I’ve lived in the Grand Chute area my whole life, but now that I’m 20, I realize I’ve been living in a bubble. I want to find genuine ways to connect with my community and give back before my fall semester schedule gets completely crazy, but I don’t know where to look. Everything online seems targeted toward retirees or families. Where do young adults fit into the local volunteer scene?
—Seeking Purpose
Dear Seeking Purpose,
This is exactly the kind of conversation our community needs to be having! It is a common misconception that civic engagement is strictly for older demographics. Your energy, perspective, and time are incredibly valuable resources.
Connecting and uplifting our neighbors is at the core of what makes our community thrive. You don’t have to sign up for a massive, life-altering commitment to make a genuine difference right here in the Fox Valley.
The August Move: Look for hyperlocal organizations that match your immediate skills and timeline. Here are a few places where young adult volunteers are desperately needed:
- Literacy and Education: Reach out to local community programs or reference children’s literacy initiatives to see where you can mentor or tutor younger students as they prepare for the new school year.
- Fox Valley Literacy: Recruits and trains volunteers to tutor adults in reading, math, English Language Learning, and GED prep.
- Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley: Matches community volunteers with adult learners for one-on-one basic education and English instruction.
- Junior Achievement of NE Wisconsin: Engages volunteers to teach financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship in local classrooms.
- Community Wellness: Consider exploring local health, wellness, or safety awareness campaigns to educate your peers about vital regional health issues.
- NAMI Fox Valley: Connects volunteers with lived mental health experience (and allies) to lead support groups and educational programs.
- YMCA of the Fox Cities: Needs volunteers for youth sports coaching, early childhood reading helpers, and community health events.
- Reach Counseling Services: Offers opportunities to support trauma survivors and advocate for violence prevention in the community
- Local Non-Profits: Volunteering to assist with local distributions, community events, or neighborhood outreach is an incredible way to build your resume while building up your town.
- Pillars, Inc.: Relies heavily on volunteers to serve meals, staff its shelters, and support its affordable housing initiatives.
- Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity: Needs volunteers for construction, home deconstruction, and operating the Appleton ReStore.
- Outagamie County Volunteer Services: Coordinates community members to act as legal guardians, drive clients to appointments, and provide family mentorship.
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