Needs From: Berkshire United Way

Volunteers will make boxes, pack nonperishables and add recipe page(s). Each shift will pack up to 250 boxes in preparation for distribution the week before Thanksgiving. May also be asked to use their creativity to create greetings to be added to the boxes. Two hour shifts.

Volunteers will help move and organize prepared boxes from second floor of site to the first floor in preparation for distribution.

Volunteers will unload various food delivery trucks in preparation for the distribution. Work gloves may be helpful; please dress for the weather.

Volunteers will pack potatoes, carrots, onions and sweet potatoes to prepare for deliveries/distribution.

Volunteers will pack perishable items for delivery/distribution. May require some time outside, dress accordingly.

Volunteers will work to keep set up spaces cleared of boxes as they are emptied and gather used packaging to throw in garbage. This job requires some time outside, please dress for the weather and work gloves would be helpful if you have them.

Volunteers will pick up packages + turkeys for delivery to people unable to pick up on Monday. We ask delivery drivers to have a partner along with them. Some heavy lifting is required - turkeys and boxes. Deliveries are made on Saturday, 11/22 and Sunday 11/23.

Volunteers will carry frozen turkeys from truck to distribution containers and into cars as they arrive. Heavy lifting is required! This volunteer job is outside, please dress for the weather. Work gloves may be helpful.

Shifts available Saturday, Sunday and Monday (11/22 - 11/24).

Spanish speaking volunteers will make and receive phone calls on Saturday and Sunday delivery days in the church office and will assist with any translation needs as people arrive to pick up packages on Monday. Monday is the primary distribution day and translators will be outside a lot of the time.

Volunteers will drive people who have walked to pick up their Thanksgiving packages to their home.

Volunteers will greet drivers as they arrive to pick up meal packages; give instructions for pick up process. This job is outside, please dress for the weather.

Volunteers will greet cars, scan cards they've been given and place colored tag on car's dashboard as they move through the line. This is an outside volunteer job, please dress for the weather.

Volunteers will gather all components of Thanksgiving meals - nonperishable boxes, fresh vegetables, perishables and turkey, as cars picking up meal packages come to distribution area. Heavy lifting required. This job is outside, please dress for the weather.

Runners will help volunteers find their job location, bring car tags from loading spot back to check in and other jobs as needed. Will be spending time outside, dress for the weather.

Volunteers will direct traffic as they move through Thanksgiving meal package pick up line. This volunteer job is outside, please dress for the weather.

Volunteers will verify that all expected Thanksgiving meal items have been loaded into cars. May need to help load cars, as needed. This job is outside, please dress for the weather.

Check-in volunteers will support volunteer committee leaders and check-in volunteers as they arrive for duty and take them to job location, if needed. There will be some time that volunteers may be outside, please dress for the weather.

Committee members 

Volunteers will distribute meal packages to people who have walked to pick them up. Some heavy lifting may be required. This job is outside, please dress for the weather.

Add items to Thanksgiving meal boxes for pick up.

Come join us for the Fall Clean-Up! Help us prep our grounds and landscaping for the winter. We will be raking,  sweeping, and picking up branches to freshen up the space for our local Veterans and residents of the Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community West Housatonic Street on Wednesday, October 29th and Thursday, October 30th from 8:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m. each day.

Rakes and tarps will be provided, but volunteers are encouraged to bring work gloves and sunscreen!

Soldier On in Pittsfield has been providing homeless veterans with transitional housing and supportive services. In 2010, Soldier On opened the first Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community, a permanent housing cooperative that provides formerly homeless veterans with safe, sustainable, affordable housing – transitioning them from homelessness to homeownership.

Questions, please reach out to Dale Duquette at dduquette@wesoldieron.org or call 413-329-1991.

We’re looking for bakers to whip up fun, goofy, Halloween-themed snacks—hot or cold!

Drop-Off Deadline: Morning of Friday, October 24th. Note: In accordance with Massachusetts potluck laws, signage will indicate that food has not been inspected by state or local public health agencies. A list of ingredients will be provided to guests.

Help us paint and decorate handmade props, large decorations, and other monstrous surprises for the big Dance Party!

Use your own vehicle to provide transportation for an older adult to a medical appointment. A working vehicle, valid driver's license, and proof of vehicle insurance are required. 

SHINE volunteers assist Medicare eligible individuals apply for Medicare, and identify and access Medicare Advantage or Medicare Drug plans that work best for them. SHINE volunteers are expected to complete a 6 week Medicare training course and complete a certification and mentoring period prior to meeting individually with clients. 

SHINE volunteers are provided with regular meetings to receive updates on best practices and changes to the Medicare system. They are required to re-certify via a state-designated test on a yearly basis. 

SHINE volunteers are required to complete documentation regarding their work on a regular basis.

Offer conversation and connection to an elder living in Berkshire County as a friendly visitor. Play board games, cards, or simply provide friendly conversation. If the volunteer and senior agree, companionship can be provided via telephone or virtual methods as well. This opportunity is a good fit for volunteers who have a preference for one-on-one interaction with elders.

We are looking for an additional volunteer to join our board of director matching service- Get On Board. It entails about 2-4 hours per month of time done remotely.  We send you inquiries from individual community members who would like to join a board of directors.  You review their submitted form, talk to them about their interests and connect them with a nonprofit in the county who could utilize their expertise (we have org forms for you as references).  This is all done via email, phone or zoom. This small group of volunteers has a check in via zoom once per quarter. You don't need extensive knowledge of the Berkshire nonprofit sector, but that is beneficial. An easy but important way to give back and be part of NPC's mission! Please see email to contact us.

Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Opportunities include:

Weekly food pick up and delivery (use own vehicle, can lift 25 lbs)

Food Box packing and delivery

Special Events

Farm Harvesting (seasonal)

Fruit tree gleaning (seasonal)

On call/back up

PCTV's Wednesday Night Productions is in search of television production crew members to help produce community programming. No experience necessary as training will be offered. Here are some examples of the programming we produce:

https://pittsfieldtv.org/gallery/wtbrs-in-the-key-of/

https://pittsfieldtv.org/gallery/the-locker-room

https://pittsfieldtv.org/gallery/giving-voices/

Volunteers will assist with setting up, greeting customers and help post lawn signs within walking distance of the market. The market begins on Wednesday, June 18th and runs weekly through Wednesday, October 15th. A weekly commitment is ideal.

Volunteers will assist with setting up, greeting customers and help post lawn signs within walking distance of the market. The market begins on Wednesday, June 18th and runs weekly through Wednesday, October 15th. A weekly commitment is ideal.

• Help increase the presence and collaborative opportunities of BHW in the community
• Train under Hayley Sumner, former owner of Bicoastal Communications Firm
• Assist with marketing and public relations initiatives, spearhead mailings, community outreach
• Draft newsletters and press releases
• Organize community events to raise awareness and money

• Read and revise bylaws
• Ensure 501c3 compliance
• Guide best practices and write annual reports
• Interface with Board of Directors and Executive Director

• Draft annual budgets and track expenditures and monthly overhead
• Chart cash flow and revenue streams to maximize BHW’s staffing commitments

• Create annual appeal strategy and other development initiatives
• Identify and recruit possible new Board members
• Cultivate new donors and ensure retention
• Identify trusts and relevant foundations

If you have a green thumb and love to grow vegetables, come join the BHW Team. Plant, harvest, fertilize, and maintain vegetable garden and fruit trees. We can’t deny the horses their tricolor carrots!
• Maintain and prune, flower beds, berry bushes, and fruit trees
• Plant Grasses • Create beautiful spaces if desired!

Berkshire HorseWorks is seeking a reliable and skilled Ranch Handyman to handle general maintenance, repairs, and upkeep of property, equipment, and facilities.

• Ideally someone who has hands-on experience in a variety of trades and a strong work ethic
• Have a passion for working outdoors in a rural environment
• Must be dependable, drug free, and have a great attitude

Berkshire HorseWorks is seeking a spirited and enthusiastic horse person to help manage the wellness of the 10-member herd of rescued horses, ponies, and donkeys. Secure intern/ volunteer practicum hours grooming, feeding, riding, and spending time with the rescued herd.

• Must be experienced and comfortable around horses
• Possess general horse care knowledge
• Recruit and manage new volunteers
• Identify and secure new trail horses
• Maintain tack room, facilities, and stalls
• Help with preparation for and assisting in Equine Assisted Learning and Team building sessions
• Must be dependable, drug free, organized, have a flexible schedule, and a great attitude!
• Must be able to work independently, as well as part of the BHW Team
• Lunge and ride the horses
• Load and transport horses (if able) in bumper pull trailer
• Knowledge of horse nutrition/medical conditions a plus

Berkshire HorseWorks is seeking an energetic and thoughtful Mental Health Professional with a psychology or social work background. Opportunity to work directly with diverse clientele on a private horse ranch. Clients range from at-risk children, families, and inmates to first responders and corporate groups. An Eagala certified equine specialist is on site to train and co-facilitate. Chance to work with horses in efficacious and growing modality.

• Draft and maintain post-session progress notes
• Support Eagala and Eagala-based Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and life skill development sessions, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), and team building activities
• Work closely with the BHW team through hands-on arena work, shadowing the treatment team during sessions  
• Research and track pertinent articles through Google alerts and AI
• Integrate field work observations into presentations
• Must be dependable, drug free, organized, have a flexible schedule, and a great attitude!
• No horse experience necessary

Administrative Support/Community Outreach:

Berkshire HorseWorks is seeking an energetic and organized person to assist the Executive Director.

• Devise filing system and organize new office
• Organize collateral
• Manage Constant Contact & Little Green Light databases
• Help with appeal letters/ mass mailings
• Conduct calls and outreach to the hospitality industry for recreational bookings
• Research and write grants
• Create invoices and organize collateral materials
• Edit WordPress website
• Maintain social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn etc)
• Write blogs and newsletters
• Create PowerPoints and participate in presentations to prospective clients
• Must be dependable, drug free, possess basic technological skills, and a great attitude!
• Identify strategic partnerships
• Flexible hours and hybrid working conditions
• No horse experience necessary

Do you love to cook and want to make a meaningful impact in your community? Join Lasagna Love as a Volunteer Chef and use your kitchen to spread kindness, one lasagna at a time! Lasagna Love is a global grassroots movement that connects neighbors through homemade meals. As a Volunteer Chef, you’ll purchase ingredients, prepare and deliver a lasagna to a local individual or family who could use some extra love—whether they’re experiencing food insecurity, going through a tough time, or just in need of kindness.

What You’ll Do:

This is for you if you:

Join thousands of volunteers across the country who are feeding hearts and stomachs with Lasagna Love. Let’s make kindness delicious!

Help BUW staff with end of year data entry. Enter volunteer information into Excel spreadsheets. This project can be done over days, weeks but must be completed by June 2.

Looking for potential foster/adoptive parents for Berkshire County children from newborn to 18 years old. Virtual information session every Monday 5:30 pm - 7 pm. Contact Jason Larrier at jason.larrier@mass.gov or call or text 413-356-7394 for link to session.

The BASIC Immigrant Detention and Deportation Defense workgroup supports individuals and families facing immigration detention and the threat of deportation. We are looking for volunteers to provide transportation and accompaniment to ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) check-ins and immigration court hearings, bear witness at a detention (taking photos and writing down details), verify reports of ICE presence and possibly be part of a confidential community hotline for immigrants and families seeking help and community residents spotting ICE activity in Berkshire County. We will provide training for all of these roles.

BASIC has had more requests for our workshops on "Know Your Rights" and "What to do if ICE Comes" than we have personnel to handle.  We have created all the materials for the workshops, but need people to make the presentations. To volunteer for this position, you should be comfortable in making public presentations (and experienced with PowerPoint for the "Know Your Rights" presentation). We will train you and you will shadow us before going out on your own.

Looking for someone with strong writing skills to write occassional letters to the editor on advocating around  immigration issues.

Would you like to help someone by driving them to their medical appointments?Patient transportation is an integral part of our services, increasing accessibility for patients who may not have reliable transportation. This position is ideal for individuals who are compassionate, reliable, and committed to making healthcare more accessible to a diverse community of patients. Your contribution will significantly impact our patients. The time commitment is variable.

Tutoring – LitNet learners are both immigrant and U.S. born,  with the majority seeking English language instruction. They range in age from 18 – 72. Tutors participate in coaching/training, are matched with a learner, and are available to tutor one to two hours per week in a public and mutually convenient location. The strength of our program is the individualized and one-on-one approach, which offers a safe and secure learning environment for both tutors and learners.

Tutoring – LitNet learners are both immigrant and U.S. born,  with the majority seeking English language instruction. They range in age from 18 – 72. Tutors participate in coaching/training, are matched with a learner, and are available to tutor one to two hours per week in a public and mutually convenient location. The strength of our program is the individualized and one-on-one approach, which offers a safe and secure learning environment for both tutors and learners.

Tutoring – LitNet learners are both immigrant and U.S. born,  with the majority seeking English language instruction. They range in age from 18 – 72. Tutors participate in coaching/training, are matched with a learner, and are available to tutor one to two hours per week in a public and mutually convenient location. The strength of our program is the individualized and one-on-one approach, which offers a safe and secure learning environment for both tutors and learners.

Tutoring – LitNet learners are both immigrant and U.S. born,  with the majority seeking English language instruction. They range in age from 18 – 72. Tutors participate in coaching/training, are matched with a learner, and are available to tutor one to two hours per week in a public and mutually convenient location. The strength of our program is the individualized and one-on-one approach, which offers a safe and secure learning environment for both tutors and learners.

Literacy Network offers members of our community the  opportunity to get involved and make a difference for  immigrants, individuals, and families. Each year at LitNet, over  200 volunteer tutors, share their time and talent with our  students teaching them to read, write and speak English, prepare for the high school equivalency exam, and study for the US  Citizenship test. Much of LitNet’s success is due to the  commitment and compassion of our diverse group of volunteers.  Volunteering with us will teach you more about the strengths and challenges facing our community, allow you to connect with others who share your belief in the power of education to transform lives, and find a compelling way to give back.

Informational Technology/Systems Administration (50%)

Handle all technological questions for BEB

Manage security of digital data, protected by State and Federal Laws

Maintain Technology of BEB

Administrate all digital systems for Berkshire Environmental Board

Manage Google Admin and G-Suite

Coordinate Campaign Creation for Digital Systems

Advise staff on Technological Decisions

Responsible for maintaining Project Management softwares like Zapier, Trello, Slack, etc.

Informational Technology/Systems Administration (50%)

Handle all technological questions for BEB

Manage security of digital data, protected by State and Federal Laws

Maintain Technology of BEB

Administrate all digital systems for Berkshire Environmental Board

Manage Google Admin and G-Suite

Coordinate Campaign Creation for Digital Systems

Advise staff on Technological Decisions

Responsible for maintaining Project Management softwares like Zapier, Trello, Slack, etc.

Informational Technology/Systems Administration (50%)

Cybersecurity (20%)

Administration & Leadership (10%)

Supervisor

Natasha Burnell, Associate Director of Berkshire Environmental Board, Inc.

Department

Supervising Technology Department + Member of the Advancement Team

Money Management Volunteers assist older adults in keeping track of their finances and ensuring that monthly bills are addressed on a regular basis. Volunteers in this program are provided with training through the Money Management Program Supervisor, and enter into a mentoring period prior to independent volunteering. They are provided with regular supervision. 

Tutors are needed to help students with homework and with understanding of various subjects. They assist and encourage their student in the learning process. Tutors are asked to meet with their students a minimum of one hour per week. A background in teaching is helpful but not required. Patience and a sense of humor is a must! All grade levels needed. Both in person and virtual options available. 

Mentor

Mentors are needed to work with young people ages 10 -24. Mentors serve as role model and friend to help with homework, play a game or just hang out. Pittsfield Community Connection provides young people with opportunities to build a life of possibility and hope through support, guidance and advocacy. Requires an interview and 3-hour training.  Mentors commit to one year of meeting their mentee for an hour and a half per week. 

Our volunteers assist patients and their families in a variety of ways including: reading, sitting quietly with a patient, assistance with errands and household chores. 4-6 hours of online training.

THINK BIG - Ignite Potential

We believe every child is born with the potential to achieve great things. One of the most critical factors of empowering our youth's potential is the presence of a trusted role model. We're looking for Bigs who want to impact a local child aged 7-14 (up to 17 in some programs) simply by being a friend. 

Matches see each other out in the community for 8 hours per month. In a nutshell, the activity options for Bigs and Littles are nearly unlimited! This program is very flexible, allowing matches to do the things they enjoy most. The minimum length for this program is one year.

STEPS TO BE A BIG
1. CONTACT US
Website: bigbrothers-sisters.org
mentors@bigbrothers-sisters.org
(413) 781-4730
2. APPLICATION
3. MEET WITH STAFF
4. GET MATCHED!
This is where we get to know you, your preferences, what works for you, etc. We match you with a child who has similar preferences, and our staff stays in contact with you to support the match, answer questions, etc.

Counties/towns WE SERVE: Berkshire County ; Hampden County; South Hadley & Granby

BEING A BIG IS FUN & FLEXIBLE!

The week of August 17th:

Do you love children? Come help as an aide in our preschool and toddler classes! You will need a warm heart, an ability to tell stories, build with blocks, tie sneakers, and push swings on the playground. 

Posting flyers promoting Shakespeare & Company performances at area businesses, community centers, libraries, senior centers in the greater Berkshire County area, where such postings are allowed. We particularly need volunteers who can cover the following areas: Williamstown, North Adams, Pittsfield, Otis/Monterey, Chester, and New Marlborough in MA, and Hillsdale in NY.

Volunteers should have access to their own transportation.

Volunteers will earn vouchers toward free tickets toward Shakespeare & Company performances.

Utilizes our computer-based system to sell gift shop items and tickets, and issue tickets/electronically check in guests who purchase tickets online.

This is a weekend position with various daytime and/or early evening hours - please respond for more information.

Works with the Ticket Agent(s), especially during our busy seasons, to prepare tickets for distribution and provide general assistance to the Ticket Agent(s) in the gift shop.

This is a seasonal position with various weekend hours depending on when the train is operating.

Please contact us for more information.

It Takes a Village maintains the "Village Closet", a donation and distribution site full of donated baby and kids' clothes, maternity clothing, and baby gear. All items are free to anyone in the Western Mass community.

We often need volunteers to pick up items from the Village Closet or from one of our local volunteers and deliver them to the families who lack transportation. Also, if someone is donating a large item (like a crib), we sometimes need help picking up donations from around the Hilltowns and Pioneer Valley.

Volunteers will need a valid drivers license, proof of auto insurance, and good communication skills- you may need to call or text with the family you are delivering to. 

Home Visit Volunteers support families by:

Home Visit Volunteers are members of the community -- you do NOT have to have a background in childcare or social work to be a great volunteer. We ask that volunteers are flexible, caring, communicate well, and have a passion for supporting families. We also ask that volunteers have access to reliable transportation and are over 18.

Wheels for Wellness seeks Volunteer Drivers in Berkshire County.

Do you like to drive?

Do you enjoy helping others?

Set your own schedule, pick your available days & help your neighbors get the health care they need.

Why not join us today?

Serve lavish tea parties and pour from luxurious silver service sets and paper, plate, and distribute dainty tea sandwiches, cakes, and cookies. Also, enjoy the lectures on various topics that you are preparing for as applicable. Teas are held weekly on Tuesdays in the summer and sporadically throughout the rest of the year. 

Passionate about history? Like to tell stories? Share our beautiful home and the property’s fascinating history. Monitors offer answers to questions that guests have while they self-guide through the house. Full training is provided. One or two days a week, weekdays & weekends, for just a few hours or the whole day. Ventfort Hall is open year-round and welcomes both year-round and seasonal volunteers. Full training provided. 

Skills may include:  marketing/branding, finance, new business start-up experience, etc. 

We are seeking volunteers who can assist on a weekly basis to help behind the scenes carrying cases of produce or coolers.  You must be able to lift 35-50 pounds.  The commitment is a few hours per week and hours can be arranged directly with their volunteer coordinator.  

Become a Mentor: RSYP runs a one-to-one, personal development mentoring program to match the interests of youth to mentors in the community.

The Allocations Committee is responsible for reviewing the effectiveness of member agencies and for maintaining open and supportive relationships between them and NBUW. 

Goals:

Continue to strengthen allocations process to emphasize community priorities and “foundation funding”

Sustain excellent relations with member agencies

Strengthen NBUW membership policies

The Finance committee oversees NBUW’s financial operations, business risks & investments, and evaluates fiscal performance.

Goals:

Assess NBUW business risks and plan responses.

Assure  audit completed by annual meeting.

Assure monthly reconciliation of receivables

People affected by disaster need your support and care! As a Red Cross Shelter volunteer, you'll be part of a team providing a safe place to rest and a path toward recovery. If you can travel outside of your local area, a commitment of a least 14 consecutive days to volunteer for 8- or 12-hour shifts is needed (we'll provide travel accommodations). The hours are long, the work is hard, but the experience will change you forever. Apply or learn more here

ALL EXPENSES RELATED TO TRAINING AND TRAVEL ARE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF OUR DONORS. THERE IS NEVER A CHARGE TO THE VOLUNTEER.

Must commit to complete assigned training and agree to delpoy outside of Massachusetts for 14 days

It's time to start planning for the 2021 Berkshire County Walk to End Alzheimer's® in Adams, MA (October 2nd) — and time to gather our committee! The Walk Planning Committee is at the heart of the Berkshire Co. Walk. This dedicated group of volunteers drives the event's development and growth — advancing the fight against Alzheimer's from the ground up.

-Flexible with your schedule & Location.
-Meet new people while supporting a great cause
-Project based tasks
-Learn new skills or use your expertise to support the cause

Use your passion to advance the cause. • There are lots of ways to use your interests and skills to advance the cause — and have fun doing it! Once you join the committee, select a subcommittee that best fits you:

Sponsorship

Team Recruitment

Team Retention

Marketing & Outreach

AIM-Advocacy

Mission

Logistics

To learn more about joining the Walk Planning Committee, contact Walk Manager, Jacy Settles at jasettles@alz.org or 617-393-215

The Berkshire Natural Resources Council volunteer program connects Berkshire County community members with opportunities to learn about and assist with land stewardship, trail maintenance, citizen science, special events, and office work.

Fill out our Volunteer Sign-Up Form and we'll be in touch with next steps!