Community & Cultural Services - Volunteer Program

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APRIL

Westside Therapeutic Prom: Taking after the tradition of the Senior Prom, this dance pulls together participants from various Special Olympics' chapters across Los Angeles. Volunteer duties include balloon decorations, serving refreshments, Polaroid booth and more.

MAY

Santa Monica Festival: The festival, held annually on the Saturday of Mother's Day Weekend, highlights the cultural diversity of Santa Monica through music, food and crafts. A large number of volunteers are needed to help out the day of the festival and assist in the following areas: festival set-up, stage and performers, workshop assistant, general production assistants, information booth, performer greeter, festival break-down.

JUNE

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION: This event memorializes the day in 1865 when the last slaves were informed of their freedom as granted by the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. Virginia Avenue Park is the site of this action-packed celebration which includes multi-cultural music and dance performances, storytelling, game booths and activities and much more! Volunteers assist as needed throughout the event and with set up and break down.

JULY

GLOW - Saturday, July 19^th, 2008 from dusk to dawn (7pm- 7am), events and art occurred in public spaces in Santa Monica’s “Glow Zone”- on the beach, on the Santa Monica Pier, Under the Pier and in Palisades Park. The Santa Monica Arts Foundation conceived of Glow’s ambition which is to fill the streets and public spaces of downtown Santa Monica for one twelve hour period with a delighted and engaged public, who are savoring and participating in unique contemporary art experiences created by local and internationally known artists, all of which will be free.

Volunteers worked a minimum of one four-hour shift. Duties included supporting the artists with installing and dismantling their public art pieces and being “Glow Guides”, informing people about activities and handing out printed programs.

SEPTEMBER

Coastal Cleanup:

Coastal Cleanup is a local part of International Coastal Clean up Day and is a fun way for people to learn about the connection between the urban environment and our beaches. Nearly 10,000 volunteers comb the beaches of Los Angeles County and pick up trash every year on the third Saturday in September A real community event was held Saturday, September 20, 2008.

OCTOBER

Senior and Family Arts Festival: October 4 & 5, 2008 Music, Storytelling, Art Book-Making, Movement and Dance Workshop, Photo exhibits and a panel discussion were held. The City of Santa Monica Community & Cultural Services Department, in conjunction with the Senior Arts Foundation, the YMCA Senior Program and UCLA Healthcare Senior Services all collaborated to present this "Celebration of Life" event to highlight the dynamic arts life of senior adults.

Halloween Carnival: PAL sponsors this popular event held every year at the Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport. Games, food, activities, and costume contests are all part of the fun! Volunteers are needed to run the game and food booths and activity area.

NOVEMBER

Thanksgiving: During the week of Thanksgiving, there are opportunities to assist in serving meals and share the holiday spirit with seniors and those in need. Volunteers may assist at an event at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Note this event is not sponsored by the City of Santa Monica Volunteer Program. Call the Westside Thanksgiving Volunteer Hotline at (310) 394-3153 to see what help is needed.

DECEMBER

Senior Winter Holiday Party: This special event for seniors kicks off the holidays with live entertainment and refreshments. Volunteers assist with preparations, registration, refreshments, and creating a festive environment for party-goers. Contact the Senior Center on Ocean Ave at 310.458.8644.