Volunteer

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OOOOWe have chosen organizations which seek out volunteers, and through which volunteers actually come into contact with those in need. We have also tried to chose those for which you don't have to be a member of a particular group or have any specialized training not offered by the charity itself. The charities listed are national in scope. The sites under "General Philantropic Assistence" are omnibus organizations which point potential volunteers to charities, including local charities in your community.
OOOOAbove all, whether you volunteer or donate, we suggest you check all charities with the watchdog groups.
OOOOFinally, we appreciate any comments or suggestions.



p	CHARITY WATCHDOG ORGANIZATIONS
	American Institute of Philantrophy OOORates charities according to how much of their takings actually go to the work they claim to do, and on the openness of their records. Lists top-rated charities, but charges for its entire list of rankings. Charity Navigator OOORates charities according to their efficiency and effectiveness. Most extensive of the rating organizations. Give.org OOOFrom the Better Business Bureau, information and ratings on charities. National Center for Charitable Statistics OOOFrom the Urban Institute, not really a watch-dog organization but a research organization for non-profits and non-profit giving.

p	GENERAL VOLUNTEER ASSISTENCE
	Corporation for National & Community Service OOOFederal program which includes AmeriCorps, SeniorCorps and Learn & Serve. Not a volunteer search engine, but provides placement in a variety of tasks throughout the United States. FirstGov: Public Service & Volunteerism OOOAt the bottom of the page. Some specialized, but some open to anyone. Possibly a few thigs you may not have thought of. Idealist.org OOOFrom Action Without Borders, global search engine for both volunteering and donations. ServiceLeader.org OOOFrom the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs of the University of Texas at Austin, valuable advice and opportunities for volunteering. USA Freedom Corps OOOGovernment site created by President Bush as an umbrella organization for several public and private sector service organizations. Its search engine is a good composite of other sites, and provides both hands-on and virtual volunteering opportunities. USA Network: Give Where You Live OOONational, urban-oriented volunteer network with substantial and varied volunterring opportunities. Volunteer.Gov OOOClearinghouse for volunteer opportunities with the U.S. government and its agencies. Opportunities are varied, however the majority are with the National Parks Service and Veterans' Affairs' hospital system. The site allows searching by state. Volunteer International OOOSearchable voluteer opportunities. Volunteer Match OOOSearchable volunteer opportunities with extensive local results. Its search engine seems to be the default choice for many sites which don't have one of their own. Volunteer Solutions OOOFrom United Way of America, extensive local search results. Youth Service America OOOOur exception to the available-to-everyone rule. YSA offers volunteering opportunities to children and young adults, 5 to 25. Zip-based serach engine.

p	CHILDREN & YOUTH
	Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Boy Scouts of America Campfire USA City Year OOOInvolves youth in a year of public service. Covenant House OOOProvides shelter and services to homeless and runaway youth in major cities in the United States, Canada and Central America. Girl Scouts of America National 4-H Council National Mentoring Partnership OOOClearinghouse for mentoring programs with zip-based opportunity search engine. YMCA

p	CIVIL LIBERTIES / HUMAN RIGHTS
	Amnesty International OOOInternational human rights organization. Offers indirect participation through local groups.

p	DISASTER & RELIEF
	American Red Cross

p	EDUCATION & LITERACY
	America's Literacy Directory OOOHas searchable database of volunteering opportunities for the United States. Proliteracy Worldwide OOOHas searchable database of volunteering opportunities for the United States. Reading Is Fundamental OOOEncourages reading among children and youth. Lists of regional volunteer contacts.

p	ENVIRONMENT
	National Park Service: Volunteer OOOProvides a complete list of volunteer needs. National Wildlife Federation: Volunteer OOOFill out the questionaire. USDA Forest Service: Volunteers OOOA variety of programs for youth, seniors and regular volunteers.

p	HEALTH, HEALTH CARE & DISABILITIES
	American Hospice Foundation OOOProvides services to the terminally ill and the berieved through education, training and advocacy. Faith in Action OOOSeeks to maintain the independence of those with long-term illnesses. North American Riding for the Handicapped Association OOOPromotes the benefit of horse-riding for the physically, emotionally and mentally disabled.

p	HOUSING & SHELTER
	Habitat for Humanity OOOBuilds affordable housing for low-income families. Rebuilding Together OOOThe program rebuilds and rehabilitates low-income housing and non-profit structures. The site is mostly about founding affiliates - a responsibility you may not want to take on - but the affiliates use both skilled and unskilled volunteers. There is a link to finding a local affiliate.

p	HUNGER & NUTRITION
	America's Second Harvest OOONation-wide network of food banks and food "rescue" organizations.

p	SENIORS & AGING
	American Association of Retired Persons: Community Service OOOThe search engine is not senior-specific. (In fact, it's Volunteer Match.) It's best to fill out the on-line form and contact AARP directly.