
What we’re about
Shortcut to Calendar - https://www.meetup.com/LosAngelesVolunteers/events/calendar
–
Hi.
Thanks for checking out our group.
A quick note to any who message(d) me – Meetup has a weird bug where anyone can email (me) an organizer, but if you're not a member of this group or another group we're mutually both in, then Meetup won't allow me to respond. It might be an anti-spam feature. So if anyone messaged me in the past, I'm sorry for not replying. I honestly tried, but Meetup's messaging system is strict. If anyone doesn't want to join this group, but has a question, try emailing me at wisejunkemail@gmail.com
Okay...now about our group:
–
This group is different.
Various volunteer opportunities are posted.
Events are flexible. You choose what interests you and fits your schedule, availability, and geographic area.
–
If you want to make a difference and "be the change,"
Consider volunteering for community service events.
Giving back & helping others is rewarding, fulfilling, and satisfying!
–
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, gathering in large groups is not recommended, so meeting new people is tricky right now. However, many people are struggling and suffering, so if anyone feels comfortable going out in public, a few volunteer events are posted in this group, so you and a few others are welcome to participate in helping our neighbors and fellow Americans.
COVID-19 is dangerous and possibly deadly, so please do not leave home unless you understand and accept the inherent risks, and can/will take the necessary safety precautions to protect yourself and others.
During these difficult and scary times, fortunately some kind, caring, compassionate, and good-hearted people are here to lend a hand and help others in need.
***
Description from the previous group organizer(s):
"People Helping the Community is a group of individuals who have the common interest to help those in need. Our members will team up with other organizations from all over Los Angeles to provide support wherever it's needed. We are active, and provide a variety of monthly volunteer events from feeding the homeless, trips to orphanages, visiting senior centers, Reading to Kids, Habitat for Humanity, and other great events."
–
Another person, Derrick ?, started this group and is the original organizer. I don't know what happened, but other people became organizers, and for a period of time, no volunteer/community service events were posted, and when the previous organizer stepped down, I started posting events so members in this group could still participate and get involved with the original goal & mission of helping people.
***
Examples of volunteering:
https://www.instagram.com/socalvolunteers
https://www.facebook.com/socalvolunteers/photos/?tab=albums
***
3 groups to choose from:
• Volunteer in LA — https://www.meetup.com/LAVolunteer
• People Helping the Community in LA — https://www.meetup.com/LosAngelesVolunteers
• SoCal Volunteers United in OC — https://www.meetup.com/SoCalVolunteers
***
FYI: Many people ask, so I'll mention it here. Wiseman sounds like a fake name, internet moniker, or nickname, but it's my real name. Ironically, I'm pretty dumb. ;)
And if what I look like matters, use a web browser and go to
https://www.meetup.com/LosAngelesVolunteers/members/69743242
and under my main photo, click on "Tagged photos" and you can judge me...and decide if you want to join our group/events/trips. :)
***
Introduction & Elaboration:
https://www.meetup.com/LosAngelesVolunteers/events/218808844
***
Suggestion:
If anyone joins this group, editing your email settings is recommended. Many "reminder" emails are automatically sent everyday by Meetup.com, which can become annoying and overwhelming. Changing email preferences takes a few seconds and is worthwhile.
After joining this group, go to https://www.meetup.com/account/comm/LosAngelesVolunteers
...and set "Meetup reminders" to "Never"
Feel free to change other settings to reduce emails.
For anyone using the Meetup app, in the lower right corner, click "Profile"
...then in the top right corner, tap the 3 vertical dots and then "Manage notifications" and then "Email Updates" and scroll down to tap People Helping the Community and set "Meetup reminders" to "Never"
***


Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Yosemite ??? [Tentative Dates]Needs location
Hi friends,
Oh boy...it's been a while, right?
Well, I'm still alive. :)
I'm sorry I've been MIA for the past few months (and years)...been busy with work and volunteering / traveling.
I sincerely hope you all are doing well.
Things have been crazy recently...so if anyone else needs a mental health break -- I'm thinking of camping and relaxing at Yosemite National Park in mid-June.
I miss hiking, hanging out in a river, seeing waterfalls, being in nature, etc...
If anyone else could use a break and/or doesn't have summer vacation plans, please feel free to continue reading.
Okay...so for months, I thought I'd just work during the summer to save $ for traveling to volunteer --- but some campsites at Yosemite opened up on May 15, and out of curiosity, with no expectations, I got lucky and reserved one campsite between June 15 - 22.
I'm not 100% yet on which specific dates I'll go...maybe something like June 15 - 19 or June 17 or 18 until 22.
Anyhow, I want to mention it today in case anyone needs time to check with their boss / manager / supervisor / HR for inquiring for potential time off.
I should decide in the upcoming days.
I'll also add a Google Doc with more details / info by the end of this weekend.
Drive time to Yosemite Valley is around:
5.5 - 6 hours from LA - https://goo.gl/maps/tBceNbZdRvgW7uz77
6 - 6.5 hours from OC - https://goo.gl/maps/QbHyzwnx3nN1GWVTA
***
Photos:
https://www.meetup.com/la_camping/photos/32468911
https://www.meetup.com/la_camping/photos/31424981
https://www.meetup.com/la_camping/photos/31013191
https://www.meetup.com/la_camping/photos/29018919
https://www.meetup.com/lavolunteer/photos/27065750
Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwzY1o_hB5Y
- Adaptive Surfing or Beach Day (Santa Monica)Lifeguard Tower 28, Santa Monica, CA
Preface:
Sorry for the late/short notice. I missed last year (scheduling conflicts), so I'm hoping to attend this year.
This is one of my favorite events.
If this date/location in LA is inconvenient, similar events are happening at Huntington Beach, La Jolla, and Santa Barbara.
If any group members want to hang out at the beach, this can be a possible meetup.
If any group members want to plan a beach day get-together and hang out together, use the comments section or event chat to coordinate (e.g. discuss carpooling, when & where to meet, etc.). If attending this as a beach day -- then this flexible, so arrive and leave whenever you want.
If volunteering, try to arrive by 7 or 7:30 am.
If not volunteering, i.e. hanging out, then feel free to arrive later, like 9 or 10 am.
The following is for those interested in volunteering. If not volunteering, and just interested in hanging out at the beach, then you can ignore the text below.
***
Hi.
I try to spread the word about volunteer opportunities and raise awareness about non-profits/charities that do good work.
This event is from Life Rolls On.
"Life Rolls On is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people affected by spinal cord injury" and other disabilities.
They host "epic surf and skate events for wheelchair athletes."
Their videos show what they're about
***
2025 Schedule - https://liferollson.org/tour
June 21 @ Santa Monica - https://liferollson.org/santamonica
July 26 @ Venice - https://liferollson.org/venice
Aug 23 @ Huntington Beach - https://liferollson.org/huntingtonbeach
Sept 13 @ La Jolla - https://liferollson.org/lajolla
Oct 4 @ Santa Barbara - https://liferollson.org/santabarbara
***
Being a surfer or advanced swimmer isn't required.
Owning a wetsuit isn't required either. Renting or borrowing a wetsuit is recommended for those helping in the deep water.
For those who are just calf-high or knee-high in the shallow water, many people seemed fine with just shorts or a swimsuit.
Life Rolls On surfing events are popular and attract hundreds of volunteers, so their online registration will eventually become full and closed.
If anyone wants to help support and cheer on individuals (kids & adults) who might not otherwise have an opportunity to go in the ocean/water, this event is highly recommended.
***
FAQ & More Info: https://liferollson.org/volunteer-faq
Video about volunteering: https://vimeo.com/110543459
To help, sign up early at
https://liferollson.org/santamonica
Online registration for volunteering might get full, but from my observation, they usually allow walk-ons who show up in the morning and sign up in person.
They often accept extra volunteers to help in the water. So if their online registration closes, it should be okay to show up early and register in person.
If anyone doesn't have time to commit for the entire event, that's totally fine. Instead of volunteering for the whole day, feel free to stop by for an hour or two, hang out at the beach, and watch & cheer. Arrive and leave whenever you want.
This is a pretty heart-warming, uplifting, and inspirational event imo.
***
Photos:
https://www.meetup.com/losangelesvolunteers/photos/32876877
https://www.meetup.com/losangelesvolunteers/photos/32876665
https://www.meetup.com/losangelesvolunteers/photos/32873357
https://www.meetup.com/losangelesvolunteers/photos/32532607
https://www.meetup.com/LosAngelesVolunteers/photos/32061185
https://www.meetup.com/LosAngelesVolunteers/photos/31683629
https://www.meetup.com/LosAngelesVolunteers/photos/31807674
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3044099849033371
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3043915855718437
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1718146218295414
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1718043311639038
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1299737523469621
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1286605771449463
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1209250355851672
https://www.facebook.com/pg/LifeRollsOnFoundation/photos/?tab=albums
https://www.six12media.com/Surfing/Life-Rolls-On
Videos:
***
So a few experienced surfers are designated to help the individuals directly with surfing.
The majority of other volunteers in the water help in a supporting role.
My conjecture is going into the water/ocean can be pretty scary and terrifying for some individuals, especially for those who cannot use their legs (lower body).
The abundance of volunteers in the water can be encouraging and offer some relief to those who might be afraid they can't swim.
The first time I went, it initially looked like "too many" or "more than enough" volunteers. One benefit of having several volunteers is because they need to be scattered throughout and positioned at different locations in case a wave knocks over a participant. If someone goes under water, then somebody nearby should be able to immediately pick him/her up.
So if a participant accidentally loses balance and falls over, or crashes into the sand/beach (since many of them can't use their legs/feet), then a volunteer can help lift him/her above water.
All in all, this is a pretty cool community event imo.
***
Recommended items to bring:
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, comfortable clothes, flip-flops / sandals, towel, water, change of clothes, etc.
Free snacks and water are sometimes provided.
A light lunch is usually provided for volunteers.
***
If any group members want to hang out together and watch, feel free to use the discussion section or event chat to coordinate & communicate (when to arrive, where to meet, carpool, etc.).
If any group members want to volunteer on the same team (color), feel free to contact Life Rolls On, and they can try to assign you to the same team.
But if nobody else from the group registers -- fear not, because the other volunteers are friendly & welcoming imo...so you should have fun meeting new people.
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
- Adaptive Surfing or Beach Day (Huntington)Huntington Beach All Inclusive Playground, Huntington Beach, CA
Preface:
I missed last year (scheduling conflicts), so I'm hoping to attend this year.
This might be far for some group members in/near LA, but this is a special event imo, so I want to post this in case anyone is interested, available, and willing to drive to OC.
This is one of my favorite events.
If this date/location in Huntington Beach is inconvenient, similar events are happening in Santa Monica, La Jolla, and Santa Barbara.
If any group members want to hang out at the beach, this can be a possible meetup.
If any group members want to plan a beach day get-together and hang out together, use the comments section or event chat to coordinate (e.g. discuss carpooling, when & where to meet, etc.). If attending this as a beach day -- then this flexible, so arrive and leave whenever you want.
If volunteering, try to arrive by 7 or 7:30 am.
If not volunteering, i.e. hanging out, then feel free to arrive later, like 9 or 10 am.
The following is for those interested in volunteering. If not volunteering, and just interested in hanging out at the beach, then you can ignore the text below.
***
Hi.
I try to spread the word about volunteer opportunities and raise awareness about non-profits/charities that do good work.
This event is from Life Rolls On.
"Life Rolls On is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people affected by spinal cord injury" and other disabilities.
They host "epic surf and skate events for wheelchair athletes."
Their videos show what they're about
***
2025 Schedule - https://liferollson.org/tour
June 21 @ Santa Monica - https://liferollson.org/santamonica
July 26 @ Venice - https://liferollson.org/venice
Aug 23 @ Huntington Beach - https://liferollson.org/huntingtonbeach
Sept 13 @ La Jolla - https://liferollson.org/lajolla
Oct 4 @ Santa Barbara - https://liferollson.org/santabarbara
***
Being a surfer or advanced swimmer isn't required.
Owning a wetsuit isn't required either. Renting or borrowing a wetsuit is recommended for those helping in the deep water.
For those who are just calf-high or knee-high in the shallow water, many people seemed fine with just shorts or a swimsuit.
Life Rolls On surfing events are popular and attract hundreds of volunteers, so their online registration will eventually become full and closed.
If anyone wants to help support and cheer on individuals (kids & adults) who might not otherwise have an opportunity to go in the ocean/water, this event is highly recommended.
***
FAQ & More Info: https://liferollson.org/volunteer-faq
Video about volunteering: https://vimeo.com/110543459
To help, sign up early at
https://liferollson.org/huntingtonbeach
Online registration for volunteering might get full, but from my observation, they usually allow walk-ons who show up in the morning and sign up in person.
They often accept extra volunteers to help in the water. So if their online registration closes, it should be okay to show up early and register in person.
If anyone doesn't have time to commit for the entire event, that's totally fine. Instead of volunteering for the whole day, feel free to stop by for an hour or two, hang out at the beach, and watch & cheer. Arrive and leave whenever you want.
This is a pretty heart-warming, uplifting, and inspirational event imo.
***
Photos:
https://www.meetup.com/losangelesvolunteers/photos/32876877
https://www.meetup.com/losangelesvolunteers/photos/32876665
https://www.meetup.com/losangelesvolunteers/photos/32873357
https://www.meetup.com/losangelesvolunteers/photos/32532607
https://www.meetup.com/LosAngelesVolunteers/photos/32061185
https://www.meetup.com/LosAngelesVolunteers/photos/31683629
https://www.meetup.com/LosAngelesVolunteers/photos/31807674
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3044099849033371
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3043915855718437
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1718146218295414
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1718043311639038
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1299737523469621
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1286605771449463
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1209250355851672
https://www.facebook.com/pg/LifeRollsOnFoundation/photos/?tab=albums
https://www.six12media.com/Surfing/Life-Rolls-On
Videos:
***
So a few experienced surfers are designated to help the individuals directly with surfing.
The majority of other volunteers in the water help in a supporting role.
My conjecture is going into the water/ocean can be pretty scary and terrifying for some individuals, especially for those who cannot use their legs (lower body).
The abundance of volunteers in the water can be encouraging and offer some relief to those who might be afraid they can't swim.
The first time I went, it initially looked like "too many" or "more than enough" volunteers. One benefit of having several volunteers is because they need to be scattered throughout and positioned at different locations in case a wave knocks over a participant. If someone goes under water, then somebody nearby should be able to immediately pick him/her up.
So if a participant accidentally loses balance and falls over, or crashes into the sand/beach (since many of them can't use their legs/feet), then a volunteer can help lift him/her above water.
All in all, this is a pretty cool community event imo.
***
Recommended items to bring:
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, comfortable clothes, flip-flops / sandals, towel, water, change of clothes, etc.
Free snacks and water are sometimes provided.
A light lunch is usually provided for volunteers.
***
If any group members want to hang out together and watch, feel free to use the discussion section or event chat to coordinate & communicate (when to arrive, where to meet, carpool, etc.).
If any group members want to volunteer on the same team (color), feel free to contact Life Rolls On, and they can try to assign you to the same team.
But if nobody else from the group registers -- fear not, because the other volunteers are friendly & welcoming imo...so you should have fun meeting new people.
...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
- Adaptive Surfing or Beach Day (La Jolla)La Jolla Shores Beach, La Jolla, CA
Preface:
I missed last year (scheduling conflicts), so I'm hoping to attend this year.
This might be far for some group members in/near LA, but this is a special event imo, so I want to post this in case anyone is interested, available, and willing to drive to La Jolla (north of San Diego).
This is one of my favorite events.
If this date/location in La Jolla is inconvenient, similar events are happening in Santa Monica, Huntington, and Santa Barbara.
If any group members want to hang out at the beach, this can be a possible meetup.
If any group members want to plan a beach day get-together and hang out together, use the comments section or event chat to coordinate (e.g. discuss carpooling, when & where to meet, etc.). If attending this as a beach day -- then this flexible, so arrive and leave whenever you want.
If volunteering, try to arrive by 7 or 7:30 am.
If not volunteering, i.e. hanging out, then feel free to arrive later, like 9 or 10 am.
The following is for those interested in volunteering. If not volunteering, and just interested in hanging out at the beach, then you can ignore the text below.
***
Hi.
I try to spread the word about volunteer opportunities and raise awareness about non-profits/charities that do good work.
This event is from Life Rolls On.
"Life Rolls On is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people affected by spinal cord injury" and other disabilities.
They host "epic surf and skate events for wheelchair athletes."
Their videos show what they're about
***
2025 Schedule - https://liferollson.org/tour
June 21 @ Santa Monica - https://liferollson.org/santamonica
July 26 @ Venice - https://liferollson.org/venice
Aug 23 @ Huntington Beach - https://liferollson.org/huntingtonbeach
Sept 13 @ La Jolla - https://liferollson.org/lajolla
Oct 4 @ Santa Barbara - https://liferollson.org/santabarbara
***
Being a surfer or advanced swimmer isn't required.
Owning a wetsuit isn't required either. Renting or borrowing a wetsuit is recommended for those helping in the deep water.
For those who are just calf-high or knee-high in the shallow water, many people seemed fine with just shorts or a swimsuit.
Life Rolls On surfing events are popular and attract hundreds of volunteers, so their online registration will eventually become full and closed.
If anyone wants to help support and cheer on individuals (kids & adults) who might not otherwise have an opportunity to go in the ocean/water, this event is highly recommended.
***
FAQ & More Info: https://liferollson.org/volunteer-faq
Video about volunteering: https://vimeo.com/110543459
To help, sign up early at
https://liferollson.org/lajolla
Online registration for volunteering might get full, but from my observation, they usually allow walk-ons who show up in the morning and sign up in person.
They often accept extra volunteers to help in the water. So if their online registration closes, it should be okay to show up early and register in person.
If anyone doesn't have time to commit for the entire event, that's totally fine. Instead of volunteering for the whole day, feel free to stop by for an hour or two, hang out at the beach, and watch & cheer. Arrive and leave whenever you want.
This is a pretty heart-warming, uplifting, and inspirational event imo.
***
Photos:
https://www.meetup.com/losangelesvolunteers/photos/32876877
https://www.meetup.com/losangelesvolunteers/photos/32876665
https://www.meetup.com/losangelesvolunteers/photos/32873357
https://www.meetup.com/losangelesvolunteers/photos/32532607
https://www.meetup.com/LosAngelesVolunteers/photos/32061185
https://www.meetup.com/LosAngelesVolunteers/photos/31683629
https://www.meetup.com/LosAngelesVolunteers/photos/31807674
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3044099849033371
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3043915855718437
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1718146218295414
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1718043311639038
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1299737523469621
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1286605771449463
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1209250355851672
https://www.facebook.com/pg/LifeRollsOnFoundation/photos/?tab=albums
https://www.six12media.com/Surfing/Life-Rolls-On
Videos:
***
So a few experienced surfers are designated to help the individuals directly with surfing.
The majority of other volunteers in the water help in a supporting role.
My conjecture is going into the water/ocean can be pretty scary and terrifying for some individuals, especially for those who cannot use their legs (lower body).
The abundance of volunteers in the water can be encouraging and offer some relief to those who might be afraid they can't swim.
The first time I went, it initially looked like "too many" or "more than enough" volunteers. One benefit of having several volunteers is because they need to be scattered throughout and positioned at different locations in case a wave knocks over a participant. If someone goes under water, then somebody nearby should be able to immediately pick him/her up.
So if a participant accidentally loses balance and falls over, or crashes into the sand/beach (since many of them can't use their legs/feet), then a volunteer can help lift him/her above water.
All in all, this is a pretty cool community event imo.
***
Recommended items to bring:
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, comfortable clothes, flip-flops / sandals, towel, water, change of clothes, etc.
Free snacks and water are sometimes provided.
A light lunch is usually provided for volunteers.
***
If any group members want to hang out together and watch, feel free to use the discussion section or event chat to coordinate & communicate (when to arrive, where to meet, carpool, etc.).
If any group members want to volunteer on the same team (color), feel free to contact Life Rolls On, and they can try to assign you to the same team.
But if nobody else from the group registers -- fear not, because the other volunteers are friendly & welcoming imo...so you should have fun meeting new people.
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................