Volunteering

We believe in supporting our community, both as individuals or as a men's group.

As an example, the Greenwood men's group has a number of members who individually are active in supporting various activities of the Greenwood Senior Center, Phinney Neighborhood Center, and PNA Village. They also have members who financially support these organizations.

This men's group is open to further volunteering activity. Perhaps someone will come forward with an idea and organize it so that they can participate as a group.

Ballard Food Bank

One example is the Ballard Food Bank, where members of the Greenwood men's group often volunteer.

Ballard Food Bank

One member mentioned that he had difficulty volunteering at the food bank. Richard talked to them about this and there is way to shortcut the onboarding process - namely, referral from a current volunteer. So, if anyone wants to try volunteering at the Ballard Food bank, let Richard know and he can help get you in.  There are lots of opportunities available -- in the market, cafe, warehouse, and doing home deliveries. There is no long-term commitment required; how often and how regularly you volunteer is totally up to you.

Sound Foundations NW

Sound Foundations NW builds transitional tiny homes as alternatives to tents and encampments for people experiencing homelessness.  Their intention is to make sure that every one of Seattle's homeless neighbors has a roof over their head and a lock on their door to keep them warm, safe, and dry while they await permanent housing. 

Several members of the Greenwood men's group volunteer at "The Hope Factory", where the tiny houses are manufactured. 

The video below shows the end result: a village of tiny houses!

Seattle Adopt-a-Street Program

A fun idea is for the group to Adopt a Street.  There are some streets in our community that are in need of attention and could use some TLC from our group.  Adopting a street means that we make a commitment to clean up litter along a street segment of our choice. As we participate, the city will support us, provide free supplies and safety equipment, pick-up and dispose of collected litter, and keep track of all the amazing work we do to keep our street litter-free!

Or, perhaps you are aware of a nearby neglected storm drain that always gets clogged up. The group could sign up for the city's Adopt-A-Drain program. We would get to name our drain and create a volunteer profile. We commit to monitor and maintain our “rain” drain. A city online tool lets us report what is collected from around our drain. Collectively we can show the impact our community of volunteers is making toward a stronger and cleaner Seattle. It's best to choose a drain that will be easy to access and take care of.

Washington Trails Association

Another example further afield and quite different is volunteering for the Washington Trails Association. If you fairly able-bodied and love the outdoors, we might form a small group to go to a nearby trail in need of work. It's also a great way to build community and experience the joy of giving back

Green Seattle Partnership

The Green Seattle Partnership is a collaboration between City of Seattle, community groups and non-profits, businesses, schools, and thousands of volunteers working together to restore and actively maintain the City’s forested parklands.

Several men's group members have volunteered for this organization, recently clearing blackberries out of Woodland Park and preparing for reforestation of the park with native trees and plants.

More Volunteer Opportunities

Have you always liked sports and enjoy working with young people?  The city is looking for volunteer coaches.  The Seattle Parks & Recreation department has several other volunteer opportunities.

Or perhaps you would like to advocate for more or better parks. If so, you might check out Groundswell NW. They provide mentorship, award microgrants, provide fiscal sponsorship, and advocate for parks, open space and habitat at the neighborhood and city level. They have been instrumental in the creation of over 30 parks and natural areas.

If you have an interest in volunteering, have a good idea, or want to organize a volunteering activity for a men's group, let us know.

Volunteering Opportunities at Phinney Neighborhood Association or Greenwood Senior Center

The PNA has a continuing need for volunteers.  Check out the PNA Volunteering Portal for something you might like to volunteer for -- there are many ways you can support PNA and your community.

Here are some volunteering possibilities:

• Art Club Intern
• Bakers & Treat Makers
• Beer Taste (Winter)
• Bingo Karaoke (October & December)
• Bite of PhinneyWood
• Costume Jewelry Sale
• Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead
• Garage Sale Day
• Gardening & Landscaping
• GSC: lunch
• GSC: receptionists
• HMP: Thanksgiving Meal donors
• Poster Distribution Volunteers
• Rainbow Hop
• Spring Fundraiser
• Summer Arts Festival
• Thanksgiving Potluck
• Village Gardening Day
• Winter Festival
• Winter Wishes donors
• Zoo Walk Support

Contact LeeAnne Chow leannec@phinneycenter.org for more information.

The mission of of seattleseniormen.com and greenwoodmensgroup.com is to provide a supportive environment where men from diverse backgrounds can foster camaraderie, develop friendships, share wisdom, enrich one another's lives -- and contribute to all Seattle communities, including Greenwood, Ballard, Crown Hill, Fremont, Green Lake, Licton Springs, Loyal Heights, Magnolia, Phinney Ridge, Ravenna, Sunset Hill, Wallingford, Wedgwood, Whittier Heights. Bitter Lake, Broadview, Haller Lake, Queen Anne, and beyond.

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