Opportunities From: United Way of Central Oklahoma Volunteer Center

Travel Unity is a nonprofit focused on making the world of travel welcoming to people of all backgrounds and identities.

As a Travel Unity Youth Volunteer, you can make an impact on travel and tourism businesses in your local community. The first step is to join the Future Travel Leaders Network by filling out this form: https://bit.ly/FTLNapp

TU Youth Volunteers meet youth from around the world through online calls and get to meet interesting travel professionals.

Volunteers must be able to work on a team basis, communicate regularly, be proficient with meeting programs (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.), and enjoy the excitement of collaborative output.

For more info, visit https://travelunity.org/youth

SEND SMILES AND SUNSHINE: 

BECOME A VOLUNTEER LETTER-WRITER TODAY! 

Are you passionate about spreading joy and brightening someone's day? Do you enjoy writing friendly letters and want to join a virtual project? Are you looking for a team project or a meaningful event activity? Become a volunteer and make a meaningful difference for seniors in care homes and programs!

WHAT WE DO 

We’re a volunteer-run organization sending cheerful, personal, one-of-a-kind handwritten letters to seniors in Canada, the US, the UK and Australia. Since April 2020, we’ve delivered joy in over 30 languages worldwide!

WHAT WE OFFER

➙ A chance to brighten a senior’s day.

➙ Flexible volunteering from anywhere, anytime, year-round.

➙ Community service hour verification for students (separate registration required).

➙ Tips for writing meaningful letters.

➙ An inclusive environment welcoming all ages and abilities.

IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR VOLUNTEERS

➙ Write friendly, one-of-a-kind letters addressed to a “Friend.”

➙ Mail your letters to our partner facilities.

➙ Commit to a destination facility only after your letters are ready to mail.

➙ Facilities list refreshes every two weeks with new requests.

➙ Expenses include postage, writing materials, and envelopes (send multiple letters in one envelope to save on postage).

➙ Not a pen pal program—most seniors cannot reply.

➙ LAI has no staff, physical office or phone.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

➙ Commit to writing letters regularly. Quality over quantity.

➙ Share personal stories to make your letters unique.

➙ Avoid sensitive topics like religion, health, politics and holidays.

➙ Focus on positivity and connection.

➙ Write in English or 30+ other languages, including Spanish and Chinese.

➙ Handcrafted cards are welcome but not required. Your handwritten message matters most!

➙ Organize group letter-writing activities or events with friends, coworkers, service organizations, schools or libraries.

➙ Spread the word to friends, family and local senior centers.

➙ Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH US? 

➙ Send smiles to seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely.

➙ Be part of a compassionate, inclusive community.

➙ Experience the satisfaction of knowing your words make a difference.

GET STARTED 

➙ Visit https://www.lettersagainstisolation.com/ and choose INDIVIDUAL, GROUP, or STUDENT registration.

➙ Students seeking service credit: Review our guidelines, complete the student registration form and submit photos of your letters for verification. Earn one hour of credit for every four approved letters.

JOIN US IN SPREADING KINDNESS AND SMILES TO SENIORS. YOUR WORDS WILL MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I write about?
Think of your letter as a friendly conversation. Share personal stories, hobbies, or a favorite memory. Avoid sensitive topics like religion, politics, holidays, health and mobility. Asking a question demonstrates an interest in the reader, gives them something to think about and inspires conversation. We've created this general guide and these lists of notable dates for each month.

2. Where do I mail my letters?
After registering, check your welcome email for portal access instructions. If you can’t find it, check your junk or promotions folder, or email me for assistance.

3. Can I mail letters to other countries?
Yes! With facilities in four countries, you’re welcome to choose a destination locally or internationally. Just ensure you use the correct postage for international mail.

4. What if there are no facilities in the location where I want to write?
Our user portal refreshes every two weeks, so check back at the start of the next cycle. If there are no facilities near you, you can also choose a location in another region or country if mailing farther away is an option.

5. Do you accept letters in other languages?
Yes! Use the language filter in our user portal to find destinations that accept letters in any of 30 different languages.

6. Can groups or organizations volunteer? How about teachers and educators?
Absolutely! Whether you’re part of a student club, workplace team, community group or classroom, our resources are designed to support group participation. Start here. 

7. Can I earn community service hours for my letters?
Yes, students can earn 15 minutes of service time per approved letter. Register using the student form and share photos of your letters with your assigned Community Service Liaison.

8. Is there any commitment required to volunteer?
No, there’s no commitment until you pledge letters in the user portal. You’re free to write as many or as few letters as you’d like, whenever it suits your schedule.

9. What happens if I pledge letters but can’t complete them?
Once you pledge letters in the portal, those letters are reserved specifically for you. It’s important to complete and send them so the seniors receive the connections they’re waiting for. If you’re unsure about your availability, it’s best to wait until you’re ready to write before making a pledge.

10. How do the facilities handle letters?
Each location handles letters differently. Staff often review them to ensure the content is appropriate, and they may try to match letters with individual readers. Some places post letters on bulletin boards, read them as a group activity, distribute them to individuals at mealtimes or place them in baskets for seniors to pick and share. Letters sent to Meals on Wheels programs are typically shared by a volunteer who doesn’t know the recipient. Specific details or requests from facilities may be noted in the user portal.

11. Will I receive a reply to my letter?
Most seniors aren’t able to reply, but your letter will still mean the world to them. Treat it as a one-time act of kindness that brings joy and connection.

12. Can my aged care home, senior center or meals on wheels program receive letters?

Please ask a director or manager to register as a care home.

Bethesda Volunteer Opportunities 

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Bethesda!

We are so grateful for your support of our organization and the families we serve.

Below are a few of our ongoing volunteer needs. For more information or to schedule your volunteer visit, please contact Julie Sisler at julie@bethesdaok.org.

Click Here for Volunteer Opportunities!

Volunteers make TEEM possible!

Help us organize clothing, food, and hygiene donations, build resumes in the computer lab, pickup food, and so much more!

Give Your Time and Talent 

Fundraising- (Hours vary) Volunteers may be responsible for coordinating fundraising events, or researching and developing grant applications depending on the interests and skill set of the volunteer.

Victim Advocate- (10-30 hrs/wk) Volunteers may be responsible for answering phones, scheduling interviews, creating family resource folders, assisting with administrative tasks, entering case files, organizing the desk area and play room, replenishing snacks and drinks, and supervising children as needed. Relevant background in childhood development and current affiliation with a University is required.

Maintenance- (Hours vary) Volunteers will be responsible for small projects around the house or property that need attention in order to keep our houses comfortable and warm for our families, and our yard enjoyable, family friendly, and safe for children.

Special Events- (Hours vary) Volunteers who would like to be contacted when an event needs to be staffed or for other irregular tasks that are necessary to support the center.

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Download the Volunteer Packet to learn more about the volunteer opportunities. VOLUNTEER PACKET

Join us and become a mentor with a student in 5th-8th grade! As a mentor, you will make a huge impact on a students' life. Join us in making a difference in each and every student we serve. You will change their life just as much as they will change yours. Sign up today if you're interested! 

Sign up today: https://freedomcityokc.galaxydigital.com/

Co-facilitating a Calm Waters divorce support group is an immensely rewarding experience that can foster healing change in the lives of others.

Our support group facilitators work with children ages 3-18 years of age and their guardians. An in-house clinician remains on-site during all support group sessions.

Training is required before a potential Support Group Facilitator may begin leading support groups.

If you are interested in becoming a support group facilitator, please complete the volunteer application found here.  An interview, two references and an OSBI background check are required.

If you would like more information about this specialized volunteer role; call Hannah Showalter at 405-841-4800.

Co-facilitating a Calm Waters grief support group is an immensely rewarding experience that can foster healing change in the lives of others.

Our support group facilitators work with children ages 3-18 years of age and their guardians. An in-house clinician remains on-site during all support group sessions.

Training is required before a potential Support Group Facilitator may begin leading support groups.

If you are interested in becoming a support group facilitator, please complete the volunteer application found here.  An interview, two references and an OSBI background check are required.

If you would like more information about this specialized volunteer role; call Hannah Showalter at 405-841-4800.

Use your STEM Industry experience to inspire students!

EnCorps’s vision is to realize a day where all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, are inspired and prepared to pursue their dreams. Join EnCorps as a STEMx Tutor to provide quality education to the students who need it most.

STEMx Volunteer expectations:

Program qualification requirements:

In order to be considered for a STEMx tutor position you must meet one of the below eligibility scenarios: 

All candidates must also be eligible to work in the US and currently live in the US

Value of your time:

EnCorps STEMx Tutors will provide academic assistance to middle school students in low-income communities. These students are currently under-performing in math(Foundational Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I). In order to prepare them for the rigor of high school mathematics, STEMx Tutors will provide them access to quality education that will help them break the cycle of income barriers, pursue higher education and secure jobs in the 21st century.

Want to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders? Join EnCorps today!

Apply to become a STEMx Tutor at: https://www.encorps.org/apply

18+ / 5 days a week

Our Virtual Impact Program connects volunteers from across the globe with students throughout Latin America, who attend our after-school Virtual English Academy on a full scholarship. Together, volunteers and students bridge cultures digitally and inspire and empower each other to reach their potential.

in Spanish while making a lifetime impact on young students throughout Latin America. You'll provide students with the opportunity to expand their horizons, develop critical thinking skills, learn about the world, and have fun doing it!

Our Virtual Impact Program connects volunteers from across the globe with students throughout Latin America, who attend our after-school Virtual English Academy on a full scholarship. Together, volunteers and students bridge cultures digitally and inspire and empower each other to reach their potential.

while making a lifetime impact on young students throughout Latin America. You’ll provide students with quality English instruction and inspire them to create opportunities for their futures. Join us and make learning fun!

Single Parents Support Network is working with Good360 to receive and distribute donations to our members. Volunteers are needed to organize donations while in storage, and to help distribute on designated days once a quarter. Hours for organization can work with volunteer's availability. Distribution days would be on a Saturday, TBD.

Single Parent Support Network is hosting its first annual golf tournament on Monday, September 20, 2021 at The Golf Club of Edmond, 4001 Fairfax Dr. in Edmond. We are in need of talented, creative and fun volunteers that would like to help us plan the best tournament ever and are willing to work to make the tournament a success. Meetings would be monthly and volunteering the day of the event would be appreciated. 

Through our Volunteer Recruitment and Placement Program, we match the skills, talent, and experience of adults age 55 and up with meaningful and rewarding volunteer opportunities at community partner agencies throughout Oklahoma County. 

Our volunteers strengthen our community by connecting their time, talents, and passions with needs in the community, creating a culture of service and giving in Central Oklahoma.

RSVP of Central Oklahoma is open to everyone age 55 and over.  We invite you to join our dynamic team of volunteers and put your experience and passion to work.  You can be a part of RSVP of Central Oklahoma and join hundreds of 55+'s like yourself who are serving our community.