In order for your group to determine which type of service would be most rewarding, the following questions help guide you and your group through your discussion.

Why is your group interested in getting involved in community service?
· Think about whether service is part of the group's mission or just one of the ways you can work together as a group. Talk about group activities that have been successful in the past.
· Brainstorm how those activities tie into a service project. For example, if your group is a choral ensemble and has put on a number of performances, consider visiting a local family emergency shelter and giving a concert.

How many members of your group are interested in getting involved?
· Get a feel for whether a service project is likely to involve the majority of the group members or just a few. This will be important information when it comes to making a decision about what type of volunteer project is feasible. For example, if only five members of the group want to get involved, you may not want to plan a major fundraiser.

Do you want to do a one-time project with an agency or make a more long-term commitment?
· Clarify what type of commitment your group can make. For example, if your group decides they can only commit to a one-time event, don't plan an activity, like tutoring, that requires training and an on-going commitment. Agencies often have a mixture of needs that suit both on-going and one-time volunteers. Contact agencies directly to see what might be needed.

Whom do you want to serve? What issues are important to your group?
· Here it can be helpful to consider the purpose of your group. If you are members of a class, you can participate in a service activity related to issues you have studied. For example, an economics seminar that is examining the social welfare system can volunteer in a local homeless shelter. A botany class can participate in stream walks to document the effects of pollution on foliage.
· If your organization is involved in recreation or sports, consider holding a free clinic in skills for local school children or sponsoring an outing. The options are only limited by your imagination and creativity.

What type of community service do you want to do?
· There are three main types of service: direct, non-direct (behind the scenes), and indirect (on behalf of). Direct service involves working one-on-one with individuals, such as tutoring children, teaching English as a second language, or leading a sing-a-long for nursing home residents.
· Working behind the scenes (non-direct service) includes service such as painting a day care center or preparing food for people who are living with AIDS and are unable to cook for themselves.

· When working on behalf of an agency (indirect service) or issue you are concerned about, you may hold a fundraiser or participate in a letter writing campaign.
· Think about the group's needs when considering the intensity level of the experience. For groups with minimal experience with community service, behind-the-scenes work at an agency or work on behalf of individuals or an issue of concern may be the most comfortable way to begin.

• Where should you go to get information about planning a community service project?
  The Office of Community Service-Learning has multiple resources to help you plan an excellent service experience for your group. Visit the office (1120 Stamp Student Union) and the website (www.csl.umd.edu) and check out the following:
  · Issue and Activity Handouts (over 15 to choose from!)
• 
  · Population Handouts (over 10 to choose from!)
  
• · Quality Service and General Information Handouts
  
• · Majors Handouts (over 10 to choose from!)
  
• · Community Service-Learning Web site: http://www.csl.umd.edu View multiple resources and search an on-line database of over 850 agencies in the greater Metro area.
  
• · UMServes, weekly email: To subscribe send a message to listserv@listserv.umd.edu. In message write: subUMSERVES Your Name. Delete any signature from your message.

What is a good planning timeline for a high quality service experience? Refer to the PARE handout for further information!

1. At least six weeks prior to your desired service date…
   · Determine the issues, populations, and locations that are of interest to the group
   · Determine time investment of the group (on-going, one time, how many hours)
   · Consult the Office of Community Service-Learning (web site or in-person)
   · Gather information about potential agencies and issues
   · Make preliminary phone calls to agencies; discuss service activities and potential dates
2. At least four weeks prior to your desired service date…
   · Solidify with the host agency the service location, date, time and activity
   · Inform your group of the details (including health, safety and transportation)
   · Begin to think about preparation activities
   · Solidify transportation
3. At least two weeks prior to your service date…
   · Remind participants of the service activity
   · Provide written information about the agency or issue
4. The week prior to your service date…
   · Remind participants of your commitment to the agency or activity
   · Discuss the agency and issue; draw connections to other coursework
   · Facilitate a preparation activity
5. After your service…
   · Reflect and evaluate with your group
   · Thank host agency
   · Throughout the remainder of the semester continue to draw connections and learning from the service experience
   

ANACOSTIA WATERSHED SOCIETY
4302 Baltimore Avenue
Bladensburg, Maryland 20710
(301) 699-6204
http://www.anacostiaws.org
Contact: Jim Connolly, jim@anacostiaws.org
One vision of the Anacostia Watershed Society is to make the Anacostia River and its tributaries swimmable and fishable. To do this individuals and groups are needed to assist in planting and river clean-ups, to persuade local governments to change their priorities to save the environment, and to pressure polluters to clean up their act. Small and large groups can help with tree plantings, protests, river clean-ups, and storm drain stenciling. Can accommodate approximately 15-100 volunteers.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS
THE NATIONAL CAPITAL AREA OF CENTRAL MARYLAND
10210 Greenbelt Rd. Suite 900 3600 Clipper Mill Rd Suite 250
Lanham, MD 20706 Baltimore, MD 21211
(301) 794-9170 ext. 30 (410) 243-4000
Contact: Kedrick Griffin, kgriffin@bbbsnca.org Wendy Bohdel, wbohdel@biglittle.org
Provides professionally supported, dynamic, one-to-one mentoring relationships uniting single parent children with caring and committed adult volunteers. This program is a leader in youth development in the national capital area. They prefer groups and individuals that will make an on-going commitment.

CALVARY WOMEN’S SERVICES
928 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 783-6651
www.calvaryservices.org
Contact: Allison Harvey, cwsvolcoord@aol.com
Calvary Women’s Shelter is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization providing emergency overnight shelter and supportive services to homeless women in DC. Since 1983, Calvary has worked toward its mission to offer a safe and caring place, support, hope, and change for tomorrow. Opportunities include serving dinner, volunteering professional services, etc. Calvary is accessible by the Metro (Redline/Chinatown Station). Can accommodate approximately 1-4 volunteers.

CAPITAL AREA FOOD BANK
645 Taylor Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017
(202) 526-5344 ext. 286
http://www.capitalareafoodbank.org
Contact: Chris Leal, lealc@cfoodbank.org
This organization collects donated food from local wholesalers and brokerage houses that is suitable for consumption but cannot be sold in stores. After the food is collected, it is sorted and distributed to shelters, low-income day care centers, soup kitchens, and emergency food programs. Groups are always needed to sort through donated food or coordinate a food drive and donate food on their own. If your group is a large one, the food bank is a great place to volunteer because it can accommodate up to 50 volunteers at one time. Can accommodate approximately 50 volunteers.

CARING PROJECT
UM Memorial Chapel, Room 2103
College Park, MD 20742
(301) 405-8448
http://www.wam.umd.edu/~lutheran
Contact: Reverend Elizabeth Platz, lutheran@umd.edu
The Caring Project works with at-risk children in the communities surrounding the university. Groups of volunteers are needed to help out in a variety of ways, such as a weekly Friday program from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in which children are brought to UM for tutoring and mentoring. Groups can also hold creative fundraisers; have drives to collect children's clothing, books, school supplies, health care products, and learning toys; plan an event for the children; invite the children to an already scheduled campus event, such as a basketball game, fair, or recreational activity; and much more. The Caring Project is a popular site with UM students. Be sure to call Pastor Platz well in advance with several possible dates in mind for your project. Can accommodate approximately 6 volunteers or more depending on the project.

CHILDREN'S NATIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
111 Michigan Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 884-2062
http://www.dcchildrens.com
Contact: erowe@chmc.org
Volunteers provide age-appropriate play and recreational activities to the children to limit the extent of trauma caused by hospitalization. Other volunteer opportunities include office and research support, as well as interpreting. Can accommodate approximately 5-15 volunteers.

REBUILDING TOGETHER (FORMERLY CHRISTMAS IN APRIL)
Prince George’s County Washington, DC Montgomery County
7915 Malcolm Road, Suite 102 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW 1121 River Road, 2nd Floor
Clinton, MD 20735 Washington, DC 20016 Potomac, MD 20854
(301) 868-0937 (202) 362-1611 (301) 933-2700
http://www.christmasinaprilpg. http://www.rebuilding http://www.rebuilding
org togetherdc.org togethermc.org
Contact: Mary Kucharski Contact: Janice Stango, Contact: Susan Hawfield,
CinAPG@aol.com cinadc@aol.com info@rebuildingtogethermc.org
Christmas in April is an annual event held the last Saturday of each April. On this day, volunteers across the country join together in a massive clean-up campaign. Homes of elderly and disabled residents are cleaned, painted, landscaped, and repaired by volunteers. All labor and materials are donated. Groups of volunteers are assigned a house to work on, and projects can range from planting flowers to repairing fences. You must confirm your group's spot by March 1 in order to participate and be assigned a house in a convenient location. Can accommodate approximately 5-10 volunteers.

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES - TREE-MENDOUS MARYLAND
Tawes State Office Building E-1
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 260-8510
Contact: Terry Galloway, tgalloway@dnr.state.md.us
A forest service program helping Marylanders plant and care for trees and shrubs on public land (site is determined with the group). Groups usually assist with tree plantings. Can accommodate approximately 1-15 volunteers or more.

D.C. CENTRAL KITCHEN
425 2nd Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 234-0707
http://www.dccentralkitchen.org
Contact: Elizabeth Fish, efish@dccentralkitchen.org
D.C. Central Kitchen prepares and distributes over 3,000 meals per day primarily to people in homeless shelters, elderly care programs, and children’s centers. The organization also trains homeless men and women for employment in the food service industry. D.C. Central Kitchen can accommodate up to 20 people, but it is necessary to schedule well in advance. Groups help with meal preparation Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Volunteers also assist in serving meals at three area shelters Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Volunteers can also ride in a customized mobile kitchen that is able to accommodate a maximum of 3 volunteers. Contact the volunteer coordinator for more information on transportation, volunteer guidelines, and other services provided by D.C. Central Kitchen. Can accommodate approximately 5-10 volunteers.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION (ECO)
Stamp Student Union Box #40
College Park, MD 20742
(301) 405-0927
Contact: Bridget Bystry, bcbystry@wam.umd.edu
http://www.inform.umd.edu/ECO
The ECO Recycling Center serves as the campus-recycling center and supports a number of environmental efforts on campus. ECO is a great place for your group to volunteer if you are concerned about the environment, like hands-on work, and prefer to do service on campus. ECO needs groups to help with sorting recyclables in the ECO recycling yard on Paint Branch Drive between lots 4, 11 and 7. Come dressed in work clothes. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Can accommodate approximately 3-10 volunteers.

FOOD & FRIENDS
219 Riggs Rd, NE
Washington, DC 20011
(202) 488-8278
http://www.foodandfriends.org
Contact: Regan Davis, volunteerinfo@foodandfriends.org
Food & Friends provides free nourishing meals to homebound people with HIV/AIDS. Most people involved in this program are too ill or impoverished to provide food for themselves. The agency has several delivery routes, varying in length. Meals can be picked up at one of twelve drop-off sites in Virginia, Maryland, and DC. Groups are needed to help with delivery and small groups can help in the kitchen. Deliveries require a car. Groups that are interested in an on-going service opportunity are needed to help with deliveries in Prince George's County (meals can be picked up at a local church). The main office is accessible by Metro (Navy Yard station, South Capital St. exit) as are most drop-off sites. Be sure to contact them well in advance to schedule an orientation session and arrange for your day of service. Can accommodate approximately 10 volunteers in their kitchen and more to drive.

GARDEN HARVEST, INC.
14045 Mantua Mill Rd.
Glyndon, MD 21071
(410) 526-0698
http://www.gardenharvest.org
Contact: Clara Larsen, garharvest@aol.com
Garden Harvest, Inc., located near Baltimore, is a non-profit organic farm. Their mission is to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition for our disadvantaged citizens. Garden Harvest grows and distributes tons of top quality, fresh organic vegetables, and fruit to soup kitchens, shelters, and emergency food pantries that feed individuals in need. This organization also trains individuals in organic farming methods and nutrition, so they can grow food themselves. Volunteers are needed for field work, marketing, and fundraising. Can accommodate approximately 1-150 volunteers.

GOODWILL OF GREATER WASHINGTON
2200 South Dakota Ave, NE
Washington, DC 20018
http://www.dcgoodwill.org
Contact: Nelissa Okamoto, NelissaO@dcgoodwill.org, (202) 715-2625

Goodwill of Greater Washington's mission is to educate, train, employ and place people with disadvantages and disabilities, creating a stronger workforce and a more vital community while building dignity for the people we serve through the removal of barriers to personal success. Goodwill provides job training, education and employment services for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment living in the DC metro area. They also strive to help individuals learn job skills, find meaningful employment and gain independence. Can accommodate approximately 1-200 volunteers.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
University of Maryland, College Park Washington, DC
Box 13, Stamp Student Union P.O. BOX 43565
College Park, MD 20742 Washington, DC 20010
http://www.studentorg.umd.edu/hfh (202) 882-4600
Contact: Gwynneth Anderson, http://www.dchabitat.org
starryillusion@yahoo.com Contact: Adam Arends
Adam.arends@dchabitat.org
If your group is good with their hands then Habitat for Humanity is for you! Through Habitat, low-income families work side-by-side with volunteers to build homes. These homes are then sold to those families at no interest of profit. Mortgages go into a fund to build more homes. All volunteers, skilled or unskilled, can help with construction, administration, or fundraising. If your group would like to participate with the University of Maryland student organization, you will need to contact them as early as possible. Can accommodate approximately 5-20 volunteers.

HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION (HOC)
Montgomery County (Various Locations)
(301) 929-6700
http://www.hocweb.org
This organization will work with groups to design special activities for children residing at HOC properties. Activities could include arts and crafts day, a children's fair, a party, etc. Performing arts especially welcome - dancers, musicians, choral groups, drama groups, etc. The Housing Opportunities Commission provides affordable housing opportunities to low-income and moderate income individuals and families. The agency provides direct services to residents of low-income housing programs to assist them in achieving high levels of economic self-sufficiency. Can accommodate approximately 5-20 volunteers.

KIDS ENJOY EXERCISE NOW (K.E.E.N.)
PO Box 341590
Bethesda, MD 20827
(301) 770-3200
http://www.keenusa.org
Contact: Beata Okulska, bokulska@earthlink.net or info@keen.org
If your group loves sports and kids, then KEEN is right for you. KEEN provides one on one recreational opportunities to children and youth with physical and mental disabilities. Each child gets a volunteer coach. One volunteer site is at Tilden Middle School in Rockville. Recreational activities include soccer, tennis, track and field, basketball, aerobics, and adaptive activities. Sports sessions are offered on Sunday afternoons and swimming sessions are offered on Saturday mornings. Please note that new volunteers must attend an orientation on the day of volunteering. Volunteers should call well in advance to schedule a volunteer time before attending a K.E.E.N. session. Can accommodate approximately 5-20 volunteers.

LOAVES & FISHES
1525 Newton Street, NW
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 232-0900
Contact: Hazel Cummings, staff@saintstephensdc.org
Loaves & Fishes provides free, hot meals at noon every Saturday, Sunday, and on federal holidays in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. This is important because most food programs only serve on the weekdays. Meals are served in the dining room of St. Stephen and the Incarnation Episcopal Church. Volunteers are needed to cook and serve food. Can accommodate approximately 12.

MARTHA’S TABLE
2114 14th Street
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 328-6608
http://www.marthastable.org
Contact: inq@marthastable.org
Provides low-income children and teens with nutritious meals, supervised learning, and educational literacy activities. McKenna's Wagon, a 7 daily mobile soup kitchen, feeds the hungry and homeless at 9 locations in D.C. Volunteers have the opportunity to be involved in all of these programs. Martha's Table also accepts donations of sandwiches and other items. Can accommodate approximately 12 volunteers.

PEDALS FOR PROGRESS
204 Hodges Lane
Takoma Park, MD 20912
(240) 432-1370
http://www.p4p.org
Contact: Michael Alemar, michaelalemar@yahoo.com
Recycles old bicycles for donation to non-profit, self-help programs overseas. Groups are needed to assist in on-going projects or coordinate a used bicycle drive on campus. This organization also provides advocacy for youth development, vocational education, and small business development. Can accommodate approximately 8 volunteers.

PETS DC
1133 13th St. NW Suite C-4
PO BOX 75125
Washington, DC 20013
(202) 234-PETS
http://www.petsdc.org
Contact: Chip Wells, info@petsdc.org
Pets DC is an organization that helps people with HIV/AIDS keep their pets healthy and with them as long as possible. The organization has groomers and vets who volunteer their services, a pet food and supply bank, and pet adoption services. Groups are needed to raise much-needed funds and have canned pet food and supply drives. There are also opportunities for volunteers to work directly with clients and their pets through pet food delivery and transporting pets to the groomer or vet. If your group is concerned about AIDS and enhancing the quality of life of people affected by it, then consider having a fundraiser or canned pet food drive to benefit this AIDS support organization. Groups able to provide their own transportation are greatly appreciated. Can accommodate approximately 5-10 volunteers.

RONALD McDONALD HOUSE
1326 Quincy Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017
(202)529-8204
http://www.rmhc.greaterdc.org
Contact: Karen Judson, Karenrmhc@aol.com
The Ronald McDonald House is a haven of support and comfort for children and their families during their child’s illness. At the Ronald McDonald House children can receive medical attention and their parents receive counseling. Groups can also inquire about making dinners and providing live entertainment. The Ronald McDonald house prefers long-term committed volunteers (9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.). Daily extensive training is necessary. The Ronald McDonald house is accessible by Metro on the red line (Brookland Station). Can accommodate approximately 8 volunteers.

SALVATION ARMY
Prince George’s County Washington, D.C.
4825 Edmonston Rd. 2626 Pennsylvania Avenue
Hyattsville, MD 20710 Washington, DC 20037
(301) 277-6103 (202) 756-2600
Contact: Janie Criss/Renee Dawson Contact: Denita Ramirez, Mgates@aol.com
The Salvation Army provides food packages during the Thanksgiving and winter holiday seasons. Groups are needed to help with sorting and packaging canned goods. Can accommodate approximately 12 volunteers.

SANTE AFFILIATED AND ROCK CREEK FOUNDATION
700 Roeder Road, 4th floor
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 589-2303
Contact: Beth Albanez, balbaneze@santegroup.org
This organization serves adults with developmental disabilities and/or chronic mental illness. Groups are needed to deliver gift baskets on various holidays or set-up special events such as a party for its clients. Beth welcomes your ideas. They also hold a festival once a year and help in planning is always welcomed. Some of their locations are Metro accessible. Can accommodate approximate 6-12 volunteers.

S.H.A.R.E D.C
Share Warehouse, 5170 Lawrence St.
Hyattsville, MD 20781
(301) 864-3115 ext. 11
http://share-dc-metro.iwarp.com/
Contact: Ninochika Twitty, twittyn@catholiccharities.org
The SHARE Warehouse, which is located about 15 minutes from campus, distributes low-cost food packages to families in the community. Volunteers are always needed to help in the preparation and distribution of these food items. The people at SHARE are very friendly and always welcome University of Maryland volunteers. Can accommodate approximately 25 volunteers.

SO OTHERS MIGHT EAT (S.O.M.E.)
71 O Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 797-8806
www.some.org
Contact: some@some.org
S.O.M.E. is an ecumenical effort to serve people who are hungry and homeless in Washington, DC. The organization has a wide variety of programs and services for people who are homeless, and groups who wish to help out are welcome to come and serve food to the over 1,200 people served every day. The O Street dining room is open seven days a week and serves breakfast and lunch. S.O.M.E. is very popular with student and religious organizations. Be sure to contact them well in advance with several possible dates. Can accommodate approximately 10-13 volunteers.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Maryland Washington, DC Prince George's County
8300 Guilford Road 900 Second St. Suite 200 Contact: Susan Holland,
Suite A, Columbia, MD 21046 Washington, DC 20002 CANDOINMD@AOL.COM
(800) 541-7544, ext 3011 (202) 408-2640
www.SOMD.org www.specialolympics.org
Contact: Janet Novak Contact: Marianelly Johnson
Jnovak@somd.org wdsco@aol.com

The Special Olympics provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for individuals with developmental disabilities by giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. Special Olympics offers long-term and seasonal one-time opportunities for groups. The Special Olympic Summer Games are held in June at the University of Maryland, College Park campus. To volunteer for this event, contact Janet Novak at the Special Olympics Maryland office. Groups are often needed to help with Prince George's County one-time events or on-going coaching. To get involved in Prince George's County, contact Susan Holland. To learn about other one-time opportunities visit their Web site at http://www.somd.org. Can accommodate approximately 5-25 volunteers.

WHITMAN-WALKER CLINIC OF SUBURBAN MARYLAND
7676 New Hampshire Ave Suite 411
Takoma Park, MD 20912
(301) 408-5010 ext 15
http://www.wwc.org
Contact: Bob Andreasen, randreasen@wwc.org
Whitman-Walker Clinic of Suburban Maryland needs volunteers to provide buddy support, hospital and nursing home visitation, volunteer drivers, and support group facilitators to clients with AIDS who reside in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Hours and times needed are flexible. Volunteers are also needed in HIV education and outreach. Whitman-Walker Clinic of Suburban Maryland is located less than 2 miles from the University of Maryland campus and has volunteer nights. The Whitman-Walker Clinic is in need of administrative volunteers in the following areas: client service, public relations, and fundraising. The Washington, DC office handles all volunteer inquiries for the Whitman-Walker Clinics in the Metropolitan area. Can accommodate an unlimited number of volunteers.

ZACCHAEUS COMMUNITY KITCHEN
945 G St., NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 682-0690
Contact: Harold Mass, olivemoss@aol.com
The Zacchaeus Community Kitchen serves food to individuals who are homeless six days a week. Groups are always needed to prepare and serve food. Groups are always welcome to help out with clean-up, food stacking, etc. The clients love new faces. If your group is concerned about homelessness and would like to lend a hand, Zacchaeus is a great place to start.