People frequently volunteer because they are passionate about a specific cause or issue. Whether it’s environmental conservation, animal welfare, education, or healthcare, volunteering allows people to contribute to causes they care deeply about, often working together to further an organization’s mission while fostering a sense of community and mutual support.  Additionally, volunteering encourages a culture of giving back and contributing to the greater good, which can inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact. 

Here are four opportunities to help you explore a new passion, or foster an existing one, in September. 

Flag Football Fun 
Special Olympics Minnesota will host the North Regional North Flag Football Competition in Grand Rapids on September 14th. Volunteers play a vital role in its success! From general event support to awards assistants, various positions are available and ready to be filled. By volunteering, you’ll be interacting with and helping provide individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of competitive sports in a supportive environment. Learn more.

Become a Grant Reviewer 
United Way of 1000 Lakes is seeking grant review volunteers to help ensure United Way resources are distributed equitably, objectively, and with great consideration for their best use. Volunteers review funding requests from local nonprofits, discuss the value and impact of various programs to the community, conduct site visits, and make funding recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors. Volunteers develop leadership skills and learn more about the local nonprofit landscape.  Sign up.

Support Youth Development 
Volunteering at a Boys and Girls Club of the Northland is a great way to help teach young people valuable life lessons and learn something about yourself in return. The Grand Rapids and Greenway chapters are searching for patient and caring individuals to provide positive adult supervision to school-aged youth in their afterschool program. Volunteers are needed to support classroom activities and projects, including homework help, reading, arts and crafts, and playground supervision.  Get involved.

Foster Community Health
Essential Health is looking for community members to help in a variety of roles at the clinic in Deer River. Volunteer in the gift shop, help with community events, work with patients, support staff, help on committees, and much more! Register.

Sign up for these roles and more on Bonfire, the Itasca area’s online volunteer portal, at volunteer.uwlakes.org. Bonfire is free to use and serves to facilitate connections between the Itasca area’s volunteer base and local nonprofit and community organizations.   

Community and nonprofit organizations serving the greater Itasca area can post volunteer opportunities and manage volunteers on Bonfire. If your organization is interested in learning more, contact Molly Hiipakka, United Way Community Impact Coordinator, at 218-999-7570. Nonprofit and community organization membership is free and includes one-on-one technical support.