Have you ever thought about volunteering?
If you have, consider heading down to a Volunteer Fair this Saturday, May 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fairview Branch Library (2101 Ocean Park Boulevard).
The fair will feature several local nonprofit agency representatives speaking about the work that they do, why they do it, and how volunteers can help.
The program will include a screening of three short videos filmed by CityTV on volunteers in action in Santa Monica.
Moderated by Chris Miller, Associate Director of OPCC, the panel includes Dr. Va Lecia Adams, Executive Director of St. Joseph Center, Matthew Healy, Director of Clinical Services at CLARE, and Elizabeth Daly, VP of Development and Communications at Chrysalis.
OPCC provides basic emergency aid and case management for men, women and children in distress; St. Joseph Center assists low-income and homeless individuals and families with housing, job training and other services; Chrysalis works with job seekers; the CLARE Foundation offers treatment and recovery services for alcoholism and substance abuse.
All these organizations are members of the Westside Shelter & Hunger Coalition and receive some of their funding from the City of Santa Monica.
The panel discussion will take place at 11 a.m.
At noon, these and other organizations including Heal the Bay, Wise & Healthy Aging, Common Ground, and the City of Santa Monica will be on hand to answer questions about volunteer opportunities at their organizations.
The Santa Monica Public Library is one of 30 public libraries nationwide to receive a grant to develop and host programs on the theme of Building Common Ground: Discussions of Community, Civility and Compassion. The grant was made possible by the American Library Association and the Fetzer Institute.
The Fairview Branch is wheelchair accessible.
Fairview Branch is served by Big Blue Bus line 8, Crosstown Ride and Sunset Ride. Bicycle parking racks are available.
For more information, the public can call the Fairview Branch Library at 310.458.8681, or visit the Library’s web site smpl.org.