The season of giving is upon us, and in between bites of turkey and stuffing, we should think of ways to give back to our neighbors in their time of need. Here are just a few volunteer projects that you can do in the spirit of service this Thanksgiving weekend.
It goes without saying that decisions made by our elected officials in Congress have a huge impact on people of all ages, but teens in particular may feel left out. Whether or not we like the policies coming out of Washington, we're too young to vote for the people creating those policies that ultimately affect us—and that can be frustrating.
Ever wanted to learn how to build your own computer from scratch? A new summer camp is about to kick off in Westchester, and Black teens who have an interest in STEM, computer programming, or who simply like to play around with technology are invited to join—no experience needed!
Planning for the City of New Rochelle's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is well underway, and now you can have a hand in the design of one of its most anticipated features: the LINC!
Can you believe we're already halfway through the summer season? Whether you've got community service requirements to fulfill or you're inspired to do something great (and stay busy) these next two months, we've got you covered when it comes to finding the perfect project.
On Wednesday, June 2, the Westchester County Youth Bureau presented a panel entitled "Preparing For Summer: Updates on COVID-19 Safety and Guidance For Youth and Families." The panel—which featured medical experts and coordinators of summer programs—was designed to inform youth and their families about COVID safety practices in light of upcoming summer camp programs.
Next week, YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester—which provides women of all ages with programs to increase their self-sufficiency—is partnering with 4ward Inclusion to launch its Youth Racial Equity 101-103 curriculum. Over the course of three sessions (June 14, 16, and 18), high-schoolers of any gender will explore racial constructs and unpack the historical foundation of racism. The program aims to prepare young people to become agents of change in racial inequity and intersectionality.
It's Memorial Day Weekend, and while many associate the holiday with barbecues, sales at retail stores, and the unofficial start of summer, we mustn't forget that it's a day to remember those who have served—and gave the ultimate sacrifice to—our country.
Heads up, teens in Rockland County who are looking for summer leadership opportunities!
Every year, JCY-Westchester Community Partners—a nonprofit that aims to improve children's literacy—asks volunteers of all ages to devote a few minutes each week to helping a child learn to read during its Summer Reading Buddies program. This year, Summer Reading Buddies is going virtual, so you can help kids read from your own cozy reading nook at home!
Summer camp is now open! Volunteer New York!'s Camp Vollo is a free, virtual volunteer camp experience for local changemakers. What does VOLLO stand for? It's a call-to-action about inspiring and empowering volunteers locally to build strong, healthy, and resilient communities.
Mother's Day is Sunday, May 9, and if you're like us, you definitely forgot. (Sorry, Mom.) Not to fear: whether your favorite brunch spot is all booked up or jewelry is a bit outside your budget, there are plenty of ways to treat your #1 lady this Mother's Day Weekend while doing some good in your neighborhood. Check out these sweet volunteer opportunities every mama would love. (Especially if she's always asking why you don't spend more time with her!)
Calling all teens! Westchester County Executive, George Latimer, will be hosting another virtual Town Hall Series. Dubbed "An Open Conversation on COVID-19 and Teens," the event—which will be streamed on Facebook Live—gives local youth the opportunity to talk to the County's top elected official about their questions and concerns regarding the pandemic that's still gripping the world more than a year after it began.
April is Global Volunteer Month, and we're celebrating it in style!
The big day is almost here! Friday, April 9 marks our 41st Annual Volunteer Spirit Awards, and you're invited. The first hour of this virtual presentation is entirely free, so be sure to register and stream it live wherever you are. Congratulations to all our award winners and volunteers!
Looking for ways to help your community during Women's History Month? Look no further than these excellent opportunities.
Looking for ways to help your community? Here are the newest opportunities for teen volunteers for the week of January 18, 2021.
Mark your calendars, people: a popular youth retreat is going virtual this year. But you'll need to act fast, because registration closes today!
There are plenty of ways teens can get involved during election season—even when they're not yet old enough to vote. But putting those ideas into practice isn't always easy. Thankfully, Sleepy Hollow High School students show us how it's done.
Heads up, changemakers! On Wednesday, December 16, Volunteer New York! is delivering a webinar entitled "Be the Change." Co-presented by Briarcliff Library, this virtual event will show you why volunteering locally is so important—and how to use Volunteer New York! as a tool to make a positive impact right in your own backyard.
Community service comes in many forms, and while it's always nice to drop off canned goods at a food pantry, it can seem a bit... impersonal. For volunteers who want to feel that their efforts are making a real impact, consider Youth for Hospice.
As we munch on our Thanksgiving leftovers and prepare for the parade of spending events this week—Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday—we should be mindful of the most important date of them all: Giving Tuesday.
Westchester teen Ellie Zimmerman founded her own nonprofit, Interns 4-Good, while struggling to find internships in high school. Now, her organization connects 8,000 students internationally with 180 nonprofits—including Volunteer New York!—and there's no sign of stopping!
With Diwali behind us and Thanksgiving only a week away, it's safe to say that the holiday season is in full swing! Of course, our seasonal celebrations will look a lot different this year as many families are struggling to make ends meet. And with recent spikes in COVID-19 all across the country, it will be tough to carry on the traditions we're used to, such as gathering for family dinners and participating in turkey trots.
