The Ombudsman is a resident advocate, helping to ensure the quality of care, life and environment for people who live in nursing homes. Volunteers make weekly visits to the nursing home to listen to and assist in resolving any resident concerns. Volunteers receive training and ongoing support and supervision.
Volunteers help by staffing a table at an event; serving as a docent at the Parsons daffodil field; or helping with an event such as our daffodil party, annual meeting or holiday party.
Office Volunteers help with a variety of tasks such as sorting through paper work to archive important documents; assist with fundraising mailings; calling members during our phone-a-thon; and assisting with printing, filing, and scanning important stewardship files.
Accompany elders to medical appointments and act as their advocate by coaching, supporting, and empowering them to take charge of their health care.
Join New England’s largest volunteer coastal monitoring program. Become a Baywatcher and help the Coalition test water in your community each summer. Some Baywatchers also assist with river herring monitoring in spring and stream flow monitoring throughout the year.
Engage elementary-aged students in hands-on outdoor exploration by assisting with weekly school day programs. These school programs focus on connecting youth to their local environment. Volunteers must be available at least one day a week during school hours.
If you prefer to help out indoors, we can use your time and skills around the office. Office support volunteers often stuff envelopes for membership mailings, staff our front reception desk, prepare event supplies, or provide other office tasks.
Volunteer as a reserve steward and help monitor our reserves in Acushnet, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, and Wareham. Walk the grounds and trail networks weekly or monthly and notify us of any maintenance needs or vandalism. Training provided.
Do you love exploring the outdoors? You can help connect people of all ages to Buzzards Bay by leading or assisting with our outdoor exploration programs, called Bay Adventures. Help show people how to dig for quahogs, identify local birds, explore local rivers, and much more! Flexible hours/commitment. You can lend your outdoors expertise on…
Share your passion and knowledge about Buzzards Bay by joining our Learning Center support team. Learning Center volunteers are enthusiastic, dependable community members who choose to help out at one of our learning centers in New Bedford (year-round) or Westport (June to September). Volunteers also help with special projects around the office as needed.