You are here: American University Campus Life Community Engagement & Service Service Projects

Back to top

Dear AU Community:
As the impact of COVID 19 expands, we know that many of you are looking to stay involved and support local communities. One way to do that is through volunteering with nonprofit agencies and schools. These groups are committed to continuing to address the issues they work on, though now under more difficult circumstances. Below you will find a list of groups and their opportunities. Most are remote. They may entail activities like tutoring through Zoom or indirect service such as working on social media or doing research. A few entail direct service (e.g. delivering food to seniors) but do not require contact with others. Your involvement is completely voluntary so chose what fits your skills, interests, and location. If you would like support in writing up your service on your resume, please feel free to contact the career center staff in your schools or AU’s main Career Center. International students on F-1 or J-1 immigration status may not be permitted to volunteer without prior ISSS or U.S. government authorization. Please check with ISSS before making any volunteer work arrangement.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us in the Center for Community Engagement & Service at volunteer@american.edu.

Online Service Projects
Name Location In Person No Contact or Virtual Description
Amnesty International National Virtual Amnesty Decoders is an innovative platform for volunteers around the world to use their computers or phones to help researchers sift through pictures, information and documents and expose human rights violations.
Be My Eyes National Virtual Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers and company representatives for visual assistance through a live video call.
Book Share National Virtual Scan or proofread books added to an online digital collection for individuals with reading disabilities.
CARECEN Washington D.C. No Contact/Virtual CARECEN’s citizenship and civic engagement program prepares permanent residents to pass the naturalization exam and become active and engaged US citizens. Interpreters, interviewers, and teachers needed.
Calvary Women's Services Washington D.C. No Contact/Virtual Calvary's programs are designed for women who are survivors of violence and trauma, are living with mental illness, or are in recovery from substance abuse. They have asked for support providing meals, working on social media, and fundraising.
Capital Area Foodbank Washington D.C. and Virginia In Person/No Contact Food Bank Volunteer: Pack and sort food at the warehouse and assist in off site distributions. Food donations also welcomed.
Career Village National Virtual Offer career advice to students interested in learning from professionals. All you need is a LinkedIn to get started.
Citizen Archivist National Virtual Help make records of the National Archives more searchable and discoverable.
CovEducation National Virtual CovEd is a matchmaking platform that connects K-12 students seeking tutoring with volunteer college students offering to mentor students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Crisis Text Line National Virtual Get trained and staff a free 24/7 national crisis-intervention and counseling service conducted exclusively through SMS text. Volunteers are screened and complete self-paced training, afterwards staffing one four-hour shift each week for a year.
DC Reading Clinic Washington D.C. Virtual The DC Reading Clinic (a project of DCPS) offers training and tutoring in reading to DCPS children. Apply to be a mentor and use structured literacy to help change children's lives.
Do Something National Virtual Do something promotes a variety of virtual campaigns for a global movement of good. Work on database entry or other projects.
Free Minds Bookclub Washington D.C. Virtual Read and respond to our members' poetry, join our volunteer letter writing circle, or create educational worksheets.
Hopecam Virginia Virtual Video chat with children undergoing cancer treatment and help them overcome the challenges of social isolation.
Horton's Kids Washington D.C. Virtual Help tutor or brainstorm ideas and tricks for videos that can be sent to students across the DMV area.
Latino Student Fund Washington D.C. Virtual Provide academic support by tutoring, assisting with college prep, or mentoring a graduating high school senior. Video tutoring via Zoom will take place every weekday from 3-6 pm.
Malta Pen Pal Program National Virtual The Malta Pen Pal Program is a two-way correspondence between you and an inmate. It is an anonymous relationship enhances inmates' self ­esteem and translates into a lower recidivism rate upon release.
Martha's Table Washington D.C. In Person/No Contact Help with food preparation, the mini market, grocery bagging, food delivery services, or clothing support.
Miriam's Kitchen Washington D.C. Virtual Help us end chronic homelessness in D.C by supporting our kitchen, social services, or advocacy groups. All volunteers need to commit to at least one shift per month on an ongoing basis.
Missing Maps National Virtual Missing Maps is an open, collaborative project in which you can help to map areas where humanitarian organizations are trying to meet the needs of vulnerable people.
National Park Service National Virtual Volunteers needed to help shape the future of the National Park Service’s digital presence.
Omprakash International Virtual/In Person Connect with vetted NGOs worldwide who are looking for volunteers, virtually and in person.
Salvation Army Capital Area Command DMV Area Virtual/In Person Short-term and long-term volunteer opportunities throughout D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia, including Emergency Disaster Services.
SCOTUS Notes National Virtual Help transcribe handwritten conference notes left by Supreme Court justices. Your transcriptions will provide unprecedented access to the justices' conversations in thousands of Court decisions.
Smithsonian Institute National Virtual Become a Smithsonian Digital Volunteer and help transcribe historic documents, archive images, and more.
So Others Might Eat Washington D.C. In Person/No Contact Volunteers are needed to assist preparing food containers to be given to guests and clean after their shift. No contact with guests.
SOUL Washington D.C. Virtual Volunteer as a tutor, mentor, or coach. Help design an interactive virtual tutoring approach or help with fundraising and development.
Thrive DC Washington D.C. In Person/No Contact Serve meals, help with employment services, and provide administrative support.
Rosie The Seamstress National Virtual Sew hospital face masks as part of Rosie the Seamstress, a national effort to bring sewists and hospital facilities together to provide much needed masks.
Translators Without Borders National Virtual Are you fluent in more than one language? Help Translators Without Borders translate materials for crisis relief, health, and education projects around the world.
United Way of Central Maryland Maryland Virtual/In Person There are many volunteer opportunities here for those in central MD. Some are remote (such as tutoring students online), and others are in person.
U.S. Digital Response National Virtual Join the U.S. Digital Response Team for COVID-19 Volunteers, and provide assistance with data, digital, and operational capacities for the government.
Virtual Student Federal Service National Virtual Through the Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) program, students work on projects that advance the work of government on multiple fronts. Projects include helping counter violent extremism, strengthening human rights monitoring, developing virtual programs, engaging in digital communications, mapping, economic and political reporting, data analysis, graphic design, and app building.
Volunteer Match National Virtual/In Person This site allows registered users to submit and find volunteer opportunities to aid communities impacted by COVID-19.
Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps DC Washington D.C. Virtual/In Person Support the DC Department of Health by assisting with medical screenings, patient tracking, and other public health activities.
Community Bridges Maryland Virtual Community Bridges empowers girls from diverse backgrounds to become exceptional students, positive leaders, and healthy young women. Volunteers assist in the planning, development and implementation of lesson plans in Community Bridges' afterschool program.
Virginia Volunteer Health System Virginia Virtual/In Person The Virginia Volunteer Health System (VVHS) is a web-based information, alerting and credentialing system used by local Medical Reserve Corps Coordinators and health districts for the management of medical and support volunteers who desire to support public health emergencies and daily public health activities in Virginia.
Washington Legal Clinic Washington D.C. Virtual The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless has created a COVID-19 Resource Guide and is looking for volunteers.
We Are Family Washington D.C. In Person/No Contact We Are Family is looking for volunteers to help suport inner-city seniors with grocery deliveries (specifically in the Columbia Heights, Parkview, and North Capitol neighborhoods), reassurance phone calls, and shopping assistance. In kind donations and direct donations are also greatly appreciated.
Friendship Place Washington D.C. Virtual Friendship Place volunteers provide invaluable support to the men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in the DC community. They also occassionally host online webinars for volunteers and their clients.
HIAS Washington D.C. Virtual Become a virtual mentor, English language tutor, or pen pal for/with asylum seekers in the DMV area. You can also find a collection of online offerings to keep you engaged and up-to-date on the issues facing refugees and asylum seekers.
Food & Friends Washington D.C. In Person/No Contact Food and Friends has opportunities in their kitchen, delivery, and grocery opperations, as well as administrative support, to ensure people with life-challenging illnesses have food.
LSSNCA DMV Virtual Volunteers serve as a mentor or tutor to help a refugee family learn English and navigate their new community.
Safest Drug National Virtual Create education campaigns, conduct research, identify partners, compile data and statistics, develop operational strategy, develop graphics, and assist with events. All work can be done remotely from the safety of volunteers' homes.
The Young Center National Virtual Currently providing virtual training for new volunteers as it relates to child immigrant rights and advocacy.
UAID National Virtual United Against Inequities in Disease (UAID) is a national non-profit organization that empowers students to eliminate health inequities locally. Their internship opens May 2021.
Be the Change National Virtual This free virtual program is a yearly event that helps young people connect with peers from around the country who are passionate leaders of change in their schools and communities.
Nature Conservancy DMV Virtual The Nature Conservancy is offering the public the opportunity to submit photos and videos to be utilized in the Maryland/DC chapters' publications.
JGI Virgina Virtual Communications and marketing interns with the Jane Goodall Institute work on a wide variety of projects across a number of departments to help advance and manage the Institute’s messaging and public identity.
United Planning Organization Washington D.C. In Person/No Contact UPO is looking for volunteers in many capacities. Help distribute hot meals and groceries or volunteer with their income tax preparation program.
YMCA Washington D.C. Virtual/No contact YMCA is looking for people to assist in virtual child care, food distributions, advocacy messages, and charitable outreach efforts within the District. Volunteer opportunities range from care-package deliveries to online education and advocacy.
RAINN National Virtual RAINN is looking for volunteers to help run the online, secure National Sexual Assault Hotline.
NOVA Parks Virgina In Person/No Contact NOVA Parks is looking for volunteers to assist in the upkeep of their parks. For more opportunities, call the number listed on their site.
ONETrack International National Virtual ONETrack is looking for ambassadors to help spread awareness of their orphan care mission and implement effective fundraising practices.
Food For All DC Washington D.C. In Person/No Contact Food For All DC is looking for drivers in the DC area to help drop food off to the local community.
Serve DC Washington D.C. Virtual/In Person/No Contact Serve DC is looking for volunteers to help support the District's COVID-19 response efforts.
Meals for Metro House Washington D.C. No Contact National United Methodist Church Congregation is looking for people to drop off meals at this specific location.
Meals for St. Luke's House Washington D.C. No Contact National United Methodist Church Congregation is looking for people to drop off meals at this specific location.
Hughes Memorial Church Washington D.C. In person Hughes Memorial Church is offering many opportunities from meal prep. to participating in running their anti-violence after school program.
Food Rescue US Washington D.C. No Contact Food Rescue is looking for people to deliver food to prominent locations thoughout DC. Download their app today to make sure surplus food doesn't go to waste.
Grace Episcopal Church Washington D.C. In Person Grace’s Table is a ministry of Grace Church that provides and shares a meal and an interfaith Bible study on Saturdays for persons experiencing homelessness. Volunteer hosts purchase and prepare food, mingling with guests if they choose.
Capitol Hill United Methodist Church Washington D.C. In Person The church can always use the help of volunteers – assisting with cooking, serving meals, or simply being friendly to guests. Currently, food is delivered to those who need it to limit gathering.
SHARE Food Network Washington D.C. In Person/No Contact Assist with food distribution by bagging and delivering family meals across the city. Shifts are fridays and saturdays.
Central Union Mission Washington D.C. Virtual/No Contact Central is looking for volunteers to help host fundraising drives virtually or to drop off imperative supplies.
Jewish Social Service Agency DMV Virtual/No Contact JSSA matches your interests and skills with the needs of their clients, patients, and staff. They welcome the involvement of individuals of all denominations who want to volunteer. Opportunities include meal delivery, technology tutoring, and senior support.
Friendship Place Washington D.C. In Person/No Contact Friendship Place is focused on alleviating homelessness in DC. Volunteers are needed to help with donation pickups and running office tasks/duties.
Sanctuary DMV Food Iniative DMV No Contact Sanctuary DMV stands in solidarity with immigrants and other marginalized communities in the DC metro area. They are looking for people to help with food distribution. A vehicle would be recommended.
Al Otro Lado National Virtual Al Otro Lado provides free legal and humanitarian support to migrants at the US-Mexico border. They are seeking volunteers who are passionate about immigrant rights to assist with legal work and translating services.
Teens Run DC Washington D.C. Virtual TRDC has crafted virtual running buddy program to keep adult volunteers and youth engaged and active. Fill out the form linked to the page to volunteer.
DC Dream Center Washington D.C. In Person The Dream Center serves daily free hot meals and provides non-perishable and hygiene products, welcoming volunteers seven days a week.
Ayuda DMV In Person Ayuda provides legal, social, and language services to support low-income immigrants in our neighborhoods. Immigration Legal Internships, Domestic Violence & Family Law Internships, and Adminstrative Internships are available.
N Street Village Washington D.C. Virtual/No Contact N Street Village is a shelter for women experiencing homelessness. While their usual volunteer capacities are limited due to the pandemic, they are hosting virtual days of service, community dinners, and client classes where you can get involved.
Skyland Workforce Center Washington D.C. Virtual Skyland is a workforce development program in Ward 8. They are in search of volunteers to help participants facing challenges related to literacy skills, computer skills, work readiness, transportation, housing, and other barriers to employment.
The Trevor Project National Virtual The Trevor Project recruits volunteers to staff crisis intervention services to provide life-saving support to LGBTQ youth. Get involved through digital messaging or telephone counseling.
Washington English Center Washington D.C. Virtual The Washington English Center provides English language instruction and employment assistance to immigrants. They are recruiting volunteer English teachers and one-on-one conversation and writing tutors for spring virtual classes. Classes run from April 12th - June 24th, however they accept volunteers on a rolling basis.
FRESHFARM DMV In Person Freshfarm promotes sustainable agriculture and improves food access and equity through producer-only farmers markets, food distribution programs, and community food education. Volunteers can help with any and all of these initiatives.
Housing Up Washington D.C. In Person Housing Up builds thriving communities in Washington DC through affordable housing and support services to homeless and low-income families. Volunteers can help facilitate youth enrichment, health & wellness, and community building activities at 3 affordable housing locations.
Miriam's Kitchen Washington D.C. In person/No Contact Miriam's Kitchen provides food and housing support to individuals experiencing homelessness. Volunteers can distribute breakfast and dinner meals from their outdoor tent.
Sheperd's Table In Person/No Contact Support Sheperd's Table's mission of inspiring hope in those experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, and poverty through meal prep, food distribution, and administrative tasks.
Jubilee Housing Washington D.C. Virtual Jubilee Housing Teen Center provides services for 6th-12th grade students, college students, and young adults. These services are garnered around college and career readiness, social-emotional learning, enrichment, and tutoring/mentoring. Jubilee Housing is seeking AU students to provide virtual job readiness workshops and tutoring.
Community Bridges Maryland Virtual/No Contact Community Bridges empowers girls from diverse backgrounds. Assist with the development of lesson plans and connect with CB girls online, or help secure groceries, school supplies, & household goods.
Takoma Park Mobilization Groups Maryland Virtual Join any one of Takoma Park Mobilization's groups to address specific social justice issues, including climate change, immigration, and economic equity.
Building Bridges Across the River Washington D.C. No Contact Building Bridges Across the River is partnering with Capital Area Food Bank to distribute food to families in our community. Volunteers are needed for safe, socially-distanced grocery packing every Wed 9am-12:30pm. Contact tojchevis@thearcdc.org to learn more.