The Volunteer Opportunities column is compiled from community input and in partnership with United Way of Anchorage's Volunteer Center, liveunitedanchorage.org/volunteer. To list an opportunity, email Joy Guest at jguest@adn.com or Sue Brogan of United Way at sbrogan@ak.org.
Looking for seasonal volunteer opportunities? Get inspired with the United Way of Anchorage Holiday Guide. Download your free copy at www.liveunitedanchorage.org
Anchorage Museum: "Arctic Flight: A Century in Alaska Aviation" uses historical artifacts, hands-on activities and a full-size plane to teach visitors about Alaska's aviation history. The museum is looking for volunteer gallery hosts, experts on the floor, and guides for school field trips. People who have expertise in the aviation field are welcome, but experience is not necessary. Learn more at an open house, 5:30-7 p.m. Jan. 24.
Girls on the Run Southcentral AK: Coaches are needed for the spring 2013 season. Must be over the age of 18, able to pass a background check and have midweek, afternoon availability. Practices take place at various ASD elementary schools over a period of eight weeks culminating in a 5K race. Coaches work in teams of two or more to coach 15-plus girls twice a week from 3:45-5:15 p.m. Must be able to attend a half-day training, be willing to become CPR/First Aid certified and attend practices as well as the 5K. Email coaches@girlsontherunsouthcentralak.org for more information.
Backcountry Alaska Rescue K-9 (BARK-9) Search Dogs: Help train search and rescue dogs and find out more about training a search dog. Accepting new members. (222-5996, info@bark9.org)
Angelus Memorial Park: Volunteers are needed to plant and maintain flower gardens in the cemetery. Opportunities range from one hour of gardening to part-time hours throughout the summer. (344-1311)
ASSE International Student Exchange Programs: Local host families are sought for international boys and girls ages 15-18. (800-733-2773)
East African Community Center of Alaska: Help with English classes for refugees as well as citizenship classes, homework, job searches and American culture classes. Hours are 4-6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the Mountain View Boys and Girls Club. (884-4646, somalialaska@gmail.com)
The Wellness Innovations Center: The center seeks people who are in recovery from mental health issues to help others in recovery resume meaningful roles in the community. If you can mentor recovery skills, cooking, computer, office, art, crafts or dance, call Joan at 562-7900. (alaskarecovery.org)
NAMI Anchorage: Opportunities for volunteers are available in a variety of areas. NAMI provides support, education and advocacy to people who experience mental illness and their families and friends. Training provided. (272-0227, namianchorage@gmail.com)
National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Lend support in the office or help with fundraisers. (563-1115)
Alaska Veterans Museum: People with business expertise such as marketing, strategic planning, financial planning, fundraising and publicity are needed. You need not be a veteran and may work from home. Meetings are fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. at 333 W. Fourth Ave., Suite 227. (622-9924, 696-4904)
Special Olympics: Help is needed with local competitions. There are a variety of events, multiple dates and many positions that you can fill. For specific events and dates, email anchorage@specialolympicsalaska.org.
NAACP Anchorage: The ACT-SO Olympics of the Mind youth program for high school students is seeking adult mentors in the performing arts, visual arts and humanities. Must be at least 18 and have experience in one or more of these areas. Meetings are at 4 p.m. Saturdays. (229-3178, actsoalaska@aim.com)
Alaska Regional Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer Program: Areas open to volunteering include the gift shop, information desk, mother-baby program, surgery waiting, menus and tray favors, patient mail delivery and the No One Dies Alone Program. (264-1745, alaskaregional.com)
Alaska Literacy Program: Have the experience of a lifetime teaching English to adults from around the world. Register for summer volunteer teacher training. (Lori Pickett, 337-1981, or www.alaskaliteracyprogram.org)
Habitat for Humanity: Work at a construction site or help with non-construction activities. (272-0800, www.hfhanchorage.org)
Anchorage Police Department: Look for missing people and crime scene evidence as a member of urban and rural search teams. Training provided. (www.apdst.org)
Alaska Center for Resource Families, Mat-Su: Collect donations for foster care and adoptive families. New toys, books, gifts for teens and adults, food and clothing are needed. (376-4678)
Prestige Care Inc.: Help medically frail people go on outings or participate in activities; give an educational presentation or play music. (269-3255)
Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Volunteers are needed to advocate for and promote the rights of residents in long-term care facilities. (800-730-6393, ext. 2; 334-4485)
Southcentral Foundation: Help is needed with the elder program. There is an application process and background check. Must be 18 or older. (Kira Bouwens, 729-5235)
Alaska Humane Society: Volunteers are needed at the Adopt-a-Cat shelter. Lots of cats need attention and care and would love to show you affection. (Tina, catztimes2@yahoo.com; 562-2287)
New Hope on the Last Frontier: Help distribute food to more than 200 hungry families in the community 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Tuesday. In addition to the food pantry there are a variety of community programs where volunteer assistance is needed. (www.newhopeak.org, info@newhopeak.org)
Eagle River Nature Center: Assist at the information desk. Must be older than 18, outgoing and willing to lend a hand weekly. (Doris, 694-2108; admin@ernc)
Chugiak Senior Center: Help in the kitchen 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays, with bingo 5:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays or with adult day services. Must be 16 or older. (688-2685)
Anchorage Science Pub: Presenters are needed for organized brief presentations at local venues aimed at stimulating interest in science for the general public. Speakers on a variety of science topics are welcome. (anchoragesciencepub@gmail.com)
Day Break Adult Day Center: Make a difference in a senior's life. Volunteers are needed who can play the piano or other musical instrument, perform in singing groups and dancing groups, go on group walks and outings and help with gardening. (daybreak@acmhs.com)
The Listening Post of Anchorage: The local nonprofit serves the community of the Downtown Transit Center by providing a quiet space and a listening ear. You will be trained in listening skills that will serve you personally and beyond. Must be 18, have a compassionate heart and be able to maintain confidentiality. (listeningpostak@gmail.com)
Youth for Understanding USA: Be an international ambassador. There is an immediate need for host families and volunteer mentors for foreign exchange students who will be arriving soon. (www.yfu-usa.org; Dawn Green, 208-447-8118)
Friends of Nike Site Summit: Help preserve the history of Anchorage's Cold War mountaintop fortress; volunteers needed for on-site summer work and tours, year-long work planning and for marketing, long-range planning and missile acquisition. Application and Information at www.nikesitesummit.net or 694-3570.
Alaska Respond: The registry is in need of licensed health care professionals who can respond to a disaster or public health emergency in the state. Trainings are provided with free continuing education credit. To learn more or sign up go to www.akrespond.alaska.gov.
American Cancer Society: Join the Road to Recovery program by volunteering to drive patients to/from the life-saving treatments they need or by becoming a program coordinator. Drivers need a safe and reliable vehicle, valid driver's license, proof of auto insurance and a good driving record. Ride requests are dispatched to drivers primarily using email. Training provided. Good administrative and organizational skills needed. (Joey Ann Fowkes, 273-2077; oey.fowkes@cancer.org)
Youth Advocates Community: YAC provides young adults ages 16-24 with the opportunity to participate in monthly community service projects and social events. Youths who do or do not experience a disability can build a diverse support network of peers, learn self-advocacy skills, have fun and give back to their community. YAC is also looking for adult volunteers to assist in monthly activities. (Kelly Foran, 264-6274, kelly@alaskachd.org)
Hospice of Anchorage: Assist patients, work in the office or help with special events. (561-5322)
49 Writers/49 Alaska Writing Center: Help with programs that support writers and literature in Alaska. Assistance needed in areas of special projects, communications coordination, and author events. Email for more information. (49writers@gmail.com)
Stone Soup Group: Plan activities with families who have children with special health care needs or assist with administration duties. Flexible hours are available. (561-3701, barben@stonesoupgroup.org)
Anchorage Imagination Library: Help with the steering and fundraising committees; especially needed are volunteers with graphic arts skills and those interested in the Family Engagement Activities. (337-6416)
Alaska Cooperative Extension 4-H: International Exchange Program is looking for host families in Anchorage, Kenai and Mat-Su for the summer LABO Japan-Alaska youth exchange. Each family must have a child age 10-16 who is willing to be a host brother or sister for a Japanese youth. (Tony Nakazawa, tnakazawa@alaska.edu; Marianne Kerr, mlkerr@alaska.edu; 786-6300, 460-0825)
Older Persons Action Group: Anchorage and Mat-Su drivers are needed once a month to deliver the Senior Voice newspaper. Gas mileage paid at the government rate. (276-1059, adminopag@gci.net)
Alaska Community Services: If you are 60 or older, help other seniors with shopping and doctor visits or just play cards with them. For the Senior Companion Program, call Carole Garris, 375-2204. Foster Grandparent Program: Carole Garris, 375-2204; Alexandra Appel, 375-2207.
Southcentral Foundation: Help elders with arts and crafts 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, or with bingo 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Must be 18 or older. (729-6515)
Standing Together Against Rape: Help with office work, events, community outreach, speakers' bureau and crisis line. (Rebecca, 276-7279)
Alaska Medicare Program: Learn about Medicare and help others navigate the system, including the online prescription drug plan tool. Training provided. (269-3669)
Loussac Library: Provide program support for Anchorage Public Library by working with staff to host programs. Duties may include setting up for an event, making announcements, distributing materials and evaluation forms, operating audio/visual equipment, keeping track of attendance or working with staff in charge. (343-2981, www.anchoragelibrary.org)
Alaska Regional Hospital: Help at the gift shop, the information desk or in other areas. (264-1745)
Girl Scouts of Alaska: Calling all women who work in fields of science, technology, engineering or math. Presenters are needed for the Women of Science and Technology Day. This is a one-day or half-day commitment on Feb. 2 at UAA. For more information contact Lisa Mead. (273-0308, lmead@girlscoutsalaska.org)
AARP Tax Aide: Volunteers needed to be tax preparers or greeters. A 40-hour training class is provided by certified volunteers and the IRS followed by 36 hours of computer training. Apply at www.aarp.org/taxaide and click on Volunteer for AARP TaxAide for an application. A local representative will contact you.
Alaska Women's Resource Center: Help with a variety of tasks. (Diane, 565-1239, dogilview@akeela.org)
Alzheimer's Resource Agency: Help with art classes, office work and special events. (Angela, 561-3313, www.alzalaska.org)
Alaska Disaster Medical Assistance Team: AK-1 DMAT provides medical assistance in the event of a national disaster. All medical skills are needed as well as security, logistics and communications volunteers. (www.ak1dmat.com)
Providence Extended Care Center: Help is needed in the gift shop, assisting with bingo and other activities, exercise programs and one-on-one visits, which may consist of reading or watching TV, letter writing and more. (212-2127, Kelli.harmon@providence.org)
Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue: The nonprofit organization working in the Mat-Su and Anchorage is looking for loving homes for rescued dogs and puppies. Or you can volunteer at adoption clinics, help with fundraising efforts and more. (745-7030, adpr03@yahoo.com)
Anchorage Pioneers' Home: Help with a variety of activities such as baking, community outings, arts and crafts, or bingo and other games. (343-7240)
Rabbit Creek Shooting Park: Motivated individuals who are concerned with firearm safety and interested in assisting the public are needed as range safety officers to monitor the range during weekend shooting hours. Training is provided. (345-7831)
Civil Air Patrol: Serve as a civilian volunteer of the Air Force's auxiliary Civil Air Patrol, a humanitarian and educational nonprofit. Opportunities are available in writing, flying, radio operations, teaching, emergency services, finance, law and more. Must be 12 to 18 years old to join. Also, senior, chaplain and aerospace education memberships are offered. (www.gocivilairpatrol.com, 551-3137)
Boys and Girls Club: Adult volunteers who will commit to supporting, guiding and being positive role models to one or more Boys and Girls Club members are needed for mentoring programs. Help with homework, arts, sports, healthy lifestyles and overall social competence. (770-7321, www.bgcalaska.org)
The Alaska SPCA: Cat care volunteers are needed at the Thrift Store to assist with cleaning, care and attention to the cats as they await a new home. Call or come by to fill out an application. (562-2999)
Covenant House Alaska: Adults are needed to join the mentor program to provide guidance and act as role models to community youths. As a mentor, you would be matched with an individual youth. The ideal candidate would be willing to make a one-year commitment working with ages 18-20. Must be able to pass a background check. (www.covenanthouseak.org/mentor.asp, 339-4497; bdonovan@covenanthouseak.org)
Anchorage