[Get Involved Tuesdays] Volunteering at National Parks

Image via Conservation Corps

Fresh air, helping others, and being in some of the most beautiful land on earth: yeah, that sounds pretty good, doesn't it? And with so many people out of work and confused about where their lives are going, why not give a volunteer opportunity a national park a shot?

Find all the opportunities here.

If you can't just get up and leave everything behind, look at other ways you can do your part.

[Get Involved Tuesdays] Volunteer Abroad

Image via Projects Abroad in Thailand

I just found this website, GoAbroad.com, which I would have loved to know existed right after I graduated from college. Now, I'm sort of working full-time so I can't just take off to Peru tomorrow.

It's a shame, really.

There are opportunities from Thailand to Timbuktu. Actually, I didn't check on Timbuktu. Let me know.

[Get Involved Tuesdays] La Cocina Kitchen Incubator

via Truck Food Nation

Obviously, I've been doing a lot of research on starting a food-related business. I don't intend to quit my day job anytime soon after seeing the astronomical fees associated with starting such a business plan. There are insurance bills, business license fees, rent for a commercial kitchen space, and so on.

Enter La Cocina. In a city like San Francisco, so rich with diverse ethnic foods, La Cocina is one of the prime players in incubating new and interesting culinary talent. In fact, a La Cocina participant just opened up a piroshki shop down the street, called Anda Piroshki.

Want to get involved? Whether you want to volunteer at events, be a mentor, just donate money, or even participate in the program yourself, find all the infos at their beautiful website.  Next up on their calendar? This weekend they are publicizing an event by the non-profit group Fresh Approach. Fresh Approach offers free nutrition and cooking classes to low-income families, and they're hosting a big farmer's market-style brunch for only $10 per person at Jack London Square in Oakland. So go out and eat for a good cause!

[Get Involved Tuesdays] Green Volunteers

Photo via Habitat for Humanity

Are you looking for ways to get involved in your community and help the world at large? Do you want to save animals, keep trees alive, maintain parks and public spaces, or get rid of all the ridiculous waste in your life (including your ex-boyfriend who keeps texting you)?

Take a look at this article on GreenBiz.com. It lists all types of environmental volunteer opportunities: overseas, on the political scene, at green festivals, and so on. The most valuable resource I found was Treehugger, which, like Idealist.org, lists environmental volunteer opps.

So get to researchin'. I can't guarantee that taking on one of these volunteer gigs will help get rid of all those annoying text messages from what's-his-face, but you'll definitely feel like you're doing you're part to save the world, even if just a little bit.

[Get Involved Tuesdays] Feminist Jobs and Internships

When I was still looking for work, I used to peruse this site daily. The Feminist Majority Foundation provides listings for people who want to get involved in gender equality causes, whether through paid work or through internships with stipends. Current job and internship openings include listings at the National Women's Law Center, NOW, ACLU, and the Santa Barbara Rape and Crisis Center. If you've been feeling restless and like you want to give back in a more substantial way lately (I certainly have, and it's got me in a funk), check it out. I kind of miss the excitement of the job hunt myself. Sigh.

[Get Involved Tuesdays] The Gardens at Alcatraz

If you love to garden and also love Nicolas Cage movies about Alcatraz, boy, do I have an opportunity for you. Alcatraz needs volunteers to help in their gardens on Wednesday and Friday mornings. In 2003, the gardens were all but non-existent. Weeds had grown over everything and the whole area was a mess. But thanks to all the volunteers who have committed time over the years, the Gardens of Alcatraz are now blossoming and beautiful. This opportunity does require a bit of a commitment, but you can also arrange a group volunteer day. All the training, tools, and a ferry to and from Alcatraz are provided to volunteers.

Get all the details at the website here, and start weeding, pruning, and planting!

Images via Gardens of Alcatraz site

[Get Involved Tuesdays] Celebrate Earth Day in Style

There are all kinds of fun ways to celebrate the earth this year! You can find tons of eco-friendly and earth-conscious deals and programs that will let you love the earth without being a total hippy (not that there's anything wrong with that either).

1. Visit a National Park this week. All 394 are free until April 24! 
My California recommendation: Sequoia National Park. Giant sequoia trees; absolutely mesmerizing.

Photo via CC

2. Get a free Starbucks coffee when you bring in a travel mug on Earth Day, April 22. Sure, it's Starbuck's and Starbuck's kinda sucks, but it's also free, and I am not one to judge free shit.

3. Read about the 100 Mile Challenge, in which you pledge not to eat any foods that have been shipped over 100 miles to get to your plate. It's a fascinating challenge, one that Barbara Kingsolver took on in her book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. Or ease yourself into seasonal, sustainable living by checking out the Planet Green website. 

4. Donate your phone to the Verizon HopeLine project, which donates the money to people who are victims of domestic abuse. I mean, you're not using that Nokia anyway, and throwing it in the garbage makes the planet super angry. 

5. Buy some stuff from Etsy vendors who are part of the EcoEtsy network. I mean, you wanted to buy some cute jewelry anyway. It might as well be eco-friendly.

Bike Ring from uncorked

[Get Involved Tuesdays] CUESA

Photo via CUESA Website

Ever wonder who organizes the Ferry Building Farmer's Market or all those helpful recycling sheets inside of San Francisco offices? Why, CUESA, of course. CUESA stands for the Center for Urban Education and Sustainable Agriculture, and they organize everything from SF markets to classes on sustainable cooking, to beekeeping courses. They even have a handy seasonal eating guide on their website that helps you understand how your food got from a farm onto your plate.

It turns out they continually seek volunteers. So if you'd like to get involved in all the cool acts of political eating in and around the Bay Area, check out the CUESA Volunteer Page. They need people with skills ranging from photography to web design to administrative.

[Things We Adore Sunday] Daylight Savings, Japan Relief, Sears Fashion, Cute Chairs, Bikes

1. Even though it's raining here in California, I am loving that spring is just around the corner! And daylight savings time has just begun. That means nights full of debauchery. Or maybe just falling asleep with the sun still out.

Photo via thehairpin

2. People rallying to help out those who have lost their homes and family members in Japan. To join the relief efforts, look into donating to the Red Cross or other similar relief organizations.

Photo via hotncurrent

3. The FCUK line now sold through Sears. Who knew Sears was secretly planning ways to be cool again? I also love their Apostrophe line. I've stocked up on all their basic T-Shirts (so comfy and they really move with your body).

This dress: $45. Oh yeah.

4. Lovely cozy chairs that you can fit in small corners of your bedroom. I'm in the market for something like this right now (from Nathan Furniture in the UK-- I don't even want to know how much it would cost), and I'm battling between my urge to have new and pretty things and my propensity toward the eco-friendly reupholstering an old crappy chair option. Oh, decisions, decisions. 

Chair via Nathan Furniture

5. Weddings that incorporate bikes. I've always wanted to do something like this. Now if only I could find a boyfriend who would put up with all my neuroses! Then we could ride into the sunshine together on our vintage bicycles. 

Photo via bettybroccoli

[Get Involved Tuesdays] Princess Project

Photo via Princess Project Gallery

One of my co-workers was just telling me that they heard about this organization on NPR a few days ago. The Princess Project allows Bay Area women to donate their old prom and formal dresses to girls who can love them all over again but who maybe couldn't afford a brand-new dress to wear once. That means it's a win-win: you get that black and white Jessica McClintock dress out of your closet to make room for some new stuff (and you don't have to worry about how the zipper doesn't seem to zip up quite the same) and a girl gets to feel beautiful for her prom night. You loved that dress once, but get real, you'll never wear it again. Let someone else make it their own.

Read more about how it works here.

Or give your time instead of your dresses year-round by volunteering.

[Get Involved Tuesdays] Habitat for Humanity

I just learned on Saturday that Habitat for Humanity is the third most recognized name in non-profit organizations (the first is Red Cross and the second is Doctors Without Borders), so I really don't need to bring more awareness to the organization itself.

But what I do want to say is that volunteering for Habitat is ALWAYS a fun experience, no matter what kind of work you're doing. It's all about spending the day with people who care about others and spending that time using your energy for someone else's benefit. It's not too often we do that when a paycheck is not involved.

So take the time to sign up to volunteer with Habitat, no matter where you are in the world. It only takes one day of your time, and I promise you'll sleep well after you're done hauling all that concrete/painting that house/installing insulation/who knows what else.

[Get Involved Tuesdays] San Francisco Botanical Gardens

A Tour Led by a Volunteer

The San Francisco Botanical Garden is always taking volunteers, whether or not you have horticultural experience. I mean, how much cooler would you be if you could tell people you volunteered for the Botanical Gardens? The answer? Much, much cooler. Not that you're not cool already... But come on!

[Get Involved Tuesdays] Adult Literacy

Can you imagine what life would be like if you didn't have the ability to read this blog? If you couldn't read any blog or book or job application that was ever in front of you? That's reality for millions of Americans. In fact, in 2003, 30 million Americans ranked "below basic" in prose literacy.

If you're not happy about this either, volunteer for an adult literacy organization. Adult literacy organizations exist all over the US, and there's probably an organization looking for volunteers right in your community. Check with your local library for more information.

In San Francisco, the program is called Project READ, and it only takes about 2 hours a week of your time. As a reward, you get to teach people the invaluable skill of reading and writing. In some way, words are a vital part of ALL of our lives, whether you enjoy fiction or non-fiction or poetry or news writing. So if reading has ever helped you in any way (it has), you'll understand the need for this kind of volunteer opportunity.

I'm starting my training at the end of this month!

[Food + Drink Wednesdays] ForageSF Seeking Interns, Foragers

Macaroons galore at the Forage Markets

This just in: The fabulous ForageSF, the group that brings you the not-so-top-secret underground farmer's markets across the Bay Area, is looking for interns and "foragers". Interns will help set up and organize all their cool events, and foragers will help to gather food for the group's monthly foraged dinners. To apply, just email rachel@foragesf.com. More info about the organization is located on their website and blog. 


In other wonderful food news, their next big underground market event will take place at Public Works in San Francisco on January 15. If you haven't been to one of their underground night markets, you're missing out. Just make sure you bring lots of cash. The cake lollipops and banh mi burgers will call out to you, and you will not be able to resist. 

Learn more about next week's market at the ForageSF blog. 

And there will be a full bar. Stop thinking about going and mark it in your planners already!

[Get Involved Tuesdays] Idealist.org

Idealist.org is probably my favorite job-hunting site out there. That's not to say it's ever gotten me a job, but what job-hunting site can really say that these days? I just like the sentiment, really.

And if you're not picky about pay (i.e. if you're willing to work for free), there are lots of great internships and volunteer opportunities listed wherever you may be. I got a volunteer-stint at a library once through there and there's basically something for everyone.

[Get Involved Tuesdays] San Francisco Food Bank

Camilo, one of the kids at the food bank

This year, I feel so lucky to be with my family in the Bay Area for the holidays. Last year, I spent Christmas on a deserted island in Tonga. And even though a guy in a red cowboy hat roasted a pig underground for our feast, there's just nothing like being with your totally dysfunctional family during these times (that, and some Mormons were trying to actively convert me to their religion while I ate dinner on said island).

This year, it's been my mission to give back during the holidays.

A great organization that constantly requires volunteers is the San Francisco Food Bank. This isn't a kitchen. It's a distribution network for kitchens, non-profits, and homeless shelters, so your efforts would go towards packaging and distributing food instead of preparing it. And, thankfully, there are lots of good people in SF who have taken all the volunteering spots in December.

Think of this as something to put on your list of New Year's resolutions. And if you have any extra food after the holidays or want to organize a post-holiday food drive, look into dropping off food at their warehouse. You can do it any day of the year.

[Get Involved Tuesdays] The Wide World of WWOOFing

I lived here for free for 4 weeks

For those who don't know, WWOOF stands for Willing Workers on Organic Farms. And if you don't know what it stands for, you're also missing out on a world of opportunity to learn how to milk goats.

Well, not just to milk goats. You're also missing out staying with families all over the world, taking care of their animals, plants, children, or whatever else you feel like doing, and learning about sustainability, farming, design, crafts, cooking, and secret recipes for Devonshire apple cake.

I WWOOFed my way around New Zealand for about 5 months, working four hours per day in exchange for a place to live and free meals. I stayed on the beach, near the mountains, and in the middle of nowhere and spent virtually no money.

Get involved in WWOOFing and give back to family farms who supply us with so much happiness with their wares at farmer's markets and specialty stores. It only costs about $40 to join each country's network (or join the US one because that's probably the best deal in terms of sheer volume of experiences) and that fee gets you access to all the farm resources you need.

WWOOFing tips and tricks after the break!

[Get Involved Tuesdays] HIV/AIDS in LA

Before joining Dance Marathon at UCLA, I wasn't at all aware of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the extent to which it affects all of us. I joined the organization as a way to build my resume, meet fellow Bruins and work with them on a common cause. However, my two years on committee, on Community Outreach and Education and then on University Outreach, changed my life as I began to learn about the virus that has infected over 60 million people.




HIV/AIDS affects ALL of us. There is no other way to say it. It does not discriminate against gender, race or class. Learning to prevent transmission is one thing, but also de-stigmatizing the virus and promoting a community of tolerance and support is another. My work with Dance Marathon, now known as the Pediatric Aids Coalition at UCLA, opened my eyes to how the community at large is affected and efforts I can make, as an individual, to achieve the aforementioned goals.

Dance Marathon at UCLA/Pediatric AIDS Coalition has raised over 1.75 million dollars since it began in the last 8 years. It benefits the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, which is the largest pediatric AIDS foundation in the US. It also benefits Project Kindle and One Heartland, two free summer camp programs for HIV-affected children.

There are so many ways to get involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS. One can donate directly to any of the mentioned organizations. You can dance at Dance Marathon in February 2011, which is an amazing and crazy and fun experience (or you can morale at the event.) You can become a counselor as the camps or volunteer in some other capacity. In addition, individuals can volunteer for AIDS Project LA (APLA) to do the AIDS Walk, do data entry, be an office service volunteer, or a special events volunteer.

[Things We Adore Sunday] Autumn Soup, Dessert Gifts, Giving Back

Since it's the Sunday following Thanksgiving, this particular week has been all about giving thanks for all the awesome shit that's going on in our lives (Amber lives + studies in London! I am actually employed this year! We launched this fabul-icious blog right here!) So this is also all about things I'm thankful exist. Such as...

Autumn Soups!
1: Black Bean and Roasted Vegetable Soup
2: Black Bean Soup from Vegan Epicurean
3: Chickpea, Tomato, and Barley Soup from Buff Chickpea
4: Turkey Noodle Soup from Bon Appetit 

People Magazine's Dessert Gift Guide. I was drooling over this.

And, last but never ever the least, giving back to the community! San Francisco has a wonderful site that connects the community with all kinds of non-profit volunteer opportunities. I'm planning a family project with my parents this year, and I'm calling it the "First Annual Jones Family Volunteer-athon." Or something more catchy. To start your own volunteer project (or to give up one afternoon to give back), check out HandsOn Bay Area.