Working in the Schools

ARTS

Beverly Arts Center
This multidisciplinary mecca out of Beverly and Morgan Park has an independent film series, a three-play theater season, an art gallery and an extensive selection of classes. Its live music series is nothing to pooh-pooh, either: Lonnie Brooks will play there on February 2. The center needs folks to fill more than 12 volunteer positions, and the jobs entail anything from herding children backstage during performances, running the popcorn machine during film festivals and staffing the gift shop.
Time commitment Flexible
Skills required None
What to expect Strong Irish immigrant and black communities sharing the same creative space makes for interesting programming.
Fringe benefits Discounts on classes: Tango, bagpipes or raku pottery, anyone?
Contact Visit www.beverlyartscenter.org, call Mike Nix at 773-445-3838 or stop by the center at 2407 West 111th Street.

Hyde Park Art Center
This center has been leading Chicago’s avant-garde art scene since 1939 and gave stars like Ed Paschke and the Hairy Who their first exhibitions. They need volunteers to do office and exhibition work (exhibit installation, tech support, mailing assistance).
Time commitment One-time or long-term opportunities are available.
Skills required You must look authoritative with a walkie-talkie.
What to expect A smaller, more democratic version of the MCA, in a cooler neighborhood
Fringe benefits Access to classes like metalsmithing and Asian ink calligraphy
Contact Visit www.hydeparkart.org; e-mail Colleen Coyne at ccoyne@hydeparkart.org; call 773-324-5520, ext 1003; or stop by the new space at 5020 South Cornell Avenue.

Alliance for the Great Lakes

Photo: Lloyd Degrane

EDUCATION

Blue Gargoyle
This program—begun 30 years ago by some University of Chicago divinity students—was serving meatloaf sandwiches to residents of the Grand Boulevard neighborhood, as well as people from Woodlawn, Kenwood and Hyde Park. The group now offers opportunities with classes for all age levels. Volunteers work one-on-one with people age 16 and up, and design their own curriculum with help from Blue Gargoyle staff.
Time commitment One and a half hours a week for at least six months
Skills required Volunteers must be 18, have a high-school diploma and be ready to undergo 12 hours of training
What to expect Though it’s housed in the University Church, people of all beliefs and affiliations are welcome.
Fringe benefits U of C girls gone wild!
Contact Visit www.bluegargoyle.org; call 773-955-4108, ext 308; or stop by 5638 South Woodlawn Avenue.

Gads Hill Center
Everyone is learning something here—parents are learning about child nutrition, seniors are finding out what this “Google” thing is and preschoolers are reciting ABCs. One needy program is Teen Connection, which means you’ll do everything from coach basketball to calculate parabolic curves.
Time commitment Varies; most opportunities require a few months of weekly visits.
Skills required Volunteers will receive training to identify healthy youth behaviors.
What to expect The building is a bit drafty, but the people are warm.
Fringe benefits Occasional home-baked treats and kickin’ tamales in the lunchroom
Contact Visit www.gadshillcenter.org, call 312-226-0963 or go to 1919 West Cullerton Avenue.

Poder Learning Center
PLC has developed a software-based teaching method that improves adults’ language and computer skills. Its Basic Skills class helps immigrants who received little formal education before coming to the U.S.
Time commitment Volunteer teaching assistants commit to a regular class schedule.
Skills required None; training is provided.
What to expect A no-nonsense operation, the center is serious about its clients’ success.
Fringe benefits Spanish classes (fees may apply)
Contact Visit www.poderlc.org, call 312-226-2002 or stop by 1637 South Allport Street.

HUMAN SERVICES

Southwest Chicago Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS)
On cold Chicago nights, this shelter gives homeless people living near or “in” Marquette and Gage Parks a place to go. Clients can find food, clothing and referrals for other social services, or just warm up for a few hours.
Time commitment Whatever you can give
Skills required None; it’s a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-jump-in kind of place
What to expect Some homeless people prefer to live outdoors, so don’t be frustrated if some guests don’t want to stay.
Fringe benefits You’ll save on your own heating bill if you’re not at home.
Contact Visit www.swchicagopads.org, call 773-737-7070 or stop by 3121 West 71st Street.

ENVIRONMENT

Southeast Environmental Task Force
The Calumet Region is home to Chicago’s largest wetlands and the city’s heaviest concentration of industrial waste. SETF, a citizen action group, empowers residents to push regional industries to clean up the mess. The group can use your help on its Good Neighbor Dialogue committee as a pollution watchdog or a service-project team leader.
Time commitment Varies
Skills required Must look hot in a hard hat
What to expect “Concerned citizens” is an understatement.
Fringe benefits Lots of opportunities for bird watching, hiking, canoeing and fishing
Contact Visit www.southeastenvironmental.org, call 773-646-0436 or stop by 13300 South Baltimore Avenue.

ANIMALS

PAWS
Since this no-kill shelter’s founding, the euthanization rate of animals has sharply declined in Chicago. PAWS offers free spay/neuter surgery to low-income families. Volunteer can help with postoperation care, adoption events, animal socializing, foster care and administrative services. Volunteers must be 18 or older, but kids can make home starter kits or collect donations for the center’s wish list.
Time commitment Volunteers must attend a meeting to learn the various opportunities.
Skills required Ummm…must like animals?
What to expect A lot of buzz about the new North Side adoption center, where dogs and cats will live in pimped-out suites with classical music piped-in
Fringe benefits At the auction at the annual Fur Ball last year, someone ended up with a walk-on role on 24.
Contact Visit www.paws.org, or call Sharyn Hosemann at 773-521-0436, ext 236; or stop by 3516 West 26th Street.