There are fantastic ways to get involved in service throughout the Northwest. Below are some of our favorite groups and organizations, as well as a few search sites to help you better find what you’re looking for.
ENVIRONMENTAL / ANIMALS
Audubon Society of Portland
City of Portland Parks & Recreation
Earth Share Oregon
Fences for Fido
Friends of Trees
Friends of Tryon Creek State Park
Oregon Humane Society
Oregon Zoo
Project Pooch
SOLV
Tualatin Riverkeepers
Willamette Riverkeeper
1000 Friends of Oregon
SOCIAL / HUMANITARIAN
American Red Cross
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Boys and Girls Clubs
Global Volunteers
Habitat for Humanity
Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization
Loaves & Fishes Centers
March of Dimes
Medical Teams International
Mercy Corps
Metropolitan Family Service
Multiple Sclerosis Society
REACH
The Transitions Project
United Way
Volunteers for Peace
SEARCH SITES
Global Volunteer Network
Hands on Greater Portland
Oregon Volunteers
Volunteer Match
Beyond Our Bubble: Other Opportunities
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The Audubon Society of Portland is a renowned conservation organization working to provide natural history and environmental activities to the community. Volunteers of all ages help with environmental stewardship, classes and programs, events, and in the local nature center.
Portland Parks & Recreation provides a variety of services related to our parks and natural spaces throughout the metro area. Volunteers of various ages have the opportunity to be volunteer coaches, teacher aids, or work on maintaining the grounds of our beautiful parks.
Earth Share Oregon (ESOR) is a federation of 70 leading local and national non-profit conservation groups that provides a convenient way for Oregonians to support conservation and healthy communities. They offer a wide range of environmental volunteer opportunities for all ages.
Fences For Fido works to give domestic dogs a better life by providing fenced enclosures for them to run in rather than being chained to a post. Volunteers can help by building fences at sites throughout the northwest. This is a great opportunity for volunteers of all ages with a love for our canine friends.
Friends of Trees works to care for city green spaces and natural areas by bringing people together to plant and nurture native plants. The organization serves the greater Portland, Vancouver, and Eugene areas and is open to volunteers of all ages.
Friends of Tryon Creek is a nonprofit organization working to maintain the natural beauty of this large natural park while educating the public about the importance of conservation. Volunteers have the opportunity to help with invasive species removal, lead student groups, help with a variety of nature-based programs and events, and serve as a receptionist in the nature store.
The Oregon Humane Society provides shelter and adoptions services for a wide variety of future pets. Volunteers ages 12 and over can help by working with the resident animals, interacting with potential adopters, and maintaining the facilities.
The Oregon Zoo provides both a fantastic opportunity for learning about animals from around the world, and acts as a research and conservation organization. Volunteers ages 14 and older who can commit to training are allowed to work with certain animals, and help provide information to the public.
Project Pooch works provides youth in correctional facilities the opportunity to care for and train dogs while developing responsibility and professional skills. Volunteers with professional expertise as veterinarians, groomer, etc, and those willing to help with fundraising are welcome.
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SOLV is a nonprofit that works to maintain a clean and healthy environment throughout Oregon. Volunteers work on a variety of restoration, cleanup, and planting projects - fantastic for all ages and for groups.
Tualatin Riverkeepers is a nonprofit organization working to protect and restore Oregon’s Tualatin River System. Volunteers of all ages can offer their services on restoration projects, leading paddle trips, and helping educate the public
Willamette Riverkeeper is a nonprofit organization working to protect and restore the Willamette River and its watershed. Volunteers of all ages can help by leading paddle events, restoring watershed land, monitoring water quality, and reaching out to the public.
1000 Friends of Oregon works to conserve natural and scenic areas while promoting family farms, and urban green spaces. Volunteers have the opportunity to work on a number of preservation projects and community awareness programs.
The American Red Cross works to provide relief to disaster victims, and medical aid to those in need. Volunteers work with local communities for disaster preparedness and help disaster victims around the world. Recommended for young adults.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a program designed to match adult volunteers with students ages six through eighteen as mentors. High school students and older volunteers can become mentors to younger students and make an enormous impact in their lives.
Boys and Girls Clubs work to enable young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens through their afterschool and mentorship programs. High school and older volunteers have the opportunity to help run afterschool activities, and mentor younger students at local Boys and Girls Club centers.
Global Volunteers connects volunteers with individuals and communities in need around the world. Families, students, and individual adults can offer their time and skills teaching English, mentoring young students, or any variety of community social or health work around the world.
Habitat for Humanity works to provide homes for families in need. The efforts of volunteers go towards everything from building foundations, to wiring, to roofing, and more. Recommended for ages 16 and up, although their website offers opportunities for younger kids.
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization works to promote the integration of refugees and immigrants into the local community. Young adult volunteers can help mentor refugees and immigrants and assist with classes and the IRCO offices.
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Loaves & Fishes, also known as Meals on Wheels, provides hot, nutritious lunches to homebound senior citizens on a daily basis. Volunteers of different ages can help by delivering meals, working at meal centers, and assisting with administrative tasks.
March Of Dimes works to support medical research for prenatal development, and helps parents have healthy, full-term pregnancies. Volunteers of all ages can get involved in supporting awareness and fundraising efforts including their annual March for Babies walk in communities throughout the country.
Medical Teams International works to bring medical supplies and aid to people stricken by disaster, conflict and poverty all around the world. Volunteers can help in the basic operations of the organization here in the Northwest, and provide aid around the world. There is a minimum age of 16, and a minimum 10 hours per month commitment.
Mercy Corps works to build secure, productive, and just communities in regions around the world through a variety of community programs. Volunteers are able to support Mercy Corp’s mission by working at their central Portland offices.
Metropolitan Family Service works on a variety of programs to improve the livelihood and wellbeing of people throughout the Portland Metro Area, focusing on families, students, and older adults. Adult volunteers can help provide services to senior citizens, and help mentor disadvantaged youth in the community. Opportunities for youth volunteers are seasonal.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society supports research on curing MS and supports individuals living with MS. Volunteers of different ages can participate in fundraising activates, give their time to support individuals living with MS, and help with operations at the local MS Society offices.
REACH is a nonprofit organization working to build community and create opportunities for homeownership and personal success. Volunteers get hands-on experience by working one-on-one with our residents and homeowners, leading workshops, executing events, completing office projects, and performing home repairs for senior citizens.
The Transitions Project works to help homeless individuals transition into homes and jobs in the Portland area. Volunteers can provide expertise on job searching, or counseling. Groups can help provide meals at one of the four Portland locations any day of the week.
United Way is committed to building strong, safe, supportive communities through their efforts in education, income stability, and health. Their unique approach creates a long-term investment in the development and growth of positive communities. Volunteers have the opportunity to do basic community projects, become childhood mentors, and much more.
Volunteers for Peace offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities both abroad and in the US. Students, adults, and families can work in communities around the globe on projects pertaining to a local need.
Global Volunteer Network works to connect volunteers with people and communities in need around the world. If you are able to dedicate yourself for a week, or a month, the opportunities available through GVN around the world are truly life changing.
This site offers a fantastic database of reputable volunteer opportunities for all ages and abilities throughout the greater Portland area.
Oregon Volunteers provides a great database of volunteer opportunities searchable by county. Also, look here for additional international opportunities pertaining to your interest.
Volunteer Match allows you to search for volunteer opportunities based on location and keywords. Its database extends to opportunities throughout the country.
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