Once you decide you would like to explore this field, the first step is to contact the hospital's volunteer office.  In general, hospital volunteers must be at least 14 years old and generally work a minimum of 3 or 4 hours each week for at least 10 weeks during the school year. As a volunteer, you will need to interact with a diverse group of people; these may be other volunteers, employees of the hospital, and, of course, the patients; some of these individuals, such as the elderly, young children, or individuals who are handicapped, you may not typically encounter in your daily life.  

Julia Dunbar, former Coordinator of Volunteers for Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, believes there are several important characteristics to be a good health care volunteer.  First on her list is a positive attitude.  One should be eager to get involved in the volunteer program and be willing to make a serious commitment.  

The volunteers at a hospital become a part of the hospital family.  This experience may or may not lead you to a future career, but it will certainly leave you with a feeling that you have helped to make the lives of both the patients and the hospital personnel more pleasant and efficient.

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Minimum age is 16. If you are interested in attending, please contact Maile Shoul at mshoul@bigsister.org or at 617.236.5303.

"Jump-Rope-a-Thon" Volunteers Needed

On Sunday, April 13, 2008, at 3pm, Strong Women, Strong Girls (SWSG), is hosting a jump-roping fundraiser called Jump into Spring at City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston.  SWSG (www.swsg.org) is committed to a single, compelling mission: ensuring that Greater Boston's girls have the resources and support they need today to become the strong and successful women of tomorrow.  SWSG is looking for approximately 20 volunteers to help with registration, moving jumping teams through different jumping "stations," and setting-up and cleaning-up for the event.  The teams consist of the elementary school-aged girls served by SWSG, their college women mentors, and all types of "community jumpers." We also need volunteers to help with snack and water distribution. The minimum age for a volunteer is 9^th grade. Come with a friend or your entire sports team! Volunteer families are also welcome. Volunteers are needed as early as 11:30 am but especially between 2:30 and 4:30pm. Please contact nicolegann@comcast.net to sign up!!

Join Mass Audubon for the 2nd Annual Statewide Volunteer Day

Have fun while lending a helping hand at one of your favorite spots around the state.  There are plenty of activities for all ages and abilities.  For information go to the Mass Audubon website or call Elaine Kile at 781-259-2161.

Garden in the Woods in Framingham is seeking teen volunteers for our April 26 Earth Day Celebration.  Come to our beautiful 45-acre garden on Saturday, April 26 from 10-4 and help children and families learn about our precious New England plant and animal populations. If you like people and being outside in nature, we can use your skills and enthusasiam as Garden Greeters, face painter, seed planters, and animal program hosts. Contact Bonnie at bdrexler@newenglandWILD.org or call 508-877-7630 Ext. 3302.

Are you organized and cool under pressure? Do you enjoy the satisfaction of staging a performance? If so, then this volunteer leadership opportunity is perfect for you.

The BOSTON BALLET SCHOOL is looking for Teen Volunteer Leaders to work backstage and manage a team of volunteers during each performance of the school's 2008 Spring Showcase which features young dancers from all three of the ballet school's locations. Performances are on Friday, May 30, Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 1 and take place at the BCA's Cyclorama, 539 Tremont Street, Boston.  There are performances throughout the weekend and rehearsals are in the evening on Wednesday, May 28 & Thursday, May 29. The leaders' responsibilities include gathering volunteer contact information, assigning volunteers to rehearsals and performances, directing volunteers before and during a performance, and serving as the communications liaison between the Boston Ballet School and all volunteers. Volunteer Leaders should be high school juniors, seniors or college freshmen who understand what it takes to plan an event and are willing to assist with 2-3 performances and/or rehearsals. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Marissa Krolewski at mkrolewski@bostonballet.comor (617) 456-6264.

Room to Grow, an organization that supports babies born in poverty throughout their critical first three years of development, seeks volunteers to help maintain our inventory of infant and toddler clothing, toys, books and equipment. A minimum of 2 hours per visit, Mondays-Fridays, 9:00am - 5pm is required. We are looking for volunteers to fill up our weekly schedule to add to our wonderful group of committed supporters and volunteers.

Individuals who are well organized and can fold clothing neatly would be especially helpful. This is a great opportunity for students or new parents to bring their babies with them while they volunteer. For additional information, contact Audrey Becker at 617-859-4545 or email infoboston@roomtogrow.org.

For additional information about Room to Grow, please visit: www.roomtogrow.org

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