10 Volunteer Opportunities in #Boston for Young People

Interested in giving back to your community? Volunteering a few hours here and there is an awesome way to help others while you build some awesome experience to add to your resume. Here are some current opportunities in Boston for young people…

1. Teens in Print: Ever dreamed of seeing your name in print? Join the staff of Boston’s citywide youth newspaper, Teens in Print. This is a volunteer position open to BPS high school students that could lead to a paid position next summer. Meetings are twice a week at The Boston Globe and have FREE food! ric.kahn.jcs@cityofboston.gov, 617-541-2651
2. Project D.E.E.P One-on-One Tutoring Program: Project DEEP is looking for high school tutors to volunteer for their One-on-One Tutoring Program. Volunteer mentors will help Dorchester elementary school students with their homework once a week for 90 minutes after school starting in Nov and ending in Apr. Beth, beth@projectdeep.org, www.projectdeep.org
3. Food Project: On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, youth ages 17+ for individuals and 14+ for groups can volunteer at the West Cottage Street Farm in Dorchester from 9:30am-12:30pm. Must pre-register online: www.thefoodproject.org, 617-442-1322
4. Brigham & Women’s Hospital: BWH volunteers assist staff in many departments throughout the hospital, such as the BWH Gift Shop, Patient & Family Relations, Outpatient Infusion, and Pathology. Must be 16 years of age to become a BWH volunteer. A commitment of at least six months of service is required. www.brighamandwomens.org/about_bwh/volunteer/General%20Volunteers.aspx
5. Beth Israel Deaconess Center: The Health Corps Program offers high school students ages 14+ the chance to volunteer in clinical and non-clinical settings during the summer and school year. A minimum of 40 hrs needed. 6-12 month commitment and two recommendation letters are required. www.bidmc.org/AboutBIDMC/VolunteerServices.aspx
6. Boston Blooms with Daffodils: Join Mayor Menino as the city plants 40,000 daffodil bulbs along Boston’s sidewalks, traffic medians, and paths. The Parks & Recreation Department is seeking volunteers to assist with planting and suggestions for locations. Plantings will take place on the weekends of Oct 19 & Oct 26. Registration: www.cityofboston.gov/parks/Daffodil_Signup/Default.aspx
7. theMOVE Farm: theMOVE organizes farm-volunteer workdays for urban groups across Metro Boston. Trips take place thru Oct and head from program sites to farms in Boston or the North or South Shore. 617-922-8428, www.getoutma.org
8. Farmers’ Market: Roslindale Village is in need of volunteers at their Saturday farmers’ markets. Volunteers can help with the following tasks: music set-up, setup and management of children’s entertainment area, EBT/SNAP assistants, parking lot monitors/counters, and breakdown. Ben, rvmsfarmersmarket@gmail.com, www.roslindale.net
9. Samariteens: Samariteens is looking for teens ages 15-18 interested in volunteering to listen to other teens on the Helpline. The line is dedicated to the prevention of suicide among teens and providing confidential peer support to teens who are struggling with feelings of depression, loneliness, and stress. www.samaritanshope.org/teen-helpline.html
10. Boston Cares: Make a difference in your community by volunteering! Register with Boston Cares, and you’ll become a part of the many service projects that advocate for community enrichment, health & wellness, homelessness/hunger, environment and more! www.bostoncares.org

And if you need more resources on how to get a job, build a resume, or prepare for your career, check out these resources:

Teen Resume Guide: Create a resume to be able to share with potential job, internship, or volunteer leads. This guide includes a variety of formats samples, tips on how to tell your story, and great action words to describe your work and volunteer experience.  www.cityofboston.gov/youthzone/JobsInternshipsAndVolunteering

Job Tips for Teens: A job or an internship can provide you with new skills and a chance to investigate careers you may be interested in pursuing. This guide includes advice for young job seekers in Boston and resources to help you in your search. www.cityofboston.gov/youthzone/JobsInternshipsAndVolunteering