According to Portland Audubon; a volunteer powered organization, volunteers account for 35% of their workforce and 48,000 hours of service every year. You can join the league of these trailblazer’s by becoming part of a volunteering organization.
Volunteering in Portland can be as little as collecting food from a center, driving down to the recipients home and delivering them. Just this act of kindness can earn you a special spot in the hearts of people.
Find the best Portland volunteering opportunity by reading through this guide.
Why volunteer in Portland
Volunteering is done for a variety of reasons. For some, it provides an opportunity to give back to the community or make a difference in the lives of those around them. For Others volunteering in Portland, it’s an opportunity to learn new skills or expand on prior experience and knowledge.
Whatever their motivation, what they all have in common is that they find it both challenging and rewarding.
Some of the reasons why people volunteer in portland are listed below. It gives some people the opportunity to:
- give something back to an organization that has had a direct or indirect impact on a person’s life
- make a difference in other people’s lives
- help the environment
- assist those who are less fortunate or who lack a voice
- feel valued and part of a team
- spend quality time away from work or a hectic schedule
- gain confidence and self-esteem.
For some, volunteering can be a stepping stone to a new job or an opportunity to try something new that could lead to a career change. Volunteering, from this perspective, can be used to:
- acquiring new abilities, knowledge, and experience
- developing existing skills and knowledge
- improving your CV
- improving one’s employment prospects
- gaining an accreditation
- using one’s professional skills and knowledge to benefit others (usually described as pro bono).
Others are drawn to volunteering because of the social benefits it provides. These are some examples:
- meeting new people and making new friends
- a chance to mingle
- getting to know the local community.
Are there Paid Volunteering Opportunities in Portland?
Finding a job that fits your desired scope can be difficult at times, but it requires perseverance and patience.
Yes, there are paid volunteering opportunities in Portland. Paid volunteer opportunities are still plentiful in Portland.
Volunteering in portland provides some paid opportunities but one needs to make some inquiries with the organization if there will be an incentive, while some organizations make it known for some specialized skills and how much will be paid.
How can you become a Volunteer in Portland?
So, you’ve decided that you want to be a part of something bigger than yourself and make a difference in the world. But, do you have what it takes to volunteer in Portland?
Volunteering may or may not have crossed your mind, but it is not something you would consider as a means of rescuing the world. Volunteering does not imply traveling to Africa and eradicating poverty; rather, it is contributing your time and skills to a community in need.
So, to become a volunteer in Portland, you must be patient, respectful, adaptable, and, above all, humble.
Volunteering may be excellent for you if you are a hands-on person who can readily adapt to changes in your surroundings, but there are still additional considerations to consider embarking on your volunteering journey.
How can one find volunteering opportunities in Portland?
There are several ways to locate volunteering opportunities in Portland, while several types of volunteering exist, and it is up to you to determine which type is right for you.
Volunteering in Portland is a great way to give back to the community.
Below we explain how to find volunteering opportunities in Portland.
Also read: Ultimate Guide To Volunteering Abroad Under 18 In 2024
1. Research the organizations
If you want to volunteer in Portland for some business that have volunteerism projects, look into various organizations, but first consider what you can contribute and whether you are eager to learn.
Note that some of these organizations may not pay you for your work. Therefore, keep that in mind if you choose to volunteer.
2. Reach out to the organization you want to work with
Once you’ve found a volunteer opportunity that interests you, the next step is to contact the organization and inform them of your interest. It could be anything as simple as making a phone call or writing an email.
When you first contact the organization, make sure to tell them why you’re interested, as well as any relevant expertise or skills you have that are relevant to the position and your contact information.
3. Make your decision
Now that you’ve made contact with the company and heard more about the position, it’s time to decide whether or not this is the appropriate fit for you.
An organization may screen you, just like it does during a job hunt, but you are also screening them!
So, what exactly should you be on the lookout for? It’s entirely all up to you.
4. Get started!
Last but not least, it’s time to get to work on your volunteer projects! Schedule your first day with the volunteer coordinator once you’ve finished your application and any qualifications.
Always act in a professional manner. Make certain you arrive on time. If you require assistance, ask for it.
Finally, have fun with your experience since you’ve found the ideal volunteer opportunity to serve a cause you care about. What could be better than that?!
10 Best Portland Volunteering Opportunities in 2024
Here are the 10 best volunteering opportunities in Portland.
1. Tigard Public Library
The Tigard Public Library serves the Tigard community by promoting reading and providing access to materials in all formats to meet residents’ informational, cultural, educational, and recreational needs.
Description
Tigard Public Library is a vibrant, suburban library, serving over 70,000 residents of Tigard and surrounding Washington County. 40+ paid staff and 200 volunteers make it work by working together to create a very special public place for learning and play.
Location
13500 SW Hall Blvd.Tigard, OR 97223United States
WHEN
Wed Jun 16, 2024 – Thu Jun 17, 2024
09:00 AM – 11:00 AM This opportunity has 2 shifts
WHERE
13500 Southwest Hall BoulevardTigard, OR 97223
SKILLS
- Library Sciences
- Gardening
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- 2 hours per shift
- Must sign up on our external website here: https://bit.ly/LibraryPlantingParty. Also, any volunteer in Portland must be able to bend and lift at least 5 pounds.
Read: 10 Best Child Volunteering Opportunities Abroad In 2024
2. PORTLAND ANIMAL WELFARE TEAM
Description
PAW Team provides vital veterinary services for over 1,000 Portland-area families per year, aiding individuals living on the streets, in transitional shelters or government housing, as well as those facing temporary financial hardship that restricts their access to medical care for their pets.
For many of our clients, home is where their beloved companion animal is.
Activities in this volunteer opportunity in Portland include essential wellness, vaccinations, parasite prevention, medication, management of some chronic conditions, food, pet supplies, and so much more.
Location
1718 NE 82ND AVEPORTLAND, OR 97220United States
Rockwood Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 15 years of age
- Orientation or Training
- If assistance for the full event can be provided, it would help reduce the need for training and be appreciated.
- Training and orientation will be provided on the day of the event. First shifts arrive an hour before start but second shifts arrive 30 minutes before their start for shadowing.
GOOD FOR
- Teens
- People 55+
- Group
WHEN
Sun Jun 06, 2024 – Sun Jun 27, 2024
11:00 AM – 04:30 PM This opportunity has 4 shifts
WHERE
454 SE 165th St.Portland, OR 97233
Description
Colostrum Coalition is a licensed non-profit with 501(c)(3) status. We focus on historically marginalized communities, single mothers, and communities of color from a grass-roots level through outreach, continuing education, and training programs.
WHEN
We’ll work with your schedule.
WHERE
This is a Virtual Opportunity with no fixed address.
SKILLS
- Interactive/Social Media/SEO
- Social Media / Blogging
- Basic Computer Skills
GOOD FOR
- Teens
- Group
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 14
Location:
10 NW MARSHALL STREET SUITE 300, PORTLAND, OR 97209, US
4. Campus Compact of Oregon
Information Technology & Community Education Specialist at Kairos PDX
Description
Campus Compact of Oregon is the only statewide organization working with private, public, four-year, and two-year institutions of higher education, and the only regional or state Compact welcoming K12 schools and education nonprofits as members.
We embrace our unique position to strengthen educational equity in Oregon through a focus on racial justice, community-engaged learning, and college and K12 partnership.
Take a look at how we do this through our programs and volunteering opportunities in Portland.
SKILLS
- IT Strategy
- IT Management
- Capacity Planning
- Grant Writing / Research
- CSR / Volunteer Coordination
- Community Outreach
WHEN
We’ll work with your schedule.
WHERE
4915 North Gantenbein AvenuePortland, OR 97217
REQUIREMENTS
- Background Check
- Must be at least 18
- Orientation or Training
- 1 year, full time
5. Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Oregon & Southwest Washington
Description
Whether it’s greeting guests, leading arts & crafts classes, or baking cookies, volunteers create a loving “home away from home” for families. “Meals from the Heart” volunteers create delicious treats for guests, and our Children’s Program volunteers lead playtime activities for children offering respite to parents of seriously ill children.
WHEN
We’ll work with your schedule.
This opportunity has 1 shift
WHERE
3410 S Bond AveRood Family PavilionPortland, OR 97239
SKILLS
- Cooking / Catering
GOOD FOR
- Teens
- People 55+
- Group
REQUIREMENTS
- Orientation or Training
- The only time commitment before your three hour shift would be to purchase your groceries for the meal. This is a one-time opportunity with options to come back on a recurring basis! We will give you a training when you arrive with your group!
6. CARM SAFETY FOUNDATION
This volunteering opportunity in Portland is by Audience Champion for Public Safety Foundation.
Description
We operate as a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Founded in 2020, we are a start-up working to assure that more technology is applied to make the public safer.
CARM is an emerging commercial capability that uses sensors for data gathering and computers to predict threats before a tragedy occurs to humans.
This concept was pioneered by NASA, and others have embraced this approach, including SpaceX. CARM solutions will apply similar capabilities/technologies towards a much broader goal of improving public safety.
Volunteers are needed to the functional areas of typical companies.
The founders of CARM Safety Foundation are veterans of the technology industry and feel an urgent need to add more capacity for keeping people safe at work, school, or during other group activities.
WHEN
We’ll work with your schedule.
WHERE
This is a Virtual Opportunity.
SKILLS
- Marketing Strategy & Planning
- Strategic Planning
- Business Planning
- Product Development
- Business Development
- Market Research / Analysis
GOOD FOR
- People 55+ of age
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 18
- Work hours and time volume set by a volunteer. On occasion, attend online meetings at a set time. Projects which require any sort of plan should have an end date and intermediate milestones, however time investment up to the volunteer.
- Fluent in English language writing capability.
7. WOMEN’S HEALTH SPEAKER VOLUNTEER
REQUIREMENTS
Age Minimum (with Adult): 18+, Minimum Age:18+
We are looking for a speaker to come inform our women in recovery about these critical health concerns.
Our need is for a speaker once per month, on the 1st or 3rd Wednesday, from 9:35-10:50.
Qualifications:
- Comfortable with public speaking
- Strong skills in facilitating
- Empathetic and supportive of clients as they share their vulnerability
- Strong interpersonal skills
Read Also: 10 Best Volunteering Opportunities in South America
8. EASTSIDE GROCERY DELIVERY DRIVERS NEEDED (AGE 18+) REFERRAL
You’ll pick up the already-shopped groceries on either Wednesday or Thursday between 10:30 and 12:30 pm from the Hollywood Fred Meyer and deliver them to your clients using your own vehicle.
We reimburse you .57 per mile.
Deliveries take anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on the number of clients you’d like to serve.
For this volunteering opportunity in Portland, you will be delivering to the same clients each week, so you’ll have a chance to develop a relationship with your clients to help them avoid social isolation.
All you need is a good driving record, a few hours each week, and a commitment to make a difference.
Other activities include caring for people.
Requirements:
- Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older to participate in this opportunity.
- A valid driver’s license.
- A background check.
9. WOMEN’S HEALTH SPEAKER VOLUNTEER NEEDED REFERRAL
This is another volunteering opportunity in Portland.
Qualifications:
- Comfortable with public speaking
- Strong skills in facilitating
- Empathetic and supportive of clients as they share their vulnerability
- Strong interpersonal skills
Requirements:
- Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older to participate in this opportunity.
Are you knowledgeable about HIV, Hepatitis C and related topics around infectious diseases? Would you like to speak with our women in recovery about these health issues?
We are looking for a speaker to come inform our women in recovery about these critical health concerns. Our need is for a speaker once per month, on the 1st or 3rd Wednesday, from 9:35-10:50.
10. ASSIST MEN IN RECOVERY BY LENDING YOUR WOODWORKING SKILLS (AGE 18+)
You will be supporting residents at our Men’s Residential Center who are trying to change their lives and live a life of recovery.
Details:
- You are able to build 33 small lockers and a few larger clothes lockers
- All materials provided, please plan to use your own tools
- Make at home and we will pick up, or work at the center
Requirements:
- Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older to participate in this opportunity.
Read: 15 Volunteering Opportunities in San Francisco in 2024
Conclusion:
Portland is an amazing city, full of compassionate people wanting to help those in need. There are concrete things that each of us can do that will truly make a difference in the lives of those who need it, and the above mentioned are some key contacts/information from our research and service provider organizations.. f you are thinking about how you can reach why not consider volunteering in portland.
References
- hands on greater portland
- volunteer Match
- The city of portland oregon
- How you can help
- volunteer jobs in 2024
Conclusion
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