The Philly community is bursting with opportunities from welcoming organizations and non-profits, whether you are interested in the arts, social issues, the environment or children and animals, we’ve got the line up for you to make a difference this summer!

4 Ways, 10 Places to make a difference in Philly

1.) Social Issues: Getting Active, Not just Online

The Attic Youth Center- Gayborhood of South Philadelphia

If you are feeling inspired by Caitlyn Jenner and her leap of faith, here is your chance to make a difference for struggling LGBTQ teens in Philly. If you are 25+ and have a passion for empowering the LGBTQ community, fill out your app today.

Back on My Feet “Run With Us”- Central and North Philadelphia

“Back on my feet” is giving getting active a new meaning; volunteers in the “Run With Us” program join a CORE team and run with residential homeless individuals 3 days a week. If you don’t have the ability to make a serious time commitment to the weekly running program, you can still donate your used shoes to their shoebox recycling program.

The Ahimsa House- West Philadelphia

The Ahimsa House maintains a safe space for emotional and physical rehabilitation for all in Philadelphia. This retreat abides by a “pay what you can” policy in order to ensure that no one is turned down which promotes a welcoming and healthy community. If you feel that you have what it takes to provide a yoga class, or spiritual and mental health workshop send in your application today.

2.) The Arts: Scrap your weekend plans  

The Painted Bride – Old City

For blossoming artists, volunteering at the Painted Bride is more than a way to help the community; benefit from free shows, meeting internationally renowned artists, and gaining knowledge from working in arts administration. If you are itching to get involved in the Philly art scene send in your app today.

Arts Sanctuary –North Philadelphia

It has been a powerful year with the #blacklivesmatter campaign influencing social action on a global scale. If you feel that an online presence isn’t enough, volunteering at the Arts Sanctuary is a way to promote diversity on all levels in the Philly community. Send in your application today and get involved in using black art and culture to empower underfunded neighborhoods of North Philadelphia.

Fringe Arts – Pennsport 

If you are a Fringe Arts freak and can’t get enough of what some call, “the best international festival in the country,” this volunteer opportunity is tailored to you. Join over 200 volunteers in ushering performances, selling tickets, and serving audiences from all over the U.S.

3.) The Environment: GPB Star

Bartham’s Garden – Southwest Philadelphia

Need an excuse to get outside this summer? Volunteering at Bartham’s Garden is not only a great way to learn from seasoned gardening experts, but to really dig in and know you are contributing to maintaining something beautiful. With your time commitment as a volunteer, you also receive membership perks and access to events.

United By Blue- 21 U.S. States

United By Blue, one of our fav clothing essentials sites, is asking for all hands on deck this summer with their cleanup program.

United Blue faithfully “removes one pound of trash from our world’s oceans and waterways for every product sold.”

So if you don’t have the time to spare this summer, dropping some cash on their dope camp furniture or clothes is directly benefiting the health or our world’s waterways. Check out the Cleanup Schedule to see when the next one is being held in your community.

Power Corps PHL- Philly Wide

Power Corps PHL is an Americorps program initated by Mayor Corbett to combat violence in the Philadelphia community through environmental action. If you are ready for more of a long-term commitment to the Philly community apply by July 3^rd and join a devoted team ASAP.

4.) Children and Animals: Paws and Messes Welcome

Morris Animal Rescue Refuge – South Philadelphia

If you are tired of that sinking feeling you get upon watching heartbreaking animal rescue commercials and not being able to do anything from your couch, this may be the perfect opportunity for you. Stationed around the corner from the most lively part of South Street, Morris Animal Rescue Refuge is the perfect place to interact with furry friends, and contribute to their placement in healthy happy homes. 

Words on Wheels Biker from Treehouse Books – Northwest Philly

If you have your bike, helmet and lock at the ready than you have the opportunity to change young lives through literacy. Treehouse Book has a goal is to deliver 3,000 books in 4 weeks to promote literacy, healthy lifestyles, and education readiness in North Philadelphia. To get on your wheels and go, contact Lauren Macaluso Popp.

AUNI (Agaston Urban Nutrition Initiative) – West Philadelphia

If you are less than satisfied with the school lunches you were provided with as a kid, AUNI is ready to remedy your bad memories with the School Food Education Program. Staff members work at 20 different schools in the Philadelphia area to promote a healthy school environment by introducing fresh locally grown foods. Fill out an individual or group volunteer application today.

Have you volunteered yet this summer? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

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Julia Davis is finishing her second year at Temple University. She has a great love for many art forms including dance, creative writing and visual arts. As a Pittsburgh-native, she has developed a great love for repurposing used or abandoned materials and making art out of them, but most of all loves a good snuggle with her dog Fig. View all posts by Julia Davis