What we’re about
Shortcut to Calendar - https://www.meetup.com/SoCalVolunteers/events/calendar
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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:
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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.
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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!
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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.
***
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/SoCalVolunteers/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. :)
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Introduction & Elaboration:
https://www.meetup.com/SoCalVolunteers/events/154414682
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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 www.meetup.com/account/comm/SoCalVolunteers
...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 SoCal Volunteers United and set "Meetup reminders" to "Never"
***
Excerpts by JFK:
"Never before has man had such a great capacity to control his own environment, to end hunger, poverty and disease, to banish illiteracy and human misery. We have the power to make the best generation of mankind in the history of the world."
"We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage—and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world."
"My fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."
"Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own."
— John F. Kennedy
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Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Online Meeting to Learn about Volunteering with Kids Camp [Sat]Needs location
Preface: This is NOT an online meeting with Meetup or me.
Instead, it's with Comfort Zone Camp and their staff.
I'm merely posting this to help spread the word.
Thanks to everyone who voted last November.
You helped them win a $100,000 award, which will support more children attend a camp.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=767418368761949&set=pcb.767418408761945
Hi.
During the past few years, I've met MANY quality individuals from volunteering and camping & hiking trips.
If you are a good person or know someone who is, then one of my favorite volunteer experiences is with Comfort Zone Camp.
They host bereavement camps for kids who lost a parent, sibling, or other family member.
Sadly, some children lose a parent or sibling, and dealing with death can be traumatic and painful...but this camp helps them process grief and mourning.
These camps are free for kids to attend.
***
I've volunteered over thirty times for Comfort Zone Camp and three times for Camp Erin (another children's bereavement camp).
Some aspects are sad (e.g. hearing stories of kids who lost a parent), and sometimes there's some crying, but overall, the camps can also be fun, filled with smiling & laughing too.
So if you or someone you know can be sympathetic/empathetic and a positive role model, they have camps throughout the U.S. and welcome new volunteers.
***
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If interested in learning more, check their website:
Comfort Zone Camp
https://comfortzonecamp.org/volunteers
https://comfortzonecamp.org/calendar
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Many members in this group are in Southern California, but a few are in Northern California.
SoCal camp is March 8 - 10; August 23 - 25; and October 11 - 13
NorCal camp is August 2 - 4
This year, CZC will also offer camps in Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Their website has more info (such as dates & locations) -
https://comfortzonecamp.org/calendar
If you know anyone who lives in/near any of those states, please feel free to help spread the word.
In 2022, I helped at camps in California, Utah, New Jersey, and Virginia.
Last year in 2023, I helped in Northern & Southern California, Florida, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.
This year, I'll probably return to those same locations, along with Boston.
Southern California camps are:
March 8 - 10
https://comfortzonecamp.org/event/sylmar-ca-at-gold-creek-center-in-partnership-with-onelegacy
August 23 - 25
https://comfortzonecamp.org/event/california-weekend-camp-programs-for-ages-7-17
and
October 11 - 13
Northern California camp is August 2 - 4
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Important:
If anyone is new to Comfort Zone Camp and interested in helping, they require attending an online orientation, which is usually for 2 nights.
They currently have a few 2-day orientation meetings to choose from: (you decide)
Feb 6 - 7, Tues & Wed, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm PST
https://comfortzonecamp.org/event/virtual-volunteer-training-in-partnership-with-onelegacy
or
Mar 19 - 20, Tues & Wed, 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm PST
https://comfortzonecamp.org/event/5851
or a 1 day orientation
Apr 27, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm PST
https://comfortzonecamp.org/event/virtual-volunteer-training-7
To attend an online meeting, click on the aforementioned website above to sign up with them (click the "Register to Volunteer" button).
Note
CZC headquarters is in Virginia, so their website might show east coast time, but Pacific time is shown here.
If anyone wants to participate in their new volunteer orientation & training, but the day or time is challenging, please contact Comfort Zone Camp to discuss.
After new volunteers complete their online orientation and pass a background check -- they're eligible to register for a camp.
However, signing up to help isn't guaranteed.
Volunteer roles/spots can be limited. (Sometimes they have more interested volunteers than actual positions -- so please don't be upset/angry if you're not assigned.
Several returning volunteers help, so it's possible they might not have space for everyone who applies / registers...however, they sometimes are in need of male volunteers, so guys are highly encouraged to sign up.
***
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Regarding the camping aspect...this is not tent camping.
Think of it like a summer camp where school children go and stay in cabins...so they usually use established/developed venues.
Cabins with bunk beds, restrooms with flush toilets, sinks with running water, showers, a dining room where the kitchen staff prepares meals, etc.
Volunteers typically bring their own sleeping bag, pillow, blanket, etc...but there's no need to bring other camping equipment/gear (e.g. tent, air mattress/mad/pad, stove, etc.).
***
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The following videos are old, but explain what the camp is about -
Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLF7KWgfwfg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7JNYy07osI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dbk2Pigfb_U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLwYyfpwfHU
***
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If anyone has questions, check out the CZC website and contact them.
If anyone is curious about volunteering and has any questions, feel free to contact me directly. I'm happy to talk about Comfort Zone Camp.
I absolutely love their mission.
I've met many good people (both adult volunteers and kids) at these camps.
And although the topic of death can be morbid and depressing, this camp has helped me appreciate life and to not take things/people/life for granted.
Anyhow, I don't expect many people to be interested in this, but who knows, maybe this might resonate with one person.
From Time Magazine:
https://time.com/6286420/suicide-bereavement-camps-kids
btw, in addition to the big buddy role -- nurses are sometimes also needed.
Everyone is busy, and free time is limited, so totally understandable giving up an entire weekend is challenging for many.
For any who are able to participate -- it's truly a life-changing experience that should leave an indelible impact.
Note - the camp usually starts on Friday afternoon, so other volunteers usually take Friday off from work, or work a half day, in order to have sufficient time to arrive by 2:30 pm.
***
Oh, in addition to Comfort Zone Camp, another children's camp that is similar is called Camp Erin. However, they might have changed their name to Eluna.
It was started by a former major league baseball player and his wife.
I don't know about right now, but years ago, nearly every city with a MLB team had a Camp Erin, so in addition to Los Angeles / SoCal, San Diego, there should also be other camps throughout the country.
LA - https://www.ourhouse-grief.org/camp-erin
https://elunanetwork.org/camps-programs/camp-erin
I've only volunteered around three times with Camp Erin, but if anyone has general questions, feel free to lmk.
***
Lastly, another special camp is The Painted Turtle.
Similarly, their camps are free for children. The kids who attend their camps are afflicted with a serious medical/health condition.
If you've seen salad dressings, sauces, or other food products from Paul Newman, then The Painted Turtle is one of the charities they support.
https://www.thepaintedturtle.org
***
So yeah, if there's anyone out there who also enjoys both volunteering and camping, then I wanted to share about these camps.
Cheers.
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- Lunch for the Homeless & Community (Long Beach) [Morning or Afternoon]First Congregational Church of Long Beach, UCC, Long Beach, CA
Preface:
This is automatically posted on a recurring basis.
This event does NOT occur during July or 1st weekend in December.
***
Hi.
Here's another suggestion for a possible volunteer meetup.
I myself might not attend, but you and other group members can still attend without me.
Meetup allows group members to host events without the main organizer (me); so if anyone wants to be the point-of-contact for others, lmk.
Even if nobody else from this Meetup group signs up, more likely than not, there will be other people there.
After many years of attending different volunteer events, I've seen most people who join such events are kind, caring, friendly, positive, and good-hearted people.
So if you decide to attend this, you should have a decent chance of meeting some quality people, even if they aren't from our Meetup group.
To reiterate -- my goal and intention is to post various volunteer opportunities, especially since people have different schedules/availability, and live in various parts of SoCal.
SoCal traffic is bad and everyone has limited free time, so my hope is to suggest different volunteer opportunities so people have more options.
A librarian might not have read every book in their respective library, but they can still help others find books.
So regardless if I personally attend this event or not, if you (or any others) do go, I sincerely hope you have a positive, meaningful, and rewarding experience.
Thank you for helping others.
***
Clarification:
I'm not affiliated, associated, nor connected.
Similar to a family member, friend, or co-worker sharing on social media about a restaurant, movie, book, song, etc. they like, I use Meetup to share about volunteer opportunities.
A librarian might not have written the books in a library, but s/he can still recommend books to the public.
So I'm simply suggesting some volunteer events that I think others might be open to helping with.
If you're new and/or want a further explanation, refer to:
https://tinyurl.com/volunteer-clarification
***
I try to spread the word about volunteer opportunities and raise awareness about non-profits/charities that do good work.
This event is from
Urban Community Outreach's Drop in Center
https://www.ucodic.org/what-uco-does
https://www.ucodic.org/drop-in-center
http://www.firstchurchlb.org/involvement/justice-outreach-2
https://www.facebook.com/urban.communityoutreach.9
The Drop-in-Center "is a community center for homeless people and the working poor in down town Long Beach. We strive to provide a haven from the weather and the harsh conditions of the streets on Sunday afternoons."
***
Volunteers are needed:
in morning with food/meal prep (9 am - 1 pm)
and/or
in afternoon with serving lunch and distributing items (1 pm - 3pm)
No need to bring any food. Everything is provided by them (ingredients, knives, cutting boards, utensils, gloves, etc.).
Volunteers can choose when to arrive and how long to stay. Your choice.
This is fairly flexible. For example, if someone arrives at 9 am or later, but can't stay until 1 pm, it should be okay to leave earlier (like 11 am, 12 pm, etc.).
The morning involves preparing the meal (washing & cutting vegetables, preparing other ingredients, cooking, etc.).
The afternoon is for serving food, cleaning up, etc.
Anyone is welcome to help. Even though this is at a church venue, being Christian or religious is not required nor expected.
"Children 16 and under are welcome, but must have one parent or guardian for every three children attending."
Wearing appropriate clothing is recommended and closed-toe shoes are required (no sandals, flip flops, etc.).
Street parking is usually free on Sundays, but please check signs/meters to confirm.
To get to the kitchen area, please avoid the church entrance. Instead, on the side of the church building, on Cedar Ave, next to the brick wall, look for an archway and door.
https://goo.gl/maps/dno8N1Qh1PU2
"Enter through the steel mesh gates...Go to the courtyard where you will see glass windows and our dining area to the left. Sign in and a coordinator will get you started."
This should occur on most Sundays (except in July and the first Sunday in December).
***
To help, sign up at
http://signupgenius.com/go/UCOLB
***
***
***
To repeat, if interested in helping, registering with them is needed. Signing up here on Meetup is insufficient. They have their own sign-up process. Due to COVID-19, many places prefer to limit # of volunteers (to allow for physical distancing), so if serious about helping, sign up with UCO. They can provide more info/details (e.g. when to arrive, where to park, what to bring, etc.).
***
***
Photos:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.810609952382383
- Lunch for the Homeless & Community (Long Beach) [Morning or Afternoon]First Congregational Church of Long Beach, UCC, Long Beach, CA
Preface:
This is automatically posted on a recurring basis.
This event does NOT occur during July or 1st weekend in December.
***
Hi.
Here's another suggestion for a possible volunteer meetup.
I myself might not attend, but you and other group members can still attend without me.
Meetup allows group members to host events without the main organizer (me); so if anyone wants to be the point-of-contact for others, lmk.
Even if nobody else from this Meetup group signs up, more likely than not, there will be other people there.
After many years of attending different volunteer events, I've seen most people who join such events are kind, caring, friendly, positive, and good-hearted people.
So if you decide to attend this, you should have a decent chance of meeting some quality people, even if they aren't from our Meetup group.
To reiterate -- my goal and intention is to post various volunteer opportunities, especially since people have different schedules/availability, and live in various parts of SoCal.
SoCal traffic is bad and everyone has limited free time, so my hope is to suggest different volunteer opportunities so people have more options.
A librarian might not have read every book in their respective library, but they can still help others find books.
So regardless if I personally attend this event or not, if you (or any others) do go, I sincerely hope you have a positive, meaningful, and rewarding experience.
Thank you for helping others.
***
Clarification:
I'm not affiliated, associated, nor connected.
Similar to a family member, friend, or co-worker sharing on social media about a restaurant, movie, book, song, etc. they like, I use Meetup to share about volunteer opportunities.
A librarian might not have written the books in a library, but s/he can still recommend books to the public.
So I'm simply suggesting some volunteer events that I think others might be open to helping with.
If you're new and/or want a further explanation, refer to:
https://tinyurl.com/volunteer-clarification
***
I try to spread the word about volunteer opportunities and raise awareness about non-profits/charities that do good work.
This event is from
Urban Community Outreach's Drop in Center
https://www.ucodic.org/what-uco-does
https://www.ucodic.org/drop-in-center
http://www.firstchurchlb.org/involvement/justice-outreach-2
https://www.facebook.com/urban.communityoutreach.9
The Drop-in-Center "is a community center for homeless people and the working poor in down town Long Beach. We strive to provide a haven from the weather and the harsh conditions of the streets on Sunday afternoons."
***
Volunteers are needed:
in morning with food/meal prep (9 am - 1 pm)
and/or
in afternoon with serving lunch and distributing items (1 pm - 3pm)
No need to bring any food. Everything is provided by them (ingredients, knives, cutting boards, utensils, gloves, etc.).
Volunteers can choose when to arrive and how long to stay. Your choice.
This is fairly flexible. For example, if someone arrives at 9 am or later, but can't stay until 1 pm, it should be okay to leave earlier (like 11 am, 12 pm, etc.).
The morning involves preparing the meal (washing & cutting vegetables, preparing other ingredients, cooking, etc.).
The afternoon is for serving food, cleaning up, etc.
Anyone is welcome to help. Even though this is at a church venue, being Christian or religious is not required nor expected.
"Children 16 and under are welcome, but must have one parent or guardian for every three children attending."
Wearing appropriate clothing is recommended and closed-toe shoes are required (no sandals, flip flops, etc.).
Street parking is usually free on Sundays, but please check signs/meters to confirm.
To get to the kitchen area, please avoid the church entrance. Instead, on the side of the church building, on Cedar Ave, next to the brick wall, look for an archway and door.
https://goo.gl/maps/dno8N1Qh1PU2
"Enter through the steel mesh gates...Go to the courtyard where you will see glass windows and our dining area to the left. Sign in and a coordinator will get you started."
This should occur on most Sundays (except in July and the first Sunday in December).
***
To help, sign up at
http://signupgenius.com/go/UCOLB
***
***
***
To repeat, if interested in helping, registering with them is needed. Signing up here on Meetup is insufficient. They have their own sign-up process. Due to COVID-19, many places prefer to limit # of volunteers (to allow for physical distancing), so if serious about helping, sign up with UCO. They can provide more info/details (e.g. when to arrive, where to park, what to bring, etc.).
***
***
Photos:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.810609952382383
