Advocacy, Public Policy, and Community Organizing

Barby Clark~ (402)803-8430 ~ barby.clark@redcross.org

2912 S 80th Ave, Omaha, NE 68124 ~ https://www.redcross.org/local/nebraska.html

Volunteers Opportunities include:  responding to local disasters such as house fires; organizing and participating in neighborhood smoke alarm installations; helping educate the community about the services and support provided by the American Red Cross; and more!

Types of Service: Assistance with daily activities, healthcare or health education, office support/clerical or computer work

Looking for volunteers who can commit a semester or longer to the organization!

Thomas Lynch, Director of Community Programs  ~ thomas.lynch@boystown.org ~ 402-498-1186

14057 Flanagan Blvd., Boys Town, NE 68010 ~ www.boystown.org

Boys Town invites you to play a special role in the lives of our special needs children through mentoring and volunteer group projects. Mentors help our students improve their reading and math skills. Group volunteer projects include assisting with harvesting vegetables from the Boys Town gardens; preparing our chapels for services; and various projects at the annual Boys Town gardens; preparing our chapels for services; and various projects at the annual Boys Town Posadas Christmas celebration.

Special Requirements: Police background check, Drug test

Janet Gilcrest, BART chair ~ bensonrefugeetf@gmail.com ~ (402) 990-4360

5410 Corby St., Omaha, NE 68104 ~ https://www.refugeewomenrising.org/

The Benson Area Refugee Taskforce, BART, is a group of volunteers from Benson who work with refugees. We provide citizenship tutoring to refugees. Furthermore, we have clothing drives throughout the year for our 3 times a year Clothes Closets for refugee families. We are always trying to think of new ways to help the refugee communities succeed. Since we are entirely volunteer based, we need volunteers for everything that we do. Citizenship classes are Sun pm at St. Paul UMC at 3 pm. Clothes Closets are 3x/year on a Saturday morning, with set-up during the week before. Citizenship tutoring follows lessons in a book most students have limited English.

Reggan Simons ~ rksimons@archomaha.org ~ (402) 551-9003

3300 N. 60th St., Omaha, NE 68104 ~ www.family.archomaha.org

Volunteers are needed periodically to assist in the administrative offices, on special projects and/or events.  Fluency in Spanish is helpful but not a necessity. Contact Reggan Simons if you are interested in volunteering or hearing about other opportunities we may have available.

Types of Service: Listening to stories/ministry of presence, office work/clerical or computer work, usher or greeter

Understanding of Spanish is valuable, but certainly not required!

Ramon Caldaza, Executive Director ~ director@sucentrolatino.com ~ (712) 256-6009

300 West Broadway Ste 16 Council Bluffs, IA 51503 ~ www.sucentrolatino.com

Our mission is to educate and empower Hispanic/Latino individuals and families towards a self-sufficient, safe and healthy life

Jenna Kleine, Coordinator of Volunteers ~ jenna.kleine@cityofomaha.org ~ 402-444-4791

1819 Farnam St. #701, Omaha, NE 68183 ~ https://parks.cityofomaha.org/volunteer-opportunities

The mission of the Omaha Parks and Recreation Department is to provide and maintain a comprehensive park system, manage public property and offer opportunities for the citizens and visitors of the Omaha community to encourage a healthy, positive lifestyle that is essential to the quality of life. From fun recreation events to park clean-up and improvement projects there are numerous ways to offer your service.

Creighton Representative: Alanna Vance  ~ ajv73506@creighton.edu

Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) is a nationwide collaboration of college students, faculty, and staff dedicated to eliminating cancer by working to implement the programs and mission of the American Cancer Society. With hundreds of chapters nationwide, CAC is showing the world that young people care and want to make a difference.

How many college organizations do you know that involve the entire campus community and surrounding area? CAC does just that through four Strategic Directions: Advocacy, Cancer Education, Relay For Life, and Survivorship. By working to advance the mission of the American Cancer Society, the Strategic Directions are areas in which college students are easily engaged.

Tamicka Bradley ~ financialConfidence@creighton.edu ~ 402.280.3736
Financial Hope Collaborative

The Financial Hope Collaborative and its Financial Success Program, housed at the Heider College of Business, have been instrumental in helping many low to moderate income (LMI) families in the Omaha metropolitan area find financial stability.

The Financial Hope Collaborative was started when United Way of the Midlands created the Financial Stability Partnership in 2006. The Financial Success Program began in 2009 and has an 86% retention rate—one of the highest retention rates in the country for a financial education program.

The program’s curriculum helps LMI families address immediate financial issues and develop decision making skills in areas, such as:

• Tracking expenses
• Saving for emergencies
• Repairing credit reports

This year-long program provides ongoing financial coaching and assists participants in developing personal and easy-to-use money management systems.

Lucia Pedroza ~ 402.933.6095 ~ lucia@heartlandworkerscenter.org

4923 S. 24th St., Ste. 3A.  Omaha, NE.  68107 ~ www.heartlandworkerscenter.org

The Heartland Workers Center (HWC) works to build a community that works for all.  The HWC has three program areas:

• Civic Engagement:  We encourage people to build relationships and participate in public life which leads to an active citizenry who promote social integration and collaboration.
• Workers Rights:  We work to promote and defend the rights of all workers by providing trainings, supporting collective action, and advocating to improve working conditions.
• Leadership Development:  We work to find, train, and develop leaders who will collectively work to address social issues in order to improve their workplaces and communities.

Volunteers are always welcome to help out with the HWC’s programs.  Volunteer opportunities include, but are not limited to, going door-to-door, phone banking, data entry, participation in meetings and trainings, and other community events.  The HWC works to match volunteers’ interests and skills with its programs.  Flexible hours make volunteering with the HWC convenient, and we always welcome occasional volunteers and groups.

Habitat for Humanity

Saturday Weekly Service with Habitat Restore

Molly Carrig ~ MollyCarrig@creighton.edu ~ https://omahahabitatrestore.org/

Join members of the Creighton community to volunteer at a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore. All are welcome, you don’t need to be a member of the CU Habitat club to join. All you need is an open mind and a heart ready for service. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to meet your community! At the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, we will be helping to process donations while building relationships, proceeds from the ReStore go to build more Habitat homes in the Omaha community. Transportation is provided. You must register ahead of time.

Service dates and sign ups coming soon!

CU Habitat Club

Ryan Boepple ~ RyanBoepple@creighton.edu.

CU Habitat welcomes all members of the Creighton and Omaha communities to sign up and volunteer at our builds. We work hard to make sure that these volunteer experiences are fulfilling and we appreciate the hard work and contributions these volunteers bring to the program. Our chapter also offers something different, however, for those volunteers wanting to get more involved in CU Habitat – membership! Chapter members become involved in all areas of our organization and are offered a wider range of service-oriented opportunities and privileges. Basically, while volunteers help us work on the home, members go beyond this and participate in the social, developmental, reflective, and organizational facets of the club.

Jenny Schroeder, Volunteer Services Manager ~ 402-457-5657 ~ jschroeder@habitatomaha.org
1701 N 24^th Street Omaha, NE 68110 ~ https://habitatomaha.org/volunteer/local-opportunities/ 

Habitat for Humanity builds housing in partnership with low-income families. Volunteers are needed for construction work, vacant lot clean up, working at the Habitat ReStore, and in our office. Hours are flexible between 8:30am – 3:30pm, Wednesday – Saturday. We love to have individuals or groups (8-10 people) participating once or on a continuing basis. In 2019, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha will build or renovate more than 50 homes. Houses are built with donor contributions, volunteer labor and donated materials. We have a diverse set of opportunities available for volunteers of all skill levels.  To learn more about getting involved with our construction, ReStore, office and creative opportunities please visit our website!

Jon Firmature ~ (402) 292-6560 ~ executivedirector@hfhsarpy.org

1001 Ft Crook Rd N Ste 207, Bellevue, NE 68005 ~ https://www.habitat.org/local/affiliate-by-state?state=NE

Habitat for Humanity of Sarpy County builds affordable housing in partnership with clients. Volunteers are needed for construction work, vacant lot clean up, working at the Habitat Home Store, on committees, helping with events, and in our office. Hours vary depending on what you would like to do: Office hours are M-F 9am-4pm; the Habitat Home Store is open T-TH 12-6pm, F & S 9am-5pm. We would love to have individuals or groups (8-10 people) participating once or on a continuing basis and ask that all volunteers sign up online through the Habitat for Humanity website, linked above.

Requirements: Certain training required for certain volunteering role

Kylynn Wagner, Operations Assistant ~ kylynn@immigrantlc.org ~ 402.898.1349

4223 Center St Omaha, NE 68105 ~ https://www.immigrantlc.org/

The Immigrant Legal Center is a nonprofit organization that provides legal services, education, and advocacy for immigrants in Nebraska and Southwest Iowa. Employing a diverse team of specialized professionals, we are uniquely qualified to take a holistic approach to our clients’ immigration-related needs.

Volunteers typically help with filing, translations, help with special events, different tasks around the office (organizing, assisting reception, etc.), and in the case of an emergency (like a raid) a volunteer would help prep forms, packets, or anything else the legal staff would need.

Tena Hahn Rodriguez ~ tena@inclusive-communities.org ~ 402-391-4460

6001 Doge St. UNO CEC Ste 122 ~ www.inclusive-communities.org

Inclusive Communities is a human relations organization confronting prejudice, bigotry and discrimination through educational programs that raise awareness, foster leadership and encourage advocacy for a just and inclusive society.

Sandy Griffin, Field Manager ~ sandy@nebraskatable.org ~402-577-1080

211 N 14th St. Lincoln, NE 68508 ~ https://www.nebraskatable.org

The Nebraska Civic Engagement Table works with nonprofits to increase voting and build an engaged Nebraska.

We will build a more just, inclusive, and engaged Nebraska by increasing the year-round civic participation of our nonprofit members’ supporters and underrepresented communities, including: African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), new citizens, low-income families, women, LGBT Nebraskans, and young voters.

Our goal is to increase their share of voter turnout, ensure their voices are represented in the policy decisions that affect their lives, and build leadership among community members and our nonprofit partners.

Volunteers will mainly be working with our member nonprofits on their voter registration projects.

Mark Welsch, Omaha Coordinator ~ NFPOmaha1970@gmail.com ~ 402-453-0776

PO Box 6418, Omaha NE 68106 ~ https://www.nebraskansforpeace.org/

Nebraskans for Peace is a statewide grassroots advocacy organization working nonviolently for Peace with Justice through community building, education and political action.

As the oldest statewide Peace & Justice organization in the country, Nebraskans for Peace is the acknowledged voice on peace and social justice issues in Nebraska politics. We have continually advocated for dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts, while steadfastly promoting the rights of all people throughout our decades-long history. We address issues of military intervention and foreign policy, economic justice, the environment, Palestinian rights, stopping climate change, nonviolence education, capital punishment, gender and racial equality. Nebraskans for Peace is committed to standing up for what is right, and we are committed to upholding this tradition of conscience, justice and peacemaking for generations to come.

Volunteers with Nebraskans for Peace work in the following activities:

1. Recruit other volunteers – at reserved tables at events, from friends, family and associates
2. Organize events where our issues are discussed
3. Set up and participate in meetings with grasstops (leaders in our community) to talk about our issues
4. Call elected officials to urge them to do the right thing on our issues
5. Write to elected officials to urge them to do the right thing on our issues
6. Set up meetings to talk with elected officials and/or their staff about our issues
7. Meet and talk with elected officials and/or their staff about our issues
8. Organize vigils and protests to draw the public’s attention to our issues

Chelsea Richardson,  Outreach Coordinator ~ chelsea.richardson@nebraska.gov ~ (402) 378-1771

1540 S 70th Street, Suite 202, Lincoln, NE 68506 ~ Website Link

The Office of Public Guardian is designed to serve as the guardian or conservator for an individual when no other alternative is available. In addition to providing the means of last resort as guardians or conservators for those situations where no family member or suitable individual is available, the Office of Public Guardian provides education, training, and support for volunteer and family guardians and conservators, and recruits individuals to serve as guardians and conservators for Nebraska’s vulnerable individuals.

* volunteer tasks differ based on which program a volunteer is involved in. The following link describes each of our volunteer programs: https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/programs-services/office-public-guardian/opg-internships-externships-and-volunteer-programs

Sarah Keeney ~ otocfornebraska@gmail.com ~ (402) 344-4401

3647 Lafayette Avenue, Omaha, NE 68131 ~ https://otoc.org/

Omaha Together One Community (OTOC) is a coalition of 30 congregations and community organizations which work together on issues of justice and the common good in the Omaha area. OTOC is a community organizing organization that helps ordinary people shape public policy decisions which affect their lives. Current OTOC Action Teams include Immigration and Refugees, Environmental Sustainability, Improving Mental Health Care, Health Insurance for All, Housing and Community Revitalization and Predatory Payday Lending Limitations. Looking for persons interested in learning about organizing and how to shape public policy toward the common good.

Payton Shudak ~ (402) 444-4597 ~ Payton.shudak@douglascounty-ne.gov

1905 Harney St, Suite 500, Omaha, NE 68102 ~ https://countyattorney.douglascounty-ne.gov/victim-assistance

The Victim Assistance Unit offers opportunities for volunteers and interns with trainings provided. Responsibilities include: follow up calls, court accompaniment, court clerking work (coding reports, etc.), and assisting other advocates. Volunteers are needed 8:00am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday.

Requirements: On-Site Training

Courtney Spurgeon ~ cspurgeon@oneworldomaha.org ~ (402) 502-8917

4920 S. 30th St, Omaha, NE 68107 ~ https://www.oneworldomaha.org/volunteer/

Put your passion to work at OneWorld! Join people from diverse cultures and make a positive impact in the health and well-being of OneWorld patients.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Working in our Baby Boutique
• Mexican Consulate Health Window (Spanish required)
• Gardening and Grounds Keeping
• Special Projects Support
• Learning Community Center ESL Class Aide
• Learning Community Center Child Care Assistant 
• … and more

Dave Winiger, Executive Director ~ dave@releaseinc.org ~ 402-707-7482

3223 N 45th St, Omaha, NE 68104 ~ https://www.releaseinc.org

Release always needs volunteers. From office assistance and event work to mentoring and bible study leading, we can find a role to match your talents and passions. One of our biggest volunteer needs is with the juvenile justice mentoring program. With a 2-3 hour/week commitment, volunteers offer their companionship and presence at the Douglas County Youth Center conversing with individulas currently in the juvenile justice system.

Requirements: Background check, ability to listen, on-site training for mentors

David Corbin, Chairman ~ dcorbin@cox.net ~ 402-690-9134

P.O. Box 4664, Omaha, NE 68104 ~ https://www.sierraclub.org/nebraska

The Nebraska Chapter Sierra Club endeavors to create:

• a safe and healthy community in which to live
• an enduring legacy for America’s wild places
• smart energy solutions to combat global warming
• social and environmental justice movements

Since 1892, the Sierra Club has been working to protect communities, wild places, and the planet itself. We are the largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States.

Our volunteers help with social media, legislative issues, community events such as Earth Day, our annual Harvest Moon Banquet, solar tours, electric vehicle displays, etc.

Jaimee Trobough~ (402) 898-9862 ~ jtrobough@biggarden.org

5602 Read Street Omaha, NE 68152 ~ BigGarden.org

We are a network of 150+ community gardens in metro-Omaha, greater Nebraska, Kansas, and Southwest Iowa. We work to reduce hunger and build community by teaching people to grow, cook, and preserve their own food. We need volunteers at our urban campus near 56th & Sorensen to help with watering, weeding, harvesting, and cleaning. We occasionally need office help as well. Check our website BigGarden.org for upcoming classes, events, and volunteer opportunities.

Types of Service: Assistance with daily activities, environmental clean up/yard and garden work

Understanding of Spanish would be valuable, but certainly not required!

One-time volunteers welcome, as well as individuals who can commit a semester to the organization!

Craig Howell, Director Community Partnerships  ~ (402) 345-8047 ext. 218 ~ chowell@togetheromaha.org

812 S. 24^th Street, Omaha, NE 68108 ~ www.togetheromaha.org

Together.  Collaborating to End Hunger and Homelessness. We provide necessary resources to individuals and families in our community so they can maintain their homes. Volunteers support Together by helping in our pantry. We can host small and medium groups as well support special projects such as building maintenance and donation drives for food, hygiene, kitchen essentials, and house hold items such as plates, cups, small appliances, silverware, and pans. Your support provides hope, dignity, and compassion to those that otherwise would not have it. We can accommodate any number of volunteers and welcome both long-term and one-time service. No special skills required but Spanish is helpful.

Rebecca Valdez ~ rebecca.valdez@urbanleagueneb.org ~ 402-453-9730 x117

3040 Lake St., Omaha, NE 68111 ~ www.urbanleagueneb.org

We seek to build resilient members in the North Omaha community by helping clients navigate challenges and seek out solutions. We strive to have every member of the community ready for college, work, and life. Programming includes employment services and youth development. Typical volunteer tasks include reading with children at their after school program, assisting high school students with STEM related activities, talking through career exploration with students, as well as giving advice to high school students about how to get to college.

Requirements: Confidentiality