Great Places to Serve, Idaho's Volunteer Organizations

An important aspect of all man kind is not only the ablility to provide for ourselves but to also help those who can' t help themslves. The warm peaceful feeling that one gets from serving our fellow man is not one that can be found anywhere else. Idaho home owners will find many oppurtunities to share their time and talents to make their community a greater place to be. Living in Idaho is more than just picking out a house, it’s about choosing a community. There are many volunteer organizations in Idaho that help communities draw together through the power of giving.

• Adopt the Greenbelt – Adopt a section of the Boise River and Greenbelt to keep it clean of debris and trash throughout the year. The responsible party is asked to clean their area once a month, but the schedule for doing so is flexible.
• Environmental Education – The Parks Department hosts an ongoing program that helps raise awareness about the environment and the unique challenges in caring for Idaho land. Lessons are held in a classroom environment and offer information about recycling, composting, and other local issues.
• AdVenture Program – The name stands for Adaptive Adventures, and it helps individuals with disabilities and their families enjoy outdoor recreational activities together. Volunteers should be enthusiastic and interested in working with individuals with disabilities.

• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training – This program helps people prepare ahead of time what to do in case of an emergency. Once trained, an individual can help their community in preparing for a disaster as well as provide assistance following an event.
• Fire Corps – Citizen advocates can assist local fire departments with fire safety outreach, programs for young people, and light administrative support.
• Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) – Those interested in public health issues, including practicing and retired medical personnel are trained to assist in large medical emergencies and to address general public health needs within the community.
• Neighborhood Watch – Good neighbors keep an eye on one another and help keep their Idaho communities safe. The Neighborhood Watch program has been proven to reduce crime in residential areas and provides assistance to local law enforcement agencies.

Other Opportunities
There are also programs for knitters, musicians, drivers and good people who want to make a difference. There truly is something for everyone who wants to volunteer in Idaho.