Help improve our state by volunteering for one of these great organizations that rely on help from the community. From contributing to environmental conservation to mentoring students, or playing with sheltered pets, Connecticut has numerous ways you can donate your time and help to doing your part to improve Connecticut. Here are 14 great places to volunteer in the Nutmeg State.
Volunteer to be a one-on-one mentor to a child needing assistance to help them grow into a successful adult. Adults who would like to volunteer as a role model Big must be available to meet a child regularly. More than twenty towns have Big Brothers Big Sisters programs and the volunteer must live within one of these towns.
Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) aims to teach the community to care responsibly for pets and other animals. To help them in their mission, DAWS welcomes volunteers to help train and play with dogs, and brush cats. If you have marketing or fundraising skills, they welcome volunteers to also help with these aspects of the organization.
Animal lovers can lend a helping hand at the Connecticut Humane Society, which has been a private charity helping pets since 1881. There are numerous volunteer opportunities available for both adults and students. Those interested can offer to volunteer at the humane society, donate needed pet items, or foster animals to prepare them for adoption.
The American Red Cross helps people all around the world every single day. To become part of their organization, the American Red Cross has opportunities for both adults and youth across Connecticut. Volunteering for the American Red Cross allows flexibility in your commitment hours and area that you volunteer.
If you have limited flexibility with your schedule, the one-day Christmas Bird Count is a great option to do good for bird conservation. The Christmas Bird Count is the longest-running citizen science bird project and contributes greatly to knowledge regarding bird population sizes. This count takes place on numerous days from Dec. 14 through Jan. 5 in a number of locations.
If you find you enjoy the Christmas Bird Count, the Connecticut Audubon Society has opportunities to become a citizen scientist. In Connecticut, the Audubon Society requests help to study Ospreys in the wild or help at the nature centers in Pomfret, Fairfield, Milford, and more.
The wonderful outdoor education center, the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, is always seeking volunteers to fill numerous positions. If you are an animal lover, they have options for feeding reptiles and amphibians or for feeding birds of prey. Volunteers are also needed for camps and classroom assistants, as well as for special events.
The Boys and Girls Club aims to provide constructive fun and educational help for children who might be traditionally underserved in the community. Get involved with after school and summer programs to help kids have a positive way to spend their free time. Boys and Girls Club has numerous locations across the state, so be sure to check out the location nearest you.
The Girl Scouts are always looking for strong mentors and adult role models for girls. If you like spending time with children and empowering them to earn badges, then perhaps consider volunteering with the Girl Scouts of Connecticut. The Girl Scouts offers both the opportunity to become involved regularly, such as weekly or monthly, or to be involved on occasions that work with your schedule.
Similarly to volunteering with the Girl Scouts, donating your time and experience to the Boy Scouts is a valuable way for children to learn and grow. Volunteer opportunities vary by location, so check online to see what is available in your area.
Help build houses with your local chapter of the Habitat for Humanity. There is no need for volunteers to know their way around a toolbox, as training is available and tools are provided. If you don’t feel confident with a hammer in your hand, you can volunteer with ReStore to assist selling items and receiving donations.
Help to fight hunger in Connecticut by volunteering for the Connecticut Foodshare. Volunteers are needed to help run an evening mobile pantry in Stamford, New Haven, or Bethel. They also have opportunities to volunteer with data entry, food sorting, or as receptionists.
The Mystic Aquarium is one of the leading wildlife conservation organizations in Connecticut. To have such a broad reach, the Mystic Aquarium relies heavily on volunteers in everything from administration to caring for fish and invertebrates in the aquarium exhibits. Responsibilities and skills vary depending on the volunteer opportunity, and further details can be found online.
The Connecticut DEEP works to preserve Connecticut’s environment for future generations. The public can volunteer with the DEEP in nature centers, museums, as a guide, or in state parks. A list of specific volunteering opportunities can be found online and youths are invited to volunteer.
