This summer, more than any in recent memory, calls for urgency and action, agency and accomplishment. We’ve rounded up a bunch of easy ways you can serve that calling and make Cleveland a better place to live this year. Beyond helping out someone else, you’ll be happier for the effort. So here you go: Achieve more than a farmer’s tan this summer in Cleveland with these 20 helpful ideas.
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This summer, more than any in recent memory, calls for urgency and action, agency and accomplishment. We’ve rounded up a bunch of easy ways you can serve that calling and make Cleveland a better place to live this year. Beyond helping out someone else, you’ll be happier for the effort. So here you go: Achieve more than a farmer’s tan this summer in Cleveland with these 20 helpful ideas.
Good with Animals? Take Your Talents to a Local Shelter
If you’re not a people person but still want to spread your philanthropic wings this summer, consider assisting an animal rescue organization. Both the Public Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the Animal Protective League (APL) are easy to get involved with and always welcome new volunteers. This summer, PAWS is especially in need of fosters. They have a no-kill policy for pets, but have no physical facility and rely on volunteers to care for the animals until they’re adopted.
Photo via kentrundgren/InstagramHelp Build or Maintain a Mountain Bike Trail
The Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA), an organization founded in 2001, dispatches both members and non-members to maintain mountain bike trails throughout Northeast Ohio. A section of its website provides details on its volunteer program. CAMBA volunteers helped construct the Royalview trail, and CAMBA regularly works with both the Metroparks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Photo ProvidedJoin a CSA
We can’t wait for CSA season to kick into full gear, and it’s right around the corner. “CSA,” for the uninitiated, means “community-supported agriculture,” and there are about 45 of these outfits in Northeast Ohio. If you’d like to improve your community, the best thing you can do is engage it. Food is a better venue than most to do so. We recommend checking out City Fresh, Grace Brothers Nursery, Upcycle Farm, Fresh Fork Market, The Refugee Response and Red Basket Farm.
Photo via cityfreshneo/InstagramThrift
By donating, shopping and volunteering at thrift stores, you’re not only helping others in your community, you’re reducing your carbon footprint. Don’t just throw your clothes away. In 2012, an estimated 84 percent of Americans’ clothing was tossed into a landfill or incinerator, according to the EPA. With a bevy of Cleveland thrift shops and second-hand stores to choose from, you have no excuse to avoid contributing to that stat. Find a cause/organizations you believe in, and donate there. Of course, don’t just throw out any old rag. Donate items that are still wearable and free of garish stains and rips. Plus you get a tax write-off.
Photo via commonthreadsthrift/InstagramJoin a Community Garden
The Summer Sprout program, a partnership between the city of Cleveland and the OSU Extension in Cuyahoga County (OSUECC), has been around for 41 years. It has 190 community gardens throughout the city ranging from church gardens with only a handful of raised plots to the Ben Franklin Garden, at more than 250,000 square feet. And at any time during the year, and certainly this summer, you can purchase a plot at a garden near you.
Photo via moonrosedoherty/InstagramDonate Blood
The average adult can donate blood once every 60 days or so, and if you’re not doing so already it’s important to know a few things. First, it’s a fast and simple process that lasts all of 10 to 12 minutes. Second, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. There are more stunning facts about the dire need for blood donations from the Red Cross but that one gets right to the point. Find a donation station near you here.
Photo via 13thdancinguy/InstagramHelp Plant ‘Seeds of Literacy’ in the City
Sixty-six percent of adults in Cleveland are functionally illiterate, meaning they struggle with math and reading skills above a fourth grade level. Not only does this affect individuals in their day-to-day lives, but studies show that children’s academic success relies mainly on the strength of their mother’s reading level. Organizations like Seed of Literacy, however, are working to bring down that number, and welcome volunteers as tutors or committee members.
Photo via FacebookUpcycle Some Public Art
Upcycle Parts Shop, 6419 St Clair Ave, 216-361-9933
You’ve probably heard the term “upcycling,” and maybe you’ve even upcycled something yourself. With several excellent years of art under its belt, Upcycle Parts Shop has offered Cleveland the tools and know-how to create public space-defining creations — the sort of thing that goes a long way in settling a neighborhood’s identity. Plus: It’s really good for the environment of the city. In its first year alone, Upcycle diverted six tons of excess material otherwise destined for the landfill; 156 people donated their stuff, which then became art.
Scene Archives PhotoFeed the Needy
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank served more than 50 million meals last year across six counties. That’s a startling number, and they can only fulfill their mission with the help of volunteers. Volunteers help out the organization in a multitude of ways — repacking food, working in the kitchen and putting meals together or working at their remote locations in different communities around the area. They welcome groups of up to 20 and all volunteers must schedule their shifts before they show up to help. Call their direct volunteer line at 216-738-2069 for more information.
Photo via clefoodbank/InstagramBe an Informed Citizen
Among other things, the summer of 2017 is campaign season. Mayor Frank Jackson is running for an unprecedented fourth term and all 17 city council seats are up for grabs. The primaries are on Sept. 12, so expect to see yard signs, direct mailings and town hall meetings from your area candidates. One easy way to get involved in local issues is merely by learning a thing or two about them. Take, say, your city councilperson. Have you interacted at all with them? We also recommend subscribing to local publications and listening to public radio.
Photo by Sam AllardBe a Good Neighbor
This sounds corny and sort of old-fashioned, but one way to make a difference in Cleveland this summer is by being a good neighbor. For starters, get to know your neighbors. (It’s nerve-wracking at first, but don’t be shy. Knock on doors and introduce yourself. If you’re really ambitious, you can even bring little goodie bags or baked goods!) Next, consider attending the monthly meeting of your neighborhood block club. Volunteer for neighborhood events.
Photo via millimallikaz/InstagramClean Up The Outside World
Major volunteer opportunities at the Cuyahoga National Park include National Trails Day (June 3), National Public Lands Day (Sept. 30) and Make A Difference Day (Oct. 28). Of course, other small-scale opportunities are available nearly every day in around your own neighborhood. Don’t be afraid to help clean up.
Photo via simonghsays/InstagramProtest Legally
Whether you’re protesting the Rover pipeline or Chief Wahoo, it’s important to determine if you need a permit from the City of Cleveland. Any type of meeting on public property, like a park, does not need a permit. Standing on sidewalks, as long as you’re not blocking foot traffic, is fine too. A permit becomes necessary when a group is large enough to block traffic. So any march or parade that fills the streets needs a permit. Forms are supplied by the Cleveland Department of Public Works, Office of Events and Marketing. Find out much more about the art of protesting at acluohio.org
Photo by Emanuel WallaceHelp Out the Kids at CMSD
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District uses volunteers in a host of areas, from chaperoning field trips to organizing libraries to assisting students with research assignments. It all aids in strengthening school programs, establishing support groups, and making sure each student reaches their full potential. For more information, call Judith Lozada at 216-838-0337 or visit clevelandmetroschools.org/volunteer to help out in your local public school.
Photo via clevelandmetroschools/InstagramBe a Vocal Citizen
There are varying schools of thought on the efficacy and effect of calling or writing your representatives. But you should do so. Two quick tips to remember whether you’re speaking to a staffer, leaving a voicemail, or emailing your concerns: Be civil in your message; be brief, clear and to the point.
Rob Portman: DC Office – 202-224-3353; Cleveland Office – 216-522-7905; Email contact info can be found here.
Sherrod Brown: DC Office – 202-224-2315; Cleveland Office – 216-522-7272; Email contact info can be found here.
House members: Northeast Ohio is served by a number of House reps, find yours here.
Photo ProvidedPlant a Tree
Forest City is one of the better nicknames for the city of Cleveland, totally underrated and underused, probably for good reason: it doesn’t really apply anymore. So plant a damn tree, but also don’t ignore the ones we have. Development isn’t the only thing draining Cleveland’s tree count — poor maintenance and pruning, as well as invasive species, are killing older, mature trees. The benefits are many and splendid.
Photo via cleveland_trees/InstagramHelp Women and Children, Wear Heels
A man walks into a bar wearing high heels. Not totally out of the ordinary. But when a bunch of men walk into a bar in the Warehouse District, then it must be time for the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser. This year’s event, which raises awareness for violence against women and is sponsored by Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center, is set for June 25. Entry fees for male and female participants vary depending on your footwear selection: Bring your own heels for $30, wear provided heels for $50 or wear regular shoes for $100. Participants, who must be 21 and over, are also encouraged to raise funds before the walk. Find out more at dvcac.org.
Photo by Scott SandbergWork for a Blue Lake
Becoming a “green city on a blue lake” requires everyone’s small, steady effort. And as the federal government contemplates slashing environmental funding across the board — and significant Great Lakes funding in 2018 — actions by everyday folks are essential if lakes large and small are to survive and thrive. One easy way to protect Lake Erie is by being more conscientious in your lawn and garden care.
Photo via clevelandyardscapes/InstagramCoach a Local Youth Sports Team
Coaching youth sports may be seen as an obligation for parents alone — something to worry about once your toddlers start breaking windows in the house — but it’s an easy way to give back to your neighborhood and the children in it, even if you don’t want kids or had them long ago. Coaching is often a minor commitment (a weeknight practice, a weekend game each week) but can make a huge impact on the lives of children. If you’re a former athlete and looking for a way to help out this summer consider coaching. Cleveland YMCA (clevelandymca.org) is always looking for coaches, and you can call 216-664-2325 to get in touch
Photo via v_melikhova/InstagramBecome a Big Brother or Sister
We’ve already highlighted a couple of volunteer opportunities and there are obviously endless more but if you’re willing to make a commitment long term and for more than an occasional weekend, get in touch with Big Brothers Big Sisters, one of the oldest volunteer organizations in the country. Whether you’re looking to become a big brother or sister yourself or know a child that could use a mentor, you can visit herefor more information..
Photo via elynn.ca/Instagram
