ONE BRICK
Invite reviews
I have been involved with One Brick for five years. I love the flexibility of volunteering opportunities. I also appreciate that I can take a break when life becomes too hectic. Through One Brick, a whole new world of non-profit organizations has opened up to me, some of which I volunteer on my own. I personally enjoy events that serve the non-profits' clientele directly like Inspiration Cafe. I also love volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository with One Brick (in fact, that's where I discovered One Brick!). After being on the leadership team for a few years, I have come to know a very dedicated group of leaders and volunteers who I like to socialize with at events and outside of One Brick.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my own personal growth and decided to change careers to the non-profit sector.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
want a more concerted effort to get the word out. We're not that great at self-promotion.
Makes it so easy for me to get involved. Because of my super busy work schedule I need a volunteer program that fits around that. And One Bricks "no long term commitment" philosophy does just that. Not only do I get to do rewarding work, I'm working with really great people who become a fun part of my social circle. So I satisfy by philanthropic needs as well as social needs as well. Events are easy to find and sign up for.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
"You can get anything you want by helping enough people get what they want." I've gained so much...friends, community, recognition, better workplace skills, leadership, communication, motivation, fun, happiness, etc.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Bring in more people...this org thrives on people and we need to consistently bring more people to more events.
One Brick is a great way to volunteer and network at the same time. It introduces you to many different volunteer orgs in the Bay Area, without having you commit to any longer term projects. You can then decide if you want to join that particular organization, or you can continue to volunteer through One Brick. I've enjoyed working on outdoor landscaping projects, and also serving food at Glide, the Food Bank, At the Crossroads (for homeless youth).
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Feeling good about volunteering in the community at convenient times (weekends and weeknights for 2-3hrs at at time), and meeting new people.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I love love love one brick! All you have to do is go to their website, sign up for a fun one-time event and go volunteer! It is super easy and the one brick crew is awesome! By making volunteering low commitment, someone can volunteer once a year, once in a while, or everyday if they wanted to! They also make volunteering fun and exciting by making it social--we usually go out to eat afterwards and there is music playing in the background sometimes. No matter what you are interested in, there is a project open for you!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
all kinds of different places: in education, in the arts, in feeding the needy, in running one time events, etc.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
that it makes volunteering fun and guilt-free! I can go when I want to things and not sign up when I don't feel like it
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
AWEEEESOME! Everyone is so much fun! (:
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
do a lot of great things and spawn more one-bricks!
Ways to make it better...
there were more events to sign up for--even though there are a lot of events, they get filled too fast by awesome enthusiastic volunteers!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I first heard about One Brick in Chicago, where they have a chapter, but did not get to participate in any volunteer events. When I moved to D.C., I somehow looked them up and I have been regularly attending volunteer events ever since. The idea of a commitment-free volunteer experience is simple and excellent. It is so beneficial for those individuals who want to give back to the community but don't want to pick one organization that they have to work with for x hours or on x days per week. One Brick events are from a few hours to, at most, half of the day. In addition, the one-time aspect makes it possible to experience different kinds of events supporting different kinds of causes. Some examples are preparing food at the D.C. Central Kitchen, sorting books and groceries at different facilities, helping with annual events like the Safeway Barbeque Festival, and helping with social events for organizations. After events, volunteers often go out for a beer and get to know one another. Also, there are Happy Hours where people can get to know one another outside of a volunteer activity. The most commitment-intensive but also the most important project that One Brick puts on is a cross-chapter effort to help rebuild one of the most badly affected parishes in New Orleans. This is a one-week event that I have not participated in, but I know from talking with those that have that it has been both fulfilling to the volunteers and very beneficial to the residents there.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the appreciativeness of the organizations that regularly depend on One Brick's manpower to get things done.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
link up with partner organizations around town that could get the word out and get some funding opportunities at the same time.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the people I've met and the sense that I was helping someone.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
fun people who knew that people could help their community and enjoy themselves at the same time.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
get its name out more.
Ways to make it better...
there was more of a structure in place (or at least I know of it).
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
encouraging and making it worthwhile for people to volunteer.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
I am Angela Pinkston. I am a One Brick Volunteer of the Chicago Chapter. From feeding the homeless to rebuilding homes in New Orleans, I have grown as an individual through One Brick. One Brick allows me to volunteer when I have time and to choose what issues I would like to devote my time towards. I volunteer with One Brick, so at the end of the day, my soul is enriched and my mind is peaceful. I enjoy the people I meet and even call them friends. The most memorable experience was one that was not my own, but one that I was privy to view. While, I was in New Orleans, I saw another volunteer who wasn't really gung-ho about getting dirty or waking up early. Kind of besides the point of coming to New Orleans, but in the matter of a week I saw her become the most hardworking and caring individual. It was night and day. It was beautiful. It was a volunteer in action. It was One Brick.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
its growing numbers and the smiles on our nonprofits faces.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
make diversity a priority. Whether that means commercials or advertisements.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
being a manager and being able to bring all types of people together for one cause.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
always smiling and always ready to make the world a better place...one brick at a time.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
do more for the education of the students in Chicago Public Schools.
Ways to make it better...
there was more diversity amongst the managers and coordinators.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
diversity and reaching out to more of the surrounding area of Chicago.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I wouldn't choose another organization to fulfill the volunteering itch I have. One Brick rocks!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
One Brick offers an easy way to get involved with the community and meet new people. Events are well organized and the description of duties is accurate. The events are very welcoming. Don't worry if you don't have a friend to accompany you,many people arrive alone and meet new friends.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the increasing number of volunteers signing up. You need to sign in early if you want to join a popular event!
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
that I can give back to the community without having to commit to one particular agency's volunteer program. I like the flexibility and ease of registration.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
always casual, welcoming, and friendly.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
Hello, I am a volunteering junkie. One Brick is one of my enablers to feed my need. I've got involved with OB since late 06 and have feel in love with the organization since then. The variety of events are great and since the events are so short and flexible, it completely fits the motto "volunteering made easy". Even if something comes up and I can't make the event, there is no big guilt-trip involved =D My first event was a canned goods sort at a Bay Area Food Bank. It was chaotically fun with all the volunteers running around, sorting the cans onto different tables and before I knew it, it was cleanup time! I've also participated in the OB's many New Orleans trips. I was part of the first group to go in May 07, although none of us knew each other, it was nice to know that we all have the common bond of wanting to spend time together in a foreign place just to help build a better place for those in need. I've been extremely lucky to bring a friend with me everytime since then to help me spread the word that OB is part of this incredible experience.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
all of the local food banks, especially in St. Bernard Parish.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the different kinds of activities, no commitment necessary
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
incredibly friendly and giving!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
I learned about OneBrick last December and started volunteering with them in February. OneBrick is an organization that links people who want to volunteer(but can only make a limited time commitment) and groups that need volunteers. I have participated in envelope stuffing at the Fresh Air Fund, Baby Buggy, God's Love we Deliver, Food Pantry Baggers and many others. This is a great group to volunteer with if you can not make a long-term commitment and just want to help. I also like the fact that many activities start after work at 6pm and do not run very late.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the flexible nature of being able to participate with this group and the great people that I've met.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
extremely motivated, caring and enthusiastic.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
I have participated in a number of OneBrick events since May 2008. My experience at each event has been fantastic. Much of the credit goes to OneBrick managers and coordinators. They help in creating a nice social working environment which further motivates volunteers like myself to work even harder in improving our community. I have already signed up for a couple of upcoming events with OneBrick and I hope others will as well.
More feedback...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
great people. Everyone I've met has been very helpful and kind. It has contributed greatly to my positive experiences.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
Filter by reviewer role:
Support This Nonprofit
Help this nonprofit get more reviews
5 tips for getting reviews