Volunteering
- BrooklineCAN committees
- Community Volunteer Opportunities
- Volunteer Survey Highlights
- Volunteer Survey Details (pdf)
Volunteering – BrooklineCAN
Steering Committee
Co-chairs:, Director, Brookline Senior Center, 617-730-2756
, 617-734-7820
The Steering Committee will establish policies and procedures for
Steering Committee Members
Name & email | Phone | Comment | End date |
---|---|---|---|
Officers | |||
Ruthann Dobek | 617-730-2756 | Co-Chair | COA Director |
Ruth Kertzer Seidman | 617-734-7820 | Co-Chair | 6/30/2026 | Matt Weiss | 617-739-2940 | Clerk | 6/30/2026 |
John Seay | 617-734-9349 | Treasurer | 6/30/2026 |
Committee Chairs | |||
Susan Granoff | 617-731-0822 | Livable Community Advocacy Committee | |
Yolanda M. Rodriguez | 617-232-1943 | Council on Aging | |
At Large | |||
Janet Gelbart | At Large | 6/30/2025 | |
Bea Mikulecky | At Large | 6/30/2025 | |
David Trevvett | 617-860-6289 | At large | 6/30/2025 |
Sonia Wong | 617-730-2774 | At Large | 6/30/2025 |
At Large | 6/30/2025 | ||
At-large | 6/30/2026 | ||
At Large | 6/30/2026 | ||
At Large | 6/30/2026 |
Communications Committee
Chair:
, 617-680-0583
Media Relations:
Bea Mikulecky
Webmaster:
Social Media:
This Committee keeps the community informed of
Education Committee
Chair: , 617-730-2756
The Education Committee responds to members' interests and needs by providing a variety of informational programs and forums. Topics range from alternative health and embracing your sexuality to housing, transportation, and legal issues. Events and forums have also included movie screenings, panel discussion and a health expo. New members are welcome to join us in brainstorming and developing programs to meet the needs of our diverse membership. All members are encouraged to suggest potential speakers and topics.
Livable Community Advocacy Committee
Chair: , 617-731-0822
While Brookline offers a great deal to its older residents, we want our town to be an even better place to live. This committee calls attention to what Brookline offers and advocates for improvements, including expanded housing for seniors, expanded property tax exemptions for seniors, improvements in specialized transportation for those with disabilities, safer sidewalks, and improved amenities for pedestrians. The committee has created three internet guides about Brookline features of interest to seniors and others: rental and condominium buildings with elevators, restrooms available to the public, and businesses with automatic door openers. The committee also deploys a team that monitors sidewalk conditions in commercial areas after snow storms. The committee provides additional opportunities through Brookline’s Age-Friendly City program, collaboration between
Membership Committee
Because
Volunteering around Brookline
Brookline Senior Center
The Brookline Council on Aging and the Brookline Senior Center are happy to enlist new volunteers who can share their talents and program ideas.
November Spotlighted Volunteer Opportunities: This month�s spotlighted opportunities include: Food Commodity program on 3rd Wednesday of each month � Russian & Chinese interpreters morning and afternoon shifts and people able to help with phone calls and/or lifting 30-35 lbs. in the morning; 1-on-1 assistance for seniors with their Smartphones and other technology; as well as volunteers for morning (able to lift 30 lbs) and afternoon set-up, shopping assistance and Russian interpreters for Tuesday afternoons (1-4) in the Food Pantry,
For additional information click here.
If you would like to apply for these or other volunteer opportunities at the Brookline Senior Center, please call Patricia, the Volunteer Coordinator at 617-730-2743 or
to make an appointment to talk about things you like to do, your skills and potential volunteer opportunities.
FriendshipWorks
FriendshipWorks has opportunities to visit and assist older adults, with flexible scheduling and no prior experience necessary. Our mission is to reduce social isolation and enhance the quality of life of older adults. To volunteer, please fill out an application on our website.
Friendly Visiting: Friendly Visitors are matched with an older adult and develop a one-on-one relationship. They visit once a week to drink coffee or tea, share stories, go for walks or do errands together or assist with small tasks. Visits can be scheduled based on your and the older adult's schedule.
Medical Escorts: Offer comfort, reassurance, and mobility/navigation assistance to elders by accompanying them from their home to their appointment and back. Weekday availability is required and usually, a 3-4 hour block of time is needed for door-to-door medical escorts. Volunteers with and without cars are welcome.
Friendly Helpers: Provide short-term assistance with a specific task or errand. Activities might include: helping with organization, reading mail, or picking up library books. Volunteers should expect to spend 1-3 hours per task, and commit to 3 "helps" during a 6-month period. Scheduling can usually be based on the volunteer's schedule.
PetPals: Together with your friendly and well-behaved pet, visit older adults living in long-term care facilities. Volunteers make weekly or bi-weekly visits based on their schedules. Please see our Volunteer applications page for additional requirements.
Practice Buddies: Adults over the age of 60 are a source of encouragement and inspiration to young students from the City Strings organization in Boston as they practice their musical skills! We ask for a commitment of 15-30 minutes a week, for a remote call or virtual meeting.
To get started, please fill out a volunteer application on our website, or call (617) 482-1510 x147.
Steps to Success
At Steps to Success, Inc., we promote equity for Brookline�s students from low-income families by expanding their horizons, building upon their skills, and supporting their educational journey in order to maximize their life choices.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Committees:
- Development/Gala Committee
- Finance/Audit Committee
- Nominating/Governance Committee
- Program Evaluation/Outcomes Committee
- Board Member
- Direct Service
- Enrichment Classes
- Workshops
- Mentoring
- Office Support
- One-time Volunteer Opportunities
- Stepping Back to School (August)
- KIDS Camp Fair (January)
- Recognition Ceremony (June)
Brookline Medical Reserve Corps
The Brookline Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), with more than 200 members, is looking for new volunteers, both medical and nonmedical. The Brookline Medical Reserve Corps MRC is part of the National MRC program that was founded by the federal government shortly after 9/11. The Brookline MRC members are trained and prepared to respond to emergencies and provide education, outreach and various health services throughout the year. The purpose of the MRC is to provide emergency disaster preparedness as well as assist with public health programs such as vaccination clinics. Throughout the year, members choose from a variety of short, interesting trainings. To date, members have assisted with evacuees at Camp Edwards following Hurricane Katrina; help stations in bad weather at the Boston Marathon; ice storm shelters; a water emergency; townwide CPR training; and preparation for Hurricane Irene.
Two years ago the Brookline MRC ran an area-wide flu clinic, which doubled as a disaster drill, at Brookline High School, where more than 2400 people were immunized in three hours. The event was carried out smoothly because of the large number of volunteers helping to register and guide people as well as those actually giving the immunizations.
To register interest, please leave your name and number any time for Dawn Sibor, Brookline's Public Health Emergency coordinator, on 617-730- 2656 . Also, visit www.brooklinemrc.org.
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
Frederick Law Olmsted is recognized as the founder of American landscape architecture and the nation's foremost parkmaker. His home and office are located in Brookline.
There are currently part-time volunteer opportunities within the Education Division ranging from eight to twenty hours per week. These positions support the launch of Good Neighbors: Landscape Design & Community Building ' an active, place-based education program that fosters appreciation of the physical, social, and psychological value of public parks in young children when they are first forming the foundational values that will influence their thinking and decision-making for years to come.
Good Neighbors takes place at Fairsted ' the historic Brookline home and office of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted ' and uses the restored landscape, historic design office, archival collection, and rehabilitated model shop to explore the history, art, science, and civics of landscape design and park stewardship. Participating 3rd graders learn why parks are important for people, and begin to imagine their own role in the care and stewardship of these special landscapes. Each candidate selected will work with the volunteer coordinator to design a position that suits his/her needs and interests and assists the Education Division with one or more of the following:
- Program Facilitation: work with diverse urban third-graders in assisting leading program elements on site and in classroom.
- Curriculum Development: help research, design, and implement the final components to the Good Neighbor's curriculum.
- Historical Research: conduct primary source research for use in both curriculum development and program marketing.
- Communications/Marketing: develop and expand Good Neighbor's partnerships with local and nation schools, parks, and landscape architecture firms.
- Administration: keep Good Neighbor's running smoothly by organizing and restoring program materials and managing documentation.
Contact: Adrienne Sharigian, 617-566-1689, x207
Help Preschoolers Build Skills
Community Corps, a Jumpstart program, engages adults over the age of 55 in community service at preschools located in Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, South Boston and Mattapan. In this position volunteers have the opportunity to help young children build skills that are crucial to school success. Community Corps members volunteer eight hours a week (six hours in a local preschool center and two hours preparing outside of the classroom). A travel reimbursement of $50 every two weeks is provided. Community Corps is currently recruiting for the 2011-2012 school year. Volunteers are trained in October and start working in the preschools in November. , or call her at 857-413-4610.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site
Description
John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site is looking for individual and group volunteers to help the park in areas that include visitor services, special event operations, and historical research. Position titles include Volunteer Park Ranger, Special Event Volunteer, Library Assistant, Computer Assistant, and Administrative Aide. We welcome proposals to create brand new positions or tailor current volunteer positions to meet the particular needs of the individuals. Businesses are also encouraged to allow its workers to assist the park with special projects that often generate dramatic results and favorable local attention. Non-profit community organizations and youth groups can also help the park considerably on beautification and conservation projects.
Activities
ComputersResearch Library
Historical Preservation
Office/Clerical
Tour Guide/Interpretation
Visitor Information
General Assistance
Contact
Jim Roberts83 Beals Street
Brookline, MA 02446
617-566-7937 ext.10
http://www.nps.gov/jofi/supportyourpark/index.htm
Larz Anderson Auto Museum
Docents Wanted!
The Larz Anderson Auto Museum has been an integral part of the Brookline and greater Boston communities through a variety of cultural and educational programs, exhibits, and lectures. We are now excited to invite the community to be a part of Larz Anderson and our future endeavors through our �Racemaker� Docent Program.
By becoming a docent you will have the opportunity to engage with patrons and the community at large through interpretation of the museum, be part of one of our many one of kind events and aid the museum in our ongoing goal of education and outreach.
Program begins mid May, training begins the end of April.
Please Send Your Resume and Letter of Interest to the Museum:
Education Department
Larz Anderson Auto Museum
15 Newton St.
Brookline, MA 02445
Phone: 617-522-6547
Fax: 617-524-0170
SOAR
Apply now! Interviewing for SOAR 55 Nonprofit Management Consultant Spring Training. Training begins in March.
SOAR 55 is currently accepting applications from former and current (part-time) executives/professionals with consulting expertise (marketing/development experience a plus) whose purpose is to provide management and capacity building assistance to nonprofits through the award winning SOAR 55 Nonprofit Management Consulting Group program, generously funded through the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. The group works in teams of 3 on assignments lasting 6-9 months and requires approximately 25 hours a month when on assignment. Qualified candidates will be interviewed and those selected will participate in a comprehensive 55-hour training program over a 10-week period beginning in March. Ongoing support is provided while on assignment.
This is an opportunity to join a group of executive leaders who enjoy working as part of a team and are excited by bringing ideas to solving organizational problems. Use your skills, connect with others in purposeful endeavor and make a difference in your community
or call her at 617-969-5906, ext. 356. Please visit us at www.ncscweb.org/programs/soar55.
SOAR 55 is a volunteer organization for people aged 55 and over who would like to share their professional and experience-based skills with local public and nonprofit organizations who need help. We offer a unique personalized and thoughtful approach to matching each individual with a rewarding and satisfying volunteer opportunity. SOAR 55 has over 300 volunteers serving at 80 sites in assignments that range from tutoring children to leadership roles in organizations to management consulting.
Mission
SOAR 55 is a program of Newton Community Service Center and part of a national network of volunteer agencies that mobilizes adults 55 and over to contribute their skills and experience in meaningful service activities to help strengthen and expand the capacity of local community service organizations in Newton and MetroWest.
Support Disclaimer: Inclusion of services on this website does not represent a recommendation from the Brookline Council on Aging, the Brookline Senior Center, or the Brookline Community Aging Network.
Disclaimer: Inclusion of services through this program does not represent a recommendation or guarantee of work performance from the Brookline Council on Aging, the Brookline Senior Center, or the Brookline Community Aging Network. The user of this program therefore agrees to release the above named from any and all liability. The user should make whatever investigation or other resources that they deem necessary or appropriate before hiring or engaging Service Providers.