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.
Alternative Break
Work with the Alternative Break team at the CPP to lead/participate in a service learning project with a group of people over winter, spring, or summer break.
Alternative Break – Center for Professional Pathways (wou.edu)
Search for Opportunities
Search for timely volunteer opportunities in the Monmouth area to get involved with by using these websites.
Just Serve
https://www.justserve.org/projects?location=monmouth
Volunteer Match
Local Opportunities
Specific programs to support/volunteer with.
On campus: Stitch Closet
Provides free used clothes to students and members of the Monmouth community.
Location: Welcome Center
Contact: Sofie Fashana stitchcloset@mail.wou.edu
On Campus: Food Pantry
Location: Welcome Center
Provides free food to students and members of the Monmouth community.
Contact: foodpantry@mail.wou.edu
Website: https://wou.edu/foodpantry/
On Campus: Child Development Center
Child care center on campus that works with ages 18 mos – 5 years
Volunteer: https://wou.edu/cdc/volunteers/
On Campus: Abby’s House, Center for Equity and Gender Justice
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.” There are many volunteer opportunities available to advocate/support this program.
Contact: abbyshouse@wou.edu
Thoughts and Gifts Project
Provides gifts to all underserved applicants 0-18 or 65+.
Needs: start a gift drive, donate, or volunteer your time.
Contact: info@thoughtsandgifts.org
Website: https://thoughtsandgifts.org/get-involved/
Monmouth Senior Center
Needs: Helping with the monthly breakfast and other fundraisers; working at the front desk; driving for trips and teaching a class.
Contact: Barbara Hogan at 503-838-5678 or bhogan@ci.monmouth.or.us
Monmouth Parks
Needs: Park project assistance.
Contact: Public Works Department at: (503) 838-2173.
Rotary Club of Monmouth/Independence
A club of business women/men dedicated to supporting the local and international community through service projects. Contact them if you’re interested in planning a service project.
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.
Contact: (503) 623-5581
Website: https://www.dallasretirementvillage.com/volunteer/
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.
Volunteer: https://gracecenter-corvallis.org/get-involved/volunteer/
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.
Volunteer: https://nwsds.org/index.php/home/volunteer/
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.
Volunteer: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=getinvolved.volunteer-openings
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.
Volunteer: https://www.luckiamutelwc.org/volunteer.html
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.
Volunteer to Host/Help local Blood Drives: https://www.redcross.org/local/oregon/volunteer.html
Autism Society of Oregon
Works to support those with Autism through educating, advocating, and spreading awareness in the community.
Volunteer: https://autismsocietyoregon.org/support/volunteer/
Catholic Community Services
Supports children and families facing adversity, as well as people with disabilities. Volunteer at the St. Joseph Family Shelter and/or with the Mission Benedict to provide food to those in need.
Contact: Heidi Frederick at (503) 856-7041 or hfrederick@ccswv.org
Website: https://ccswv.org/volunteer/#
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:
- Spanish Interpreter
- Admitting
- Reception
- Clinic Assistant
- Prayer
- Medical Records
- Back Office
Volunteer: http://salemfreeclinics.org/new-volunteer/
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:
- Mended Hearts program (for survivors)
- Coffee cart
- Emergency department
- Pet therapy
- Nursing units
- Cancer Institute
- College ambassador
- Volunteer clerk
- Access ambassador
- Van driver
Volunteer: https://www.salemhealth.org/about/volunteers/become-a-volunteer#
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.
Volunteer as a Group: contact Kattrina@salemhabitat.org
Volunteer: https://salemhabitat.org/volunteer/
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.
Volunteer: https://marionpolkfoodshare.org/volunteer/
National Psoriasis Foundation
Website mission statement: “The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to drive efforts to cure psoriatic disease and improve the lives of those affected.” Fill out a volunteer form to get involved with the pacific northwest region.
Volunteer: https://www.psoriasis.org/volunteer-interest-form/
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:
- Transporting clients
- Locating resources
- Support and training for clients
- Family advocacy
- Tutoring and interpreting
- Supporting the independence of people who are elderly or disabled
- Activities for clients
- Child care, education and recreation for children
- Office assistance
- Mentoring
- Seasonal programs
Volunteer: https://dhs.samaritan.com/custom/1126/volunteer_home
Shangri-La
Organization with the goal of serving individuals with disabilities and disadvantages so that they can achieve their full potential. Focus on creating an accepting, connected community.
Volunteer: http://www.shangrilaoregon.org/volunteer
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.
Volunteer: https://sfof.org/volunteer/
Contact to Volunteer as a Group: salemfriendsoffelines@gmail.com
Public Policy
Causa: Oregon Immigrant Rights Association
Works to support Latino immigrants and their families through “advocacy, coalition building, leadership development, and civic engagement.” Volunteer to work in the general office (this may include bilingual translation), plan a special event, participate in civic engagement, fundraising, advocacy, or education and deportation defense.
Volunteer: https://causaoregon.org/volunteer/
Oregon State Legislature
State lawmakers from the house and senate draft and pass legislation that directly affects Oregon citizens. Volunteer as a page, for a senator or representative, for a campaign, or circulate an initiative by gathering signatures.
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.
Volunteer: https://pcun.org/volunteer/
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.
Volunteer: https://bgc-salem.org/how-to-help/volunteer/
Contact to Volunteer as a Group: developmentteam@familytreern.org
Family Tree Relief Nursery
Provides classes, resources and other support to help families and their children thrive. Volunteer for the following opportunities from the website:
- Bi-weekly trips to the food bank and stocking our supplemental pantry
- Organize our children’s clothing closet
- Assist in the nursery classroom with activities
- Administrative tasks
- Or, create your own experience
Volunteer: https://familytreern.org/get-involved/
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.
Volunteer: https://www.oregon.gov/osd/community/Pages/Volunteer-Program.aspx
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.
Volunteer: https://smartreading.org/volunteer/
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.
Volunteer: https://www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/page/volunteer-opportunities
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+)
General
City of Salem
Provides updates on Salem events and an overview of a large variety of Salem programs to get involved with. Some volunteer opportunities are the following:
- Serve on a Board or Commission
- Help in Salem Parks
- Neighborhood Opportunities
- Police Opportunities
- Sign Up for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training
- Volunteer at the Library
- Volunteer with Center 50+
Volunteer: https://www.cityofsalem.net/volunteer
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.
Volunteer: https://salemcarousel.wixsite.com/salemcarousel/volunteer
Kroc Center
Run by the Salvation Army, this community center is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming environment for everyone. They have programs on health and wellness, arts, science and education, youth leadership, ministry, and much more.
Volunteer: https://salem.kroccenter.org/kroc-salem/get-involved#Free-Text-Area-4
Yamhill County Health and Human Services
Provides a wide variety of public health services to community members. They are focused on promoting physical, social, and emotional well-being through their services. Volunteers can work with veterans, vaccination equity programs, people with disabilities, etc.
Volunteer: https://hhs.co.yamhill.or.us/
United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley
Website Description: United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley strives to go beyond temporary fixes to create lasting change in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties. By bringing people and organizations together around innovative solutions, we impact thousands of lives every year. The generosity of our donors and commitment of our community partners enables us to provide grants for outcome based programs and collaborative projects that address core needs and achieve lasting, measurable results.
https://unitedwaymwv.galaxydigital.com/need/
UGM Salem
Mission statement from website: Helping men, women, and children break free from homelessness through the transforming grace of Jesus Christ.
Volunteer/Host a Clothing/Food drive: https://ugmsalem.org/join-the-movement/get-involved/
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