Volunteer Opportunities in Anne Arundel County

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Many volunteer positions are available through the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Center. If you do not see an opportunity below that fits your needs, contact the Volunteer Center at ask.aacvc@outlook.com or 410-897-9207. Check the website: www.aacvc.org. A few current volunteer opportunities are listed below.

First Sunday Arts Festival

The streets and parks on West and Calvert Streets in the downtown historic area will be filled with over 100 unique artists and crafters, live bands, dance, street performers, and international outdoor cafes for the 13th Annual First Sunday Arts Festival. The dates for 2015 are the first Sunday in the months May through October: June 7,July 5, August 2, September 6, and October 4, each from 11:00 am–5:00 pm. Admission is free to all First Sunday events. Volunteers are needed to help on four different shifts each Sundaybetween the hours of 8:00 AM–5:00 PM with set-up, assist the coordinator, and assist exhibitors, musicians, and performers. Contact Erik Evans at: erik@firstsundayarts.com for more information and to volunteer. See web site at: www.firstsundayarts.com/.

Mid Atlantic Chinese Shar-Pei Rescue Organization

The Mid-Atlantic Chinese Shar-Pei Rescue Operation (MACSPRO) is a privately funded 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and adoption of purebred Chinese Shar-Pei. MACSPRO relies solely on donations and fund raising activities in order to raise income to be able to help save these wonderful Shar-Pei who, through no fault of their own, need new forever homes. Your entire donation is used for the benefit of the dogs and may be tax deductible. In addition to donations, we are continuously in need of committed volunteers who can help foster, transport and socialize with our dogs, help with adoption events, and participate in fundraising events to facilitate their adoption. For more information, contact Betty Trojan at btrojan1319@comcast.net or 301-881-1221. See web site: http://www.macspro.org/.

My S.T.E.P. Sister’s Haven

The nonprofit’s mission is to provide a safe environment where it will transform teen girls lives by inspiring self-assurance in all aspects of life, one community at a time. We are looking for women who can be exceptional mentors. Preferably 25 yrs+. Mentors who can wear the multiple hats of being a guide, who gives wise counsel, and can be a friend and can inspire and facilitate academic, career, and personal achievements. For more information contact Monisha Stansbury atmystepsistershaven@gmail.com or 443-534-5713. See web site at:www.mystepsistershaven.org.

· 10 AM–2 PM, Sat., May 23, 2015 (Check In at 9:45 AM), Launch Luncheon: This free event will present services offered by the organization to girls 12-18 yrs. of age and will include a Step performance by “God’s Finest”, free lunch, guest speakers, and breakout sessions on EmpowHERment, Career, and Community Service. The event is being held at the Stanton Center, 92 Washington St., Annapolis, MD 21401. Register by calling 443-534-5713 or on the website at www.mystepsistershaven.org.

Patapsco Valley State Park/Mckeldin Area

Come out to Patapsco Valley State Park for National Trails Day,June 6, 2015 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Volunteers will get FREE T-Shirts and water bottles, snacks, and a continental breakfast. Volunteers will work side by side with our experienced trail crew, staff, and experienced volunteers. Participants should bring: work gloves, sturdy footwear, hat water, safety glasses, sun/insect repellent and any emergency medications, etc. Trail work Volunteers can choose from two activities: 1. Invasive removal – pulling invasives, (kids will be able to do this). They will pull invasives for about an hour and a half, weigh all the invasives they pulled and then go on a nature scavenger hunt; or 2. Trail work: (13-15 yr. old with supervision), 16 and up are good to go. Hard trail labor. Work like: grade reversals, drains, de-burm–trail tread–armoring–moving a lot of dirt and rocks. To register contact: Donna Seymour at 410-465-3287 ordonna.seymour@maryland.gov or. See web site at:http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/patapscomckeldin.aspx.

Secure the Call

This local coalition of over 120 organizations collects used and unwanted cell phones and redistributes them as 911 emergency only phones. Volunteers, age 18 and up, are needed to form groups and go into mapped parts of Anne Arundel County to place Secure the Call phone collection barrels in any place it may be allowed. For more information call (301) 891-2900 or E-mail info@securethecall.org. Web site: www.securethecall.org

Seeds 4 Success, Inc.

Seeds 4 Success is a nonprofit whose mission is guiding children living in Annapolis public and subsidized housing communities to be healthy, successful adults. Volunteers have been the backbone of Seeds 4 Success since its beginning and are needed for several roles including: 1. Mentor for Eastport Girls Club (women only). Enrich a girl’s life by being a mentor through a commitment of 6-8 hours per month for at least one year. Must be 21 or older; 2. Tutor for “I Am A Reader” (men only). Change a young boy’s life by being an IAR tutor who commits approximately 2.0 hours a week during the academic school year to serve as a tutor for a 1st grade boy who is struggling with his reading skills. One-on-one tutoring sessions occur each Tues. from 4-5 p.m. at Eastport Elementary School; 3. Tutor for Eastport Girls Club (women and men). Give a girl the chance for success by being a Smart Start Tutor for Eastport Girls Club by committing approximately 2 hours a week during the academic school year. From 3:30-4:30 pm on most Wed. at the Eastport Community Center; and, 4. Be a member of our Transportation Team by transporting our kids to field trips, special classes and activities. In this role you’ll to spend at least one hour a week helping transport S4S participants to field trips, classes, etc. Additional training and support will be provided for all positions and background checks are required. For more information about these and other volunteer opportunities, contact volunteer@s4sannapolis.org or 443-924-6575and see website at www.s4sannapolis.org.

Spa Creek Conservancy

Spa Creek Conservancy is looking for candidates/volunteers who may be interested in leadership positions in a very dynamic organization that is serving as the steward of Spa Creek. There is a near-term need for officers and committee chairs. Volunteers are also needed to assist with Rain Garden and BayScapes Gardens next to the Chesapeake Children’s Museum, 25 Silopanna Rd, Annapolis. Volunteer tasks for the whole family include mulching, cleaning up the creek, installing ties along paths, creating garden and flower areas, and much more. Volunteers of all ages are welcome from supervised youngsters to adult. Projects can be carved out for volunteers who want to come by at their convenience and take responsibility for a particular sub-task or project. We will “train” and assist in a smooth transition. For more information call Mel Wilkens at410-271-5546 or email: mel82nd@comcast.net. Web site:www.spacreek.org.

· 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Sat., May 30, 2015, Eco-Fair: Sponsors are being sought for the Eco-Fair will raise awareness about the impact of storm water on Hawkins Cove, the work to be done, and how each individual can help. The event is being held at Harbour House Community Center, 1014 President St., Annapolis, MD 21403. There will be environmental awareness games for kids, watershed demonstration projects, project information, information about Green technologies for the home, kids’ environmental themed art contest, raffles, prizes, and food. For information on sponsorship, contact Amy Clements,clementsae@aol.com.