Whether you want to work with animals help the homeless or clean up the environment there are plenty of volunteer opportunities in New Orleans. City parks, clinics, hospitals hurricane relief programs and shelters are among the programs that need volunteers. Many agencies depend on volunteers in order to stay in operation. If you want to make a difference in New Orleans communities follow the steps below to get started.
Instructions
1. Contact Volunteer New Orleans. This program helps connect potential volunteers with organizations in New Orleans which need volunteers. Staffers at Volunteer New Orleans will take your interests, skills and the needs of the community into consideration when matching you up with a volunteer assignment.
2. Work with Hurricane relief projects. New Orleans often sees hurricanes most notably hurricane Katrina which did extensive damage to the city. Contact the American Red Cross, Southwest Louisiana which runs programs to help with victims of hurricanes. Programs may include running emergency shelters or rebuilding communities after hurricane damage.
3. Get involved in coastal restoration efforts. Agencies such as the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana are involved in keeping the Louisiana coast preserved. Damage from pollution and hurricanes may cause destruction to the coastal area. The coalition uses volunteers to do planting, raise public awareness and perform clerical duties.
4. Mentor New Orleans youth. Programs such as Boys Hope and Girls Hope of New Orleans, Golf South Youth Action Corps and Girls and Boys Town Louisiana all use volunteers to work with young people. Be aware a criminal background check may be required to work with children.
5. Cleanup New Orleans city parks. Volunteers are needed to plant, prune and weed plants and remove liter. The botanical gardens also use volunteers to lead tours for groups such as school children.
6. Help rescue animals in New Orleans. Animal shelters and non-profit program such as Animal Rescue New Orleans needs help with walking, feeding and socializing abandoned and injured animals. Volunteers are trained prior to starting their position.
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