Community❯Volunteering

Let’s spend a Sunday doing some good and getting to know each other along the way! Join our 30s & 40s Singles Group to support athletes at Special Olympics Oregon’s Beaverton Regional Aquatics competition on Sunday, November 1.

Expect swimming, teamwork, plenty of cheering, and a chance to connect with other community-minded singles. The event coordinator is excited to have our group help!

We have two exciting ways to participate based on how involved you want to be.

🙌 Path 1: Come volunteer directly with us

No sports knowledge, athletic ability, or previous volunteer experience needed. The Special Olympics Oregon team will train you onsite and assign your role at check-in.

You might help with:

• Athlete escorts: Guide swimmers from staging to their lanes and then to awards.
• Timing: Time races and call the finish order.
• Results: Deliver and record race results.
• Awards: Prepare medals and ribbons and help with presentations.
• Developmental skills: Help with staging, escorting, and timing for the morning skills competition.

Have relevant experience? Let the team know at check-in!

You can choose between a full-day shift of about 8–9 hours or a half-day shift of about 4–4.5 hours, depending on availability.

All volunteers receive a Special Olympics Oregon T-shirt, and full-day volunteers receive lunch.

📝 How to join as a volunteer

1. RSVP here so we know you’re joining our Meetup group.
2. Register directly with Special Olympics Oregon and choose your shift (link here or in comments). Your Meetup RSVP alone does not reserve a volunteer spot.
3. Watch for a Meetup message from me! I’ll check in to confirm your shift, help with questions, and coordinate our group.

Please register promptly if you’d like to volunteer, since shifts have limited spaces. Follow the arrival and check-in instructions for your selected shift.

💛 A small commitment that makes a big difference

The event team relies on registered volunteers to keep the competition running smoothly. Please choose a shift you can commit to attending in full and plan ahead for the day.

Of course, unexpected things happen! If you can no longer volunteer, please notify the Special Olympics coordinator promptly, update your volunteer registration, and update your Meetup RSVP too. Keeping everyone informed as timely as possible gives the team time to adjust.

📣 Path 2: Prefer to cheer? Join the audience!

You can also support the athletes from the sidelines. If committing to volunteering in a shift isn’t the right fit, or the shifts have filled, come enjoy the competition and help us give the swimmers an enthusiastic audience!

Please let me know whether you’re volunteering or coming to cheer, so I can coordinate our group. Only people registered directly with Special Olympics Oregon will be counted as volunteers.

Which ever path you choose, we’re happy to have you!

Come lend a hand, bring your cheering voice, and spend a Sunday supporting our greater Portland community. 💛

From the celebrated and award-winning composer Dave Malloy comes Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812, an electropop opera based on a scandalous slice of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Young and impulsive, Natasha Rostova arrives in Moscow to await the return of her fiancé from the front lines. When she falls under the spell of the roguish Anatole, it is up to Pierre, a family friend in the middle of an existential crisis, to pick up the pieces of her shattered reputation. Following a critically exalted premiere at Ars Nova in New York City, a subsequent off-Broadway transfer and an acclaimed run on Broadway, this award-winning musical expands the possibilities for the genre with its daring score and bold storytelling.

Music and Lyrics By Dave Malloy

Join Portland Opera for an hour of story and song from their latest production, La Traviata.

Step into a slippery world where the line between truth and fiction is all in the packaging. It’s 1936, and a pair of passionate filmmakers has landed their next big project: a sweeping Spanish Civil War film with the potential to change American hearts and minds. It just happens to be bankrolled by the KGB. Spain by Jen Silverman is a seductive and tense thriller about the power of art to change the world — for better and for worse.

by Jen Silverman, directed by Josh Hecht

One of the most ambitious productions in recent Profile history, Spain is a grand cross-disciplinary spectacle featuring multiple partnerships with arts organizations throughout Portland, including live opera developed in partnership with Portland Opera, and both recorded and live music performed by musicians with 45th Parallel.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra is back with a spectacular new production of The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More – featuring the fan-favorite holiday rock opera alongside TSO classics, and rarely performed gems.

Shows:

November 28 at 3:30pm & 8pm

Halloween is always such a fun, magical night. Unfortunately in the light of the morning, candy wrappers, damaged decorations and abandoned costumes can be found littering the streets. Join the Grout PTA and the Oregon Outdoor Law Project for a post-Halloween, kid-friendly cleanup around Grout Elementary. 🎃🎃🎃Costumes encouraged but certainly not required. 🎃🎃🎃 Advanced Registration: Is required. Please sign up (green button below) ahead of time to guarantee your spot. Meeting Location: Meet us under the covered basketball court at the back of Grout Elementary. Look for the playground off of 32nd Ave. Address: 3119 SE Holgate Blvd Portland, OR 97202 | Map Link What to Bring: Please wear closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, and bring a backpack for hands-free convenience. Feel free to bring your personal tools if available and a reusable water bottle to support our sustainability efforts. What's Provided: Gloves, safety vests, trash grabbers, buckets and bags. Please feel free to bring your own supplies. Restrooms: No public restrooms are available Parking: Abundant street parking on 32nd and 31st Transit: 17-Holgate (SE Holgate & 32nd Stop ID: 2719) Accessibility: This area is accessible for folks with mobility concerns. Translation Services: There will not be a Spanish speaker present at this event. Participant Age Guidelines: All Ages Welcome Groups: If you'd like to register a group, please create a team first. For detailed instructions, review our Teams

Onigiri Action is an annual event by the Japanese Culture Club. Students make onigiri (rice balls), enjoy tea, and send a photo that helps provide five school meals to children in need worldwide. Everyone is welcome! Located in the Student Union (Bldg. 10). Gresham Campus Map

Washington Park offers recreation opportunities for all visitors, with the MAC Trail running through it to provide access to the park's many amenities and activities. This event will focus on managing invasive plants along the trail.

We will spend the morning removing disruptive plants, hand-weeding, and performing other simple land care tasks. Volunteers of all skill levels and abilities are welcome; no previous experience is necessary. Portland Parks & Recreation will provide instructions, tools, gloves, and parking passes for all participants.

These events run rain or shine, and additional information will be sent out before the event date.

Please register ahead of time

Meet at the Oregon Holocaust Memorial, near the restroom building.

TriMet Bus Line 20 stop is located on W Burnside at the Stearns Canyon Entrance. TriMet Bus Line 63 has multiple stops located within Washington Park.

For additional park information or to view a park map, visit our partner site Explore Washington Park.

Please email Developed Park Coordinator Kayla Miles, if you have additional questions at [email protected].

One of the most beloved operas ever written, La Traviata pairs soaring melodies with a deeply personal story of love and sacrifice. At its center is Violetta, an independent woman navigating desire, societal expectation, and the fragile possibility of happiness on her own terms. As romance and reality collide, Verdi’s luminous score reveals the emotional complexity of living authentically in a world determined to impose its rules. Tender, tragic, and timeless, the opera continues to resonate for its compassionate portrayal of Violetta’s vulnerability, resilience, courage as she chooses personal truth in the face of public judgment.

Project Information:

We’ll work to clear this remote trail of brush, logs and other debris, and improve tread where needed.

Hiking information:

We’ll drive to the top of Horsetail Creek Trail and work our way down. The first few work days won’t involve much hiking, but the hike will become longer as we work toward the Bell Creek junction.

You should plan to participate in this trail party for its entirety. For safety reasons, please do not arrive late or expect to be able to leave early.

Event details:

Detailed event information, including directions to the meeting location, will be provided to registrants via email 48 hours prior to the event. If you’re volunteering for the first time, read this blog by a volunteer to know what to expect at your first trail party.

What to bring:

• Plenty of water
• Snacks/lunch
• Work gloves if you have them (loaner gloves available)
• Any medications or emergency supplies you may need
• Sunscreen + insect repellent
• A pack to bring all of this with you on trail
• TKO provides all tools and personal protective equipment (hard hats, gloves, glasses)
• Need gear? TKO has clothes, boots, camping gear, and more available for loan. Reach out to [email protected] to let us know how we can help!

What to wear:

• Boots (Please wear something sturdy that will protect your toes from sharp tools. Tennis shoes are not recommended. Open-toed shoes will not be allowed.)
• Long sleeved shirts and pants
• Rain gear, insulating layers, sun protection, etc. as appropriate for the weather

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: TKO recognizes that the trails we work on travel through the traditional lands of many Indigenous tribes and communities. We are the most recent in a long line of stewards to this land, and it is our responsibility to do so with humility and respect. We are grateful to these tribes and their descendants for being the original and continuing stewards of these spaces, and encourage everyone to go beyond a land acknowledgment by supporting Indigenous communities and organizations in your area.

ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS: TKO seeks to make our events inclusive of people of all backgrounds and abilities. If you would like to discuss potential accommodations to allow for your participation in this event, please click here to complete a short Google survey. TKO staff will then contact you to discuss options. Please note: available accommodations will vary by event and typically need to be requested a minimum of two weeks in advance. If you have any questions, reach out to us by clicking Contact near the bottom of this page.

EQUITY & INCLUSION: TKO seeks to make Oregon’s trails a place where people can go to connect with nature & one another. Not everyone feels safe or welcome in the outdoors due to issues like racism, bias, and hate. We commit to being part of the solution to this problem and to enact change. Conduct, speech, or expressions that target any individual or group will not be tolerated by TKO.

PERSONAL SAFETY: Your physical and emotional safety is our number one priority. If a person’s actions or comments make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you may: interrupt directly, tell a crew leader, and/or inform TKO staff via the post-event survey.

While TKO no longer requires masking/vaccination for our events, we do support those who choose to mask for their own safety. We ask participants to respect the health of folks who wear masks by distancing or wearing a mask while in close proximity.

Join Metro at Scouters Mountain Nature Park to plant native plants along the hiking trails. All tools and supplies provided.

To protect plants, wildlife and people, Metro does not allow pets at most regional parks and natural areas. For a list of locations where dogs are allowed on leash, review the pets policy page.

Metro is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Oregon’s disability laws. Service animals are welcome at all Metro properties per Oregon Revised Statute, Chapter 659A.143 and federal law. The term “service animal” does not include pets, emotional support or therapy animals.

Are you a teen? Do you have ideas for the library? Then come boss us around! We need your help to make sure the stuff we're doing at the library is stuff you actually want. Earn volunteer hours, eat snacks and meet other teens.

For ages 13–19

Volunteer Opportunity Help sell raffle tickets at the Blazers vs. New Orleans game to raise funds for GiGi's Portland Playhouse. About the Program Our Mission: We make a lifetime commitment to changing lives and providing hope through the consistent delivery of FREE educational, therapeutic, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community, using a replicable playhouse model. Our Vision: To see a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools, and communities. Volunteering at this opportunity will help us acquire critical funds to keep our playhouse serving the community through 2027 and beyond! About the Project GiGi's Portland Playhouse has an amazing opportunity to participate and benefit from a 50/50 raffle with the Trailblazers on November 29th, 2026 and we would love 20-30 volunteers to help to sell 50/50 raffle tickets to earn 25% of net proceeds directly for GiGi’s Playhouse. The details are as follows: Trail Blazers vs. New Orleans on Sunday, November 29, 2026 Arrival Time & Location: Arrive by 12:45 PM at the Rose Quarter Box Office (1 N. Center Court St.) to check in with staff. Time Commitment: Approximately 3 to 4 hours selling raffle tickets until the raffle closes (around halftime) Who Would Be a Good Fit: Energetic, mobile volunteers comfortable walking around the arena for 3+ hours (seated kiosk positions available for up to 2 volunteers upon request). Perks & Prep: Complimentary game tickets may be available (confirmed 1–3 days prior); please eat and hydrate before arriving. Use the following Link to Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0444A9A929A4F5C52-67221029-raffle Project Requirements Requirements Age: Volunteers must be 16+; under 18 must attend with a parent or adult chaperone. Notices Referral Opportunity: This opportunity is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Use the link provided in the description to register. Hands On Greater Portland Hours: Your hours may not appear in your Hands On account because this is a partner‑managed opportunity.

Learn how to make willow cuttings and install them into the floodplain habitat of Crabapple Creek and the Multnomah Channel. This will enhance native habitat for conservation strategy species including Northern red-legged frogs, coastal cutthroat trout, trumpeter swans, acorn woodpeckers and more! Sunday, November 1st, 9:30 AM -12:30 PM Pre-registration is required. All ages and abilities are welcome. No prior experience is necessary. Please let us know if you need accommodations to participate due to language, disability, or other additional needs. Youth age 15 may volunteer without an adult present. Accessibility: The planting site is about 1/2 mile from the parking area on a flat gravel path. Planting will be on uneven ground. We'll provide: Planting gloves, tools, snacks and warm beverages. What to wear: Long sleeves, pants, sturdy sneakers or boots. Dress for the weather: extra layers are helpful. What you should bring: Water bottle, sun/raingear. Thanks to our project partners and funders! Metro Regional Government, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, and ODFW Oregon Conservation Recreation Fund. Address: 21899 Northwest Saint Helens Road Portland, OR 97231 | Map Link Click Here to Register Important Registration Notice This event is promoted by SOLVE but is not managed through SOLVE’s volunteer system. Registration, waivers, and event oversight are the responsibility of the event's host. Volunteers should review and complete all host-provided materials prior to partici

For more than 20 years, Portland Opera to Go (nicknamed POGO) has shared opera experiences with communities around the region. The Crown Maker is a world-premiere opera inspired by the life and legacy of Eva Castellanos, a Mexican American healer, artist, educator, and tireless advocate for immigrant rights. Rooted in Oregon history and shaped by the traditions of community storytelling, the work explores how creativity, compassion, and cultural knowledge can transform lives across generations.

Told as a traditional corrido, The Crown Maker blends poetry, history, and music to explore how one woman’s vision empowered generations through art, healing traditions, and fearless community leadership. Through an evocative score and intimate storytelling, The Crown Maker honors Castellanoz’ lifelong dedication to uplifting others through art, healing practices, and grassroots activism. Her work created spaces where identity, heritage, and belonging could thrive, even in the face of social and political barriers. The opera examines the lasting influence of those who build community not through power or prestige, but through care, vision, and persistence.

Created especially for Portland Opera to Go audiences, The Crown Maker blends poetry, history, and music to explore how one woman’s vision empowered generations through art, healing traditions, and fearless community leadership. This production brings a uniquely Oregonian story to life, while speaking to universal themes of resilience, memory, and self-determination. The Crown Maker celebrates the power of cultural inheritance and the people who preserve it, inviting audiences of all ages to reflect on how stories, traditions, and acts of courage continue to shape communities today.

Nov. 14 — Two performances at Walters Cultural Arts Center in Hillsboro at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Dec. 4-5 — Three performances at the World Trade Center Theatre.

Jan. 10 — Watch at the historic Clatskanie Cultural Center at 2 p.m.

Jan. 24 — Join the Happy Valley Library at 2 p.m.

Advance registration is requested. Ellsworth Springs Native Planting Volunteer RSVP. Join volunteers from the City of Vancouver’s Adopt-A-Park program to care for Ellsworth Springs East Urban Natural Area. We’ll plant over 700 native plants in an area that volunteers cleared from ivy earlier this year! This work improves the health of the forest by reestablishing a diverse mix of over 40 plant species that support pollinators and wildlife, and also includes edible and medicinal plants for people. No prior planting experience necessary! Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks will be provided. This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form. There is no bathroom at this location. Accessibility is important to us and we’ve taken it into account while planning this event. Work is primarily done in a quiet natural area with potential for some infrequent loud work sounds. Planting will involve digging, bending and kneeling. There will be a space in the RSVP form for you to let us know if there are any accessibility needs you have so that we can do our best to find a volunteer role that will work for you. Registration will close 24 hours prior to the event. If registration is closed and you are still interested in attending, please email [email protected] to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site. C

Join Tualatin Riverkeepers at Rood Bridge Park in Hillsboro as we begin a long-term restoration project!

Our first step is to cut back blackberry and make space for underplantings of native plants. This work supports wildlife habitat, water quality, soil health, and human connection throughout the park.

Snacks, coffee, tools, safety gear, and instructions are provided.

Thank you to our partners at the City of Hillsboro and Clean Water Services for supporting this project!

Speed Dating Tonight!
Music & Libretto by Michael Ching
Based on a concept by Dean Anthony

Portland State University’s Opera program kicks off its 50th anniversary season with Michael Ching’s “Speed Dating Tonight!” (2013). Set over the course of a single evening at a local bar, this clever, heartwarming opera follows a revolving cast of singles searching for that elusive spark. There's the dreamer, the hopeless romantic, the bashful, the over-sharer, the chronically distracted, and everyone in between, each getting their moment in the spotlight through music that is equal parts tender, heartbreaking, and hilarious.

Written with duets and ensembles for up to 45 voices, “Speed Dating Tonight!” has a flexible modular structure that can be customized to fit any cast size, voice type, or gender identity. PSU Opera’s version of “Speed Dating Tonight!” features 35 song selections and arrangements specifically chosen to reflect the unique assortment of voices in the 12-member cast.

At its heart, this is a show about the universal human longing to be seen and cherished by another person. Woven through the interactions is another question: can a genuine connection actually happen in five minutes or less? With Michael Ching’s delightful opera, the answer is decidedly yes.

Visit the Speed Dating Tonight! web page to learn more about this production, including additional dates, cast and crew information, photos, and more as we get closer to opening night.

Learn more about the Opera program at Portland State University's School of Music & Theater.

• Organizer: ABOB PDX (AC, Court, Em, and Kailey)
• Ride Length: 8-15 miles
• Route: Loop ride (returns to start)
• Audience: General (all ages)

#OptOutside with All Bodies On Bikes and REI in Portland, OR for a social ride where we'll fill up community fridges and pantries! Meetup at Abernathy School at 1PM loaded with items to distribute along our ~10 mile, ~8mph, no-drop ride. Route is a loop ending with refreshments and giveaways at Abernathy.

All bodies are good bodies and all bikes are good bikes!

Join Eco Club and the Moreau Center for Service and Justice to give a little TLC to the local neighborhood after Halloween festivities. After holidays like Halloween, we tend to see a spike in litter on and around campus and we have the opportunity to change that on November 1st from 1 to 3pm! We will walk along Willamette Blvd and around through N Fiske Ave, N Yale St, and N Van Houten Ave. At the start, meet us for check in on the walkway between the Chiles Center and Joe Etzel Baseball Field on N Portsmouth Ave. There, we'll have all supplies provided including gloves, garbage bags, vests, and grabbers. We'll also have snacks and donuts available to kick off the event. This event is open to the UP community as well as other neighborhood locals and anyone who wants to volunteer. We will have restrooms available on campus, and there is plenty of parking available. Please register in advance so we make sure to have enough cleanup supplies. Please bring your own trash grabber if you have one. All ages are welcome. We recommend working in pairs or small groups, dressing for the weather, and bringing a waterbottle. Advanced Registration: Is highly suggested but not required. Please sign up (green button below) ahead of time to guarantee your spot. Meeting Location: Volunteers will be meeting at the concrete walkway between the Chiles Center and Joe Etzel Baseball Field on N Portsmouth Ave. It is next to the small parking lot connected to the Chiles Center. Look for the SOLVE sig

Join us for teen council. It’s a fun way to make new friends, earn volunteer hours by helping your library and your community — AND get free snacks!

The milestone of 1,000 blankets is being celebrated at the Samaritan Lodge in downtown Milwaukie. The gathering features light refreshments and cake, with opportunities to relax, make squares, pick up yarn to take home, or help lay out a blanket. Guests can also view the blanket that marks the 1,000 milestone.

RSVP required. Sign up today! Join the City of Vancouver’s Urban Forestry Department and neighbors for a morning of planting new trees throughout this large stormwater site. Join the fun and make a big impact in two short hours. Dress for the weather and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Gloves, tools and guidance will be provided, as well as…

This TKO Saw School training event is for volunteers, professionals, and agency staff who are looking to receive an initial crosscut saw certification, recertification, or advancement in certification to the B level. We will be utilizing the new USFS Saw Training curriculum, “Developing Thinking Sawyers”.

Initial Crosscut Saw Bucking Certification (3 days): You must be at least 16 years old to attend. Every saw operator must be certified to ensure safe and quality work. This session is for those who do not have a USFS saw certification card or those who are pursuing advancement in their current certification. The course will cover key safety procedures and best practices for clearing trails effectively in challenging and potentially hazardous situations. Day one is a 7-8 hr classroom (PowerPoint and video instruction) with possible field instruction depending on the weather conditions. Day two is a 1-2 hr review followed by 4-6 hrs of field practice. Day three will be 6-8 hrs of field evaluations. Candidates typically receive an “A” level certification. Candidates who demonstrate extensive skill and leadership with considerable hands-on saw experience may receive “B” level certification.

**A current First Aid and CPR certification is required to attend the field portions of this event, and for saw certifications to be valid. Per Forest Service policy, this certification must involve an in-person component and is not valid if performed entirely online.**TKO staff, volunteers, professionals, and USFS staff cannot use crosscut saws or chainsaws unless they hold a recognized and valid sawyer certification, First Aid, and CPR card. You can enter your current or expired First Aid/CPR certification by clicking on this link. First Aid/CPR Certification Record.

American Red Cross CPR/First Aid – find a class

First Aid CPR Training | Oregon Trails

Note: Please bring work gloves, safety glasses, and hard hats. Some of these PPE items can be provided by TKO staff if needed. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.

Potential cancellation: We will not work in the field if the weather is not safe for our team.

Directions and how to receive important information about this event: Event details, including directions and meeting information, will be emailed to you 48 hours before the event. If you’ve previously unsubscribed from Eventbrite emails, your inbox might block this message. To ensure you receive our event details, login to Eventbrite, visit Account Settings, and check the box for “Important reminders for my next event.”

What to bring:

• Food for all three days of the event
• Plenty of water for all three days of the event
• Snacks
• Gloves, safety glasses, hard hat
• Hand sanitizer
• Pack to carry all your gear on the trail

What to wear:

• Boots (Please wear something sturdy that will protect your toes from sharp tools. Boots must cover your ankles. No tennis shoes allowed.)
• Work gloves
• A long-sleeved shirt is a requirement
• Long pants are required
• Face Mask (optional for indoor class, optional for outdoors)
• Rain gear as appropriate for the weather

Questions?

Please contact Vito Perrone at [email protected]

Send me an email if you want to join our waitlist for this workshop.

Additional Information:

Check out the TK-U Saw School page for more info.

Saws That Sing. A guide to using crosscut saw.

One moving part: The Forest Service Ax Manual

Event details:

Detailed event information, including directions to the meeting location, will be provided to registrants via email 48 hours prior to the event. If you’re volunteering for the first time, read this blog by a volunteer to know what to expect at your first trail party.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: TKO recognizes that the trails we work on travel through the traditional lands of many Indigenous tribes and communities. We are the most recent in a long line of stewards to this land, and it is our responsibility to do so with humility and respect. We are grateful to these tribes and their descendants for being the original and continuing stewards of these spaces, and encourage everyone to go beyond a land acknowledgment by supporting Indigenous communities and organizations in your area.

EQUITY & INCLUSION: TKO seeks to make Oregon’s trails a place where people can go to connect with nature and one another. Not everyone feels safe or welcome in the outdoors, and we commit to being part of the solution to this problem and to enact change. Conduct, speech, or expressions that target any individual or group will not be tolerated by TKO.

PERSONAL SAFETY: Your physical and emotional safety is our number one priority. If a person’s actions or comments make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you may: interrupt directly, talk with a TKO leader, and/or inform TKO staff via the anonymous post-event survey.

While TKO no longer requires masking/vaccination for our events, we do support those who choose to mask for their own safety. We ask participants to respect the health of folks who wear masks by distancing or wearing a mask while in close proximity.

Advance registration is required. Esther Short Park Cleanup RSVP.

Saturday, November 7, 2026
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Esther Short Park
Esther Short Park and Playground, 605 Esther St, Vancouver, WA 98660, USA

Join members of the City of Vancouver’s volunteer Adopt-A-Park program and Vancouver’s Downtown Association to take care of Esther Short Park! This is a new volunteer orientated effort to bring the community together for litter cleanups and beautification projects of Esther Short Park and the surrounding area to help keep the neighborhood welcoming, clean, and vibrant.

Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks will be provided. This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form.

Accessibility is important to us and we’ve taken it into account while planning this event. The park is wheelchair accessible, but some of the volunteer projects may not be. Work is primarily done in a quiet park with potential for some infrequent loud work sounds. Volunteers will need to do some light lifting and bending while picking up litter. There will be a space in the RSVP form for you to let us know if there are any accessibility needs you have so that we can do our best to find a volunteer role that will work for you.

Registration will close 24 hours prior to the event. If registration is closed and you are still interested in attending, please email [email protected] to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.

Contact: Volunteer Programs at [email protected] or 360-487-8344

Celebrate the end of the volunteer season with us as plants and wildlife prepare for hibernation, and we prepare to welcome the winter season.

Join PP&R for our final volunteer event of 2026 at Wilkes Park for a family-friendly volunteer event to help with gardening tasks like weeding, pruning, mulching, and adding new plants to the park.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about gardening and connect with your neighbors and community. Plant care activities may vary monthly. Tools and instructions provided. Open to all skills and abilities, no experience is required to participate.

For more event details and to register for this event, visit the new PP&R volunteer website!

Snacks and hot beverages will be provided. Thank you for volunteering with us.

Activities may require bending, stooping, or kneeling close to the ground. There is a paved pathway throughout the park. Depending on the day and tasks, the surfaces to travel on may vary, but many of the tasks will be adjacent to a paved pathway.

There is an ADA accessible restroom (Portland Loo) on site. Many areas of the park have open exposure to the sun.

If you have questions about the accessibility of the event, please contact us. If you have an ADA accommodation request to be able to participate in this volunteer event, please use the 311 ADA Accommodation Request webpage.

If you would like to learn more about or request language access services, please contact PDX 311.

We recommend making your request as soon as possible and at least 5 business days (Monday - Friday) in advance of the event.

Have questions? Contact Developed Parks Coordinator Kimberléa Ruffu (they/them) at [email protected].

The first Gather at Greely Friday. The Ridgefield Family Resource Center hosts a card-writing workshop for World Kindness Day. You write notes of encouragement, and they go into the snack bags the Resource Center sends home with local students. Free, family friendly, live music.

Join the Friends of Tideman Johnson Park, Portland Parks & Rec, and the Johnson Creek Watershed Council for a morning of land tending! Tideman Johnson is a small but sweet park along Johnson Creek and the Springwater Corridor Trail in SE Portland. No experience necessary!

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

When: Saturday, November 7th, 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Where: Tideman Johnson City Park (directions below)

What: Native plantings, litter pickup, and invasive weed removal. Tasks may shift as needs change at the site.

How to prepare: This event will happen rain or shine, so dress for the weather! Wear long thick pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Bring a raincoat or a hat and sunscreen, as appropriate. Bring a filled water bottle and snacks! You’re welcome to bring gloves and tools, if you want to use your own.

What we provide: Gloves and all necessary tools, and instruction on how to safely use tools and remove invasive weeds. We can also provide bus fare to and from the event. Please contact [email protected] to arrange bus fare.

Health and Safety: We will follow current Oregon Health Authority guidelines. Masks are not required, but encouraged in indoor spaces where social distancing is not possible. Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness or have had recent contact with someone exhibiting symptoms of any illness.

Children are welcome: Children must be accompanied by an attentive adult. This work is around and near sharp prickly plants and can be challenging for young children. We recommend children ages 12 and up for this type of event.

Accessibility: This event may require standing or squatting/kneeling for long periods of time, walking over uneven ground, bending and lifting heavy objects. Bathrooms are available for this event.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Directions to site:

By transit: Take Bus #75 to SE 45th/Nehalem, then walk about half a mile west on SE Crystal Springs Blvd. Turn south (left) onto 37th Street and go down a steep hill to the junction of the Springwater Corridor Trail and the Johnson Creek boardwalk Or take the MAX Orange Line to SE Tacoma/Johnson Creek and walk south along the Park & Ride lot to the Springwater Corridor Trail. Walk east on the Trail for a little under a mile to reach the junction with the Johnson Creek boardwalk.

By bike: follow the Springwater Corridor Trail to the junction with the Johnson Creek boardwalk.

By car: park near the intersection of 37th and Tenino Streets (please be respectful of our neighbors and do not block driveways or mailboxes). Take the trailhead at the end of 37th Street and go down a steep hill to the junction with the Johnson Creek boardwalk.

Thank you to our funders and partners for supporting watershed health. The Mintkeski Family Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, Portland General Electric, The City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District and Portland Parks & Recreation, and Friends of Tideman Johnson.

Join SOLVE for a volunteer cleanup of the MLK and NE Community Cleanup! We'll be meeting at the Walgreens near NE MLK and NE Ainsworth. Advanced Registration: Is highly suggested but not required. Please sign up (green button below) ahead of time to guarantee your spot. Meeting Location: Volunteers be meeting in the Walgreens parking lot. Look for the SOLVE signs. Address: 6116 Northeast Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard Portland, 97211 | Map Link What to Bring: Please wear closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, and bring a backpack for hands-free convenience. Feel free to bring your personal tools if available and a reusable water bottle to support our sustainability efforts. What's Provided: SOLVE will provide trash grabbers, trash bags, work gloves, and high-vis vests. Restrooms: No public restrooms are available Parking: Free parking in the Walgreens parking lot. Transit: TriMet #6 bus to MLK and Ainsworth Accessibility: This area may not be easily accessible for folks with mobility concerns. Translation Services: There will not be a Spanish speaker present at this event. Participant Age Guidelines: Recommended for Ages 13 and Up Groups: If you'd like to register a group, please create a team first. For detailed instructions, review our Teams Guide.

Portland Opera To Go (POGO) proudly presents the latest installment of the Our Oregon series--a collection of original youth operas that examines Oregon history by highlighting the lives of extraordinary Oregonian women through a variety of lenses.

Advance registration is required. Esther Short Park Cleanup RSVP.

Saturday, November 21, 2026
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Esther Short Park
Esther Short Park and Playground, 605 Esther St, Vancouver, WA 98660, USA

Join members of the City of Vancouver’s volunteer Adopt-A-Park program and Vancouver’s Downtown Association to take care of Esther Short Park! This is a new volunteer orientated effort to bring the community together for litter cleanups and beautification projects of Esther Short Park and the surrounding area to help keep the neighborhood welcoming, clean, and vibrant.

Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks will be provided. This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form.

Accessibility is important to us and we’ve taken it into account while planning this event. The park is wheelchair accessible, but some of the volunteer projects may not be. Work is primarily done in a quiet park with potential for some infrequent loud work sounds. Volunteers will need to do some light lifting and bending while picking up litter. There will be a space in the RSVP form for you to let us know if there are any accessibility needs you have so that we can do our best to find a volunteer role that will work for you.

Registration will close 24 hours prior to the event. If registration is closed and you are still interested in attending, please email [email protected] to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.

Contact: Volunteer Programs at [email protected] or 360-487-8344

After a successful season of paddling and rentals, it’s time to tuck away the Cook Family Park fleet for winter! We need volunteers to help transport canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards from Cook Family Park to our storage shed near Sherwood.

Volunteers will help load boats onto trailers and vehicle roof racks, transport them to storage, and unload them for the winter. Have a vehicle roof rack or utility trailer? We’d especially appreciate your help!

Ready to lend a hand? Join us to wrap up the season and help keep our fleet ready for another year on the river.

Join us at The East County Library in Room 2H/J to get your broken items fixed by community volunteers for free. Plus, "shop" for gently used clothing at our free clothing swap. Underground parking is available at the library and overflow parking is available at the City Hall parking lot across the MAX tracks. This event is hosted by the Coalition of Gresham Neighborhood Associations, Gresham Free Swaps and the City of Gresham.

Check-in is from 10:00 am-noon. Checked-in items will be repaired until 1:00 pm.

• Torn clothing, missing buttons and other fabric items – including sock and sweater mending.
• Broken lamps, fans, clocks, vacuums, small kitchen appliances.
• Broken jewelry clasps, earring hooks. No fine jewelry.
• Manual garden tool sharpening: pruning shears, loppers, shovels and spades. No handsaws, knives or power tools.
• Electronics repairs and computer cleaning and tune-ups. These categories generally take longer, and may be limited to one item per person.

Please note: bikes, televisions, microwaves, small engines and fine jewelry are not repairable at this event.

• Try to bring anything that may be needed to repair your item: parts, buttons, matching thread, power cords, batteries, instructions manuals, etc. 
• We try to help everyone who brings an item. If participants bring multiple items (allowed), we can only work on one item at a time and may be able to fix up to one item per person.  
• Our volunteers will do their best to repair your item, but some repairs may be too complicated or require resources unavailable at the event. 
• There may be a wait, depending on the number of repairs.

Coats and winter wear in good condition is this event's featured swap item. "Shop" for previously loved clothes and bring some to share with others.

• Find original styles not in stores.
• Extend the lifespan of clothes already in circulation.
• Be environmentally friendly and economical by wearing secondhand items.
• Clothing donation or Repair Cafe participation isn't required to participate in the swap. Please bring your own bag. Master recyclers will be available to answer questions about reuse and waste prevention.

Follow Gresham Free Swaps and Gresham Repair Cafe on Facebook for future events.

For more information, contact us at [email protected]  or 503-618-2525.

Volunteer Opportunity Help restore our habitat. About the Program Metro manages 20,000 acres of parks and natural areas, including 17 parks, 14 historic cemeteries and three boat ramps. By volunteering, you are helping steward these sites for generations to come. Volunteers will learn about native plants, non native plant management, managing for nature in urban spaces, while building community. About the Project Join Metro Parks and Nature at the Glendoveer Nature Trail (use entrance at NE 148th and Halsey) as we tend to a nature patch along the trail, adjacent to the parking lot entrance. Participants will plant native plants and tend to the nature patch near the entrance of the parking lot on 148th and Halsey. All tools and supplies provided, in addition to some light refreshments. For more information, visit: https://www.oregonmetro.gov/events/stewardship-day-glendoveer-2026-11-06 Requirements Age: All ages are welcome; those under 18 must attend with a parent or adult chaperone. Notices Referral Opportunity: This opportunity is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Sign-up using the link above or use the "express interest" button below for our partner to contact you with next steps and confirmation details. Hands On Greater Portland Hours: Your hours may not appear in your Hands On account because this is a partner‑managed opportunity.

Advanced registration is required. Once registered, a Zoom link will be emailed to you the morning of the orientation. This orientation is designed to introduce you to the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to confidently lead a litter cleanup or habitat restoration project. Whether you’re brand new to volunteering or a seasoned leader, this session will prepare you to make your first project with SOLVE a success. 🌍 During the orientation, we’ll walk through: How to navigate the Volunteer Site The stages of event leadership What to expect before, during, and after your event Resources available to support you Next steps to get your project started The final 30 minutes will be reserved for questions, so you can dive deeper into specific topics or get tailored guidance. A member of our Program Team will be your guide throughout, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way! Advanced Registration: Is required. Please sign up (green button below) ahead of time to guarantee your spot. Meeting Location: We will be meeting via Zoom. Please register to receive the meeting link the morning of the orientation. What to Bring: Please wear closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, and bring a backpack for hands-free convenience. Feel free to bring your personal tools if available and a reusable water bottle to support our sustainability efforts. What's Provided: N/A Translation Services: There will not be a Spanish speaker present at this event.

Help your librarian choose the best books, movies, comics, programs and events for you and your friends. Have fun working on special projects, making new friends, and creating the perfect library for you! This is a volunteer position and snacks will be provided. For kids ages 9-12.

Volunteer Opportunity As a tree planting volunteer you will be guided on how to plant trees and make a difference in a few short hours! About the Program Friends of Trees inspires people to improve the world around them through a simple solution: planting trees, together. Since 1989 Friends of Trees has planted 1 Million trees and native shrubs in neighborhoods and natural areas in six counties across two states. We’ve done this by bringing together over 75,000 community members, and while implementing and growing programming that aims to do this work inclusively and equitably. About the Project Join Friends of Trees and Clean Water Services for our final weekend of planting at Jackson Bottom Wetlands this season. We'll be planting plant hundreds of native trees and shrubs in the eastern section of this 635-acre wetland complex before the rainy season comes and the wetlands are submerged in water for the winter! We'll see you there! Please arrive by 8:45am to sign-in and be assigned a planting crew. The planting starts at 9:00am. We provide gloves, tools, and planting guidance, as well as breakfast snacks and coffee/tea/hot chocolate -- all you need to do is show up dressed for the weather wearing sturdy shoes or boots, and be ready to have fun! →Visit the Friends of Trees site to sign up! Project Requirements Requirements Age: Volunteers must be 6+; under 18 must attend with a parent or adult chaperone. We provide gloves, tools, and planting guidance, as well as breakfast snacks and coffee/tea/hot chocolate -- all you need to do is show up dressed for the weather wearing sturdy shoes or boots, and be ready to have fun! Notices Referral Opportunity: This opportunity is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. After you express interest, the partner will contact you with next steps and confirmation details. Hands On Greater Portland Hours: Your hours may not appear in your Hands On account because this is a partner‑managed opportunity.

As young musicians passionate about opera and about their hometown, Emily Nelson and Bethany Schweitzer Goshorn thought, "What better place for an Opera on Tap chapter than our fair city known for its beer, wine and cocktail culture?" Thus Opera on Tap PDX was born - one of 16 nationwide chapters of Opera on Tap. Northwest native Sadie Gregg joined the Managing Diva team in 2016, after singing with the Boston chapter.

Why are we so passionate about opera? Opera speaks to the human condition. It expresses human emotion and relationship in a very unique and profound way. The human voice in all its glory has a visceral effect on us. In a culture focused on instant gratification with short attention spans, opera demands your full attention and rewards you with a wild ride on the emotional roller coaster.

Chances are that people who say they don't like opera have never heard it live! Opera on Tap seeks to change this by bringing the genre back to the people in familiar places: community gathering spaces, restaurants, and bars - much how music was historically enjoyed in Germany pubs. We seek to share, educate and bring simply fabulous music to an audience that might not otherwise be able to enjoy the art form. So grab your friends and your favorite pint, and join us for Opera on Tap!

Opera On Tap Nationwide
Opera on Tap (OOT) was born in 2005 at Freddy's Bar and Backroom in Brooklyn and incorporated in 2007 to promote opera as a viable, living, and progressive art form and to support the developing artists who continue to keep the art form alive. What began as a small monthly gathering of ambitious, classically trained singers looking for more performance opportunities has grown into a producing organization that has gained a loyal audience base and national recognition as an innovative force on the classical music scene. Through its Chapter program, which now has sixteen vibrant national chapters, OOT has created a large network of performers, creators, and supporters.

Advance registration is requested. Ellsworth Springs Native Planting Volunteer RSVP. Join volunteers from the City of Vancouver’s Adopt-A-Park program to care for Ellsworth Springs East Urban Natural Area. We’ll plant over 700 native plants in an area that volunteers cleared from ivy earlier this year! This work improves the health of the forest by reestablishing a diverse mix of over…

Speed Dating Tonight!
Music & Libretto by Michael Ching
Based on a concept by Dean Anthony

Portland State University’s Opera program kicks off its 50th anniversary season with Michael Ching’s “Speed Dating Tonight!” (2013). Set over the course of a single evening at a local bar, this clever, heartwarming opera follows a revolving cast of singles searching for that elusive spark. There's the dreamer, the hopeless romantic, the bashful, the over-sharer, the chronically distracted, and everyone in between, each getting their moment in the spotlight through music that is equal parts tender, heartbreaking, and hilarious.

Written with duets and ensembles for up to 45 voices, “Speed Dating Tonight!” has a flexible modular structure that can be customized to fit any cast size, voice type, or gender identity. PSU Opera’s version of “Speed Dating Tonight!” features 35 song selections and arrangements specifically chosen to reflect the unique assortment of voices in the 12-member cast.

At its heart, this is a show about the universal human longing to be seen and cherished by another person. Woven through the interactions is another question: can a genuine connection actually happen in five minutes or less? With Michael Ching’s delightful opera, the answer is decidedly yes.

Visit the Speed Dating Tonight! web page to learn more about this production, including additional dates, cast and crew information, photos, and more as we get closer to opening night.

Learn more about the Opera program at Portland State University's School of Music & Theater.

Join this monthly community science monitoring program to observe seasonal changes in key culturally and ecologically important plants. You will learn to identify these plants in all life stages and contribute to critical local data! This surveying follows the same plants year-round to monitor climate change impacts and help inform our restoration efforts—directly contributing to supporting adapative restoration to keep the forest happy and healthy.

See the full schedule and sign up through our volunteer system here.

All ages and experience levels are welcome. Volunteer activity includes hiking up to 2 miles down to the creek and back up to the Nature Center.

This project is supported by iNaturalist and Seeding Action!

We're hosting the Portland Anarchist Black Cross for a regular prisoner letter writing event!

Writing letters to political prisoners is a gesture of solidarity to break the social isolation of imprisonment, and to show those trapped in the carceral system that there are people on the outside who support and value them. Prison is a lonely place, but for a brief moment, an incarcerated person can live life outside of prison - even if it's just as long as your letter.

No experience required, just a little of your time to write about whatever comes to your mind.

We'll be hosting this event every first Sunday from 3p to 5p!

‼️As always, events are sober, sensory-friendly, and masks are required. Find our full accessibility statement on our site

✅ Testing highly encouraged prior attending! (You can pick up a test from us for free)

One of the most beloved operas ever composed, La Traviata combines sweeping emotion with some of the most recognizable music in the operatic repertoire. Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece tells the story of Violetta Valéry, a woman determined to live freely and authentically despite the rigid social expectations that surround her. When she falls deeply in love, she is forced to confront the painful realities of class, reputation, sacrifice, and the cost of pursuing happiness on her own terms.

Adapted from Alexandre Dumas fils’ La Dame aux camélias, the opera broke new ground in its portrayal of a contemporary woman whose emotional life is treated with dignity, complexity, and compassion. Verdi’s luminous score captures both the exhilaration of love and the devastating consequences of societal judgment, moving seamlessly from moments of intimacy and joy to heartbreaking tragedy.

More than a romantic drama, La Traviata remains a powerful reflection on personal freedom, vulnerability, and the tension between public expectation and private truth. Its enduring resonance lies in its humanity: the opera asks what it means to truly live according to one’s own values in a world eager to define worth through convention, status, and appearance.

Tools are provided. Work gloves and sturdy footwear recommended. Activities may include: removing invasive plants, mulching native plants, planting native shrubs and trees, and trail maintenance. We provide snacks but recommend you bring a water bottle. Restrooms are on site. Also, we also collect empty pop cans and bottles for the West Linn Food Pantry! Any help is appreciated!! Advanced Registration: Is highly suggested but not required. Please sign up (green button below) ahead of time to guarantee your spot. Meeting Location: Volunteers will be meeting at the main parking lot near the shed. Look for the SOLVE signs. They will direct you to the correct spot. Address: 19900 Willamette Drive, West Linn, OR 97068 | Map Link What to Bring: Please wear closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, and bring a backpack for hands-free convenience. Feel free to bring your personal tools if available and a reusable water bottle to support our sustainability efforts. What's Provided: We will provide work gloves, tools and collection containers. Restrooms: Public restrooms are available at the park. Parking: Parking is available at the park. Transit: Not available nearby Accessibility: This area may not be easily accessible for folks with mobility concerns. Translation Services: There will be a Spanish speaker present at this event. Participant Age Guidelines: All Ages Welcome Groups: If you'd like to register a group, please create a team first. For detailed instructions, revi

October location is Beaverton City Library, Cathy Stanton Conference Room November locations are Beaverton City Library, Cathy Stanton Conference Room Please note: 11/21 project has an earlier start time How can crafting make a difference? You might wonder why all the recent fuss about knitting, crocheting, and sewing. Volunteers from the Hands On craft groups will say they love getting together to socialize with new friends and marvel over the creativity of items made. But those who really benefit from our crafting are the recipients of the handmade treasures. Join in this project and knit, machine sew, or crochet anything baby to be donated to Rose Haven, Virginia Garcia Clinic, Ronald McDonald House, Family Peace Center of Washington County, and Binky Patrol - Beaverton. A handmade item will make a loving impression on a new mom and baby. Another option - make a garment for a toddler/child/youth to be used to help diffuse trauma & negative impacts on the younger set when they have to be admitted to the hospital. Examples of what we make: Booties, bibs, burp cloths car seat blankets, crochet hats, blankets, for Virginia Garcia Clinic and nursing covers for the hospital etc. We make: new, single layer, tied fleece blankets for children and teens for Rose Haven and Ronald McDonald house. In the winter, we sew warm fleece hats and new seasonal crochet or knits to all ages. ​Hospitals are not accepting yarn-based items due to Covid and RSV. We provide newborn and hats to foster parents, midwifery ctrs., pregnancy resource ctrs.,0-5 teen-parent programs, and need based, school clothing closets. Things to note: 1. All volunteers must know how to knit, or *MACHINE* sew, or crochet. This (unfortunately) is not an educational/teaching experience around these skills. The opporunity is group based in that volunteers come with projects in mind and materials on hand. We gather to support each other in completing projects while centering the needs of babies and their parents. 2.Volunteers will be asked to drop off the donations to the Volunter Leaders home (near Providence St. Vincent Medical Center) or make arrangements with the Volunteer Leader for donation drop off of the donated pieces. 3. All completed donation items need to be washed prior to donation. The baby items must be scent free, please wash without a drier sheet. Hospitals do not allow donation that have scents and animal hair. All items must be cleaned for clients before drop off. Thank you! Project Requirements: Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older to attend this project. Any volunteers inviting a youth guest (anyone under 18) must stay with them the entire time. The volunteer must be the youth's parent or legal guardian. Click "Sign Up" below to reserve your spot! Need help signing up? Call 503-200-3355 or email [email protected]