By Savanne Giroire, Marketing and Events Assistant
Have you been wanting to involve yourself in your community, or spend time with organizations your passionate about? We have so many organizations doing essential and unparalleled work in #DTJax and they are always looking for extra help from their community members. Here’s a list of some who are making waves in our community and how you can help!
Groundwork Jacksonville Volunteer Opportunities
Groundwork Jacksonville is one of 22 Groundwork USA trusts in the country and the only trust in Florida, currently working on the revitalization of Hogans and McCoys Creeks. This is just one example of their environmental initiatives as they plan and create the Emerald Trail, an exciting and easily accessible passage that will connect Jacksonville’s urban core neighborhoods through one 15-mile long route. Their current volunteer needs include creek cleanups, data entry and management, administrative services, S-Line biodiversity corridor maintenance, and many more. Contact them about volunteering and be a part of these amazing projects taking place in Downtown Jacksonville!
Until June 30th, stop by MOCA Jacksonville and check out photo exhibit “Creeks Rising” by Jacksonville native, Doug Eng, as he illustrates the current problems and future potential of our urban creeks.
JASMYN Jax
JASMYN is Northeast Florida’s only LGBTQIA+ youth center, based right here in Jacksonville. The organization offers many programs and services for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults ages 13-29. Their programming changes each month and information about each program can be found on their youth calendar. For volunteer opportunities, you can partake in their Food & Hygiene Pantry Drive, planned to take place this summer (details TBD), or by donating to their Amazon Wishlist.
By simply following the account on social media, we can expand their reach and opportunities one by one! For more information on advocacy efforts and opportunities, you can email Dan Merkan, Director of Policy at dmerkan@jasmyn.org.
The Downtown Dwellers Association
The Downtown Dwellers Association constitutes all members of the Northeast Florida community who are committed to amplifying livability and inclusiveness in Downtown Jacksonville. The Downtown Dwellers initiatives include organizing regular cleanups of the Downtown public realm and implementing public art and similar improvement projects within these spaces to promote a vibrant, healthy and eco-conscious core. Become a member here!
In partnership with Downtown Vision, the Quarterly Downtown Cleanup Community Cleanup takes place on Saturday, July 9th, at Gefen Park. Join us as we beautify our Brooklyn neighborhood and work towards the change we wish to see! For more information on volunteer opportunities with the Downtown Dwellers, make sure to check our Event Calendar or email thedowntowndwellers@gmail.com.
The Jax Melanin Market
Held quarterly, you can find the Melanin Market at 822 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, where hundreds of local vendors show up and show off in the community. The market not only promotes Black businesses but the Eastside neighborhood as a whole, and has been a key driver in helping manifest a newfound focus in the area. The Melanin Market’s initiatives include partnerships between nonprofits such as Historic Eastside CDC, whose missions are to end generational poverty and revitalize this neighborhood between Springfield and Downtown. You can email eastside@hecdcjax.org for more information, or fill out their volunteer page as well!
Volunteer opportunities are available at each event, the next being the Melanin Market Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 18th! For more information on volunteer opportunities, email info@jaxmelaninmarket.com.
Historic Stanton: Every Second Saturday Cleanup
Historic Stanton Inc. is a non-profit committed to the restoration of the Historic Old Stanton High School building. The organization has big plans for the building, and will begin restoration with an Every Second Saturday Cleanup of the grounds, free and open to all who care about the history and future of this landmark! The next cleanup will take place July 9th from 9 to 11 a.m.- there will be one a month until September.
Jax Naval Museum’s USS Orleck Cleanup
As they prepare the USS Orleck to become the centerpiece of the Jacksonville Naval Museum, the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA) is looking for volunteers to fill a myriad of roles within this venture! Short term volunteer positions include Tour Guide/Docent, Ticketing, Greeters, Gift shop Crew, Maintenance Support Team (MST), Social Media/Web Content Management, Fundraising and Membership Fulfillment, and more!
On June 25th, 1 to 4 p.m., join Social Jax aboard the USS Orleck for a tour of the naval ship, followed by a volunteer cleanup session and a wind-down at Manifest Distilling.
The Florida Theatre
The Florida Theatre’s Volunteer Usher program is always accepting applicants! Volunteer ushers must be at least 16 years old, and are expected to assist guests of the theatre, such as by illuminating walkways, showing them to their seats or the restrooms. For more information about the program, contact Stephanie Slusser, Director of Patron Services, at stephanie@floridatheatre.com
The MOSH’s Volunteer Programs
A Downtown Jacksonville favorite, the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) has volunteer opportunities for all ages, beginning at 14 years old for their Teen Volunteer Program. The Adult Volunteer program offers sessions of 4 hour increments, and volunteers can help in departments like the Naturalist Center, Education, Public Programs & Special Events, Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, Collections, and Guest Relations departments. Applications are accepted on a rolling admission.
Tag us at #DTJax and show us how you give back to your community! By working together, we can’t wait to see what our community is capable of!