Great Nonprofits

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Full disclosure: I am an Event Manager in Chicago chapter. But like everyone involved in One Brick, I am a volunteer. I have a square day-job to pay the bills, and I choose to devote my free time to One Brick. One thing that keeps me involved in One Brick is the people. I have met so many interesting people with a wide range of experiences and motives for getting more involved. I was looking for connections with people who were "givers" - and I have found it through One Brick. I also like the social aspect; after most events there are enough people interested to go out and grab a bite to eat or a drink for more socializing. Another thing that keeps me going is the variety. One week, I'm helping to prepare a meal for 40 people in a community kitchen, the next week, I'm stuffing invitations for a gala fundraiser. Because I have flexibility in choosing what events I will be managing/volunteering, I do not have to worry about letting down anyone if I had a weekly commitment and I went out of town on business. I volunteer when I am in town, have time, etc. Many of One Brick Event Managers (the persons at the volunteer projects who are the main liaisons between the non-profit and volunteers) also volunteer at events they are not assigned to. That shows to me the type of people who are regularly involved in One Brick and the type of projects that attract those folks.

My experience volunteering with One Brick was very rewarding. I helped prepare salads by cutting up vegetables and compiling them into containers, assembly line-style. The people at DC Central Kitchen were patient and appreciative, and the great attitudes of fellow volunteers made it fun. I'd recommend One Brick to anyone interested in community service.

I had a lot of fun volunteering at a Summer Movie Mania event in DC. We welcomed people to Wizard of Oz in the park, asked them to sign up for a raffle, and cleaned up a surprisingly small amount of trash after the movie finished. We got free volunteer T-shirts. I was a bit unclear as to who I was actually helping, since the event was put on by a local real estate company, but everyone really seemed to enjoy it, so I suppose I helped the community. And it was a great excuse to watch a classic movie on a warm summer night.

I think Summer Movie Mania is a great idea for the local community. Even though the construction masks the entrance to the park where the movie was shown, the event was well attended and well staffed.