I used to do Habitat for Humanity. It’s fun and you learn carpentry skills.

Worked for a company that managed the donations for organizations such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Sheriff's Ranches, ASPCA, Humane Societies, etc. The amount of money that does not make it to the "reason" for donation, is staggering. One company owner bought his mistresses Ferrarri's, then sit in his church pew every Sunday.

When volunteering, or making a charitable contribution, I observe the needs of the people I care about, my family and friends, then find a way to help them anonymously. There is no greater pleasure than to watch as someone realizes that somewhere, someone cares. That's when I plant the "pay it forward" seed.

In my opinion, charity begins at home, ensuring those around you have their needs met, so that they may have the faith, wisdom and means, to help others going forward.

I, personally find, that random acts of kindness, work better for me than giving through the hypocritical system.

For a couple of years, when I had the time, I worked at a hospice. They always appreciate your help and the patients are enlightening, thankful, and surprisingly cheerful, considering the situtation. On Christmas and Thanksgiving, I like to volunteer to feed the homeless.

A few years ago, when I was between freelance jobs, I volunteered at a very small non-profit group (as in 2-person group plus a handful of volunteers) that helped refugees integrate into the normal day-to-day life in Sydney. Most of refugees came from very rural regions of a foreign country. They have poor or no English. And apart from the culture shock of suddenly living in West, they were also intimidated and fearful of "living in the city".

The non-profit had no strong affiliations with religious groups, I felt. Although, the refugees they helped were mainly Hazari Afghans. Funding was basically non-existent. They relied on volunteers, donations, and community colleges to allow use of their classrooms.

Most of the sessions were in English language lessons. But they also organise days out at the beach, sports days, community bbqs - to keep their spirits up.

I just checked your profile. You should check these guys out - if you're interested. The organiser, Hassan, is a good guy. They were based in Auburn when I was helping them. [facebook.com]

EDIT: clarified the affiliations of the group with "I felt". Meaning, if they had any affiliations, it wasn't a primary concern to them - as I felt so, anyway.

I've volunteered @ my local library after getting moody suspicious reactions from those in the charity sector. I actually felt more at ease there and got to indulge in my love of books.

I try to help animals with my art but there is so much infighting and corruption.

Circles is my organization I work with. It's held in a church but is strictly nonreligous and encourages members of any creed. We've had catholics serving pagans and Wiccans serving Mormons and it's just amazing how open and accepting everyone is in it.

Yes and we are bad/ Yesterday we went to another town to deliver some training, 4 of us on a road trip. We have 260 volunteers, but on this trip the other 3 were paid workers. Long drives and successful training. Spirits high on the way haome, and man did the various religions cop a bagging. It was hilarious. We can't talk like that at work, because some of the volunteers are quite religious, but lovely. We are up the far north of the State though. almost on the Qld border.

Sign up for “Volunteer Match.” It’s cool!

HGI, Bering Omega House, Avance Houston. I work with one of them and volunteer with one and attend one

Mental health advocates or assistance, and mentoring. I also do some with a music organization here in Denver, Swallow Hill.

I volunteer at a local safe house for women doing maintenance and cleaning to ensure they have a safe place to shelter their children.

How about a local firehouse auxillary or first aid, Big Brothers, Habitat for Humanity, a local hospice, nursing homes, Childrens Miracle Network, etc. I think the first question you have to ask yourself is how much time do you want to commit and what empassions you?

I'm nearing the end of the (lengthy) process of getting certified through the NYS Unified Court System as a mediator. That's not religious at all, and I think most (or maybe all) states have similar programs. Related is CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), though I'm not part of that system. Unfortunately, these are rather time-intensive programs with strict requirements with mandatory ongoing training, so it's not a quick signup-and-get-started. I was considering doing Literacy Volunteers, and I may do that in addition later, but right now I'm focusing on certification (basic cases, parental custody & visitation, and child support) and gaining more experience. In a year or so I may revisit Literacy Volunteers.

Other ideas are volunteering at a local hospital, Meals on Wheels (I think is secular), perhaps a community center for kids (maybe start one if none exists), public schools might have volunteer opportunities for tutors, monitors, chaperones, etc., local government, school council, etc.

I run support group with a friend of mine, we're an Autistic adult group. We're firmly secular, people can believe what they want, but religion is not open for discussion.

Look into Team Rubicon.

I volunteer at three animal rescues.

No Jesus needed