SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Human Service
Special Event Volunteer – Make a Wish Foundation
Volunteers needed to help by organizing and implementing successful fundraising events. Whether it is a golf tournament, surfing event or our annual April Foolish Party, we need volunteers to help make the events safe and enjoyable. A special event volunteer might be asked to work an information booth, sell raffle tickets, provide registration assistance, or work in setting up and dismantling the event. Event volunteers are required to fill out a volunteer application as well as go through a background check. No special training is necessary, but volunteers are required to be educated about our program. Contact: Lee Henry-Chang, Program Director/Volunteer Coordinator
(808) 537-3118 or makeawish001@hawaii.rr.com.
Help a child learn to read
Put a child on the path to success by helping him or her become a strong reader. Ka'ewai Elementary seeks caring, reliable volunteers to tutor students in reading. Volunteers must be able to give at least 1 hour a week between the hours of 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday. Tutoring is one-to-one.
Volunteers are required to attend a training and orientation. Contact: Laurie Lum, Reading Facilitator, 832-3500
Read Aloud to Children
High School
Evenings, 5:45-7:30 pm. Support Read Aloud America, a program at public schools that encourages families to read aloud together. Readers needed! Requirements: commit to read once every 2 weeks for 1 semester; attend 1½ hour training. Register online at www.readaloudamerica.org/volunteer_ops.htm or email read@readaloudamerica.org.
Sunday Dinner Volunteers and Bake Nights
Do you enjoy cooking or baking? Use your talents at the Ronald McDonald House. As a member of the Dinner Club you provide a great meal and memorable experience for our guests. Or join our Bake Nights and help children bake all kinds of goodies. Contact: Michael Ahakuelo, Volunteer Coordinator (808) 973-5683 ext. 241 ronaldhousehawaii.org
Junior Optimist Club
The Junior Optimist Club invites Junior High School students to join our community service club. Most of our members are attending Kaimuki Middle School. We do joint projects with the Optimist Club of Honolulu including HUGS Thanksgiving Dinner, Mighty Mo, Lunalilo Home Christmas visitation, Kapiolani Hospital Children's Ward, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bowl-a-thon & Fishing Derby, Taro Patch and Hawaiian Fishpond Improvement projects, Ronald McDonald House cleanup. You must be willing to volunteer on weekends, be active in the club and in grade 5-8. Contact: Harvey Ouchi, Junior Club Advisor (808) 284-5974.
Be An Escort Volunteer
at Castle Medical Center
Age 16 & older
Detective, friend, athlete, receptionist, transporter, delivery person, secretary, mail person, newspaper carrier AND the embodiment of compassion, patience and understanding. You'll need to be a Jack-of-all-Trades and Master-of-Everything to be an Escort volunteer! Running errands and transporting patients is not for wimps! Are you up to the challenge of the hardest volunteer job - ever? Then join us! A minimum six-month commitment is requested. We do criminal background checks on all volunteers accepted into our volunteer program. Contact: Francine Kong, Volunteer Services Coordinator at 808-263-5252 or kongfk@ah.org.
Advance Literacy in Hawai`i
Would you like to help improve the literacy skills of children? Hawaii Literacy is looking for volunteers to help with our Family Literacy program. Volunteers are needed to help run educational activities for children, parents and/or caregivers at Mayor Wright Homes and Kuhio Park Terrace. This may include reading books aloud, helping with an art or writing activity, or assisting people in choosing and checking out books. Contact: Hawaii Literacy, Tamara Martinez, Family Literacy Program Manager 721-4303.
Be an Art Mentor
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu, in cooperation with an independent art program, will match children to meet with a mentor for an hour each week. The children and mentors will spend time creating artwork, learning new techniques and building a meaningful relationship. The art program provides instructors and supplies. This program will take place at community sites. The only requirement for volunteers is a commitment to being consistent and caring. Contact: Rodney Hee, (808) 521-3811 ext 228
Working with Children at a Homeless Shelter
Ages 15 and up
Institute for Human Services, Oahu's largest emergency homeless shelter has up to 60 children staying at our Ka`aahi St. shelter. Our children are all ages, from newborn to 18. Our homeless families seek stability and the children benefit from our Family Room programs. Dedicated, energetic volunteers are needed to join our Family specialist in organizing afterschool activities, participate in arts and crafts workshops and more. All volunteers need to be age 15 or older. Individual volunteers need to attend a general orientation, complete an application form, make a 3-month commitment (e.g. one shift a week). Groups need only volunteer on a one-time basis (although regular groups are greatly appreciated) Contact: Kate Bepko, Volunteer Manager at (808) 447-2811 for more information.
Help at HUGS House playing with kids while parents talk
Ages 13 and up
Respites are designed to allow our parents and children's guardians' brief periods of rest where they can take care of personal business, and/or just relax and rejuvenate themselves. Secondly, at our respites, we try our best to focus individual attention on each child attending. Volunteers will assist the Volunteer Coordinator in providing a safe and nurturing environment for HUGS children and their siblings. Respite services are offered twice a month, usually the second and third Friday of the month. Volunteers are required to meet the following criteria: must be at least 13 years of age, must attend training, have a 1-step T.B. clearance within the past year, have the ability to interact with children of various ages, be a mature and responsible individual who shows initiative, independence and good judgment. Also, at least a 3-6 month commitment is asked. House location is 3636 Kilauea Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816
Contact: Leilani Fernandez, Volunteer Coordinator, (808) 732-4846
Environmental Service
Aloha ‘Aina Earth Day Recycling Community Clean-Up
Upcoming Dates/Locations: September 13 in Nanakuli, September 20 in Wahiawa and October 11 at the Kaimuki High School parking lot
Aloha ‘Aina is a public-private partnership of business who donate their time and resources to reduce waster by promoting recycling, help preserve and keep our island environment clean, increase awareness about solid waste management/disposal and help schools and community organizations raise needed funds. How? Simple! We organize large containers and trucks in parking lots to accept recyclable material. Materials you can bring to various sites include scrap metal, tires, air conditioners, green waste, magazines, clothing, cell phones, printer cartridges and much more! Contact: Rene M. Mansho, Community Relations Director, Schnitzer Steel Hawaii Corporation (808) 682-5810, RMansho@schn.com
Ulupo Heiau (Night of Inspiration) - September 13, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
One of the first sacred temples to have been built as a "mapele" (agriculture) heiau by the first people or menehune and dedicated to Kaneulupo. Later in the reign of high chief Ku'alii, the temple may have been reconstructed as a luakini or war temple heiau. The Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club and Ahahui Malama I ka Lokahi are the co-curators at this State Park heiau and conduct service projects every second Saturday of the month to restore the ethno-botanical and cultural features. WHAT TO BRING: Backpack, lunch, water, rain gear, mosquito repellent, gloves. TOOLS: Sickles, pruners, handsaws, machete, hand cultivators. Contact: Call Kaimi Scudder at 593-0112 or email Malia Bird Helela hemanumalia@hotmail.com if you can join us on Saturday.
Na Pohaku O Hauwahine - September 20, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
The rock formation of the Hawaiian Mo`o goddess and guardian of Kawainui Marsh is located on the right-hand side of Kapa`a Quarry road at the Y-intersection before entering the Kapa`a Landfill Transfer Station. It offers a panoramic view into the "piko" of Kawainui Marsh where one can observe in tranquility the wetland birds and marsh vegetation. Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi is the curator for this newly designated State Park. We are planting the 12 acres with native plants to recreate a dryland forest ecosystem. Brush removal and trail construction has revealed ancient Hawaiian terraces that align the massive rock outcrops. We are also working in the marsh, to form a wetland bird habitat. Service projects are held the third Saturday of each month.
WHAT TO BRING: Backpack, lunch, water, rain gear, mosquito repellent, gloves. TOOLS: Sickles, pruners, handsaws, machete, hand cultivators. Contact: 593-0112 or email@ahahui.net for more information and to sign-up.
KAWAINUI ESTUARY WETLAND BIRD ISLET and KAHA NATIVE LANDSCAPE RESTORATION - September 27, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
As part of the Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi restoration program in Kawainui Marsh, an islet located at the Kaha Park side of the Kawai Nui estuary has been cleared of alien vegetation and landscaped as a wetland bird habitat. Ahahui has joined with the Kailua Bay Advisory Council to maintain a Hawaiian plant landscape at Kaha (Kawainui Neighborhood Park). Service projects are dependent upon school groups.
WHAT TO BRING: Backpack, lunch, water, rain gear, mosquito repellent, gloves. TOOLS: Sickles, pruners, handsaws, machete, hand cultivators.Contact: 593-0112 or email@ahahui.net for more information and to sign-up.
Work on Kalihi Valley Nature Park
7th grade & up (younger ok w/ adult)
Help to make a beautiful park in Kalihi. Tasks include gardening, mulching, clearing, etc. Bring gloves and gardening tools if you have them (not required). Contact: Puni Kukahiko, 841-7504.
Lili`uokalani Nu`uanu Stream Clean-Up Service Project
If your club or group is looking for a service project come to Lili`uokalani Botanical Garden and help clean up Nu`uanu Stream. Honolulu Botanical Gardens will provide garbage bags and gloves. Volunteers please wear old clothes and shoes or boots. Contact: Brian Koren, Volunteer Coordinator (808) 621-5463. honolulu.gov/parks/
Green Thumb Volunteer
Do you enjoy working with your hands? As a Green Thumb Volunteer at Ronald McDonald House you help to ensure that our grounds are always looking healthy and beautiful. Get started by filling out a volunteer application from this link Contact: Michael Ahakuelo, Volunteer Coordinator (808) 973-5683 ext. 241 www.ronaldhousehawaii.org
The Apprentice Ecologist Initiative
Officially recognized by the U.S. EPA, the program is engaging youth, parents, and teachers from around the world in environmental stewardship and conservation projects. Become an Apprentice Ecologist by doing a trash clean up or planting native trees. Upload a photo of your project and accompanying essay to the website. They will publish your photo essay in the Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists. A $500 scholarship will be awarded annually to the author of the top essay. http://www.wildernessproject.org/volunteer_apprentice_ecologist
Group Volunteering at Waimea Valley Audubon Center
Need a place to bring your group to volunteer? We welcome groups from 10 to 100 volunteers. We will put your helping hands to work in our 150 acre botanical collection (mulching, planting, weeding, or vine and invasive species removal), or to catch up on some of our facilities projects like painting, or with special events. Please call ahead to plan with the Volunteer Coordinator the date and project that is appropriate for your group's size and interests. Contact: Kelly Perry at 638-9199 or kperry@audubon.org.
Adopt-A-Stream
Find a stream in your neighborhood and take responsibility for it’s care. There are many learning opportunities for students as they learn about what goes into the stream, how to keep it clean and inform others about the need to care for our water and ocean. The Department of Enviornmental services has support material for teachers who want to involve students in this learning opportunitiy. For more information, please call the Environmental Concern Line at 692-5656 or check the website at http://www.cleanwaterhonolulu.com
He`eia State Park Restoration
Age 14 and up
You can help with restoration of He'eia State Park in Kaneohe so that the community and visitiors may enjoy the beauty of Kaneohe Bay (aka Kealohi Point). We are looking for volunteers to come in and help us restore He'eia to its natural state. We have upcoming projects ranging from gardening to fence repair and reef trails to painting of the hall. Contact: T Aiwohi, Office Manager, (808) 247-3156
Help Create a New Kind of Park in Kalihi Valley
Age 15 and up, younger students with adult
Help Kalihi Valley Nature Park evolve into an active living center where people can relax, hike, bike, garden, and participate in restoring ancient agricultural terraces and native forests. There are a number of ongoing projects but we also welcome new initiatives. Volunteers are needed to mulch plants, plant trees, construct and improve hiking trails, become involved in a community garden, construct and plant a hula mound, cut bamboo, build picnic shelters, trim trees, clear invasive plants, create signs, install water bars, construct water catchment systems, and help design a watershed education center. We work with K-12 schools, local universities, Sierra Club, Boy Scouts, Kalihi youth programs and many other organizations. Individuals are welcome six days a week. Long sleeved shirts, long pants and covered shoes are highly recommended. Some tasks require previous experience. Contact: Lisa Ferentinos, Park Coordinator, (808) 791-9469.
Paepae Pohaku at He`eia Fishpond
If you are interested in bringing a group and/or know of others that would also be interested in visiting He`eia Fishpond please contact us to schedule a visit. Paepae o He`eia is committed to providing experiences that combine elements of malama `aina, hands-on eco-cultural education, and the Hawaiian values associated with managing a traditional fishpond. A fee is charged for some programs. To schedule a visit to He`eia Fishpond, please contact us via phone or email. The link on our website also briefly describes our visit program http://www.paepaeoheeia.org/visit
Nature Center Workdays - Saturdays, 10:00 - 2:00
Hawai’i Nature Center weekly volunteer workdays are held 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Saturdays at new location, 2131 Makiki Heights Drive. Tasks include power-washing trailers, painting, planting. Contact: call 988-8995.
Kaneohe Fishpond Work Days - Some Saturdays, 8:30 - 1:00
9th grade & up (younger OK w/ adult)
Some Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., He`eia fishpond. Help refurbish wall and remove invasive mangrove. Wear work clothes, covered shoes, sunscreen. Also bring hat, water, lunch, towel, change of clothes. Contact: 236-6178, paepaeoheeia@hotmail.com.
Work With Kids & Help the Environment
High School
Ongoing or one time opportunities available. Take elementary students on field trips to natural areas near their school for fun, hands-on activities to teach them the importance of keeping the environment clean. No experience needed. Training provided. This program is offered once a month for 2 hours at various schools. Contact: Ali Riggs, Healthy Hawaii Coalition, 778-4243.
Community Service
Six Billion Pathways to Peace – What is Yours?
A Community Discussion - September 27, 1:00 - 3:30pm
You can make peace a practical reality through service to others. Join a conversation about how peace can be advanced and build cooperation among existing organizations in the Hawai`i community. Discussions will focus on how to create peace – as individuals, as family members, as community members, as citizens of a country, as citizens of the world. Find your pathway to peace through service and commit to an action. Where: Atherton YMCA. Contact: Carole Iacovelli at admin@youthservicehawaii.org.
ServiceNation National Day Of Action -
September 27
Volunteer Hawaii and ServiceNation collaborate to bring you a "Day of Action" on Saturday, September 27th. Attract the attention of our elected leaders to help build momentum for a new National Service Act that will encourage and promote voluntary service! You can sign up one of the many service projects at the volunteer Hawaii website here.
Honolulu Century Ride 2008 - September 28
The Hawaii Bicycling League’s 27th annual Honolulu Century Ride is on Sunday, September 28, 2008. We need volunteers the day of the race to man the 6 aid stations and tear down the course and expo after the race. We also need volunteers for the day before the race to help set up the start/finish area. Sign up for a shift or for the whole day - the event runs from 6:15 am to 5 pm. The finish line will feature entertainment and an expo with local food and other goodies. We expect close to 4,000 cyclists from Japan, the Mainland, and Hawaii. Come join us for a fun day and a free volunteer t-shirt! Where: Kapiolani Park. Contact: John at john@hbl.org.
Alzheimers Awareness
Great project for your school club. Need Steering Committee Members for Memory Walks on neighbor islands in the Fall. These are events to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and support those who live and support those with Alzheimers. If you would like to learn more call or email. Contact: Roger Higa, roger.higa@alz.org or 591-2771 x104.
The Queen's Medical Center
Ages 15 and up
Assist the professional staff with transporting patients, filling supplies and other related duties. 4 hours per Week. A good opportunity for pre-nursing students and those considering a health care career. Should have great customer service and communication skills. Contact: Download the Teen Volunteer form (PDF) if you are under 18 at this link or phone Queen's Volunteer Services at 808.547.4397, Monday thru Friday between 8:00am and 4:30pm.
Help the American Red Cross
High School
Ongoing, weekdays, Diamond Head. Three month minimum commitment required. Help out in the office of the American Red Cross. Volunteers are needed to perform general clerical duties. Computer knowledge and good oral/written skills are helpful. Contact: Gwen Wong, 734-2101.
Help Deliver Food to the Elderly - Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
If under 18, must be with adult
Support Lanakila Pacific’s project to deliver meals to homebound senior citizens. Must be able to provide your own transportation. Contact: Erix Batalon, 356-8532, ebatalon@lanakilahawaii.org .
Help Restore the Hokule'a
7th grade & up
Saturdays starting at 9:30 a.m. Help restore the Hokule`a voyaging canoe. Most of the work involves sanding and varnishing so be prepared to get dusty. If you have any, bring old rags or plastic cups for varnish (like yogurt containers). Contact: Polynesian Voyaging Society, 536-8405.
Help Recycle Lanterns for Lantern Floating Hawai`i – May 31, 1:00-4:00pm
High School
Your kokua is needed in recycling lanterns for the next year's Lantern Floating Hawai`i. Hundreds of lanterns must be cleaned, washed, dried and packed away to help people share their remembrance of loved ones and ancestors next year on the Memorial Day. Contact: Chieko Steele, 942-1848, csteele@naleialoha.org.
Greet Guests at Japanese Cultural Center
High School
Ongoing, various times available, training provided. Help welcome visitors, collect admissions, answer guests' questions at the Japanese Cultural Center in Mo`ili`ili. They are looking for friendly, helpful and responsible volunteers. Contact: Derrick Iwata, 945-7633 ext. 25, iwata@jcch.com.
Volunteer at Special Events for Make-A-Wish Foundation
High School
Ongoing, various times available. This organization makes wishes come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions. They need help with special events like parties, golf tournaments and more. Must complete volunteer application form, go through background check and attend training program to learn more about Make-A-Wish Foundation. Contact: Lee Henry-Chang, 537-6797.
Group Volunteer Opportunities
The YWCA of Oahu is in need of groups of volunteers who are willing to share their time and talents by painting our facilities. We have both interior and exterior painting needs, including rooms, building, gates, fences and walkways.
Contact: Billie Irwin George, Human Resources Generalist, (808) 538-7061
Department Of Emergency Management
The Department of Emergency Management sponsors the Community Emergency Response Team Program. The "CERT" program trains groups of people to be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours after a disaster. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community. Contact: Jeff Spencer, Volunteer Services Coordinator, (808) 723-8960, http://www.oahucert.com
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
Quiz Masters
QuizMS quizmaster organizers and participants needed in all 50 states. This program raises funds for MSAA in your state through entry fees and helps create awareness of MSAA through event promotion. This is a valuable MS volunteer program is flexible to work around your daily time commitments and scheduling. MSAA can provide you with some sample questions and answers or you may elect to develop your own 10 round trivia event. MSAA will follow-up with every volunteer interested in this assignment by phone during business hours. Please ensure we have a day-time contact number for you. http://support.msassociation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=QuizMS to apply and for more information.
Music with a Message
Ages 13 & up (must have school & parent permission if under 18)
Looking for tobacco free performers who can advocate their stance on tobacco control to students during a middle or high school assembly. The individual/group must be an athlete, dancer, singer, illusionist, etc. to catch the attention of the audience. Go to http://www.ala-hawaii.org/musicwithamessagemwm.asp for more information. Contact: Debbie Odo for tryouts 537-5966, ext. 216, xtobacco@ala-hawaii.org.
Visit the Hunger Site: Click to Give Food
Visit www.thehungersite.com and click once a day. Sponsors will give food to the hungry. It's fast, easy and free. Make it your home page! Tell a friend!
Youth Disaster Volunteer
Ages 13 and up
Become a member of the Disaster Action Team and help people in times of disaster in area of Mass Care, Family Service, Disaster Health Services, Fund Raising, Chapter Liaison, etc. Contact: 307-637-5988 or redcrosshawaii@hawaii.rr.com
Volunteer at the Children's Discovery Center
Age 15 & up
Ongoing or one time opportunities available. Volunteer at this fun, interactive learning museum for children in Kaka`ako. Contact: volunteers@discoverycenterhawaii.org.