Volunteering opportunities

How to use this content: You can use this template to create a volunteering opportunity for National Volunteer Week. We’ve created the text to be broadly useful for different programs. It’s flexible and adaptable so you can customize it for your program and regional needs.

Host a get together

Gather a small group in your local community together over a meal for a guided conversation.

A strong local network makes life easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re renting an apartment, living in a house or planning to move, having people nearby you can turn to – whether for a friendly chat, a cup of sugar or an emergency – helps you feel more connected to your community.

Yet one in six people worldwide is affected by loneliness (World Health Organization 2025). A third of Americans don’t know any of their neighbors and 45% report not having any interaction with their neighbors (PEW Research, 2025). You can help close this gap. A common form of neighbor support and an impactful way to spark meaningful connection is to gather over a shared meal. But this often does not happen organically. That’s where your volunteering efforts can make a difference in your community.

• Determine the size of your event: Be it a block party or a coffee shop gathering, determine the right number of people for your event.
• Root in community: Choose a shared place or identity to anchor your gathering, such as the same block, building, neighborhood or community of identity.
• Pick a time and place: Choose an accessible location and set a first date.
• Ask others to bring something to share: Meals bring people together in a way few other activities do, creating space to slow down and connect. Be clear about what they should bring or contribute in the invitation. When everyone contributes something – even something simple – it shifts the gathering from being hosted to being shared.
• Extend a simple invite: Invite a small group beyond your usual circle. Keep the ask friendly and low-pressure. Ask others to invite someone else you don’t know.
• Remember: The focus of this gathering is connection; an opportunity to extend beyond your established social groups.

The US Chamber of Connection has put together a complete package to make this volunteering opportunity a success. Find it here.

Rally around common interests

Shared interests are one of the most enduring ways people come together to build social connections.

In the Six Points of Connection, this is called Communities of Play, an idea that describes how people come together over shared passions like sports, fitness, art or hobbies. These everyday activities can spark new relationships and meaningful moments, but they rarely take shape on their own. With only 30% of U.S. adults regularly taking part in them, there’s a clear opportunity for volunteering. (Six Points of Connection Report, 2026)

• Start with what you enjoy (or want to try): Choose an activity you already love or an interest you want to get started with. Keep it simple, open, and welcoming rather than trying to build something complex.
• Broaden your invite: Welcome people beyond existing friendships or relationships. Invite a few people, then ask them to invite 2-3 others you don’t already know.
• Lead with intentional connection: Design the gathering to help people connect, not just show up. Plan for simple moments like tone/intention setting, introductions and reflection prompts help turn participation into relationships.
• Be interest-driven and play-forward: Center the gathering around a shared activity people enjoy. Sharing common interests lowers barriers for connection and makes it feel natural and easy.
• Keep it accessible: Make it easy for anyone to join. Aim for low cost, simple and clear logistics and a welcoming environment for newcomers.

The US Chamber of Connection has put together a complete package to make this volunteering opportunity a success. Find it here.

Connecting generations visit

Spend meaningful time with someone from a different generation in your neighborhood or community.

Linking transforms differences into common ground. And in time, these bridges can evolve into bonds. A fragile connection across divides, if nurtured with consistency,

positivity, and vulnerability, can become the foundation of trust and loyalty. Connecting across age and life stage builds empathy, trust and understanding, and helps counter the isolation and age-based silos that shape modern life.

Yet these connections often do not happen naturally. People tend to socialize within their own age groups, and opportunities to connect across generations are limited.

Only four in ten adults (37%) have a close friend who is at least 15 years older or younger than they are. Intentional intergenerational visits help close this gap by creating space for listening, learning, and mutual respect.

Do: Show up with curiosity and respect. Listening matters more than having the right words.

Don’t: Worry about saying the perfect thing or filling every silence.

Try: Simple conversation starters like favorite memories, hobbies, or daily routines.

Remember: Your presence and attention matter more than perfection.

From community centers, to senior housing, to informal neighborhood connections, you have many options for how to get started. Choose what is most approachable for you. This can include:

• Starting close to home: Reach out to neighbors across generations on your block, in your building, or in your immediate community.
• Tap into existing relationships: Ask someone you already are acquainted with from a different generation if they would be open to getting together for a conversation. For example: someone you play a sport with, share hellos with at the neighborhood coffee shop, or see regularly on the bus.
• Connect through a community space: Partner with a local senior center, community center, library, or faith-based organization or school or youth organization that already brings people together across age groups.
• Join a structured intergenerational program: Look for local programs or organizations that facilitate intergenerational visits or activities and welcome volunteers. This can be community centers, youth sports teams, or community organizations in your area.
• Build around a shared activity: Start with something simple you can do together, such as walking, crafts, reading, cooking, games, or storytelling.
• Keep it simple and personal: Begin with one visit or conversation. One meaningful connection counts.

The US Chamber of Connection has put together a complete package to make this volunteering opportunity a success. Find it here.

Validated nonprofit recommendations

Screening and selecting nonprofits takes a lot of careful work. And we do it for you.

Benevity’s teams research, evaluate and recommend nonprofits based on:

• Up-to-date regulatory information and program eligibility
• Self-certification declarations
• Completed automated clearing house payments/electronic funds transfer details
• Rigorous vetting against multiple watchlists (adverse media, politically exposed persons)
• Regular follow-up to ensure causes remain in good standing 

Benevity gives your people access to nearly 2 million validated nonprofits globally.

For National Volunteer Week, consider supporting:

• US Chamber of Connection
  Seattle, WA
  Charity ID: 840-331431780‍
• Point of Light Foundation
  Atlanta, GACharity ID: 840-650206641

News article

How to use this content: This template is designed to help you create a news article, a summary post linking to a volunteer or giving opportunity, to promote National Volunteer Week. Feel free to customize it to fit your program’s goals and setup. We suggest you link your giving opportunity within this template to help drive engagement.

Gather a small group together over a meal

A strong local network makes life easier and more enjoyable. Having people nearby you can turn to – whether for a friendly chat, a cup of sugar or an emergency – helps you feel more connected to your community. A common form of neighbor support and an impactful way to spark meaningful connection is to gather over a shared meal.

[Link to volunteer opportunity]

Build social connections over shared interests

People come together over shared passions like sports, fitness, art or hobbies. These everyday activities can spark new relationships and meaningful moments, but they rarely take shape on their own. With only 30% of U.S. adults regularly taking part in them, there’s a clear opportunity for volunteering. 

[Link to volunteer opportunity]

Spend meaningful time with someone from a different generation

Linking transforms differences into common ground. And in time, these bridges can evolve into bonds. Connecting across age and life stage builds empathy, trust, and understanding and helps counter the isolation and age-based silos that shape modern life. Intentional intergenerational visits help close this gap by creating space for listening, learning, and mutual respect.

[Link to volunteer opportunity]