Volunteer

Americans, and especially Tennesseans, are very generous with their time, and often volunteer to help others. Giving your time to a worthy organization is a wonderful way to meet marvelous people and practice your English.

Most volunteer organizations are locally based, so I can't give many specific suggestions on this web site, but some volunteer organizations which you can probably find in your locality are:

Volunteer Match

This web page can help you connect with an organization in your area that needs your help. Most of these organizations do not require that volunteers have special skills. They will be very happy to have you, you will feel realy good that you are helping your fellow man, and you will have many opportunities to work with and converse with native speakers of English. Click on the link above.

Habitat for Humanity

This group builds homes for poor people. If you have some skills in buiding, you will be most welcome, but even if you don't, you can help them. It is a great chance to do some physical work and practice English with your co-workers. Click the link above to go to their web page.

American Red Cross

The Red Cross offers many opportunities to volunteer and meet people. There is sure to be a chapter near you. Click on the link above to go to their volunteer page.

Second Harvest Food Bank

Second Harvest helps feed the poor. They can use your help, and you can meet and talk to many kind and generous people. Click on the underlined link above.

Hospitals Most hospitals have an established corps of volunteers who help the patients and staff in many ways. It is not necessary to have any interest in or knowledge of medicine to participate.

Museums and Art Galleries Many museums and art galleries welcome volunteers. Some volunteers work at the reception desk, cloakroom, in the office, or at other routine jobs. Others may be trained to take groups on tours around the museum or gallery. In Nashville, speakers of languages other than English are often needed to escort groups of people who speak their language.

Community Theater Community amateur theater companies need volunteers. There are many jobs that you can do in the theatre: set building, properties, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, tickets, publicity, etc. It is a lot of fun to be around theater people, and the experience gives you many opportunities to practice speaking. You might even want to take a small part on stage. "There's no business like show business!"

Volunteer Opportunities in Nashville

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens

Can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Margaret Mead

#1 Hands On Nashville

Hands on Nashville connects volunteers with organizations or people in need. It is one of the largest volunteer resource centers in the world. Volunteers help during emergencies such as flood cleanup, tutor at local schools, volunteer at libraries, drive for Meals on Wheels, etc. Training is available. Special volunteer opportunities are available for teenagers. For information, go on the Internet to www.hon.org. You will find a list of opportunities waiting for you. No specific number of volunteer hours required.

#2 Frist Center for the Visual Arts

This world class art museum is in need of volunteers in the Artquest Gallery which gives children (and adults) the opportunity to develop their artistic skills. Responsibilities include: Welcome visitors, direct them to activities; explain the various learning stations; help with the set-up and upkeep of learning stations. Volunteers receive training from staff. ArtQuest volunteers are able to work with families, students and visitors of all ages in a patient and friendly manner. Volunteers help with a wide variety of tasks such as cleaning, cutting paper or organizing materials. Volunteers are asked to work two 4-hour shifts per month. Four 4-hour shifts are preferred if possible. The Frist Center is located at 919 Broadway, Nashville 37203 and can be contacted at volunteer@fristcenter.org.

#3: American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is located at 2201 Charlotte Ave Nashville, TN 37203. The Red Cross is well known for rushing aid to those affected by disaster. Volunteers are needed to help on a daily basis. As a volunteer, you can help with fundraisers, work directly with people in need, or if you prefer something more behind the scenes you can volunteer in the office (data entry, phones, etc). For more information, go to the website www/redcross.org/support/volunteer. Training is provided.

#4: Nashville Zoo

If you enjoy nature and being around animals, then the Nashville Zoo may be the perfect place for you to volunteer at. Some of the areas you can volunteer are: Visitor Interaction (assist patrons who come to the zoo, direct them, answer questions,.etc). Animal Care (assist staff care for animals), Library Maintenance {help take care of the library). Special Events (work at special events that are held at the Nashville Zoo during the year). Membership (try to get people to become members, etc) and much more. They also have programs for teen volunteers. To start volunteering, fill out an application and return it to the zoo. They are located at 3777 Nolensville Road Nashville, TN 37211. (615) 833-1534. Training available. Hours flexible. www.nashvillezoo.org/volunteer.

#5: Nashville Symphony

If you love music, then you may want to think about volunteering with the Nashville Symphony. Volunteers are needed for ushering before and during performances. As an usher, you'll help direct patrons to their seats, hand out pamphlets about the show, answer questions, etc. They also need volunteers to work in the office and help with data entry, mailings and more. Training is provided. You must be able to work at least 2 four hour shifts per month. The Nashville Symphony is located at One Symphony Place Nashville, TN 37201-2031. For more information, visit nashvillesymphony.org/support/volunteer.

#6: Nashville Public Library

Those who love books would surely enjoy volunteering at the Nashville Public Library. The library needs: Shelvers, Docents, Children's Tour Leader, Homework Helpers, Special Event Volunteers, etc. The Nashville Public Library is located at Nashville Public Library 615 Church Street Nashville, TN 37219 and their phone number is (615) 862-5754. You can also volunteer at other Nashville Library branches if you do not want to volunteer at this location. Go to the website for more information. www.library.nashville.org.

#7: Adventure Science Center

Adventure Science Center is located at 800 Fort Negley Blvd. Nashville TN 37203. Opportunities for both youth and adult. Adult volunteer opportunities include: Gift Shop Volunteer, Phone Operator, Special Events, Exhibit Interpreter and more. Courteous, friendly, professional, enthusiastic and willing to work at least 2 shifts per month for a minimum of 3 months. Ideally volunteers will commit to one shift a week. Training provided. Interested? Call (615) 401-5083 or visit the website www.adventuresci.com.