Volunteerism

I'm not sure where or when I got the "volunteering bug"; it could be credited to my years as a Girl Scout or my community service class in high school or my mom for encouraging me to be a junior volunteer at the hospital...whatever it is, it stuck.

I've volunteered for a number of organizations over the years, and my general observation has been that most volunteers are either older/retired individuals with free time or teens/young adults who are interested in getting a behind-the-scenes look at careers they might pursue when they are older. Now, I'm not saying that I never see adults between 25-45, but they are rare, especially in the East Bay Area.

So this is a call out to all my friends and family or anybody reading this. If you have a free afternoon once a week or even once a month, why not try volunteering somewhere?

Here are some suggestions around the Bay Area:

Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) (I work here!)

Oakland Zoo (I was an intern, volunteer, and paid-apprentice...I love it, and I'm still an active volunteer here.)

The Marine Mammal Center (I volunteered here during college and wish I could continue, but it's a bit of a commute from Clayton. Video below!)

John Muir Medical Center (I volunteered here during high school.)

Chabot Space and Science Center

Habitat for Humanity

East Bay Regional Parks

Contra Costa County Library

And for more Easy Bay Volunteer Opportunities...click here.

Video of the release of an Elephant Seal at Point Reyes...coordinated and carried out by volunteers: