Volunteer Opportunities

AMERICAN LEGION POST 163 in Friday Harbor supports veterans and community projects. Meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM downstairs at the American Legion. Visit the Post Web site for more info.

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY The American Legion Auxiliary meets the second Thursday of every month, downstairs at the Legion building on 1st Street in Friday Harbor. We are here to support our Veterans. Smoke and alcohol free! Last chance to have some family fun, before we take the summer off from June through August.

Volunteer Opportunities

THE ANIMAL PROTECTION SOCIETY - FRIDAY HARBOR Because San Juan County has no public animal shelter, the Animal Protection Society - Friday Harbor, a non-profit organization, protects abandoned domestic animals and promotes animal welfare on the island. Since 1982, our shelter has provided a warm kennel, food, healthcare, and kindness to cats and dogs in need until they can be returned to their owners or adopted into new forever homes. Our facility has a happy and upbeat attitude, welcoming all volunteers who share our vision of responsible pet ownership. We are located at 111 Shelter Road, Friday Harbor, just south of the Airport Runway. Open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday. 378-2158. WE HAVE GOOD PETS FOR GOOD PEOPLE.

Volunteer Opportunities: Sign up for warm fuzzies! The Animal Shelter of Friday Harbor has ongoing volunteer opportunities. Exercise dogs, cuddle cats, help with deliveries, laundry, grounds maintenance, kennel cleaning, clerical support, answer phones. Can you offer a commitment of creative skills such as photography, website maintenance, fundraising, education, database management, training, marketing, or coordination of special events?

Visit our website www.apsfh.org , stop by the shelter during public hours, email us atpets2homes@interisland.net or call Shelter Director, Leslie Byron at 360.378.2158 if you can help.

ORCAS ISLAND ANIMAL PROTECTION SOCIETY Volunteers Needed The Orcas Animal Shelter is run completely by volunteers. New volunteers are always welcome. Training is offered to familiarize new volunteers with shelter operations. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the Orcas Animal Shelter please stop by and visit. You will be given all necessary information and be notified when the next training session will be offered. More information is available at Web site.

DOGS ON CALL (DOC) is an all-volunteer organization based in Anacortes, dedicated to providing canine-assisted support to those in need in our community. Our members serve Skagit County, northern Whidbey Island, and the San Juan Islands. We offer many wonderful programs, especially for children where our wonderful dogs help young people get a good and loving 'paw' up!

Does your dog enjoy people? Does your dog get along with everybody? Is your dog calm, obedient, and loving? Would you like to share your best friend with others? If the answer is 'yes', then Dogs On Call needs you!

If you have a certified therapy dog, if you would like to see if your dog is suitable for therapy work and get them certified, or if you just want more information about our organization and what we do, please contact us at dogsoncall@gmail.com or 360-293-4675.

ORCA RELIEF CITIZENS ALLIANCE
Executive Director: Birgit Kriete, Ph.D. Executive Director.

• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1969, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
• Phone 360.370.5554 (office)
• Fax 360.378.7041
• Email bk@orcarelief.org
• Website: www.orcarelief.org

SAN JUAN COUNTY PONY CLUB is a non-profit, 501(C)3 organization, one of 625 clubs nationwide. The club's purpose is to teach horsemanship and the care of horses to young people through the age of 21. Pony Club members learn to ride and care for their mounts and become responsible people, while having fun. MORE INFORMATION

THE SEADOC SOCIETY is working to solve the complex issues facing marine species at risk by funding over $1,000,000 of scientific research to date and ensuring that the science gets used to inform management decisions. They are strong collaborators with many of the organizations concerned with marine ecosystem health and often serve as a clearinghouse for information. FULL STORY

THE WHALE MUSEUM
The mission of The Whale Museum is to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. MORE INFORMATION

WOLF HOLLOW WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTER mission's is promoting the well-being of wildlife and their habitats through rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife, public education and non-invasive research.

• Mailing Address - 284 Boyce Road or PO Box 391, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
• Phone - 360-378-5000
• Fax - 360 -378-3481
• Email - wolfhollow@wolfhollowwildlife.org
• Website - wolfhollowwildlife.org

Please visit our web site for lots more information about the work we do, and the animals we care for. If you would like to volunteer to help with animal care or transportation, facilities maintenance, fundraising events or a range of other volunteer opportunities, or would like to have a presentation for your organization or class, please give us a call.

Volunteer Opportunities

BENEFIT PLAYERS San Juan Benefit Players was established to provide quality theater productions for the benefit of the community, and to assist the community in charitable and educational benefits. Our performances are given at the Benefit Players Theater (the old Pig War Museum building), located just off Tucker Avenue at Guard Street in Friday Harbor. For more information, call 370-5560.

CATS (Community Arts Theatre Society) produces fundraising events to benefit the San Juan Community Theatre. CATS meets on the first Tuesday of the month (except January and July) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (lunch at noon).

Ways People Can Help Help plan and produce the annual Festival of Trees. All members participate in jobs large or small - organizing auction items, helping to process mailing of invitations or thank you notes, publicity, graphics, food service, plus many other opportunities to share your special talent. Additional events may be produced throughout the year.

Contact Info Contact the San Juan Community Theatre at 378-3211 extension 32. Please leave a message with your name and phone number so that a CATS representative may contact you.

ISLAND STAGE LEFT Our mission is to provide professional quality theatre - free of charge - to all island residents and visitors, no matter what their economic or social status, by producing work that informs and elevates the human spirit, and values the informal and natural life of the islands.

People can help in various ways - by donating time to build sets or costumes; by donating building supplies or summer actor housing; by baking cookies for a show; by helping us with office tasks etc. Right now we could use carpentry help! Our web site is www.islandstageleft.org and you can call Helen or Dan at 378.5649 or email us at stageleft@centurytel.net

ISLANDS PLAYWRIGHTS ALLIANCE The purpose of the Alliance is to encourage the development and production of new plays and to provide a support group for both prospective and seasoned playwrights. The meetings are open to the public from all islands so that those who are thinking of writing a monologue or play for the first time can learn about the process and receive guidance on how to take their first steps.

For more information, contact Martha Padve at 378-8210.

SAN JUAN COMMUNITY THEATRE is always looking for new volunteers. Our special needs right now are "back of house" volunteers.>Experience is not important. We offer training and provide classes. Join us and become part of the show! For information call Lynne Mercer, Volunteer Coordinator, at 378-3211 extension 21. We welcome new volunteers as:

• Stage managers
• Light board operators
• Sound operators
• Construction crews
• Move-in crews

Volunteer Opportunities

PAIDEIA CLASSICAL SCHOOL is a non-denominational private Classical Christian school, currently serving Kindergarten through 8th grade. Our vision is, "Paideia Classical School embodies the standards for developing intellectually, spiritually, physically and morally strong graduates trained and empowered to impact their world for Christ through strength of character and discipline of mind that comes from a personal cultivation and application of the Biblical view of the world." We are intending to continue on into High School. Interested? Please contact the school for more information. Administrator: Scott Mapstead 360-378-8322

THE CAREER CENTER is operated by the Northwest Workforce Development Council which is funded by the Workforce Investment Act. Services to employers and employees is free. For job seekers, the Career Center features a resource room with computers, training and consultation in job search, interviewing, resume construction and evaluation of career interests. For employers the Career Center offers assistance in developing job descriptions, pre screening of qualified employees and reference checks.

Please call for an appointment first. Address: 540 Guard Street, Friday Harbor. Phone 378-4662

DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS a non-profit scholarship organization designed to encourage community service and to support higher education for San Juan Island high school graduates. Funds are raised locally. Scholarships are awarded based on a minimum number of hours of community service during high school. Students applying for the scholarship must graduate from high school in Friday Harbor and must have served the community in Friday Harbor. Some colleges and universities and trade schools offer matching funds for Dollars for Scholars scholarships. For further information contact Curt VanHyning at 378-2117 or Connie Biggers in the Friday Harbor High School Counseling office or visit the WEB SITE

EINAR NIELSEN/BECKY BARR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND It is a 501c(3) and has been in exsistence for over twenty years providing educational scholarships and support for Friday Harbor High School Students. We have awarded over $250,000 in scholarships and remain one of the longest standing annual fundraisers with the Derby now 21 years old. 20th Annual Einar Nielsen/Becky Barr Memorial Fishing Classic

SAN JUAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION is a group of parents, educators, and business leaders who work to raise funds outside the school budget to support and encourage innovation in and improvement of the public schools' instructional programs and the achievement of academic excellence by all students. MORE INFORMATION

SPRING STREET SCHOOL is a private non-demoninational school whose mission is to provide capable young people in grades 6-12 with academic and personal challenge in a supportive setting. The school is always looking for talented and motivated community members to help out in a wide array of roles. Please contact the school for more information. Director: Roger Frost 360-378-6393

STEPPING STONES. Purpose/Mission: The purposes of Stepping Stones Childrens Center are:

1) to provide a high quality learning environment for children who require either full/part time child care to enable their parents to obtain or maintain employment;

2) to offer a stimulating and nourishing environment for the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth of each child;

3) to facilitate community involvement and educational programs relating to child care/preschool and to foster and promote community-wide interest and concern about early childhood education;

4) to develop and provide financial support for struggling families who are in need of temporary help.

How you can help: As a non-profit organization, we are able to accept tax-deductable donations of many kinds. We accept cash donations as well as physical donations (toys, art supplies, furniture, play equipment, etc...) We accept volunteer workers to provide new activities or much needed "one on one" attention for the children.

For more information, you may contact us by phone, email or mail:
Director, Dean Kinnaman
PHONE: 360-378-4455
EMAIL: fhsteppingstones@yahoo.com
ADDRESS: PO Box 2705
54 Marguerite Place
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Volunteer Opportunities

ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION was established in 1995 to create an endowment to improve the quality of life on Orcas Island. The foundation accepts donations to build a pool of capital for philanthropic and charitable purposes and makes grants to the Orcas island non-profit community in the areas of the Arts, the Environment, Health & Human Services, child welfare, Youth and Education. through education and outreach OICF seeks to connect donors and volunteers with island non-profit organizations and to provide opportunities for non-profits to increase their effectiveness. Funds held by OICF are managed by The Seattle Foundation, the leading community foundation in the northwest.

Community members are encouraged to seek a place on our board of directors or to serve on one of the board's committees, including the grants committee that determines the recipients of OICF grants on a yearly basis. Board members and staff are always available to discuss with potential donors how to match their interests with community needs.

OICF board meetings are open to the public and generally occur on the first Wednesday of every month except December and July. Contact the foundation for more information or Visit our website at www.oicf.us

Sturgis Robinson, Executive Director
Orcas Island Community Foundation
P.O. Box 1496
Eastsound, WA 98245 360-376-6423
cell: 206-380-0407
sturgis@oicf.us

SAN JUAN ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION was established in 1994 by several island residents to enhance the quality of life by encouraging philanthropy, growing an endowment for purposeful grants to community charitable organizations, and building partnerships that effectively connect donors with island nonprofit organizations.

Gifts to SJICF are combined with other donations and managed by The Seattle Foundation, the oldest and most experienced community foundation in the region. It is the SJICF policy to distribute a mininum of 5% earnings annually from our General Endowment Fund through a yearly grant process to island nonprofit organizations in the Arts, Environment, Health & Rehabilitation, Human Services, and Youth & Education activities.

Recipients of grants generated by the General Endowment Fund and Donor Advised Funds are selected on Foundation guidelines and sound analysis of community needs based on our annual interviews with nonprofit organizations . This information also helps inform and match the interests of individuals or families who have established a Donor Advised or Designated Fund. Board of Directors' monthly meeting is held at Windermere Conference Room, 2nd Wednesday, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Further information about our work is available at www.sjicf.org. Or contact us directly at 378-1001.

UNITED WAY OF SAN JUAN COUNTY is a local, independent not-for-profit organization created to help the people of San Juan County live better lives. United Way has worked to build its capacity to serve families and children in our island communities for the past nine years. More than thirty diverse programs providing essential services for individuals and families are currently being funded. Included are emergency housing assistance, pre-school education, mental health and substance abuse counseling, mentoring programs and after school study groups. These and other programs benefit a wide array of island residents; from toddlers to the terminally ill. United Way strives to create a community "safety net" for those most at risk or in need.

We are in need of energetic volunteers to help with fundraising, office tasks and management of our website. Please contact us to learn more about what we do and how you can help.360-378-4121 Joy Goldberg, Director - P.O. Box 3181, Friday Harbor, WA 98250-3181. Email: unitedwaysjc@rockisland.com Web site: unitedway-sanjuancounty.org

Volunteer Opportunities

WSU BEACH WATCHERS PROGRAM is a watershed-to-marine stewardship education program offered by WSU Extension- San Juan County. It is modeled after the highly successful WSU Master Gardener Volunteer Program format. Beach Watcher volunteers receive 100 hours of training from Washington State University in the physical, biological, and cultural aspects of marine steward ship. In return trained Beach Watchers provide 100 hours of volunteer service back to the community through education, research and stewardship.

Check out our online newsletter (blog) at: sanjuancobeachwatchers.blogspot.com/

Our Web site is: www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu/ WSU Extension office: 378-4414 or email sweston@wsu.edu.

FRIENDS OF THE SAN JUANS was formed as a not-for-profit in 1979, by a dedicated group of islanders concerned about the future of San Juan County. For over 25 years FRIENDS has had a single mission: To protect the land, water, sea, and livability of the San Juan Islands through science, education, law, and citizen action. Much more information can be found on the FRIENDS website at www.sanjuans.org or call us at: 378-2319.

ISLANDS' OIL SPILL ASSOCIATION is a non-profit, community-based oil spill response organization that provides first-response services, including assessment, oil containment and recovery and wildlife search and rescue. IOSA is the only spill response organization in the San Juan Islands. Since IOSA began responding to spills in 1987, we have been paged 388 times (as of Feb. 21, 2005) for spills or potential spills resulting from vessels sinking or grounding, boat collisions, fuel dock accidents and numerous other situations, including spills from unknown sources. 82 of those pages required IOSA response teams to provide oil and debris recovery, containment, source removal and/or wildlife rescue services.

IOSA responders are available for quick assessment and cleanup on a 24-hour/day basis. Each year, we hold several on-the-water containment drills and provide free classes to train responders on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Island. Our next class is scheduled for Saturday, March 5, in Friday Harbor. Please call to register and for time and location.

IOSA is not state or federally funded. We rely primarily on private foundation grants and membership contributions. How can people help? Train to be a responder and/or become a member of IOSA; donate money or make in-kind contributions; permit access to the shoreline from your property or, if you have a water view but no physical access, give us permission to observe a spill. Please call us at 360-378-5322; write to us at:

IOSA
PO Box 2316
Friday Harbor, WA, 98250

Email: iosaoffice@rockisland.com. The 2005 schedule of trainings and much more information is available at www.iosaonline.org

Volunteer Opportunities

FRIDAY HARBOR AL-ANON MEETINGS In the U.S. and Canada, there are more than 18 million people with a drinking problem, and only 10 percent of them will ever get help. But according to some estimates, every individual with a drinking problem disrupts the lives of at least four other people through business and financial responsibilities neglected or the child who loses a parent due to a drunken driving accident, careers ruined and marriages destroyed by problem drinking.

Of the estimated 80 million Americans and Canadians affected by someone else's drinking, most will not get help for themselves and many will never even realize that they could have benefited from some insight into the problems caused by another person's drinking.

Al-Anon Family Groups was the first of many mutual support groups to adapt AA's Twelve Step Program. It is well-known, but still not widely understood. Al-Anon focuses only on providing confidential help to people in need. There are no celebrity spokespeople; the confidentiality and anonymity of members is strictly protected.

There are six Al-Anon meetings in Friday Harbor currently registered with the Al-Anon World Service Office. Three are held during morning hours, two are held at noon and there is one evening meeting each week.

Friday Harbor meeting information can be obtained by calling the national (US and Canada) toll free meeting line, 1-888-4-AL-ANON (1-888-425-2666, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm ET). Or by visiting www.wa-al-anon.org/Meeting-F.html

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS is available in Friday Harbor for anyone dealing with the issue of addiction. If you are addicted - this program is for you. You can get clean and stay clean in Narcotics Anonymous. The Friday Harbor group of NA meets four times a week at Compass Health 520 Spring Street. Meeting times are Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:00 pm and Sunday at 6:00 pm. All meetings are 90 minutes and open to anyone interested.

HOSPICE SAN JUAN In addition to the grief support group, our volunteers offer free care to the terminally and chronically ill and respite care to their caregivers on San Juan Island. Hospice has an inventory of medical equipment/supplies that are available on a loan basis at no charge. There are many ways to help Hospice San Juan: Inventoring equipment, supplies and literature; fundraising, publicity; communications, serving on the Board of Directors, etc. Training for direct patient care is available annually. The next training class will be offered the first two weekends of April, 2005.

INTER ISLAND MEDICAL GUILD is a group of women whose function is to have fun while raising money to purchase needed items at the II Medical Clinic. The Guild has been in existence for 28 years and has contributed over $200,000 in equipment including a CBC machine, treadmill, mammography equipment, electrocardiogram equipment, X-ray machine and many many more items. The fundraisers are enjoyable events including a St Patrick's Day luncheon, Spring bridge luncheon, working at the ticket booth at the county fair, September membership tea, Oktoberfest, and our Christmas luncheon and auction. We need and would like new members to bring new ideas and join us in this worthwhile endeavor. Call Cassandra Fisher 378-4601, Virginia Otto 378-4884, Marta Vaughan 378-2006, or Ginny Nelson at 378-4823

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY - RELAY FOR LIFE Relay For Life is a life-changing community event that is designed to celebrate cancer survivors, while raising valuable funds to support the lifesaving efforts of your American Cancer Society.

Organizers are in need of individuals, community groups and businesses to sponsor the event and join the planning committee.

Volunteer Opportunities

BATTERY D is a reenacting group based on San Juan Island who reenact the period of the Pig War, 1859-1872. Members portray individuals from Battery D, 3rd Artillery and Company D, 9th Infantry as well as British Royal Marines and civilians. Battery D is currently fundraising for a full size, fully operating cannon which we plan to use at events as a focal point to promote better understanding of this important historical time. MORE INFORMATION

SAN JUAN HISTORICAL MUSEUM The mission of the San Juan Island Historical Museum is to preserve and present the lifestyle of the early settlers of the San Juan Islands. Ways people can help:

Docent: As part of the Museum’s Educational Program, docents welcome visitors and answer questions. Training is provided for these tasks. Docents work 2 ½ to 3 hour shifts once or twice a month. Schedules are flexible.

Volunteer Circle: This group meets the first Wednesday of each month to work on different Museum projects. Volunteers bring a brown bag lunch. Beverages are provided by the Museum staff.

Education: Programs provided for all ages requiring leading group tours, and hands-on activities for youth and children, such as butter churning and rope making. Also includes planning and organization of lectures and various Museum programs.

Phone 378-3949; E-mail curator@sjmuseum.org; Web site www.sjmuseum.org

Volunteer Opportunities

HOMES FOR ISLANDERS (HFI) is a private, non-profit corporation funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (through Rural Development.) The mission of the corporation is to assist limited-income families interested in building their own homes.

The first step in the process is for HFI to purchase land for the building sites and then develop the infrastructure necessary (water, septic, etc.) The lots are then ready for sale to qualified individuals. Qualified individuals must meet certain criteria. The criteria includes income limitations, good credit history, stable employment and the desire and commitment to work 35 hours per week in a building group with seven to ten other qualified families. HFI also assists in procuring USDA 502 Rural Housing Loans from Rural Development.

An HFI on-site construction manager is available to teach each of the home builders the proper techniques of home construction. The construction manager also coordinates the building team. There are three and four bedroom house plans available.

If you’d like to volunteer to help families build their own homes, please contact Homes for Islanders at 360-370-5944 or send an email to info@homesforislanders.org.

Volunteers do not necessarily need to have construction skills, just the desire to help others in the community.

OPAL (OF PEOPLE AND LAND) COMMUNITY LAND TRUST The mission of OPAL Community Land Trust is to acquire and own land so that islanders in need may have access to permanently affordable homes and workplaces. We have a range of volunteer opportunities completing office tasks and for various fundraising events (the Pie Booth at the Library Fair in August, and our annual Dinner/Auction in October). MORE INFORMATION

SAN JUAN COMMUNITY HOME TRUST is a a 501 (c)3 non-profit charitable organization and community land trust. The trust's mission is community preservation through forever affordable housing.

• Executive Director: Nancy DeVaux
• Address:435-C Argyle Ave.
  P.O. Box 2603
  Friday Harbor, WA 98250
• Phone: 360-378-5541
• Email info@hometrust.org
• Website: www.hometrust.org

Volunteer Opportunities

San Juan Island Chapter, American Civil Liberties Union of Washington
Purpose /Mission: The San Juan Island Chapter is devoted to education concerning the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights and to informing the local community of current civil liberties issues and concerns. We are a Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington (ACLU) and function within the broader mission of the ACLU, a non-profit, non-partisan, membership organization dedicated to defending and expanding civil liberties and civil rights to all people in the United States. The mission of the ACLU is to conserve America's original civic values, the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Organization: The San Juan Island Chapter consists of an administrative Steering Committee of ten citizens of San Juan Island. The Steering Committee communicates regularly by telephone and email and meets on an irregular schedule, but no less than six times a year. The Chapter has a Friends of Civil Liberties group of approximately 75 persons who are informed of Chapter events and contemporary issues.

Contact: Please call Roger deRoos at 360-378-6323 if you desire additional information about the San Juan Island Chapter of the ACLU of Washington, the Chapter's Friends of Civil Liberties, or if you wish assistance in contacting the ACLU of Washington's office in Seattle. The ACLU of Washington's website is aclu-wa.org.

Volunteer Opportunities

SAN JUAN COUNTY LAND BANK Purpose/mission: The San Juan County Land Bank Mandate: The purpose of the San Juan County citizens conservation Land Bank is to preserve in perpetuity areas in the County that have environmental, agricultural, aesthetic, cultural, scientific, historic, scenic or low-intensity recreational value, and to protect existing and future sources of potable water.

Meeting Times: The Land Bank Commission intends to hold its regular monthly meetings on the second Friday of the month, except as noted on our web site.

Ways People Can Help: Preserve Stewards, Field Work, Office Help – really just any skills, experience, or equipment folks can share would be greatly appreciated!

Contact information:

• Mailing address: 350 Court St. No. 6, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
• Office location: 470 Spring St. No. 103, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
• Phone: 378-4402
• Email: sjclandbank@rockisland.com
  
• Web site: www.sjclandbank.org

PUT YOUR LOVE FOR THE SAN JUANS TO WORK The San Juan Preservation Trust invites you to join our group of dedicated volunteers in our conservation efforts.

We have a variety of positions available that will suit many levels of interest, ability, and flexibility of schedule: from outdoors-oriented jobs such as our fieldwork and land steward positions, to office-based tasks such as our membership relations assistants, to one-time only event and outreach assistance. On-the-job training will be provided.

To learn more about our Volunteer Program, visit our web site at www.sjpt.org/support/volunteertime.php or contact Kathleen Foley at 378-2461.

Volunteer Opportunities

SAN JUAN ISLAND LIBRARY offers information, services, and materials to the members of the community. The Library is open seven days a week and needs volunteers to assist our staff. A volunteer works a two to three hour shift. Work schedules can be arranged to fit your requirements. volunteers are needed to check in and check out books as well as to shelve books. Volunteer orientation and training is available.

FRIENDS OF THE SAN JUAN ISLAND LIBRARY was founded over 25 years ago to help the library in many ways by providing financial support for programming, collection purchases and special projects that are not covered by tax dollars. We need volunteers willing to work in our book room sorting materials for our book sales. We also need volunteers willing to work in our new store, the "Treasure Cove" once the Library is remodelled in early 2005. Help is also needed on various fundraising projects we undertake each year.

Volunteer Opportunities

League of Women Voters of the San Juans purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government and to study and act on selected governmental issues. Meeting times vary. We have board meetings and membership meetings. All members and other interested people are welcome at both. The membership meetings have a topic or speaker and are publicized in advance. Call or email about the next meeting.

Ways people can help Join the League. Serve on the Board or be on a committee. We have committees that put on public forums, study issues, do publicity, help with membership, do fundraising, help with the 4th of July Parade entry, register voters, and much more.

Contact info: Janna Gingras, 378-6104, jannag@rockisland.com or visit www.lwvwa.org/san-juan/index.html

Volunteer Opportunities

San Juan County Parks The Mission of the San Juan County Park and Recreation Board is to provide and maintain quality parks and recreational opportunities that respond to the needs of residents and visitors, are in keeping with the natural character and beauty of the islands, are consistent with state and county statutes and which foster good stewardship of County lands.

Ways people can help: We have one vacancy for a Park Board member from San Juan Island. Contact the San Juan County Council for more information.

We can always use park stewards to provide monitoring and care of individual parks. We can also provide service projects for service organizations.

Contact: Kathryn Hansen at 378-8420 or by e-mail at parks@co.san-juan.wa.us
posted 1/4/2006

ISLAND REC (San Juan Island Park and Recreation District) offers year-round recreation programs for children and adults. More information at www.islandrec.org

Volunteer Opportunities

LIFEBUILDERS, A MINISTRY OF CAMPUS CRUSADE FOR CHRIST Mission statement: "As LifeBuilders staff, we are about loving God and loving people. We develop relationships by being vulnerable, open and tranparent, growing together in God's truth. In a one to one relationship or couple to couple, we weave God's Word into our daily lives. We build people up in Christ by pouring our lives into theirs and sending them out to pass it on."

Meeting time: We are available to meet with people any time. We usually meet weekly and schedule time that fits into your schedule.

Ways people can help: We are seeking financial partners, contact us or visit our WEB SITE to make donations. Prayer partners are always welcomed.

Contact info.:

Vic and Monique Woodward (LifeBuilders staff)
P.O. Box 3092
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Phone (360) 378-8435

Website: www.interisland.net/woodward

Volunteer Opportunities

SAN JUAN SENIOR SERVICES Services to seniors of 60 or better and disabled on our island are coordinated through the Senior Services Council of San Juan County at the Mullis Community Senior Center at 589 Nash St. in Friday Harbor. The Coordinator, Curt VanHyning, may be reached there M - F from 9 AM to 4 PM at 378-2677 or curtvh@rockisland.com

Social and recreational activities are available daily at the Mullis Center and the program schedule is available there or by mail in the monthly newsletter, Senior Signal. Phone the Senior office to subscribe. Annual memberships are available at $15 each or $25 per couple.

Programs include twice-weekly lunches, some meals delivered to homes, exercise classes, game days, library reading time, shuttles to appointments on and off-island and monthly excursions to regional destinations. Phone the coordinator to suggest other possible activities. Regular health services offered include: blood pressure checks, foot care, diabetic training, hearing exams and assistance, low-vision support group, grief support group and dementia support group.

The Senior Coordinator will also assist elders or disabled individuals or their representative with insurance questions and access to health care and long-term care in the most appropriate setting. The Friends & Neighbors program providing access to a pool of on-island volunteer helpers is served through the same site. Their goal is to help with social and transportation needs without pay.

Volunteers of any age may enroll at the Senior Services office and begin supporting the needs and desires of our island neighbors to remain here and as independent as possible.

SENIOR SERVICES COUNCIL OF SAN JUAN COUNTY, Inc. (non-profit formed by grassroots organization of seniors in 1978) The group's mission is: To assist senior citizens 60 and over to recognize and deal with their needs and to provide a spectrum of services through a multi-function agency which will serve the recreational, intellectual, social, physical and mental needs of senior citizens and their caregivers. To support provision of services to seniors and their caregivers by the Senior Services Division of San Juan County Health & Community Services Department. Fund and operate accessible vehicles with which to provide specialized transportation services to senior and disabled in our communities. Develop and operate Senior Center facilities on each major island for the provision of services and programs aimed at increasing the quality of life for seniors, their caregivers and the community as a whole.

Contact Info: PO Box 18, Eastsound, WA 98245
Lopez Senior Center 468-2421
Orcas Senior Center 376-2677
San Juan Senior Center 378-2677

Joyce Rupp 376-4024 JoyceR@co.san-juan.wa.us Check County government webpage for links to Senior Centers.

Meeting Times: 4 times a year, usually 3rd Thursday, Feb, May, August, Nov. Rotates amongst islands.

Ways to help: Volunteer time, energy and/or money. All non-profit functions are manned by volunteers; such as drivers, friendly visitors, classes and programs, fund-raisers, etc. Direct donations help offset vehicle maintenance, building operating expenses, driver physicals.

Volunteer Opportunities

KIWANIS CLUB OF FRIDAY HARBOR meets from noon until 1 p.m. every Thursday in the basement of the American Legion Hall in Friday Harbor.

SAN JUAN ISLANDS ROTARY CLUB meets at 8 a.m. Wednesdays at Downriggers Restaurant.

FRIDAY HARBOR SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL is a volunteer service organization for women working to advance human rights and the status of women and girls. This worldwide organization provides a global voice for women in effecting change at a local, national and international level through awareness, advocacy and action. We welcome guest and potential new members to our Wednesday Noon meet at Vinny's Ristorante in Friday Harbor. For more information visit www.sifri.org.

SAN JUAN LIONS CLUB was the first official service club on San Juan Island. They meet from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays for lunch downstairs at the American Legion Hall. For Additional Membership information, please contact George Johnson at bygeorge@interisland.net or call 378-3266. MORE INFORMATION

Volunteer Opportunities

SAN JUAN ISLAND PREVENTION COALITION The mission is to reduce substance abuse among youth and to create community culture supporting healthy choices and responsible behaviors. Members and partners include youth, families, schools, community, Family Resource Center, Island Rec, 4-H, Public Health, PTSA, Law enforcement, Civic Organizations, Churches, Compass Health, Medical Center, and Community Network. The executive board meets monthly, the board of trustees meets every two months. The organization's goals:

• To mobilize community efforts in substance abuse prevention
• To increase public outreach regarding substance abuse
• To assess, evaluate and implement prevention programs throughout individual (peer), family, school and community domains

Community Outreach includes:

• Love and Logic Parenting Classes
• Strengthening Families
• Spring Community Forum (Underage Town-Hall Meeting)
• Grade 6 Teach Ins 
• Elementary to Middle School Transition Program
• Life Skills Training Curriculum  
• Mentorship Program

Ways to Help:

• Assist in the development of a webpage.
• Assist in the development of a logo and slogan campaign.
• Assist in media events, newsletter articles.
• Assist in events including the fair booth, New Year’s Eve for youth, Family Day, Red Ribbon Week.
• Become a mentor

Contact information:

The office is located in the Compass Health building at at 520 Spring Street in Friday Harbor. Cynthia Stark-Wickman is the executive coordinator. She can be reached at prevention@centurytel.net. The phone number is 360-370-5470. The mailing address is:

San Juan Island Prevention Coalition
P.O. Box 562
Friday Harbor, WA 9825

GRANDPARENTS and RELATIVES RAISING GRANDCHILDREN SUPPORT GROUP If you are a grandparent raising a grandchild - or a relative raising a younger relative, then this support group is for YOU! While most grandparents, aunts or uncles plan to spend time with their grandchildren/nieces/nephews, few expect to parent them. Did your whole life change when you took on this unexpected role? You had not really planned to spend this time in your life providing 24-7 care to a young one…but this is where you find yourself. The joys are great, but the hours are long and sometimes the going gets tough. Did you know that you are not alone? There is a growing number of you on San Juan Island. Let's get together, talk about it, and support one another.

The San Juan Island Family Resource Center is sponsoring a support group for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and other Relatives Raising Younger Relatives. It will be facilitated by Janna Gingras, MSW. The first meeting will be held on Thursday evening, November 10th from 6:30 - 8 p.m. It will be held at the Family Resource Center, 476 Market Street (across the street from Market Place, next door to the food bank). Any grandparent raising a grandchild or relative raising a younger relative is invited to participate in this group. Call Joyce at 378-5246 to reserve your place right now, ask questions, or make further inquiries.

SAN JUAN COUNTY CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meets from 1 to 2 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Mullis Center. Each meeting includes a presentation by a guest speaker on a topic related to cancer support. MORE INFORMATION

COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS Friday Harbor Chapter of Commpassionate Friends meets at 7 pm the last Tuesday of the month at the house east of St David’s Episcopal Church on Park St. in Friday Harbor. MORE INFORMATION

THE FAMILY UMBRELLA GROUP The Family Umbrella Group raises funds for island families who need assistance with preschool tuition and coordinates free educational programs on early childhood education. We are a dedicated group of volunteers that raises funds through our annual luncheon and auction, grants and direct donations. The Spring Luncheon and Auction will be held this year on Friday, April 29, 2005 at the Mullis Center.

Our goal is to make sure that all island children have an opportunity to benefit from a preschool environment and that finances should not be barrier. Many island families find they earn too much money for their preschool age children to attend publicly funded Head Start, yet the cost of preschool ($65 - $250 per month) is more than they can afford.

This year we are assisting 22 San Juan Island children to attend preschool. However, demand has been so great that for the first time we have had to turn four children away. Our group is committed to finding a way for these children to attend. If you would like to help, please call us at 378-5255.

HOSPICE OF SAN JUAN sponsors a free grief support group that meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays in the lounge of the Mullis Community Senior Center. MORE INFORMATION

OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL is a private, non-profit Community Action Agency serving homeless and low-income families, children, seniors and people with disabilities. With an annual budget of $9 million, the organization serves San Juan, Island and Whatcom Counties. The goal is to help people help themselves and move toward self-sufficiency. For more information about their programs visit the OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL WEB SITE

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS meets at 9 a.m. every Saturday at the Human Services Building (formerly Windermere) on the corner of Spring St. and Blair. Meetings are free and open to anyone who wants to stop eating compulsively. For more information call 378-8436.

PFLAG Friday Harbor meets at 3 p.m. on the 2nd Sunday of each month to offer support, education, and advocacy for Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians And Gays. For more information, call 378-8436 or visit our national organization's web site at www.pflag.org.

Volunteer Opportunities

FRIDAY HARBOR FIREFIGHTER's ASSOCIATION mission is to be environmentally conscious, support and benefit the local community, and support firefighters. The association meets on the third Tuesday of each month.

Ways People Can Help: Appropriate donations of clothing and household items to the Friday Harbor Firefighter's Association Thrift House. Donations to the Friday Harbor Firefighter's Association.

The FFFA started the Thrift House in a closet at the Town Fire Station in 1992. Over the past 13 years, the Thrift House has helped literally thousands of local families be able to put clothes on their backs. Any citizen of any island who suffers a loss due to a fire is eligible for a full month of free services through the Thrift House. In other words, they can have whatever they want at no cost from the Thrift House.

In addition to individual families, the association provides assistance to the Community Theater, Compass Health, San Juan Recovery Center, The Whale Museum, October House, Wolfe Hollow, school and many others. The FFFA provides annual scholarships for high school seniors pursuing a college education. Our support is not only local, but also global. Recently the association provided a support to the Tsunami relief efforts.

CONSIGNMENT TREASURES LLC is a private charitable consignment, thrift, and building materials re-use business. Through proceeds of our sales, your consigned or donated goods and materials give financial support to your favorite local charity or other community needs. We mainly handle furniture, appliances, art, antiques and a very wide range of used and reclaimed building materials.

• LOCATION: 6739 Roche Harbor Road.
• HOURS: Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
• Contact Red Jungert or Frank Penwell
• PHONE: 360 370.5562
• FAX: 360.378.5567
• EMAIL: consignmenttreasures@yahoo.com