I happen to personally know some people that were directly affected by the recent flooding caused by Hurricane Irene. When Governor Cuomo announced the “Labor for Your Neighbor” Campaign, I immediately went to the web-page and signed up. Those with construction skills are especially needed, but I briefly outlined how I thought I could best help. There has been a major outpouring of support for the campaign, and after I had sent in my application, I was advised that many more people had applied to volunteer than were needed, and there may not, in fact, be assignments for everyone who volunteered.
A few months ago, when the Marriage Equality Bill was before the New York State Senate, I had the privilege of volunteering with the Human Rights Campaign. For those who care about GLBT issues and marriage equality, Human Rights campaign is an organization that is full of inspiring and energetic people. I happened to have met one of the organizers in Albany: he was a native of Rochester, and was staying with friends in Troy. The day of the Senate vote, I caught him outside the NY State Capital. At about 5:30 in the afternoon, he was frustrated as the Senate seemed to not be moving on the issue (the vote occurred much later in the evening). This young man was in his mid-twenties, and had put his life on hold to be in Albany for the Senate vote. His courage and determination was inspiring. The vote may have passed, but HRC is still in need of volunteers: to protect the gains made for equality, and end other sorts of discrimination against the GLBT community.
The last volunteer opportunity I am going to suggest is in Albany Public Libraries. Some weeks ago, I went to Albany’s main library branch, and filled out an application to volunteer. I use the library on a weekly basis for printing, books for myself, and books for my special-needs son. It seemed a very natural place to volunteer.
If these are cause you happen to care about, I’m providing links below.