Volunteer Organizations

Finding a Target Area:

Sustainability Goals

Looking to start a service learning project? Start here. Explore the UN’s list of 17 different areas to target for making a difference for this planet and its people.

Search for Opportunities

Search for timely volunteer opportunities in the Monmouth area to get involved with by using these websites

On Campus Opportunities

Stitches Closet

At Stitch Closet, our mission is to relieve that stress and boost the confidence of WOU students by providing a unique shopping experience for the perfect outfit for the perfect price – free!

Food Pantry

Assisting students and community members with necessary needs!

Child Development Center

The Child Development Center offers volunteer opportunities for all who want to become involved in the daily life of a child care center.

Abby’s House

Specifically focuses on supporting women on campus facing inequities. Provides support through helping them access resources regarding “relationship issues, sexual violence, anxiety, depression, health care, reproductive issues, financial assistance, housing, food assistance and more.”

City of Monmouth/Salem

Monmouth Public Library

Monmouth Public Library provides materials and services to meet the growing informational, recreational and cultural needs of its community. Special emphasis is placed on stimulating young children’s interests and their appreciation for reading and learning. The Library serves as an educational center in support of the life-long learning needs of its service population.

Monmouth Police Department:

The Mission of the Monmouth Police Department is to create a safe community and a feeling of security by providing the highest quality of professional law enforcement services to every citizen.

Monmouth Senior Center:

Volunteer with seniors from the Monmouth through activities such as ice-cream socials, breakfasts, and birthday parties!

Salem Parks

Salem’s thriving volunteer base works in tandem, contributing assistance to support these wonderful City resources.

Salem Riverfront Carousel

City attraction that brings joy and entertainment to kids and families. The goal of the organization is to unite the community by combining Oregon’s history with the talents of citizens of Salem.

Salem Public Library

Engage all of Salem in lifelong learning, accessing information, and making meaningful connections.

Salem Police Department

As an agency, our vision is to be the recognized leader of police practices through innovation, equipment, technology, and training in order to fight crime, enhance trust, and protect our community.

Center 50+:

Center 50+ could not exist without volunteers, volunteers are needed to help with special events and other short-term projects.

Gerontology

Dallas Retirement Village:

Work with retired Dallas residents in a variety of ways, including cooking, playing games, as a medical assistant, and many many more.

Grace Center:

Non-profit dedicated to enhancing the well-being of the elderly and their caregivers in the Mid-Willamette community. Provides weekday activities for exercising and socializing. Volunteers are encouraged to come teach special skills such as playing instruments, or give a presentation on a topic of interest.

Northwest Senior and Disability Services (NWSDS):

An intergovernmental agency dedicated to providing services to senior citizens and adults with physical disabilities. They run multiple programs, including an Oregon Money Management Program, Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA), Senior Meals on Wheels, Senior Peer Mentors, and advisory councils.

Monmouth Senior Center:

Volunteer with seniors from the Monmouth through activities such as ice-cream socials, breakfasts, and birthday parties!

Agriculture/Environmental:

Oregon State Parks:

State organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the beautiful natural scenery of Oregon’s parks. There are open opportunities to volunteer at many of the parks across the state as a campground/area host or perform maintenance at the facilities.

Luckiamute Watershed Council:

Aims to improve and spread awareness for the habitats and water quality of the Luckiamute watershed. There are a plethora of ways to get involved.

Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife:

Each year, ODFW volunteers donate over 200,000 hours to protect, restore and teach about Oregon’s fish and wildlife. Their enthusiasm and commitment has been invaluable to the ODFW mission.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services:

Make a difference by volunteering. Volunteers play a vital role in helping the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service meet its conservation goals. Volunteers help serve the nearly 50 million people who visit public lands managed by the Service each year.

Healthcare:

American Red Cross Willamette Chapter:

Provides health and safety training, helps active military members/veterans, and organizes blood drives to support patients in need of transfusions.

Autism Society of Oregon:

Works to support those with Autism through educating, advocating, and spreading awareness in the community.

Salem Free Clinics:

Dedicated to providing healthcare to people in the community who cannot afford a typical hospital visit. Provides preventative and specialty health services, dental services, and counseling to those in need. Volunteers are asked to sign up for shifts of 4 hours or more. The following positions are available to general volunteers:

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics:

Provides members of the Salem community with healthcare in a variety of ways, from doctor appointments to surgeries and covid vaccinations. Volunteers can help through the following positions:

Shangri-La:

The Shangri-La volunteer program is a community of volunteers working to support Shangri-La’s mission through a variety of capacity and enrichment-building opportunities.

National Psoriasis Foundation:

By contributing your time and talents, you help improve the lives of millions affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and you move us closer to a cure.

Community Resources:

Habitat for Humanity:

Supports families by helping them build homes and giving them an affordable place to stay to build roots in their community, as well as an affordable mortgage.

Thoughts and Gifts Project:

Provides gifts to all underserved applicants 0-18 or 65+.

Marion Polk Foodshare:

Provides food to members of the community suffering from hunger/food insecurity. Volunteer activities from the website: repacking food, gardening, delivering Meals on Wheels.

Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS):

State agency dedicated to supporting the well-being and independence of Oregon residents. As a volunteer there are many opportunities to make a difference:

CASA:

Volunteers are crucial for achieving the organization’s vision of providing safe homes for children and matching court wards with CASAs. They can participate in events, planning, or working behind the scenes. Additionally, they can help educate the community and use their platform to advocate for children and youth in Polk County.

Catholic Community Service:

There are many ways to serve your neighbors in need through Catholic Community Services. Please consider pursuing one of our exciting volunteer opportunities to champion the positive development of children and adults, strengthen families and build community.

Kroc Center:

With your unique skills and experience, you can volunteer to be a part of the a team that is positively impacting lives on a daily basis. Opportunities include the Kroc Center (sports, crafts, mentoring), Red Kettle bell ringing, Christmas Toy & Joy, family services, food box distribution, and our many special events and fairs throughout the year.

United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley:

United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley has evolved from its roots as a fundraising organization to a critical community convener that mobilizes local partners, including businesses, community leaders, public officials, and community members to provide opportunities for people to succeed.

UGM Salem:

Helping men, women, and children break free from homelessness through the transforming grace of Jesus Christ.

Veterinary/Animal Services:

Salem Friends of Felines:

Organization with the mission of helping as many cats as possible. Their aim is to provide loving homes for cats, and to educate/support owners in preventing overpopulation through neuter/spay services.

Oregon Humane Society:

OHS offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for adults age 18+.

Public Policy:

Pineros Y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN):

Farm workers union and advocacy group for Latinx families. Focuses on building community through public education, political action and grassroots policy advocacy. Also focuses on workers’ rights by fighting for better work conditions and equitable relations between workers and employers.

Oregon State Capitol Volunteer Program:

Do you feel like an outsider when it comes to lawmaking and politics? There’s no easier way to get inside than to volunteer. Volunteers learn how laws are made and how to use that information to build their political futures and help their communities.

Education:

Boys and Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties:

Provides positive opportunities for children after school programs. Volunteer as an individual or with a group. Assist kids through tutoring, mentoring, leading a STEM workshop, fundraising, leadership advising, or coaching a sports team.

Oregon School for the Deaf:

Provides education to students who are deaf. WOU students can volunteer as actors/construction workers for the school’s annual nightmare factory (October), help with athletic events, tutor, become a youth leader/interpreter, clean, or help in the classroom/library.

SMART Reading:

Non-profit dedicated to the advancement of children’s reading skills. Provides children Pre-K-3rd grade in high-need schools with access to books and one-on-one reading time with an adult. Help as a site coordinator, reader, or digital ambassador.

Gilbert-House Children’s Museum:

Whether you love digging into gooey Oobleck, building fantastic forts, mending well-loved costumes, or spending time in the garden, there are many great way to get involved at the Museum. Support our mission of inspiring children to learn through creative play by becoming a volunteer at Gilbert House today!

Criminal Justice:

Benton County Sheriff’s Office:

Work with law enforcement through community outreach, on the community emergency response team, the search and rescue team, or as a reserve deputy.

Oregon Youth Authority (OYA):

Organization that works with youth in the juvenile justice system towards reformation. Provides education, treatment and guidance to help them learn responsibility and make better decisions in the future. Holds the belief that youth can change, if given the means to do so. Volunteer as a mentor, tutor, leader of religious activities, life skills/job readiness coach, or assist with work experience programs. You can also provide a cultural program, give a speech or presentation, or participate in an internship/practicum. (Must be 21+)