There are several federal organizations that offer volunteer opportunities , including:
- Serve.gov - Citizens who are interested in volunteering can use this tool to locate opportunities to serve across the country and around the world. You may also view the Stories of Service Blog .
- PeaceCorps.gov - Volunteers serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. Volunteers work in the following areas: education, youth outreach, and community development; health and HIV/AIDS; agriculture and environment; business development; and information technology. Peace Corps Volunteer Journals contain blogs about experiences of Peace Corps volunteers from around the world.
- CitizenCorps.gov - Created after September 11, 2001, to help coordinate volunteer activities that make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to an emergency situation.
- AmeriCorps.gov - A network of national service programs that engage more than 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.
- SeniorCorps.gov - A network of programs that tap the experience, skills, and talents of older citizens to meet community challenges.
- GoCivilAirPatrol.com - (formerly CAP.gov) The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. CAP performs missions in search and rescue, disaster relief, and counterdrug reconnaissance.
- NationalService.gov - The Corporation for National and Community Service offers information about volunteering and administers several volunteer programs. The Corporation also provides grants and training and technical assistance to developing and expanding volunteer organizations.
- Volunteer.Gov/Gov/ - A partnership of multiple federal agencies aimed at providing a single, easy-to-use web portal with information about volunteer opportunities. The site allows you to search for volunteer opportunities by keyword, state, activity, agency, and/or date range.
- TakePride.gov - A national partnership program aimed at increasing volunteer service on America's public lands. It is the goal of Take Pride to empower volunteers from every corner of America to maintain and enhance our natural, cultural, and historical sites.
- Volunteer.VA.gov - Supported by over 350 organizations, volunteering with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) allows people to provide for the nation's veterans while they are cared for by VA health care facilities. Programs include end of life care, foster care, community-based volunteer programs, hospital wards, nursing homes, and veteran outreach centers.
More links relating to donation, volunteerism and public service organizations are available.
You may also wish to view information on volunteering with federal agencies .
National Volunteer Week will be held April 18-24, 2010. This week honors individuals who dedicate their time to community outreach programs.
September 11 is an annually recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance. This day was authorized to honor those who perished, were injured or rose in service on September 11, 2001. Information on September 11, 2001, commemorations and other resources are available online.
Additional Resources:
- United We Serve - An effort to expand the size and impact of volunteer efforts on the nation.
- Serve.gov - September 11 is National Day of Service and Remembrance
- Take Pride in America: The Blog
- Catch the Spirit - A Student's Guide to Community Service