This year’s Washington Gives event may have looked different than the previous, but nevertheless, Washington was able to come together virtually to celebrate the life, works, and spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this year. The goal of Washington Gives is to engage families, friends, and neighbors in civic initiatives around Washington, and we hope this year’s presentation inspires you to become involved in new ways in our wonderful community!
Take a look at the non-profit organizations in Washington and the ways to get involved in the service work that keeps our community thriving.
ASAP!’s vision is to honor children’s imaginations, invite them to create, encourage them to take risks, and trust their resourcefulness, so they will become the empowered, resilient, and compassionate adults the world really needs. HOW TO VOLUNTEER: You can volunteer with ASAP! by assisting with workshops, events, and many other jobs that arise. To learn more, visit: asapct.org.
Washington is a socially and culturally rich and economically diverse community supported by a host of generous, caring citizens. They contribute time and money to ensure strong educational systems, quality library services, intelligent land use planning, first-rate emergency care and a wide range of intellectual and recreational activities. HOW TO VOLUNTEER: Volunteers are the core of our town, and there are many ways to get involved in the town including on the Town Boards and Commissions. To learn more, visit: www.washingtonct.org.
WEC Volunteers, Jane and Owen Light WEC’s Mission is to be an advocate and provide leadership in maintaining, protecting and enhancing the environmental quality of the Town of Washington and the surrounding region. HOW TO VOLUNTEER: A great way to get involved to keep Washington safe and clean is by participating in the Washington Road Warriors program by cleaning and collecting trash and litter along the roads in Washington four times a year. Individuals can also get involved with serving on WEC’s board, becoming an event volunteer, or donating to the organization. To learn more, visit: www.wec-ct.org.
Founded in 1952, the Washington Art Association is a non profit organization dedicated to enriching our community through art education, exhibitions and special events. The Washington Art Association offers a membership open to anyone interested, various art classes, and internships. HOW TO VOLUNTEER: Anyone interested in volunteer opportunities with the Washington Art Association can help with administrative support, copywriting, marketing, and assisting with special events and fundraisers. To learn more, visit: www.washingtonartassociation.org.
The Gunn Memorial Library is dedicated to the promotion of literacy, education, and preservation of the Town’s history and culture via the Gunn Historical Museum. The mission of the Gunn Historical Museum is to collect, preserve, and share the objects and stories which illuminate the history of Washington. The Gunn Memorial Library circulates books, music, and movies and runs weekly programs for adults and youth. The Gunn Historical Museum does an incredible job of collecting and preserving Washington’s history and offering accessible materials to share with the community. HOW TO VOLUNTEER: Those interested in volunteering with the library or museum, there are opportunities to help with archiving, sorting through donations, shelving, research, and more. To learn more, go to: www.gunnlibrary.org.
The Washington Ambulance Association responds to 911 emergencies in the Town of Washington and neighboring communities providing basic life support to those in need and utilizes a regional paramedic intercept with Trinity Health for advanced life support. HOW TO VOLUNTEER: Those interested in volunteering with the Washington Ambulance Association are encouraged to take the EMT Course in order to be able to volunteer and help change the lives of others for the better. To learn more, visit: www.washingtonambulance.org.
Washington Council of Congregations consists of the six established religious congregations in the Town of Washington, who are working together for the benefit of our community. The WCOC has coordinated drive-thru food drives around town and has collected 10,000 tons of food and personal items to support the Warren/Washington and New Milford Food Banks. HOW TO VOLUNTEER: Those interested in volunteering with future events should email [email protected].
Steep Rock Association is a land trust whose mission is to conserve ecologically and historically significant landscapes in and around Washington, CT and the Shepaug River Valley and to enhance the community’s connection with nature. HOW TO VOLUNTEER: If you are interested in volunteering with the SRA, there are three programs that help take care of the land and trails including becoming a Trail Manager, participating in Monthly Trail Work Parties, or becoming a Preserve Monitor. The Citizen Science programs also work with volunteers to help monitor and document the biological diversity of the preserves, and volunteers of the Judea Garden help to grow and distribute vegetables to those in need locally. There are also administrative, event planning, and research opportunities for volunteering. To learn more about opportunities with the Steep Rock Association, visit: steeprockassoc.org.
The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens’ mission is to be a gathering place in Washington that invites friends and neighbors to relax, learn, play, and share all that our community offers. HOW TO VOLUNTEER: Volunteer opportunities include becoming a part of the Programs and Marketing Committees for events, the Development Committee, Finance Committee, and more. For those interested in volunteering with the Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens can visit: thejudyblackparkandgardens.org.
Conversations On the Green (COG), brings nationally recognized voices and artists to the pine-crowned Litchfield hills, supporting a mission to educate (and invigorate) the community through discussion of the country’s most provocative issues and ideas. HOW TO VOLUNTEER: There are many ways to get involved with Conversations on the Green, including fundraising, grant writing, production, copywriting and press releases, and more. To learn more, visit: www.conversationsonthegreen.com.
The PCBRW is a coalition of community members dedicated to developing awareness and providing education to reduce the harmful effects of substance abuse and addition on individuals, families, and children living in the towns of Bridgewater, Roxbury, and Washington. The coalition hosts speaker forums and speakers, works with the school districts, and funds busses for the local prom. HOW TO VOLUNTEER: Those interested in joining the coalition for short-term projects or long-term stakeholder representation. To learn more, contact Chair of the Council, James McDonough at [email protected].
Many thanks to the organizations who participated in Washington Gives, and to all our non-profits for the important work they do! And thanks to the many volunteers and donors who support these wonderful organizations.
Learn more about all the non-profit organizations in Washington.
