Volunteering for Animals

Please be sure to RSVP here! https://stampede.proanimal.org/events Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

Please join us for a special combined event - our fun and friendly monthly [VSDC](vsdc.org) Vegan Potluck AND a board games gathering - twice the fun!! The potluck will start at 12 pm and go until 2 pm (approx) and the board games part will go from 2 to 4 pm. You can attend either or both. There is no charge to attend this event; you will be expected to bring vegan food or drink to share for the potluck or vegan snacks for the board games part. The location is in downtown Silver Spring MD, at the DC border. ***\*\*When you RSVP, please indicate if you are attending the potluck or the board games gathering, or both.\*\**** **Items to bring to the potluck:** \- Vegan potluck dish \(no animal products of any kind\) to share\. For food quantity\, please bring 4 to 6 times the number of servings times the number in your party\. \- A serving utensil for your dish \- Ingredients list or recipe for your dish \- ***Please print or write it out in advance*** \- Beverage for yourself or one to share \- To help reduce waste\, bring your reusable plate\, cup\, and utensils [VSDC will provide drinking water.] Please Note: \- Be sure to help leave the space clean before leaving the potluck and take the containers and utensils you brought with you\. *\- Vegans do not consume any animal products or byproducts \(no meat\, chicken/poultry\, fish/sea animals\, eggs\, milk or dairy products\, honey\, etc\)\.* **LOCATION** Eastern Village Cohousing, 7981 Eastern Ave NW, Silver Spring MD 20910. Enter into the front door and walk into the Community Room. **PARKING** Yes, there should be free street parking on Sundays in this residential neighborhood. Also there is free parking in the parking garage adjacent to 7981 Eastern Ave. *Please read and follow all parking signs.* **METRO** This location is accessible by public transport. It is 0.6 miles from the Silver Spring Metro station on the Red line. ***Please plan your trip in advance and ask any questions at least one day in advance. The organizers will do their best to answer questions but ones on the day of the event will be difficult for responses.*** Email potluck@vsdc.org for questions or to help plan future potluck events. VSDC Thanks Rodney Elin for arranging for this wonderful space! ***Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.*** **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Come help us water, weed, plant, harvest & compost at the EGG! The EGG, or Eileen Garnett Garden, is Hands On Harvests' demonstration garden in central Annandale's Eileen Garnett Civic Space at 7200 Columbia Pike. Many helped us start & maintain the EGG for the last two years, and we have donated 100's of pounds of produce to the local community and other food pantries. Great Opportunity to learn more about weeding/composting, understand the EGG community garden project, & give back to the community! HOH provides gloves, tools, refreshments and instruction. Just bring yourself & some water! Some folks also like to grab a meal together after all the hard work. [Signup here](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FADA923A5F8C61-62782759-gardening#/)

Our regular Sunday meetup at the Shirlington Dog Park -- members start arriving around 10:15 a.m. You'll always find an Aussie to play with. There are 3 entrances, so wander the park -- the dogs will find each other! For puppies, Shirlington has a small dog park within the larger dog park. It's the prefect place for your puppy to gain confidence and socialize with others. There is also plenty of room to run. Just a reminder, the Dog Park is under attack by the Arlington County Board of Commissioners. While early plans to decrease the size of the park by 50% has been tabled, it's important to remind Arlington County how important this park is to dogs and owners. Here are links to the change.org petition and the Facebook page where you can get updates. Shirlington Dog Park Page Petition: https://www.change.org/.../arlington-county-board-save... Arlington County Board: Save the Shirlington Dog Park! We love the Shirlington Dog Park -- it provides… change.org Shirlington Dog Park Page Shirlington Dog Park Page Save the Dog Park Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/groups/696087663906890

**Learn how to make perilla kimchi and discover how perilla leaves can elevate your Korean BBQ nights.** Our instructor is Soomin Kim, owner of Annandale's own [Virginialicious](https://virginialicious.com/), which offers delicious Korean food tours. After the cooking lesson, we'll feast! (Potluck dishes do not have to be Korean or even Asian -- just something you love and want to share.) **WHEN:** June 28, 6-7:30 pm **WHERE:** Mission Center, 7901 Heritage Drive, Annandale **\# of SEATS:** 24\. Every attendee must sign up for a slot [on sign up Genius (CLICK HERE to RSVP)](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FADA923A5F8C61-64286925-korean#/) and bring a dish to share. FILLS UP QUICK 16/24 seats already reserved, registration will only be valid through sign up genius. **This event is free, but limited in capacity so PLEASE CANCEL if you can't attend so someone else can enjoy the event!** **PARKING:** You can park in the driveway around the Mission Center or in the commercial parking lot next door. Send questions to HOH at info@handsonharvests.org.

Sign up to help with customer service at our Arlington shop! **If this is your first time doing customer service at our shop**, **please direct message Elizabeth here via MeetUp** so she can ensure someone can be there to orient you. **What you'll do:** * greet customers * manage customer traffic * help customers find basic bike parts in our store * direct customers to the mechanics if they need a bike repair * help customers find a bike that fits them * set customers up to test ride bikes * work the register to conduct customer payments **Qualities of a good volunteer for this role:** * customer service oriented * willing to work outside most of the shift * able to work on their feet most of the shift * comfortable working in a faced-paced environment * open to a steep learning curve with a rewarding experience the more times you volunteer * excited to learn about Velocity Bicycle Cooperative and become part of our volunteer team that keeps our wheels turning! **What to Bring/Attire** * A water bottle & snack * Wear comfortable shoes and clothes appropriate for the day's weather * Sunscreen and a baseball hat if it is sunny **Age Requirements:** If you are under 18, you must bring a parent/guardian with you to the orientation to sign the waiver.

Sign up to help with customer service at our Arlington shop! **If this is your first time doing customer service at our shop**, **please direct message Elizabeth here via MeetUp** so she can ensure someone can be there to orient you. **What you'll do:** * greet customers * manage customer traffic * help customers find basic bike parts in our store * direct customers to the mechanics if they need a bike repair * help customers find a bike that fits them * set customers up to test ride bikes * work the register to conduct customer payments **Qualities of a good volunteer for this role:** * customer service oriented * willing to work outside most of the shift * able to work on their feet most of the shift * comfortable working in a faced-paced environment * open to a steep learning curve with a rewarding experience the more times you volunteer * excited to learn about Velocity Bicycle Cooperative and become part of our volunteer team that keeps our wheels turning! **What to Bring/Attire** * A water bottle & snack * Wear comfortable shoes and clothes appropriate for the day's weather * Sunscreen and a baseball hat if it is sunny **Age Requirements:** If you are under 18, you must bring a parent/guardian with you to the orientation to sign the waiver.

Sign up to help with customer service at our Del Ray shop! **If this is your first time doing customer service at our shop**, **please direct message Elizabeth here via MeetUp** so she can ensure someone can be there to orient you. **What you'll do:** * greet customers * manage customer traffic * help customers find basic bike parts in our store * direct customers to the mechanics if they need a bike repair * help customers find a bike that fits them * set customers up to test ride bikes * work the register to conduct customer payments **Qualities of a good volunteer for this role:** * customer service oriented * willing to work outside most of the shift * able to work on their feet most of the shift * comfortable working in a faced-paced environment * open to a steep learning curve with a rewarding experience the more times you volunteer * excited to learn about Velocity Bicycle Cooperative and become part of our volunteer team that keeps our wheels turning! **What to Bring/Attire** * A water bottle & snack * Wear comfortable shoes and clothes appropriate for the day's weather * Sunscreen and a baseball hat if it is sunny **Age Requirements:** If you are under 18, you must bring a parent/guardian with you to the orientation to sign the waiver.

Sign up to help with customer service at our Del Ray shop! **If this is your first time doing customer service at our shop**, **please direct message Elizabeth here via MeetUp** so she can ensure someone can be there to orient you. **What you'll do:** * greet customers * manage customer traffic * help customers find basic bike parts in our store * direct customers to the mechanics if they need a bike repair * help customers find a bike that fits them * set customers up to test ride bikes * work the register to conduct customer payments **Qualities of a good volunteer for this role:** * customer service oriented * willing to work outside most of the shift * able to work on their feet most of the shift * comfortable working in a faced-paced environment * open to a steep learning curve with a rewarding experience the more times you volunteer * excited to learn about Velocity Bicycle Cooperative and become part of our volunteer team that keeps our wheels turning! **What to Bring/Attire** * A water bottle & snack * Wear comfortable shoes and clothes appropriate for the day's weather * Sunscreen and a baseball hat if it is sunny **Age Requirements:** If you are under 18, you must bring a parent/guardian with you to the orientation to sign the waiver.

\*\*\* New Trial Process - No More Signing In \*\*\* **Step 1:** **Read the Liability Disclaimer:** [https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf) **Step 2:** When prompted, **type:** **"I Accept**/**Full Name/Contact Number/Emergency Contact Number"** Example: "I accept/Jane Doe/703-555-5555/301-666-6666" This is a trial process and is not available on all hikes. **Length**: 2 miles. Elevation: Negligible. Pace: 2.0 miles per hour **DESCRIPTION** This event is not really a hike; it intended to bring together hikers who for whatever reason are unable to go on a regular hike but are interested in keeping in touch. In addition, the event is of course fully open to anyone in the club, regardless of their hiking abilities. The highlight will be pizza at the famed local joint, "Red Hound Pizza" [[link](https://www.redhoundpizza.com/)] at **noon**. Prior to the meal, optionally, those who can and are willing can join a leisurely two-mile stroll around the pretty, historic town of Tacoma Park. We will meet east of the **Tacoma** station on the red line at the junction of **Carroll** Street and **Cedar** Street, one block from the Metro, as below: (1) Strollers: Meet group at 11:00 (2) Non-strollers: Meet the group at 12:00 (same place) **PARKING:** Lots nearby; streetside is an option. Parking is free on Sundays. **DOGS:** DOGS permitted per Club [policy](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/policies/).

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. Distance and Elevation Gain: Approximately 8 miles, 850 feet Please join me for a brisk hike in the northern section of Rock Creek Park, starting from the visitor center. The trail is mostly dirt, with some roots and rocks, and a few steep inclines. Highlights include plenty of creek views, a few stream crossings, and a five-trunk tulip tree. We'll be looking for any edible berries! Directions: The hike begins and ends at Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium, 5200 Glover Road, N.W., Washington, DC. Meet the group by the building; the center normally opens at 9:00. There is lots of parking by the visitor center. Hiking Pace: 2.5-3.0 mph average moving pace. We will be hiking as a group; the group will determine the overall pace. You should have prior experience of hikes of a similar distance. To Bring: Please bring plenty of water, snacks, and sturdy, comfortable footwear. And of course a positive attitude! Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy. You must let the hike leader know if you are bringing a dog, and the dog must be kept on a leash.

Guys, we need to do this slow. Mishki gets overheated, so we take breaks from time to time, plus there may be other folks who walk slow. To make everyone feel included in the group experience, we walk slow, we wait and are kind. **Meeting Spot**: We gather at the main parking lot close to the park entrance, under the trees. **Lake Artemesia Walk – College Park** Join us for a relaxed, easy-paced walk around beautiful Lake Artemesia. A chance to unwind, enjoy nature, and connect with others in a calm, welcoming setting. We’ll walk the scenic loop, take in the lake views, and enjoy light conversation along the way. All fitness levels are welcome. **Main parking lot: 55th Ave & Berwyn Rd,** College Park, MD 20740 Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below: 1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. 2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety. 3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in. 4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You. 5\. You agree not to sue and to release\, discharge\, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities\, claims\, demands\, losses\, damages\, suits and proceedings\, for negligence\, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising\, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity\.

Craving community? Just want to take a walk in nature with others? Want some time in nature? Join folks from Church of the Covenant, a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) church, for a casual walk in nature on the 4th Sunday of each month. We're channeling calmness, community, and connection in hopes that we'll leave the walk feeling refreshed, renewed, and recharged. We call this our "Early Bird Fellowship." We'll meet at the playground at Potomac Overlook Regional Park then take a 30min stroll. All are welcome --- pets, kids, all ages https://covenantchurcharlington.org/ \*\* This is a no pressure gathering for folks who want intentional community.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

Open Shelter has teamed up again with Red White and Boom! Friday, July 3rd & we are looking for volunteers to run the event’s alcohol booths. Proceeds from sales go to the Open Shelter’s organization. There are two available shifts: 12-6p & 5-11p. There will be an ipad-like device to process transactions in addition to cash. Everything will be in bottles or cans, so transactions should be very easy. Must be 21+. There are multiple beverage stations along the Civic Center Bridge. The stations are covered and also have beverage trucks next to them, so volunteers can cool off in the trucks. As far as parking, it is suggested those who are coming from the east use the Columbus Commons Garage, and those from the west use the Belle Street Garage. Harry from the Open Shelter will be your contact. (614)562-2169 mailto:harry@theopenshelter.org More information about the event: https://redwhiteandboom.org/ More information about the organization: https://theopenshelter.org/

The Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless is seeking compassionate volunteers who would like to help serve and uplift members of our homeless community. This group is dedicated to sharing kindness, resources, and support with individuals who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Anyone with a heart for service is welcome to join us as we work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Community members are also invited to contribute by bringing helpful items for those in need. Donations of items can be contributed at the meeting and will be distributed to assist members of the homeless community. Please consider joining us and sharing this opportunity with friends, family, or associates who may also wish to help. Learn more about Unity of Columbus at www.unityofcolumbus.org or call (614) 267-4959. Together we can extend compassion, dignity, and support to our community. 💛

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. NOTE: We’re switching it up this time and going with a DINNER shift on Mon, 7/6. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for DINNER from 4:30 to 6:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 4:20pm and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to those volunteering at this (or any of our previous or future) CMG Gives Back events! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**Hike the Scioto Audubon trail. All paved and flat!** **Plan on 3-4 miles. Hike at your own pace, no one left behind.** **Lunch after at Nocterra for those who wish.**