Philanthropic Feature: One Brick Boston

One Brick provides support to local non-profit and community organizations by creating a unique, social and flexible volunteer environment for those interested in making a concrete difference in the community. They enable people to get involved, have an impact and have fun, without the requirements of individual long-term commitments. One Brick has brought volunteers to support over 1,600 organizations, and they add to that list with their events each month. The beneficiaries of the One Brick volunteer efforts have included groups who work for the benefit of children, the environment, food banks, schools, inner city neighborhoods, etc.

With the slogan, "volunteering made easy", One Brick is really taking volunteering to the next level with the simplicity of their organization. You may not believe this but One Brick chapters are 100% volunteer-run! They have minimal employees and don't even maintain offices. In fact, on a National level, One Brick has only one single employee, and two part-time employees who work from a home. Pretty surreal but true!

Their 'commitment-free volunteering' allows you to choose when you volunteer, rather than having to make commitments for a certain number of volunteer hours, or agree to be available every week at a specific time. What also makes them unique? One Brick strives to create a friendly and social atmosphere around volunteering, and after each volunteer event -- which typically lasts only 3 to 4 hours -- they invite volunteers to gather at a local restaurant or café where they can get to know one another in a relaxed social setting and explore further volunteer opportunities.

Interested in getting involved? One Brick Boston has an extensive list of events in need of volunteers! Here are a few just to give you an idea but take a look at their calendar for more information.

ON THE CALENDAR

Help Rebuild New Orleans - Week long trip!
Sat, May 2 1:00am
Mustard Seed Volunteer House
Chalmette

Saturday's Bread
Sat, May 2 12:30pm
The Church of St. John the Evangelist
Boston

Sunday's Bread
Sun, May 3 12:30pm
The Church of St. John the Evangelist
Boston

Bikes Not Bombs Volunteer Night
Thu, May 7 7:00pm
Bikes Not Bombs
Jamaica Plain

Revisions Urban Farm Seedling Sale
Sat, May 9 8:00am
Revisions Urban Farm
Dorchester

Art Bingo!
Sat, May 9 6:00pm
Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology
Boston

Duckling Day Parade
Sun, May 10 9:15am
Parkman Bandstand on the Boston Common
Boston

22nd Annual Circle of Friends Gala and Auction
Thu, May 14 5:00pm
Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston
Cambridge

The Bids & the Bees Spring Fundraiser
Fri, May 15 6:00pm
Arts at the Armory
Somerville

One Brick Boston also hosts their own events to raise money! Their May social event will be held at Highball Lounge on Tremont St. on the 14th from 6:30-8:30pm. They encourage you to come by for a drink after work and play some board games, giving you a chance to get to know others who are also interested in giving back to the community! Bring your buddies, meet new people, and start planning your volunteering for the year. Highball Lounge is a One Brick Boston supporter so a portion of proceeds from every Duckie Rose or extra duck you add to any drink will be donated to One Brick! A Highball Lounge signature is to include a teeny-tiny rubber duckie in their cocktails for a fun touch, so don't forget to add a duck to your drink!

So if you're thinking of volunteering any time soon, join One Brick Boston in devouring the details of these upcoming events!