Lend a Hand: 5 Ways to Volunteer in Greater Grand Forks

One of my favorite and most accurate cliches is the term “Midwest Nice”. Here in greater Grand Forks, we truly live up to the term. We know that to have a successful and fulfilling life we must give back and help others live their best lives. If you’re looking to find your volunteering niche, I’m here to share my favorite places in the community to give back.

BMX racing is a type of off-road bicycle racing on a purpose-built, single lap racetrack and we have a pretty cool one here in Grand Forks! Red River BMX started with the intention of giving kids in our area a place to race, compete, and have fun. While this amazing group serves mostly kids, people from age 0 to 90 take on their track. The organization is always in need of volunteers to help keep the track in the best condition for the riders, so you can definitely get your daily, weekly, or monthly workout in and feel great doing it. If you’d like to learn more and get involved, check out their website or message their Facebook page. They’re super responsive and friendly.

Dubbed the cultural museum on the prairie, this hidden gem here in Grand Forks is one of my favorite places to volunteer! I may be a little biased as this is also my employer, but it is by far one of the most amazing places I’ve had the opportunity to work or volunteer. Volunteers help make this place hum and are a crucial part of keeping the museum functional. Whether you’d like to greet museum guests, work special events like gallery shows or concerts, or even help with facility or garden maintenance, you will enjoy every minute of your time spent at the museum. As a thank you for your time volunteering, the museum will offer you a special volunteer discount in the gift shop and café, and invitations to special events! If interested contact the North Dakota Museum of Art at 701-777-4768, or follow them on Facebook.

Homelessness is a real concern here in Grand Forks and we are fortunate to have an amazing place helping combat that concern. The Mission constantly strives to provide the best services possible to individuals and families who are struggling with a hand up, creating new and innovative ways to reach those who struggle the most. They have many different volunteer opportunities. Consider teaching a class to help people become more successful in their lives. Maybe you’d like to fill up food bundles for their amazing backpack program to combat childhood hunger. Whatever way you choose to give back, you’ll be making a difference in the lives of many. They have an easy-to-access form on their website and will contact you within a week to find the right volunteer opportunity for you!

To be or not to be, that is a question only you can answer! Do you have a flair for the dramatic? Have you ever wanted to find out the inner workings of how plays happen? Well, here in Grand Forks we have the perfect opportunity to learn all of that and more. If you want to be the star of the show, help direct a play, or build a set, Greater Grand Forks Community Theatre is the perfect place for you to shine! It is a 100 percent volunteer-driven organization that needs you. Learn more information and find ways to connect at www.ggfct.com

Stable days has a truly unique and inspiring story. The organization was founded after seeing the impact a set of equine riding lessons had on a close family member with significant special needs. Stable Days has grown into an amazing asset to our community and offers equine therapy to children with special needs, family support programs (including a share garden), internships for college students, and a ton more. The second most amazing part of this place is that it is completely run by volunteers (and they need them more than ever). Whether you’re looking for a place to do some youth mentorship, or you’re interested in helping with general operations, the ranch could use a hand. The organization continues to grow, and as they add to their facilities, they are in desperate need of some skilled volunteers to help with building and pasture maintenance. Electricians, carpenters, contractors this place needs you! From individual volunteers to groups, you will have a phenomenal time volunteering here and want to come back again and again. For information and to read the full story of their amazing work please visit www.stabledays.org

These are just a few of the many places in need of volunteers in the greater Grand Forks area. If you want to check out other places, visit the gfiscooler.com volunteers page to find your perfect match. I’m a firm believer that one of the best ways to get more is to give more. How will you choose to give back today?