Volunteer Opportunities

Nelson Mandela Day is an international day of service dedicated to continuing the South African leader’s legacy of working to improve the lives of others.  On July 18, Mandela’s birthday, individuals are encouraged to donate 67 minutes of their time to a favorite charity or their local community to honor the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for the rights of others.

More information about International Mandela Day can be found at mandeladay.org.  To learn more about South Africa Partners and the July 18 celebration in Boston, please visit us at sapartners.org.

Arbor Day Tree Planting on the Neponset River Greenway

Friday, April 26, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Neponset Greenway at Butler MBTA Trolley Station, Butler Street, Dorchester

What better way to celebrate Arbor Day than by planting trees! Join Boston Natural Areas Network (BNAN) and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to plant new trees on the Neponset River Greenway in Dorchester. This event will begin with a tree planting demonstration led by ISA Certified Arborist Mathew Cahill, after which volunteers will break into small groups to plant trees. Gloves, tools, snacks and water provided.

Register for these opportunities by calling BNAN at 617 542 7696 or by email to info@bostonnatural.org. Events will be held rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for weather and moderate labor.

MA Park Serve Day, Neponset River Greenway

Saturday, April 20, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Neponset Park, Hilltop Street @ Granite Ave, Dorchester

Service projects to improve MA Department of Conservation and Recreation Parks across the Commonwealth will be happening on Park Serve Day. Join Boston Natural Areas Network (BNAN) to plant seven new trees at beautiful Neponset Park in Dorchester on the Neponset River. Volunteers will also care for 25 trees planted in the fall of 2012, applying additional mulch, checking stakes and ties, fertilizing and installing gator bags. Gloves, tools, snacks and water provided. Bring friends and family! >> Read More

The annual UMass Boston Volunteer Fair will be held on September 12 from 11am to 2pm on the campus center. There will be hundreds of students at the fair seeking volunteers. For more info, email Community.engagement@umb.edu or call 617-287-7153.

On September 11, "Massachusetts Remembers 9/11" will be a volunteer fair, concert and ceremony in tribute to America and the heroes and the fallen of that tragic day. American service men and women that have, and are, serving in Afghanistan and Iraq will also be honored. The 2-hour "Massachusetts Remembers" concert tribute will include: readings, poems, prayers and a time for reflection and remembrance. There will be a special musical program to be performed by the Boston Pops Brass Ensemble and Boston Children’s Chorus.

The concert and ceremony begins at 3:00 p.m. The day's full schedule may be viewed here and transporation/access information related to the Espalanade is here. All spectators will enter the Oval through bag check/screening entrances. All spectators and bags will be screened before they are permitted on the Oval. Tarps (smaller than 8' x 10'), blankets and folding beach-style chairs are permitted. It is recommended that you arrive early, gates will open at noon.

A range of non-profit organizations from across the commonwealth will be represented at the Massachusetts Remembers 9-11 event to enlist volunteers in service to the community. This coincides with the "September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance." Looking for other ways to help? Why not check out Boston Cares, the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund or check out the Massachusetts Service Alliance's recent mailing for opportunities to volunteer. One interesting opportunity is environmental hurricane relief - planting trees in Western, MA to protect the area against future storms. >> Read More