Volunteering in Fairfield County
Find Your Project
The most rewarding volunteer experiences are ones that make us feel useful in the time we have to give, doing a job that makes us feel fulfilled, and working for a cause about which we feel passionately. When looking for the right opportunity, ask yourself the following:
1) How much time can I realistically give each week/month/year?
2) Do I want a short (one time to three months) or longer-term commitment (six months to a year or longer)?
3) Do I feel passionately about a particular cause?
4) What kind of skills/talents would I like to share?
5) Do I want to work directly with those in need or would I prefer to support that work (e.g., administrative work)?
6) Do I want to work to change the system (as part of a task force or group)?
7) Do I enjoy fundraising or planning special events?
8) Is there a particular age group with which I would like to work (e.g., young children, teens, adults, women, seniors)?
9) Do I need to find a project I can do from home/office?
Do your homework! Meet with the organization and make your expectations and commitment level very clear.
IF YOU HAVE ONE HOUR A WEEK…
- Be a mentor in Bridgeport schools or from your home via the internet..
- Be a reader or book buddy in a Bridgeport School.
- Tutor a low-income mother at Mercy Learning Center (closer to 2 hours per week).
- Be a driver for seniors through United Way.
- Help low-income families prepare income tax returns at Burroughs Community Center.
- Teach a class to kids at the Wakeman Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse (e.g., cooking, birds, crafts, etc.).
IF YOU HAVE ONE HOUR A MONTH…
- Join one of the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition Task Forces.
- Drop in on homework hour at Wakeman Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse from 3:15-6:00pm.
- Be a reader or Book Buddy in a Bridgeport School through the School Volunteers Association.
- Join a work crew for a community garden.
IF YOU HAVE ONE HOUR A YEAR…
- Join the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition’s ACTION ALERT NETWORK where you can contact local legislators to make a big difference.
- Participate in READ ALOUD DAY in the Bridgeport Schools in the fall (School Volunteers Association).
- Share your career story or be a guest speaker for a teen or adult group (BAYM, Mercy Learning Center).
- Teach a cooking class to kids at the Smilow- Burroughs Wakeman Center.
- Make or serve a meal for a soup kitchen (Operation Hope and others).
- Organize a coat/backpack/clothing drive (Community Closet, Operation Hope).
YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER FROM YOUR HOME OR OFFICE
- Be a Wi-Mentor, an internet-based mentoring program through United Way.
- Be a “corporate” mentor to a Mercy Learning Center “graduate” as they transition to work (via phone).
- Talk to an organization or United Way about projects (e.g., computer work) that could be done from home.
YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER WITH YOUNGER KIDS
- Participate in a community garden project or beach cleanup.
- Make dessert together for one of the local soup kitchens.