After a year of soul searching, I have decided to no longer pursue promotions at work and am quite satisfied with my income and lot in life. This decision was in large part based on the notion if I have time to work longer hours for a promotion, then maybe I should devote those hours to community service or volunteering.
I have always gravitated towards the green movement and am not sure where to seek out such opportunities. I have two small children and would love to involve them as well. Any ideas? Shelley
Dear Shelley,
I hope your message inspires many to take a similar path – I know it certainly made me look at my free time in a different light. I’ve found a few resources that can help point you in the right direction.
Coming up on August 1, Indy Hub will be hosting their 7th Annual Get IndyVolved. Last year more than 70 nonprofits, including many with a green mission, were present in hopes of connecting to people just like you.
You might also try Volunteer Match. A quick search for environmental causes near Indianapolis gave me 33 opportunities for everything from grant writing to bird feeding.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention some interesting opps with a few of my fave nonprofits:
Friends of White River posts information about Fall and Spring cleanups.
The Nature Conservancy is currently looking for volunteers to help with Kankakee Sands Efroymson Family Prairie Restoration, an 8,000 acre prairie located in Newton County, and one of the largest prairie restorations east of the Mississippi. Keep an eye on their volunteer page for year-round opps.
Indiana Recycling Coalition encourages you to pass your passion for the 3 R’s along to kids by getting involved with school programs.
Indiana Sierra Club is looking for volunteers for the following roles: Webmaster, Office Assistant, Group Organizer, Outreach and Water Monitoring. Contact: david.maidenberg@sierraclub.orgor call 317-822-3750.
Hoosier Environmental Council needs community ambassadors who are willing to be trained to inform fellow community members to get involved in shaping green policy topics, including transit, sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and air and water pollution. Contact: comments@hecweb.org or 317-685-8800.
Got a “green” question? Ask Renee! Just email askrenee@indianalivinggreen.com.
