If the end of summer means you finally have time to volunteer for a nonprofit or contribute to another good cause, there are plenty of great opportunities coming up around Portland.
Here are a few that caught our eye:
1. Read to kids with The Shadow Project
Local nonprofit The Shadow Project is looking for volunteers to help students with learning challenges level up their reading.
The Shadow Project works with students at elementary schools in Northeast Portland, Southeast Portland, McMinnville, and Salem-Keiser, and the minimum time commitment is two hours per week for three months.
Complete this volunteer interest form if you’re interested, or email [email protected] for more details.
2. Lend a hand (or leg?) to a bicycle-powered mobile library
Street Books runs a mobile library service for people experiencing homelessness in Portland, and they’re hosting a fundraiser and celebration this Thursday (Sept. 19) at Lagunitas Community Room.
Come for the program emceed by educator and activist Paul Susi; stay for the raffle, taco bar, and “Book Divinator Machine.”
3. Get fit while supporting local schools
Speaking of pedal power, StarCycle is putting on a group spin class this Saturday (Sept. 21) to benefit Boise-Eliot schools.
The 45-minute class starts at 7 p.m. — and it’s outdoors, so keep an eye on the weather.
4. Join the movement for active transportation
The Street Trust is celebrating the Alice Award winners for their work making walking, biking, and transit safer for everyone.
The event next Friday (Sept. 27) is a chance to learn about The Street Trust’s work on active transportation and to get connected with upcoming volunteer opportunities.
5. Spread the word about a leadership training program
The Portland New Leaders Council is taking applications this month for its leadership training program, which new NLC board member Joanie Wang says she learned about from Bridgeliner last year!
“I decided to apply because I wanted to learn more about how our local government works and how individuals can make an impact,” Joanie told us. “What I ended up loving the most about the program was meeting the other fellows.”
If you know any progressive-minded Portlanders who are (or should be) interested in running for office or getting more involved civically, tell them to apply for the NLC program here — or drop by one of the Q&A events this month.
6. Connect with advocates for affordable housing
Business for a Better Portland is hosting a Housing Policy Forum next month (Thursday, Oct. 3) to discuss how to expand affordable housing development in Portland.
The speakers include Congressman Earl Blumenauer and PSU researcher Marisa Zapata. Anyone interested in volunteering for a free ticket should email Wendy.
7. March in a student-led climate strike
Hundreds of local students plan to walk out of class this Friday (Sept. 20) and lead a march across the Hawthorne Bridge to protest government inaction on climate change.
If you’d like to join them, the demonstration starts at City Hall on Friday morning and ends with an action-focused rally at the Eastbank Esplanade in the afternoon.
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