Volunteering as a Busy Parent
I have been feeling high key stressed about the Trump/Musk administration and the changes they are making that will impact women, LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities, the environment, reproductive and human rights, free press and media, consumer protections, etc. I am completely off social media and I know the next step I have to take both for my sanity and the greater good is just to help make my own community (El Cerrito/Richmond) a better place and help others who need it more than I do. That said, I work a full time+ job and have 2 little kids. I'm looking for recommendations that I can get involved with that can accept a volunteer for <10 hours/month where I can actually help and not be a burden. Skills: communication, healthcare system knowledge, passable Spanish, finance.
Thanks in advance for your recommendations.
Parent Replies
You can contact Berkeley Reads through the Berkeley Public Library, if you are interested in being an adult literacy tutor. They serve a variety of adult learners, including vulnerable populations like the ones you mentioned, and you can volunteer just 1-2 hours per week. It sounds like a meaningful way to directly empower members of our community! You can call the Berkeley Public Livrary West Branch and get connected to Berkeley Reads that way, to see if they are accepting new volunteer applications at this time.
Oh my gosh you are NOT alone! Same here! You post reminded me of someplace your particular skills could help. It's not El Cerrito, but The Order of Malta Clinic in Oakland provides free medical and dental care to our uninsured neighbors, ALL of them regardless of income, religion, etc. They are always looking for volunteers with healthcare experience who speak (some) Spanish. https://www.orderofmaltaclinic.com/volunteer
Check this resource out and see what appeals to you. I am a busy parent but I volunteer a bunch because it makes me sane. There are so many organizations that would love to have you. I can personally recommend Berkeley Food Network (you can sign up for shifts as you have time), Milo Foundation (you can even walk dogs with your kiddos along), Meals on Wheels, BACS (Berkeley Animal Care Services--city shelter entirely volunteer run), Mercy Brown Bag Program, BOSS (Building Opportunities for Self Sustainability), and the Multicultural Institute (serves and supports day laborers--love this place). You can take your kids out and pick up trash anywhere--we like to go to the bulb or around shorebird park/brickyard cove (w kids latex gloves). You are an amazing model for your kids. I promise that even though you are super busy, finding a meaningful volunteer project will fill your heart--with both gratitude and agency. Good luck.