Volunteering helps your community thrive.

This year Oct 21-27, is Pro Bono Week.
Now in its 10th year, this initiative was started by The American Bar Association to commemorate the vitally important contributions of volunteers to our communities. Check the calendar for local events and workshops.

Celebrated around the globe, focusing attention on the pro bono movement now has expanded beyond law into other areas of expertise and raises awareness about the work they’ve accomplished and it’s volunteers, while inspiring others to become involved.

Various events are happening in Westchester and NYC during that week but volunteering is something you can do when you have a few hours to spare or want to make a bigger commitment.

Check out local service-based clubs, local libraries, churches, schools, chambers of commerce or community groups for volunteering opportunities.

Below are various ways to get involved in the causes that matter to you, depending if you have a half hour or want to make a real commitment to your cause.

Taproot
One of the organizations that are partnering with Pro Bono Week is Taproot, an organization connecting mission-driven organizations with the expertise and insights of skilled volunteers who provide high-impact pro-bono work to help in achieving their chosen mission.

AARP’s Create the Good
Create the Good, believes that individuals have the power to use your skills to do good anywhere, anytime.

Using a database where you punch in a zip code, and it lists opportunities. Making it really easy to find volunteer opportunities happening wherever you are! Like, right down the block! Just put in the 5 numbers and check out all the groups that need help!

Her Honor Mentoring

Developed by Nicole Sheindlin and Judith Sheindlin - yeah THE Judge Judy, mentees are matched with mentors vetted by Her Honor from a variety of Westchester-based businesses, who guide them on a professional, educational and personal level. This innovative program, in it’s 12th year, provides young women life skills workshops, covering topics such as budgeting money, business attire, and personal well being to boost their self confidence in the workplace and grow their everyday practical skills.

Lions Club

The Larchmont and Mamaroneck Lions clubs, who recently merged are celebrating their respective 90th and 95th anniversaries and are among oldest worldwide! Both clubs are among the original members of the International Lions, the largest service organization in the world, which will celebrate its 100th Anniversary in 2017. Focusing the collective efforts on various causes including eye health, youth and various charitable causes.

One of their many projects, the Peace Poster Contest is an expressive art project where local middle schools school compete to participate in the international Lions Competition. This year’s theme is “Kindness Matters.” What a great and timely subject.

Club Dust
If you are looking for travel volunteerism, check out Club Dust.

Club Dust members serves the Tijuana and Tecate areas of Mexico. This life-changing experience of service is an opportunity to help extremely poor families in border towns. Some of the most affected by ongoing conflicts in the region.

With a high return rate, their seasonal trips where 150+ participants contribute to building homes for many families on each trip and foster expansion for veteran volunteers to carry their own projects in the region. The trips fill up quickly. Visit their site for the next trip.

Feeding America
With its mission is to end hunger, Feeding America is a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks serving every state in the United States. The local chapter, Feeding Westchester’s in Westchester County partners with 300 local sources that sift and distribute food to needy Westchester residents.

Linked-in
Although traditionally used as a business and employment-oriented service, if you click the “Career interests” and click on “Volunteer” when people are searching for volunteers in the local area, you will come up as a potential match.