated
volunteers for the office. Gain office experience in filing, computers,
fund raising and some case management. Contact Iris Rosa, Service
Center Coordinator, at 413-586-5243.

ACT NOW! INC.
ACT NOW! Inc. is a youth development agency that uses a unique
method of improvised movie making to empower primarily girls.
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Amherst, the non-profit has
impacted over 400 girls through agencies, schools, and camps as
well as through its own week-long Playshops offered directly to the
public several times a year.

Volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis in the following areas:
fundraising events, special events, grant writing, outreach, internet
marketing, corporate sponsorships, bookkeeping, editing, shooting,
programs, training, marketing, publicity, database management,
volunteer management, in short, everything. We run on a shoe string
and yet are bent on spreading this method as far and wide as
possible. We believe the world needs more empowered girls (and
women) and that the MOVIExperience is a good way to get society
closer to that goal.

Contact: Nancy Fletcher at 413-230-0175, 413-256-3471 or
NanFletcher@gmail.com or visit www.actnow-online.org.

NORTHAMPTON COUNCIL ON AGING AND SENIOR CENTER
The Northampton Council on Aging and Senior Center has volunteer
opportunities in a wide variety of exciting and rewarding positions.
Whether you have a limited amount of time to offer, or want to
become more engaged time-wise, there is the perfect schedule
here for you. There are positions available in the coffee shop,
gift shop, FSB Bistro restaurant, and reception desk. Assistance
also needed at special events, fundraisers, craft fairs, dinners,
and tag sales; drive participants to medical appointments; do
grant writing; craft, knit, or crochet items for the gift shop;
coordinate the sale of our items on eBay; accompany and assist
grocery shoppers in our van or your own vehicle; be a van driver,
and more. We would love to bring your special skills and interests
to our friendly environment. For more information, please contact
Diana Damon, Assistant Director and Volunteer Coordinator, at
(413) 587-1232 or ddamon@northamtonma.gov.