AZ Valley Volunteers is a group for people who are currently volunteers or are interested in volunteering, primarily in the Greater Phoenix area.

Whether you are a volunteer team leader, would like to donate blood together, or just want to socialize with like-minded folks, suggested Meetups are highly encouraged.

Here are some examples of Meetups we'd like to see:

• Help for existing volunteer opportunities (e.g., HandsOn, Volunteer Match, etc.)
• Food banks
• Neighborhood or park cleanups 
• Reading to children or the elderly 
• Nursing home visits or assistance to the elderly 
• Opportunities for blood, bone marrow, and other similar donations 
• Coat and blanket collections 
• Artistic organizations
• Care packages for homeless families or soldiers, etc. 
• Special event assistance (walks for causes, Special Olympics, etc.) 
• Animal rescue organizations 
• Opportunities to volunteer with police, firefighter, and other similar organizations  
• Emergency response and CPR training 
• Neighborhood watch programs
• General social gatherings and potlucks for our members (these would be great when paired up with other events, such as "Let's donate blood and then go eat at Loving Hut!") 

Please describe the event and include in your post vital information, such as specific location; whether or not food is available to volunteers, as well as if there are vegetarian options, or if it is available nearby to purchase; and whether or not the project or location is suitable to children or those with specific needs, such as members with disabilities.

Any additional information you can provide, such as proximity to public transportation, is not required, but would be extremely appreciated.

Carpooling is greatly encouraged! Not only does it reduce our carbon footprint, but it also gives us the opportunity to get to know each other better. :)

We welcome people of all nationalities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities, and faiths (or lack thereof). Therefore, any religion-affiliated volunteer opportunities must be disclosed in advance to help prevent any uncomfortable situations from occurring.

As a general rule, non-religious volunteer opportunities are preferred, but all are welcome to be posted. As another general rule, all Meetups should be free for our members to attend and participate in, except for those situations where costs are unavoidable, such as for classes, etc.

There are no membership dues, but sponsors and donations are welcome to help offset Meetup fees and any other unforeseen costs that may arise. So please let us know if there are any companies that would like to help out.

You may come to as many events as you like, so please spread the word by inviting family and friends, and by posting on facebook at Twitter.

Right now, I am a lone organizer. Co-organizer volunteers would also be appreciated!

Thank you in advance for your service and have a great day! :D