Opportunities From: VolunteerWNY

Provide comfort and care when your neighbors experience a crisis, particularly house fires! Disaster Action Teams respond within two hours to the scene of a house fire, meeting the immediate basic needs of those affected and beginning recovery casework. 

**This is an ON-CALL position with need for volunteers willing to travel throughout Wyoming County!*

To see a current Disaster Action Team Member at work, please watch this short video!

1-2 volunteers are needed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9-1 p.m. to pack food bags for clients at our Buffalo Temple Corps. 

Once you submit your volunteer REQUEST thru VolunteerWNY, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you about scheduling a shift. All volunteers must complete an application BEFORE being added to the volunteer schedule. PLEASE do not just show up without speaking to our Volunteer Coordinator. We want to ensure everyone has a GREAT volunteer experience, and need to prepare for your arrival.

Blood Drive Donor Ambassadors provide excellent customer service and enhance the donor experience by being that friendly presence. Each blood donor deserves to be treated as an honored guest! You'll engage with donors to make the donation experience fulfilling and set the stage for a long-term commitment to regular blood donations.

Hear More From a Current Volunteer!

Blood Drive Donor Ambassadors provide excellent customer service and enhance the blood donor experience. Each donor deserves to be welcomed and cared for. You will help to engage with donors to make the donation experience fulfilling and set the stage for a long-term commitment to regular blood donations.

MUST HAVE WEEKDAY AVAILABILITY

Hear More From a Current Volunteer!

Blood Drive Donor Ambassadors provide excellent customer service to enhance the donor experience. Each blood donor deserves to be welcomed and cared for. YOU will engage with donors to make the donation experience fulfilling and set the stage for a long-term commitment to regular blood donations.

Blood Drive is Located at PAVILION FIRE DEPT. REC HALL (11302 S LAKE RD, PAVILION, NY 14525)

Shifts that need support: 2nd Monday every other month, 1:30-7pm

Must have weekday availability

Hear More From a Current Volunteer!

Food pickup needed on Mondays with a pickup truck (no cap) to help people in Williamsville and Clarence who are hungry.  We need you for about an hour. You could even do this before you go to work.  Every Mondays at 5:45am. The pickup is 1/2 mile from the food pantry. The weeks you are going on vacation or out of town we would need you to let us know in advance.  

A pallet would be loaded into your truck by the forklift operator and you would load any produce or dairy in your pickup and bring it back to the pantry to unload.  

Food pickup needed on saturdays with a pickup truck (no cap) to help people in Williamsville and Clarence who are hungry.  We need you for about an hour.  Every Saturday at 6:45am. The pickup is 1/2 mile from the food pantry. The weeks you are going on vacation or out of town we would need you to let us know in advance.  

You would need to sign in for the pickup and load what the receiver has set aside for the pantry and bring it back to the pantry to unload.  

There are several micro grants that would are in need of applying for. Gaining funding will make sure that we can increase the amount of black and brown youth that can take part in our coding certification after school club and provide the resources that our students need to succeed. We have a list of grants that we would like to apply for and would love someone who has a passion for youth to assist us in this next funding journey.

Compass House is seeking teams of 5+ volunteers to assist in setting up homes for our Rapid Re-Housing clients. Your team will be tasked with collecting new and gently used items to fill an apartment with, assisting Compass House staff to set up the housing, and creating a warm, welcoming environment for our clients to call home.

During these frigid days it is hard to imagine that spring will soon be here!  As the weather changes there will be more volunteer opportunities posted.  The Hull Family Home & Farmstead will need all hands on deck for winter clean up both inside and outside the historic home.  We so look forward to meeting new volunteers from our community and we welcome back those who have volunteered before.  Please stay tuned for new postings! 

The World Reform Project is currently seeking volunteers who are willing and able to participate in a litter cleanup event in your area!

Candidates must:

When volunteering in a group, or with persons under the age of 18, a Group Coordinator or Legal Guardian is required.

A Group Coordinator is a designated volunteer who:

Soccer for Success is currently looking for youth Coach-Mentors!

Soccer for Success is the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s after-school youth development program that is proven to help kids establish healthy habits and develop critical life skills. Soccer for Success is offered free to participants in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Lackawanna by the Independent Health Foundation. Our curriculum focuses on: healthy living, mentorship, and community engagement.

Event planning committee volunteers are important to the Kidney Foundation. Our committee members bring up new ideas, help us to think through logistics, and reach out to other organizations and people.

You don't need special qualifications or connections to join an event committee. The most important thing is that you want to help.

Until further notice, all committee meetings are being held remotely by video conference or phone conference. Meetings are generally held on weeknight evenings or at another time convenient for the most members of a specific committee.

We currently have committees helping to plan upcoming public events:

The Walk for Kidney Health 

The Gift of Life Celebration

This committee's role is to assist in the creation of professional education workshops, talks and webinars. Audiences for professional education programs include nephrology specialists, primary care providers, dialysis providers, social workers, dietitians and others working with kidney patients.

We are seeking committee members with experience in any of the above fields, or experience in planning educational programs.

Until further notice, all committee meetings are being held remotely by video conference or phone conference. Meetings are generally held on weeknight evenings or at another time convenient for the most members of a specific committee.

The committee's role will include:

Join the Board of Directors – Community Services Support Foundation

The Community Services Support Foundation secures financial resources and manages funds that support organizations, activities, and individuals that provide and improve services for individuals of all abilities in Western New York. The Foundation accepts and administers gifts, donations, bequests, and grants on behalf of Community Services for Every1.

We offer opportunities for donors to participate in the pursuit of service excellence, new services and new approaches that improve the quality of life of individuals of all abilities.

The Community Services Support Foundation came into being in the spring of 2011 as the first formal foray of Community Services for Every1 into a sustained fundraising initiative. The Community Services Support Foundation, Inc. is incorporated as a New York State not-for-profit corporation and has received its 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service. The Foundation, while independent from Community Services for Every1, has been developed to address the gap in services experienced by agencies serving people with developmental disabilities in New York state.

Since its founding, the Board has made a significant impact on hundreds of individuals supported by the agency and beyond. Over the last ten years alone, they have allocated $132,000 toward Mini-Grants and $75,000 toward capital growth, contributing to new developments. These include the Jefferson Career Exploration Center, the Apartments at the Lyceum—supportive affordable housing and a hub for habilitative and vocational services—and an upcoming project, The Nest, which will serve as both supportive housing and a vocational services hub in Niagara Falls.

Why Join the Board: Joining the foundation board of directors presents a unique opportunity for individuals to take on leadership roles and make a meaningful impact in the community. Serving on the Community Services Support Foundation board allows board members to contribute their expertise and insights to guide the foundation's mission, ensuring that its resources are used effectively to address gaps and services, new opportunities and experiences and be a part of organizational growth. Additionally, this role provides a valuable networking platform, connecting with like-minded professionals, community leaders, and philanthropists, which can foster personal and professional growth. Beyond the immediate benefits, joining the foundation board allows each member to leave a lasting legacy, as contributions can shape the foundation's long-term strategies and outcomes, ultimately influencing positive change for the future.
Expectations: As a board member of the Community Services Support Foundation, your active participation is vital to our mission's success. You are encouraged to commit to supporting the foundation through contributions of time, talent, and treasure.

*Key Areas of Commitment:
□ Time: Attend board meetings and events, and volunteer for additional tasks.
□ Talent: Use your skills to aid in strategic planning, marketing, and fiscal management.
□ Treasure: Make a personal financial contribution and/or solicit donations and participate in fundraising activities.

Board Member efforts help not only in fulfilling the foundation's goals but also in acting as an ambassador to expand community reach and awareness.

We value the diverse contributions of our board members in terms of time, treasure, and talent. We ask each board member to share what commitments they are able to make in these areas. Understanding that personal financial contributions may not always be possible, we are also interested in whether board members might be willing to leverage their network to help procure resources on behalf of the foundation. This might involve in-kind donations, contributions to auctions, or fostering relationships to advance our mission. Board Member support in any form is invaluable to our mission, and we appreciate each person’s involvement.

All Foundation Board Responsibilities Include:
1. Fundraising Strategies: Engage in and support the foundation's fundraising plan.
2. Donor Relationships: Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors.
3. Fundraising Activities: Participate in event planning and execution.
4. Support Board Members: Educate peers on their fundraising roles.
5. Performance Evaluation: Regularly assess and improve fundraising outcomes.

Next Steps: Complete the Foundation Board Application on-line https://www.csevery1.com/foundation/

We’ll be in contact with you after our review. 

For other questions or inquiries please reach out to Kelly Kinderman, Vice President of Program Support and Development at kkinderman@csevery1.com or via phone 716-883-8888, Ext 143.

The Matt Urban Center is a non-profit committed to revitalizing neighborhoods, serving families and changing lives. We are looking for responsible individuals to work with our Housing & Community Development team to assist in clarifying topics and discussions between staff and area residents through our application process to housing related programs. 

We are currently looking for interpretation of the following languages: Burmese

Times would be scheduled in advance at a set time that works for MUC staff, client and volunteer. 

We need drivers Monday through Friday. You can choose any day or multiple days.  It takes about an hour from the time you pick up the meals deliver them and return to drop off the delivery bags. We also need on-call volunteers who can fill in when one of our drivers cannot make it. 

When guests arrive at Grace, all we expect them to have is the clothes on their back. That's why we strive to provide every other comfort of home when our guests come to Buffalo for medical care. You can be a part of our promise to ease the burden of our guests by signing up to be a Shuttle Van Driver volunteer.

Based on your availability, you'll be called to help our guests get to where they need to go. Most of the time, that means transporting them to one of Buffalo's hospitals. But it could mean a trip to the pharmacy or grocery store. You only have to arrive at Grace House and will drive our own van to the locations.

Who you are:

If you meet this requirement, please contact Gianna Totaro, at gianna@graceguesthouse.org or call 716-829-7240 ext. 3.

 Thank you for your interest. We hope to hear from you soon.

We are calling for all undergraduate students who are looking for easy service hours that will make a huge impact! If you are passionate about thrifting, donating, or organization, we have the position for you! We have a storage unit full of household items, kitchenware, clothing, and hygiene products that need constant organizing and delivery to our clients!

Volunteer duties will include: 

Volunteer Requirements:

When guests arrive at Grace, all we expect them to have is the clothes on their back. That's why we strive to provide every other comfort of home when our guests come to Buffalo for medical care. You can be a part of our promise to ease the burden of our guests by signing up to be a food preparation volunteer.

Based on your availability, you'll be asked to come in and cook a meal for our guests, which will be served that night or frozen. While we have food available to cook, this is a perfect opportunity for teams who want to give back to our patients and caregivers in need. Your organization would receive a tax break for the food you donate and you'll spend an incredible day with your team cooking a meal that will nourish our guests. 

Our only requirement is that you're someone who cares deeply for the patients and caregivers Grace House serves. You may be lucky enough to meet some of our guests and hear their stories while you're here. We need you to have an open and caring heart to help us in our mission to support patients and caregivers with a haven and place of respite while seeking medical care in Buffalo.

If you meet this requirement, please contact Gianna Totaro, at gianna@graceguesthouse.org or call 716-829-7240 ext. 3.

Thank you for your interest. We hope to hear from you soon.

Volunteers are needed to help make companion calls to our homebound neighbors! Companion Calls are opportunities to check in with FeedMore WNY's home-delivered meal clients to ensure they are staying well, and to provide them with a friendly conversation. Many of FeedMore WNY's clients live on their own and are fairly isolated, and these phone calls help to combat that isolation and provide our homebound neighbors with some socialization. 

Volunteers must be 18 or older to participate in this opportunity, and will be required to come into the Holt Street office to make these phone calls. Training will be provided onsite at the beginning of the shift. All volunteer rules and expectations can be accessed here!  

The health and safety of our volunteers are top priorities. To ensure that we are keeping all of our volunteers safe we are asking anyone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19, or who is symptomatic to please stay home for the recommended five day period or until symptoms subside. As well as we ask that if you were recently exposed to someone with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 and you are unvaccinated, or vaccinated and showing symptoms, that you stay home for the recommended five days and please reschedule your volunteer shift.

If you would like to participate in this project please, feel free to sign up on our website, https://www.feedmorewny.org/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-signup-form/ , and if you have questions please reach out to Kyle Dillman at kdillman@feedmorewny.org 

Volunteer Mover

Title: Volunteer Mover

Department(s): Community Services

Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator & Program Manager

Time Involvement: Varies

Summary: Volunteer Movers will assist with picking up donated furniture and household items from various locations across Erie and Niagara County, and dropping them off at clients’ houses. The more volunteer movers we have, the less funding we will need to spend on moving services, which means that we will be able to use that money to help our newly arrived refugee families and other families in need!

Special Requirements: 

-Consent to Waiver

- Driving Background check at a cost of $7

-NYS Driver’s License and Access to a truck, van, or other vehicle that can carry furniture

Victory Sports is a non-profit that provides sports equipment to those in need of free or low-cost items to make sure ALL children have the chance to participate and experience all the benefits of playing sports.

We have recently moved our donation and sorting warehouse to the Eastern Hills Mall in Williamsville. 

We receive a steady stream of donated equipment that we have to sort and prepare to either be given away in the community or to be sold at our outlet. 

We are in need of at least one, preferably two, volunteers to come to our warehouse for a couple of hours each week to help us manage our inventory. We would like volunteers to commit to at least 4 weeks so you can become familiar with our operations. 

Your tasks would include:

We can work around your schedule each week or you can lock in a 2-hour window at the same time each week. Whatever works for you!

The role will involve some lifting but can avoid heavy lifting, but you will need to be mobile and able to lift boxes and sports equipment around the store. 

It would be useful if you have some basic understanding of sports equipment such as what item is for what sport and size/age/gender etc. but this shouldn't put you off contacting us if you are not an expert.

Please contact us for more information. Start time is ASAP and will be an ongoing requirement so for however long you are able to help us. 

Victory Sports is a non-profit that provides sports equipment to those in need of free or low-cost items to make sure ALL children have the chance to participate and experience all the benefits of playing sports.

We have recently moved our donation and sorting warehouse to the Eastern Hills Mall in Williamsville. We are also opening an equipment outlet to the public for retail sales on 2 days a week - Wednesday's from 3-6 and Friday's 11-2 - for which we require some extra hands and smiles. 

We are in need of at least one, preferably two, volunteers to come to our outlet at the mall during opening hours (see above) to help us greet customers and help them find what they are looking for.

Your tasks would include:

Store hours will be Wednesday 3pm-6pm and Friday 11am-2pm. If you want to help on both days; great! If you can only help for a couple of hours on one of the two days, that is fine. 

We would like volunteers to commit to at least 4 weeks (preferably longer) so you can become familiar with our operations. 

It would be useful if you have some basic understanding of sports equipment such as what item is for what sport and size/age/gender etc. but this shouldn't put you off contacting us if you are not an expert.

Please contact us for more information. The outlet opens on June 2nd so we want people ASAP from that first session and will be an ongoing requirement for however long you are able to help us. 

We are so happy to be participating in the Family Volunteer Summer Season! We have multiple properties where volunteers can do general yard clean-up, mulching and garden maintenance. 

Let our Volunteer Coordinator know your availability and we will match you up with a location. We're happy to accommodate a one-time volunteer opportunity, or if you're interested in adopting a house for the summer, we can set up a recurring volunteer spot. 

Stitch Buffalo is seeking volunteers to assist in the preparation of supplies for our Refugee women artists, community classes, and other tasks in and around the studio. It is helpful to have some experience with the tools and techniques used in fiber arts (sewing, knitting/crochet, embroidery, etc.) but you do not need to be an expert. 

We are primarily seeking people with availability on weekday mornings and afternoons. We do not require a fixed schedule or commitment to a minimum number of hours, but appreciate volunteers who are able to be with us at least once a month for a 3-4 hour shift.

Stitch Buffalo is an inclusive space for Refugee and Immigrant women to create handcrafted goods and find economic empowerment. Volunteers should be prepared to work among a diverse group of people in an energetic, fast-paced environment where many languages are spoken.

Volunteer translators needed for:

Languages needed: Nepali, Burmese, Karen, Somali Bantu

Stitch Buffalo is an inclusive space for Refugee and Immigrant women to create handcrafted goods and find economic empowerment. Volunteers should be prepared to work among a diverse group of people in an energetic, fast-paced environment where many languages are spoken.

Volunteer photographers needed for:

• Creating on-site images of products, projects, and Refugee women artists working
• Potential for off-site photos needed for fashion or product images on occasion

Stitch Buffalo is an inclusive space for Refugee and Immigrant women to create handcrafted goods and find
economic empowerment. Volunteers should be prepared to work among a diverse group of people in an energetic,
fast-paced environment where many languages are spoken.

Volunteer Sewing Machine Program Assistant needed for:

Stitch Buffalo is an inclusive space for Refugee and Immigrant women to create handcrafted goods and find economic empowerment. Volunteers should be prepared to work among a diverse group of people in an energetic, fast-paced environment where many languages are spoken.

Every Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. volunteers are needed to help bag groceries, sort and organize donations, and help make follow up calls to clients.

Once you submit your volunteer REQUEST thru VolunteerWNY, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you about scheduling a shift. All volunteers must complete an application BEFORE being added to the volunteer schedule. PLEASE do not just show up without speaking to our Volunteer Coordinator. We want to ensure everyone has a GREAT volunteer experience, and need to prepare for your arrival.

Volunteers (in July and August) will assist in building wooden stage and Gazebo walk-way. Please respond to this opportunity and Miss Triggs will contact you directly. 

We need volunteers to help us out at our Mobile food pantry on the first Wednesday of each month.

If you are available any time between 8 am and noon, especially if you feel comfortable lifting heavy boxes of food, we could really use your help!

We also have pantry distributions every Thursday of each month from 10 to noon. We could use some help with those as well. 

Volunteer Store Coordinators are responsible for overseeing both the care and adoptions of cats at satellite Ten Lives Club adoption locations. These volunteers are responsible for either personally transporting new cats to the adoption location, or coordinating other volunteers to do so; coordinating transport for any cats needing to be returned to the main Ten Lives Club shelter as needed; coordinating cleaning volunteers to ensure daily care of the cats; conducting adoption interviews and completing all necessary adoption paperwork; managing a Facebook page specific to your location, with adoptable cats featured; answering general questions about Ten Lives Club and representing the organization’s mission. Some cleaning and basic cat care may also be required at times.

This role is ideal for anybody looking to play a integral role in the lives of rescued cats looking for their forever homes!

Volunteer Store Coordinators are responsible for overseeing both the care and adoptions of cats at satellite Ten Lives Club adoption locations. These volunteers are responsible for either personally transporting new cats to the adoption location, or coordinating other volunteers to do so; coordinating transport for any cats needing to be returned to the main Ten Lives Club shelter as needed; coordinating cleaning volunteers to ensure daily care of the cats; conducting adoption interviews and completing all necessary adoption paperwork; managing a Facebook page specific to your location, with adoptable cats featured; answering general questions about Ten Lives Club and representing the organization’s mission. Some cleaning and basic cat care may also be required at times.

This role is ideal for anybody looking to play a integral role in the lives of rescued cats looking for their forever homes!

RAHAMA, or Resources and Help Against Marital Abuse is a non-profit founded on Islamic principles dedicated to supporting women and children who are victims of domestic violence. We are looking for socially aware and culturally competent individuals as many of our clients are from the immigrant and refugee communities. 

RAHAMA is looking for someone to help pickup and deliver furniture. At times furniture is quite heavy and would require carrying them up the stairs. This would count as a community hours if you need them. This volunteer opportunity does not require much and we would need you to be available for at least 2 hours. 

Due to the nature of our work, all volunteers are required to undergo a background and reference check. Volunteers will be contacted on a case-by-case basis. Please submit a short personal statement about how you would be a good fit for this volunteering opportunity to reema@rahama.org.

Thank you, 

RAHAMA 

The Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission is made up of a dedicated group of volunteers who work on committees to make sure that we continue to flourish. Most committees meet once a month or once every other month. If you have passion for the corridor and would like to work on a committee, please email info@michiganstreetbuffalo.org for more information!

​

Executive Committee*

Planning Committee*

Events Committee​

Economic Revitalization Committee

Fundraising Committee

Marketing Committee

Education Committee

Historic Preservation Committee

Governance Committee

Finance Committee 

​

*The executive and planning committees only accepts internal nominations from our existing committee and board members. If you are interested in being on the planning or executive committees, please join another committee first. 

The #Mystory program is dedicated to educating people about the lives and hardships of immigrants and refugees. By sharing their stories, we are able to reduce stigma and help others become more open-minded about the immigrant/refugee process. This creates a sense of unity and belonging among people, especially if they do not share the same culture, background, or belief. That is our goal: to unite people with a story.

To become a volunteer, they must be in the 12-20 year old age range. They must be passionate about multicultural issues, responsible, and willing to spend time on this program. 

This is a one year program and it is divided into two semesters. In the first semester, an individual will undergo "mental health ambassador training". Through this, they will be able to gain knowledge and to give insight into certain mental health topics through a series of 5-11 training sessions. After the first semester, they will have the option to either, create their own project with the help of a mentor, or join the #MyStory program. If they choose to pursue the #MyStory program, they will become an interviewer. They will then speak to an immigrant we will connect them with. They will collect their story and, enlisting the help of our photographer, they will collect photographs that encompass that individual's story.

An individual may either enter their own project in the Youth Achievement Challenge, or they may enter their contribution in the #MyStory project. Either way, the winners of this competition will receive a partial college scholarship.

As a volunteer, they will get a Mental Health Ambassador certificate from Bridges from Borders, an opportunity to win a partial college scholarship, volunteer hours, professional references valuable for college applications, public speaking / leadership experience, and opportunities to participate and/or initiate community-wide programs. 

If you are interested in this, please go to https://bridgesfromborders.org/mental-health-ambassador-program to sign up as a mental health ambassador.

Victory Sports is in need of a volunteer to help in two main areas of our operations.  Mainly this person will be responsible for all the logistics of incoming and outgoing sports equipment donations, including; inventory, stocking warehouse, cleaning, organizing, etc.  The other part of this role will consist of coordinating and working with all volunteers that sign up to come help our in the warehouse.  

Provide comfort and care when your neighbors experience a crisis, particularly house fires! Disaster Action Teams respond within two hours to the scene of a house fire, meeting the immediate basic needs of those affected and beginning recovery casework. 

Especially needed in Jamestown! This ON-CALL position requires willingness to travel throughout Chautauqua County! *

To see a current Disaster Action Team Member at work, please watch this short video!

Title: JFS Refugee Services Volunteer

Department: Refugee Services (Community Services Division)

Reports to: Manager of Refugee Resettlement, Resettlement Case Managers, and Manager of Volunteer Services

Time Involvement: 2-4 hours per week, for a minimum of 3 months.

Summary: The Refugee Services Volunteer will provide support to our Case Managers in the office and in the community, and perform clerical duties as needed.

Special Requirements:

Major Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Client interaction level: Varies

Time commitment: Short-term (3 months) or Long-term (6 months)

For more information and to apply, click here. 

Bus Trainers work directly 1:1 with a newly-arrived refugee client to help them learn how to take public transportation in Buffalo and how to get from an assigned point A to point B. 

Lots of fun and a chance to get to know a new neighbor! Day, evening, or weekend hours possible. 

Orientation and background check required. 

Pioneer seeks a volunteer admin to assist our Microsoft system.

Compass House is looking for volunteers to assist with sorting and organizing our donations. We receive multiple donation every week and they continue to grow. We only have so much space here and only so many clients to give supplies to. We are overflowing in all areas of the Resource Center with donations. If you or anyone you know would like to help us sort through them, we would greatly appreciate it. 

Student Opportunities

Internships

Internships are primarily educational experiences with an emphasis on learning academic or career-related skills. All students must be at least 16 years old. While at the DDSO, interns will be directly supervised by an accountable professional in their field of study.  Possible fields of study include, but are not limited to, Occupational Therapy, Recreation Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Nutrition Services, IT, Health Information Management, Human Services, and Exceptional Education.

According to 679.3 Principles of Compliance for Clinical Internships (Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Dietetics and Nutrition, Social Work, Nursing, and Medicine).

Service-Learning

Service-Learning occurs when a class or group works with a community partner, such as the WNYDDSO, on a plan to implement different programs or initiatives related to a specific course. The professors and students may provide opportunities to support the WNYDDSO in employee wellness, adaptive recreational activities, advertising, dance, deictic in-services, problem-solving, education, and much more while fostering civic engagement.

Shadowing/Site Visits

High School and College must be 16 years old to complete site visits or shadow a discipline or related career field professional at the WNYDDSO. This will assist in career awareness and opportunities working at the agency. A site visit may be provided to anyone who has a good reason  to seek information about the services through a present realistic and informative experience. All students and “site visitors” will complete the Site Visit Form during their experience. (See Site Visit Standard of Practice and Site Visit Form)

Onboarding Procedures

Recruitment

WNYDDSO Volunteer Services uses a variety of different methods to recruit Interns. You may find us reaching out to potential students via VolunteerWNY website, through longstanding college affiliations, specific College internet sites, in print publications, and by word of mouth. We also encourage you to let your friends and family know about our internship and volunteering opportunities.

Habitat Buffalo is looking for an office volunteer to help with day-to-day office operations. The main directive for the Office Volunteer is to greet visitors at our front desk and field incoming phone calls. Additional typical duties may include filing, packing and addressing envelopes, or occasional work in our online database. The Office Volunteer will have a front desk to work at in Habitat Buffalo's office located on South Park Ave. We are looking for someone who is comfortable talking on the phone and working on the computer, and can take direction and ask questions when needed. Volunteers should be friendly, patient and detail oriented. Salesforce and Microsoft office experience, or willingness to learn, is a plus. 

Wild Spirit Education is seeking volunteer educators to help us teach about nature to groups across Western NY. You will be trained in the various programs that we teach but a love for nature is essential.

We seek individuals with a knowledge of the natural world and a desire to teach. Teaching background is a plus but not necessary. We will train you.

You must be flexible with our scheduling as we do programs during the day and in the evening. You must be dependable! Reliable transportation is necessary. You will be required to drive to the program location.

Wild Spirit is looking for a dedicated volunteer to assist with our social media. The volunteer must have a love for the environment, basic knowledge of nature and a be able to devote a few hours per week to this opportunity.

A knowledge of Facebook Business Suite is a must as is a knowledge of Twitter and Instagram.

The volunteer will be asked to post at least 2 or more posts on each of our 3 social media outlets. If the volunteer wishes to add us to more social media outlets, that is a plus but would require more time to post.

Wild Spirit is looking for dedicated volunteers to help educate people aboput the wonders of nature. We will train you.

Some knowledge about nature is recommended. Reliable transportation is a must as we do programs all across Western NY for all age groups.

Our programs are at all times of day and evening.

Position Title:  Volunteer Tutor

Service Position Summary:   Volunteer tutors serve in local schools in PreK through 3rd grade.  Volunteer tutors provide 1:1 or 1:2 tutoring in essential pre-reading and early reading skills. Additionally, tutors build positive relationships with their students that support, encourage and motivate social emotional growth.    

Commitment:   A minimum of four hours per week, over two days a week, for the entire school year, plus additional time for required training and team meetings.

Reports to:  Experience Corps Literacy Coach (ECLC)

Responsibilities:

Students

Training & Team

Administrative

Policies

Qualifications:

Benefits: 

Work with a team making strong social connections

Benefits to Joining:

What Do You Commit To?

Does this sound like a good opportunity for you?

Special Events Volunteers help the museum during specific events. Volunteers of all ages, skill levels, and abilities are encouraged to volunteer. Hours vary and are focused on specific events. They assist at various events including as Halloween Spooktacular, Lantern Tours, Santa on the Carousel, Birthday parties and other events. Tasks can include: operating rides, managing games, taking pictures, set up, clean up, conducting raffles, directing parking and more. The schedule is very flexible and 

Join our maintenance crew today! We offer free coffee every Monday and Friday. We are looking for volunteers with all ranges of skills to help keep the museum safe. Help the museum with upkeep and maintenance activities, including carpentry and painting. Upkeep includes our amusement rides, our histroic building, and exhibits. Mondays and Fridays 9AM-2PM.

FoodWeb’s Sandwich Army is a volunteer-driven effort to alleviate food insecurity during the pandemic through sandwich drives every Saturday!

Register Drop-Off Hub
Use your home as a donation drop-off hub for a specified time period on a Saturday. Volunteers will pledge donations for drop-off at your residence. After the time period, the lunches are to be transported to St. Luke's Mission for Mercy.

Pledge Donation
Volunteers make bagged sandwich lunches consisting of a sandwich, a piece of fruit, and a snack. The lunches are to be dropped-off at designated "drop-off hubs".

The Social Innovation committee (non-board) will provide virtual oversight to all educational and vocational training related activities that take place at GUAOA Orphanage in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Committee members will manage tasks related to educational sponsorship, child pairing for the organization, and the growth of our vocational training programs.

Responsibilities: 

Education:

Develop an education program strategy that will detail a more streamlined strategy from a data, communications (with sponsors) and pairing perspective (ensuring at least 70 orphans are paired with a sponsor for 2023-2024 school year)

- Grades Data: Document each child’s grade per trimester - track graduation and failure rates

- Communication with Sponsors: Email sponsors the report cards every trimester/year-end

- Pairings: Identify and conduct outreach to potential educational sponsors ahead of the new school year

Vocational Training:

Develop an oversight strategy that will lay out what information we will need from the orphanage and at what cadence in order to effectively monitor the programs and their progress.

- Reporting: Obtain quarterly reports from the orphanage detailing number of children enrolled, progress, and completion rates.

The Development & Event Planning committee will have direct responsibility over International Child Advancement's (ICA) event planning and development activities.

Responsibilities:

* Work closely with ICA's Executive Director to develop the organization's yearly development and event planning strategy

* Develop a project plan for each event and oversee all planning implementation aspects ensuring all goals are met

* Research and book venues, vendors, performers and speakers

* Collaborate with ICA's HR Director to recruit volunteers for each event

* Conduct research and develop list of prospective grant opportunities, foundations, corporate sponsors & donors

* Submit quarterly reports to the Executive Director on the progress of fund development activities

* Help educate all ICA volunteers about the resources needed to realize the organization’s plans and fulfill its mission

Qualifications:

* Minimum 2 years' experience in management, project management, sales and/or event planning

* Strong time-management and organizational skills

* Strong relationship-building skills with prior proven success are required

* Ability to effectively interact and form partnerships with donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, other organizations, internal and external stakeholders

* Excellent written & oral communication skills and presentation skills

* Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based environment (remote and in-person)

* Personal integrity, friendliness, patience, professionalism, flexibility and enthusiasm

Time commitment: Approximately 1-2 hours per week (will depend on number of committee members).

**2022 Events**

* Sasmita Batik Fashion Show: July 8, 2022 (ICA will partner & provide support to local small business Sasmita Batik Indonesia)

* ICA Appreciation Luncheon: July 16, 2022

* 4th Annual Back to School Drive: August 13, 2022

* Holiday Toy & Food Drive: December 3 - 17th

Position Description: The Young Adult Leader plays a critical role in the overall mission of St. Paul’s House. They are responsible for the implementation of the vision, strategy, and practical elements of many programs supporting youth, the elderly, and the homeless. Our goal is to foster growth in their relationship with God and equip them with tools to mature in their faith.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Position Requirements: 

Title: Career Services Volunteer

Department: Career Services

Reports to: Career Services Manager

Time Involvement: Three Months Minimum; 15 hours per week

Summary: This individual will assist our Job Developers with clients within our Employment programs, assisting clients to develop resumes and cover letters; and fill out job applications.

Special Requirements:

To participate, you must complete the following requirements. We will provide instructions.  

Major Responsibilities:

JFS Career Services is willing to provide additional relevant experiences as available to coincide with individual volunteer interests and agency opportunities whenever possible

Qualifications:

Client interaction level: High

Time commitment: Short-term (3 months) or Long-term (6 months)

To see more information and apply, click here. 

Help us welcome our blood donors by screening and examining their eligibility to donate through physical exams and collecting/confirming donor demographics. You will facilitate and evaluate self-administered health histories and complete a physical exam that includes an oral temperature, pulse, BP and hematocrit by accepted procedure. Medical experience preferred, but not required.

The commitment to become a Volunteer Medical Screener (VMS) can be a heavy lift upfront. Once you have completed the certified training you will experience incredible rewards. The VMS Training is a highly regulated process and therefore, you will be required to complete 3 1/2 weeks of training between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm EST, Monday thru Friday. **Please note that classroom training is conducted during traditional business hours. Ongoing training will be required as needed for maintaining your regulatory compliance.

Once fully trained, your monthly commitment is a minimum of 2 shifts per month totaling 5-10 hours

Board members support the work of International Child Advancement and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance.  While day-to-day operations are led by ICA’s Executive Director, the Board/ED relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected. Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications and qualities:

General Responsibilities of the Board

As the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for:

Responsibilities of Individual Board Members

Each individual board member is expected to:

Other responsibilities of nonprofit board members

Experience that we are seeking include:

Location: Candidates must be in the Buffalo, NY/WNY area

**For those able to travel outside of their local area, a commitment of at least 10 consecutive days, with shifts of 8 or 12 hours each (we'll cover travel, food, and accommodations).

Licenses required: RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP, APRN.

If you are available to help your neighbors, apply to be a volunteer today. The need may come today, tomorrow, or next week. 

Hear More From a Current Volunteer! Go to www.redcross.org/volunteer to get started!

Keeping our Great Lakes beaches clean starts with you! Adopt-a-Beach cleanups are a fun, free, easy way to give back to your community and keep plastic pollution out of our Great Lakes. It’s easy to jump right into the Adopt-a-Beach community. Join a cleanup today!  

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is a nonpartisan nonprofit working across the Great Lakes region to protect our most precious resource: the fresh, clean, and natural waters of the Great Lakes. We are active in advocacy, volunteering, education, and research.  

Each year, through the Adopt-a-Beach program, thousands of volunteers work to keep the Great Lakes shorelines healthy by removing litter from our beaches and collecting important data. 

We hope you’ll join us this season as we work to reach our goal of 500,000 pounds of litter removed from Great Lakes shorelines! 

Join the Adopt-a-Beach movement today! You can take part in two ways: 

We hope to see you on the beach this season! 

Are you a people person? Do you enjoy organizing and doing light record keeping? This volunteer service position is for you! Bring your gifts and talents to the Buffalo City Mission Receiving Department. You will meet, greet, receive, thank donors and assist in recording donations. Sorting and organizing donations is a part of this position too. Of course, as part of the team you will also assist in keeping the Receiving Department clean and organized. We can’t wait to hear from you! Volunteers make a difference as part of the team at the Buffalo City Mission! *Masks must be worn during your time of service.

To volunteer, go to: https://www.buffalocitymission.org/take-action/volunteer/

Do you have a heart to share the Word of God? Please read further. – A Chapel Speaker at the Alfiero Family Center of Hope and Promise or at Cornerstone Manor is a volunteer service position designed to reach the unreached and encourage and equip the faithful. We are seeking individuals with an endorsement from their pastor or local church to bring a biblical message on a monthly basis. To begin this process please complete the application. Once the application is completed you will be contacted by the Volunteer Department for next steps. Chapel times at AFC are 11am and 7pm every day, and the times at CSM are 7pm to 8pm each day except Saturdays.
VOLUNTEER NOW! >

As a volunteer in this service position, you will partner with the Mission’s truck driver to pick up donations from community donors, partners and vendors. This volunteer will partner with staff to load and unload the Mission truck, interact with community donors and complete necessary paperwork to record deliveries. You must be able to lift 75 pounds. This position is a Monday through Friday position from 8am to 4pm
VOLUNTEER NOW! >

Do you like an office setting? This may be the service opportunity for you and bring much needed uplifting to the HR team. All needed file, management training will be provided. Human Resource administrative background helpful and preferred. This service role is a short-term opportunity which is available on Tuesday’s from 1pm to 4pm. Confidentiality is essential!
VOLUNTEER NOW! >

Join with the kitchen staff and be part of the team by volunteering in the kitchen. We are in need of men and women with a friendly and warm smile to serve and to provide Dining Room clean up. Must wear a mask and a shield will be provided.
VOLUNTEER NOW! >

Description: Do you like to talk on the phone? Are you able to utilize Excel for input of basic information? Do you feel comfortable praying with others? Please consider partnering with us in this exciting service role. As a volunteer, with faith in the Lord Jesus, in this role, you will be reaching out to volunteers and donors to share a special thank you of appreciation for the volunteer and donor’s kindness as partners who continue to make the servi.ces of the Mission possible. – Kindness and appreciation that comes from the heart sends ripples of building caring relationships with those who you appreciate! We so want to share our appreciation, so that it ripples throughout our community, to all that make the Mission’s services to our hurting community possible, day after day! As the thank you’s go forward, I pray that we build stronger relationships with our gracious community partners. If you would like to serve in this role, please choose this as an option in your application. We look forward to speaking with you! This position takes place at the Alfiero Family Center of Hope and Promise. We are seeking 3 hours shifts, 1 time per week, flexible schedules.
VOLUNTEER NOW!

Stylist/Barber Shop/ Beautician – Available for individuals – men and women – Are you a licensed hairstylist/barber? Do you have experience working with different types of hair? Help folks feel proud and uplift their hearts when they feel good about how they look and how they present themselves to the world. You can make a difference at the Buffalo City Mission by bringing your skill and providing haircuts in the lives of many struggling with homelessness.
VOLUNTEER NOW! >

If you enjoy hospitality and have a friendly smile, please apply for this volunteer service position. The responsibility of this volunteer position is to welcome residents, guests and community members into the facility and connect them to the services needed. Partner with the Welcome Center staff to schedule appointments for residents, guests and community members through electronic system and answer phones. Welcome Center Receptionist available Monday through Friday.
VOLUNTEER NOW! >

As an Admin Support Volunteer Team Member, you will provide office support to the administrative staff of Cornerstone Manor. In this volunteer position you will be maintaining files on the computer, prepare copies, and do some shredding. You will need to have experience with basic computer and office skills. This position is available Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm.
VOLUNTEER NOW! >

Are you seeking a rewarding volunteer experience? Do you like working with children? Volunteering in the day care and or student homework area will bring great support to the Mission staff and/or provide fun and support to our children of Cornerstone Manor of all ages. Volunteers serving in the Daycare are under the supervision of the Mission staff will assist with the implementation of lessons, stories, and arts & crafts.

Volunteers must submit all necessary required paperwork, pass a background check, and complete fingerprinting. There is no cost to the volunteer for these needs.

This service position is available Monday through Friday. Shifts are flexible.
VOLUNTEER NOW! >

Open to men and women – Do you enjoy the beauty gardens and flowers bring? This is position for you. The gardens of Cornerstone Manor provide great beauty and joy to the residents and the community. The tasks of the Garden Beautifier will be to maintain the Cornerstone gardens by clearing the weeds so that the flowers can grow and develop to blooming. The Mission will provide all needed materials. A green thumb is not necessary for this service position, just a heart to bring beauty and joy to Cornerstone Manor residents and the community that pass by our facility. Garden Beautifier is available Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm.
VOLUNTEER NOW! >

Residential Coordinators (RC) are the staff that work to meet the day to day needs of the residents of both the Alfiero Family Center and Cornerstone Manor, the Women and Children’s Shelter.  As a lead volunteer in this position, you will serve shoulder to shoulder with staff, providing vital support to staff while together, meeting daily resident needs. You may be preparing a room for a new resident, doing a bit of Covid cleaning, assisting with laundry and other, day to day operations. This service role will give you a greater understanding of and participation in the services provided to the women and children of Cornerstone Manor.  Note: Lead Volunteers receive extra training, as a volunteer in this role you do not need a staff person, present during your time of service. Training for all needs provided by staff. If you have any questions, please call the volunteer Department at 854-8181 x419. We are looking forward to partnering with you!
VOLUNTEER NOW! >

Do you enjoy a retail setting, working with clothing and meeting new people? This position is for you!
The Thrift Store Volunteer Clothing Team Member’s role is to sort, hang and price clothing and linens for placement on the sales floor. Along with straightening clothing racks to keep the store looking pristine and inviting to our community shoppers. As a volunteer in this position you will sort, categorize all donations with a focus on houseware donations for preparation for the sales floor. In this role you represent the Buffalo City Mission as you engage donors in friendly conversation while receiving and sharing appreciation their donation. Donations are vital to the continued work of the Buffalo City Mission for many reasons. This position may seem small, but a friendly smile and kind words goes a long way to build lasting relationships with our caring and supportive donor community. All the time partnering with all mission staff and other volunteers.

As a volunteer in this position you give the gift of your time and skills and are member of a larger team that bring many hands together making the Buffalo City Mission successful to positively impact the many homeless in our WNY community. Available Monday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
VOLUNTEER NOW! >

The residents of the Buffalo City Mission men’s Alfiero Center of Hope and Promise and the ladies at Cornerstone Manor love time to relax, laugh and have fun! What a great time of stress relief. The Volunteer Department has games that groups can borrow and utilize for fun times for the residents and volunteers as everyone interacts. These Fun with Game Events can be scheduled Monday through Friday Evenings from 5:45pm to 7pm. If your group would like to bring this event to the residents, complete the application and the Volunteer Department will contact you for next steps. We are looking forward to good times as we unite in service!
VOLUNTEER NOW! >

Chapel Worship Team

Description:

-Greet guests as they enter the exhibit space and provide instruction on proper touchpool protocols.

-Organize guests in exhibit space and optimize opportunities for animal interaction.

-Provide animal information and educational content; develop ability to present information during a formal feeding presentation.

-Oversight of the species within the touchpool, assess their well-being, and communicate any concerns to our education staff or aquarists.

-Provide guests with general information regarding our facility and programming.

-Organize and maintain a clean workspace.

-Direct guests to exhibits, restrooms, and other areas of the building.

Qualifications:

-Enthusiasm for aquatic life!

-Responsible and dedicated.

-Able to be on feet for at least 4 hours a day.

-Willing to work in outdoor conditions.

-Must volunteer for at least one special event.

-Possesses excellent communication, public speaking and customer service skills.

-Second language not required, but highly desirable.

-This position does involve some direct animal contact.

Directions:

-Mandatory orientation with our Education department.

-Ages 14 and up.

-Willing to meet minimum time commitment of 4 hours per week for 6 months -OR- 8 hours per week for 3 months.

Duties:

-Provide personal interpretation and group presentations at the Aquarium of Niagara.

-Provide guests with general information regarding our facility and programming.

-Assist Education staff with public presentations.

-Assist Education staff in preparation of materials for classes and events.

-Organize and maintain a clean workspace.

-Direct guests to exhibits, restrooms, and other areas of the building.

Qualifications:

-Enthusiasm for aquatic life!

-Responsible and dedicated.

-Able to be on feet for at least 4 hours a day.

-Willing to work in outdoor conditions.

-Must volunteer for at least one special event.

-Possesses excellent communication and customer service skills.

-Second language not required, but highly desirable.

-This position does not involve direct animal contact.

Directions:

-Mandatory orientation with our Education department.

-Ages 15 and up.

-Willing to meet minimum time commitment of 4 hours per week for 6 months -OR- 8 hours per week for 3 months.

During the course of this year and into the next year we will be partnering with organizations to host a public health tour centered on providing free to low cost resources to areas identified to have significant health disparities. Our programming will utilize a collaborative, culturally sensitive, data-based approach in order to thwart Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in underserved groups with specific strategies for the BIPOC community. Are programming will anchor the community providing but not limited to, Our Justice Market, Cooking demonstrations, Health Screenings, Community resource information (mental health, social supports, workforce opportunities.)

We are looking for volunteers to assist in management, helping vendors when needed, providing help for individuals or families to carry supplies to their vehicles if needs and to assist with the community art project if needed. The first event will be Saturday October 29th at the Delavan-Grider Community Center 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Beginning in October, volunteers are needed for our After School program Monday thru Friday from 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. Volunteers will help with homework, arts and crafts projects, sports/games, etc.  

Once you submit your volunteer REQUEST thru VolunteerWNY, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you about scheduling a shift. All volunteers must complete an application BEFORE being added to the volunteer schedule. PLEASE do not just show up without speaking to our Volunteer Coordinator. We want to ensure everyone has a GREAT volunteer experience, and need to prepare for your arrival.

Every Wednesday and Thursday evening from 3-5 p.m. volunteers are needed to help serve dinner to clients and neighborhood friends.

Once you submit your volunteer REQUEST thru VolunteerWNY, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you about scheduling a shift. All volunteers must complete an application BEFORE being added to the volunteer schedule. PLEASE do not just show up without speaking to our Volunteer Coordinator. We want to ensure everyone has a GREAT volunteer experience, and need to prepare for your arrival.

Title: Volunteer ENL (English as a New Language) Mentor

Department(s): Reception & Placement

Reports to: Volunteer Services & Program Manager

Time Involvement: 3 month minimum commitments, negotiable

Summary: Volunteers will be matched with an individual, based on the volunteer’s strengths and the individual’s needs. Volunteer will engage in an initial virtual meeting with the individual, guided by the program manager, to begin building rapport, and to establish a regular schedule. Volunteer must commit to at least one one-hour block of English language assistance per week.

Special Requirements: 

Major Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Client interaction level: High

Time commitment: Short-term (3 months)

For more information and to apply, click here. 

The Food Justice Tour will provide accessible resources to the communities experiencing
health disparities. The tour has been formulated after extensive research carried out using the
primary data available about the Western New York region that has been at the receiving end
of health and wealth disparities which are further worsened by lack of funding and policies to
address these problems, which the tour will cater through a collaborative, culturally sensitive,
data-driven approach to addressing Social Determinants of Health (S.D.O.H.) in underserved
groups, with a focus on the BIPOC community. Additionally, it will organize a food market,
cooking demonstrations, health screenings, and information about community resources
(mental health, social supports, workforce opportunities.)  The first event will be October 29th 12 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Northland Workforce Training Center 683 Northland Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14211.

volunteers will assist in the following:

The Kidney Foundation of WNY offers a free community kidney health screenings throughout our service area. We are currently seeking medical professionals to volunteer with tasks such including blood pressure readings and BMI calculation, as well as non-medical volunteers for registration. Call 716-529-4393 or email jmorlock@kfwny.org for additional information about volunteering.

CANOPY OF NEIGHBORS 

Volunteer in our after-school program to provide academic support, create crafts and projects, and play athletic games with children. 

Various location in Amherst and Williamsville

The International Institute of Buffalo is looking for volunteers to join staff in our Welcome Home Setup Program. In this activity, volunteers work alongside staff at the home of one of our New American families by cleaning and organizing donated household goods. This helps to ensure that our families can settle into a clean and comfortable space upon their arrival. Times vary based on need.

You may email us at volunteers@iibuff.org to join, and call our offices at 716-883-1900 for any questions. You can receive regular updates and be added to our volunteer email list by filling out our Volunteer Application Form here!

Kenton Meals on Wheels (KTMOW) Board Member Job Description

Legal Responsibilities:

Duty of Care:                     Exercise reasonable care in decision-making as a steward of KTMOW

Duty of Loyalty:                Give undivided allegiance when making decisions on behalf of KTMOW. Never use information obtained for personal gain.

Duty of Obedience:        Faithful to KTMOW’s mission, vision and values. Operate according to the organizations governing bylaws.

Individual Responsibilities:

Time:

The board is obligated by our By-Laws to meet at least six times during the year. When full board meetings occur, they will be on the second Monday of the month, typically 6-7:30pm. The actual meeting frequency is adjusted based on what needs to be discussed. In the recent past, the full board has met about ten times/year. Board members are expected to attend meetings as scheduled. If unable to attend, notification to the secretary is required prior to the meeting and the status will be recorded as excused. According to the By-Laws, board members with three consecutive missed meetings without reasonable cause will be asked to resign.

The standard term for a board member is three years. Board members can serve two terms consecutively, after which there must be at least a one-year gap before rejoining the board. This requirement is intended to prevent any single board member from having too much influence on the composition and direction of the board.  Although there is no requirement to do so, nearly every board member in the recent past has served two terms. Near the end of the first term, the board member is contacted by someone from Board Development (see subcommittee description below) to inquire about the board member’s interest in serving a second term.   If that answer is “yes”, a vote is held among the other board members to approve a second term.

In addition to attendance at the full board meetings, board members are expected to join one of the subcommittees. The subcommittee choice will be based on a balance of the board member’s interests and abilities and the staffing needs of the subcommittees. As shown below, there are three standing subcommittees. As of this writing, there are five board members on each subcommittee. These subcommittees have their own meetings, typically occurring 6-8 times/year.

*All board members should strive to support fundraising events to the extent possible for their schedule and other commitments.  Examples of this support include tasks such as staffing check-in tables during a golf tournament or selling tickets to an event such as a meat raffle.

As part of the effort to make our “live” meeting time for the full board more efficient or when there’s a need to address an issue before the next board meeting, there are occasions when board business will be conducted over email.  While there are exceptions, a response time within one week is normally requested. Board members need to respond to these requests in a timely manner.

Starting in 2021, incoming board members will be expected to complete a six-part online Certificate of Nonprofit Board Education or produce documentation of similar training (e.g., through United Way, etc.) within six months of the start of their term. In addition, board members are also encouraged, but not required, to volunteer in the KTMOW kitchen and/or one of the delivery teams.   This can be done as an individual event or as part of a work-related activity such as a United Way “Day of Caring”.  Whether a “one time” event or ongoing, the experience of seeing the inner workings of KTMOW and personally experiencing the impact we have on our clients is powerful and lasting.

Talent

The nature of the work on the KTMOW board is such that every board member’s perspective is needed to help make informed, appropriate decisions based on the available information. At a fundamental level, part of the “talent” expected of each board member is sharing their life experience as it relates to whatever decision or direction is being discussed by the board. Beyond this, there are certain skills sets that we strive to maintain among board members such as financial acumen, experience with elder care issues, and legal knowledge.  These skill sets are maintained through targeted recruiting of new board members as experienced board members complete their term(s).

In addition to the above, there is an ongoing need for a group of board members to serve in various leadership roles for the KTMOW Board. The formal leadership roles include the following:

Roles 1, 2 & 3 above go through a formal nomination and board approval process near the end of each calendar year.   The subcommittee chair and vice-chair roles are typically filled through appointment by the president following discussion with the incumbent subcommittee leader and other board members as appropriate.

Treasure

The subject of money tends to be sensitive subject, so it’s important for potential new and existing board members to understand this expectation:  please give what you can, when you can, if you can to support KTMOW.  There is no minimum donation requested or required of a KTMOW Board member. It’s important to note that we don’t keep metrics on which board member does what or when among these categories. We simply ask that you help to the best of your ability, availability, and current circumstances to meet the needs of the KTMOW board and organization.

You will likely be approached 2-3 per year about providing things like gift baskets or wine (typically valued at about $25) to be used as raffle prizes for different events. If your circumstances allow for you to donate, please do. If you can’t, don’t worry about it as we work with what is available.

Board members are expected to be ambassadors and “friend-raisers” for KTMOW at every opportunity, whether it is forwarding information about fundraisers through social media; posting or distributing fliers at work or in their neighborhoods/ service groups, etc.; speaking as requested about supporting KTMOW; writing letters to the editors of local newspapers about the value of KTMOW. Other “do it if you can” opportunities include making direct contributions triggered by the Spring Newsletter, the Annual Fund letter, buying tickets for fundraising events, designating KTMOW as a target charity for United Way contributions at work, and designating KTMOW as a target charity for purchases made through Amazon’s “Smile” program.

We also encourage Board members to pursue grants or donations from their employers if those programs are available, including the using of “matching funds” donations.

Desirable Personal Characteristics:

Overview: At the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, we believe science creates opportunities and shapes our world. We take pride in providing an environment that inspires curiosity, self-directed learning, and fun for our guests of all ages. We know when you mix GREAT SERVICE with GREAT PEOPLE, the result is LASTING MEMORIES for our guests. As the premier environmental education and recreation destination in the region, Tifft Nature Preserve offers high quality, engaging programs for audiences of all ages that highlight the living collection of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences and inspire the environmental stewards of today and tomorrow.

Description: Tour Guides are a vital part of Tifft Nature Preserve’s year-round mission. Tour Guides will lead educational tours of the Preserve’s trails to schools, groups, and families. In inclement weather or during workshops, Tour Guides may lead indoor hands-on activities.

Primary responsibilities:

● Commit to arriving on time and prepared for scheduled shifts.

● Effectively share personal enthusiasm for the natural world to groups of all ages.

● Demonstrate excellent verbal communication skills when working with a group.

● Open to continuously learning and effectively interpreting our WNY natural heritage.

● Follow tour agenda, activities, required content and vocabulary as outlined in training.

● Maintain a friendly, outgoing, and professional disposition with guests, staff, and volunteers.

● Complete training

Physical Demands:

● Able to lead groups on a variety of trail types and weather conditions for 1-2 hours.

● Able to communicate verbally, in-person with small and large groups.

● Ability to carry weight up to 5 pounds. Age Requirement:

* Must be 18 years of age. Length of Commitment:

* Three-month commitment due to length of training

* Complete at least two tours per month as program schedule allows


Mandatory training classes begin in September: 9/25 & 9/27/2023
Contact Kathy for interest at volunteer@sciencebuff.org

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES > Ushers facilitate a smooth, safe and enjoyable experience for theater-goers. > Front-of-house duties include preparing the venue, being an information resource, managing traffic flow, enforcing client and theater policy, seating guests efficiently, maintaining safety and discretion, and executing post-show break down.

Buffalo is the "City of Good Neighbors",  and currently our neighbors need us. Our community members become snowed in, their vehicles buried, our streets unplowed. Many of these individuals are unable to shovel or clear paths. These neighbors have work, doctors visits, or grocery trips, but are unable to leave their homes and are in need of assistance.

The Buffalo Snow Brigade is a volunteer campaign working to solve this issue, by assisting our snowed in neighbors with some much needed shoveling. This campaign is mobilizing volunteers to offer assistance to those residents who are unable to clear snow from their residences. 

This volunteer opportunity is for remote dispatching our volunteers. 

A Dispatcher pairs a snow removal request with a willing volunteer, and arranges a time for that volunteer to visit and remove the snow from our neighbor in need.

To be frank, the Snow Brigade should not exist. While we are more than happy to be able to build solidarity networks through mutual aid, mutual aid like this exists because the system is failing.  If you’d like to get involved with our organizing efforts to push the city to fund municipal snow removal, please email us at buffalosnowbrigade@gmail.com

Buffalo is the "City of Good Neighbors",  and currently our neighbors need us. Our community members become snowed in, their vehicles buried, our streets unplowed. Many of these individuals are unable to shovel or clear paths. These neighbors have work, doctors visits, or grocery trips, but are unable to leave their homes and are in need of assistance.

The Buffalo Snow Brigade is a volunteer campaign working to solve this issue, by assisting our snowed in neighbors with some much needed shoveling. This campaign is mobilizing volunteers to offer assistance to those residents who are unable to clear snow from their residences. 

This volunteer opportunity is for physical labor and snow removal.

A Snow Removal volunteer will be paired with a request for snow removal based on volunteers availability.  volunteers will indicate best dates or times, and a dispatcher will reach out with snow removal opportunities for the volunteer to go shovel or plow as needed.

To be frank, the Snow Brigade should not exist. While we are more than happy to be able to build solidarity networks through mutual aid, mutual aid like this exists because the system is failing.  If you’d like to get involved with our organizing efforts to push the city to fund municipal snow removal, please email us at buffalosnowbrigade@gmail.com

St. Stephens Bethlehem is looking for volunteers to work in our food pantry on Tuesdays. The pantry is open from 10am-7pm and various shifts are available. Please contact us to help our neighbors in need experiencing food insecurity.

Food Pantry volunteers are needed to help our food insecure neighbors. Duties Include: filling food orders for guests, taking orders out to guest's cars, and stocking shelves.

Sundays 12pm-3pm and Wednesdays 10am-5pm

Please call us at (716) 609-8819 or email us at hopeandjoyfoodpantry@gmail.com

Visit our website: ssbucc.com/foodpantry

We need help with preparing our meals.  You would be assisting our cook.  Duties would be, but not limited to chopping vegetables, preparing soups, packaging the meals, etc.

We are looking for passionate volunteers to SHINE THEIR LIGHT as part of the planning committee for The Longest Day, our annual "do-it-yourself" fundraising program!

The ambassador’s role for TLD includes all or some of the following: attending monthly committee meetings, making phone calls to participants, writing thank you cards, reaching out to potential TLD participants, spreading awareness of the Alzheimer’s Association and TLD, fundraising etc. Your Alzheimer's Association staff partner supports you throughout the program and is very flexible and happy to tailor your volunteer experience around your interests and schedule. We offer both virtual and in-person opportunities.

Ideal volunteers would have some of these traits: Enjoying connecting with people, enthusiasm, are passionate about ending Alzheimer's, comfortable talking on the phone, and a willingness to participate in events.

Monthly commitment: Approximately 2-3 hours per month. This will vary depending on the month, and as mentioned above, our staff partner is very flexible with what works for you. 

Have questions? Contact Longest Day Manager Maddie Weitz at mrweitz@alz.org or 716-913-9809.

Every Wednesday and Thursday from 5-7 p.m. volunteers are needed to assist children with music and arts. We are currently looking for a volunteer piano teacher to join us for this program!

Once you submit your volunteer REQUEST thru VolunteerWNY, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you about scheduling a shift. All volunteers must complete an application BEFORE being added to the volunteer schedule. PLEASE do not just show up without speaking to our Volunteer Coordinator. We want to ensure everyone has a GREAT volunteer experience, and need to prepare for your arrival.

Interested in learning more about architecture, history, and Frank Lloyd Wright? Would you like to share the knowledge you gain with visitors from around the globe?

Graycliff’s guided tour program is led by a group of enthusiastic volunteer docents who uniquely interpret our historic site. Our docents lead both scheduled publicly available tours, as well as group, school, and specialty tours. Graycliff docents present our lakeside property to visitors, animating the many stories of this very special place. Volunteering in this capacity is an excellent opportunity to learn all about Frank Lloyd Wright, Ellen Biddle Shipman, the Martin family, and the specific context of Graycliff. You’ll perfect skills you already have, while developing new ones, and join a community of talented and passionate individuals. We are confident you will be inspired and enchanted by Graycliff and have a lot of fun along the way!

Graycliff offers in-person docent training classes that will instill confidence in you to lead a tour at Graycliff with knowledge of the architecture and history. In addition, you will learn skills on how to give a great tour and provide an exceptional guest experience. Docent training takes place annually each spring, but we encourage you to let us know of your interest no matter the time of year.

Non-Profit Board Member - Ten Thousand Villages Buffalo, a fair trade non-profit retailer is recruiting new board members as our organization begins its 40th year in WNY. Board members attend monthly meetings and work on various projects in support of the organization and the fair trade mission. Some key areas are fundraising, marketing, strategy, and finance. This is an exciting opportunity as we plan on growing our impact on the fair trade mission and revamping our retail store’s operations.