Control Panel
Millions of neighbors are pitching in. Join them.
Neighbors who volunteered
Last year, neighbors gave 4.99 billion hours — about 13,671,233 hours/day • 9,494 hours/min.
What this means
People everywhere are helping — coaching kids, packing food, checking on seniors, cleaning parks. You can start with just one hour.
Source:
https://www.americorps.gov/newsroom/press-release/more-757-million-people-volunteered-america-americorps-reports
People working in nonprofits
That’s about 1 in 10 private-sector jobs in the U.S.
What this means
Helping is a career path too — from health and education to the arts and the environment.
Source:
https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/nonprofits-accounted-for-12-8-million-jobs-9-9-percent-of-private-sector-employment-in-2022.htm
Ways to help today
Real volunteer listings you can sign up for right now.
What this means
There’s something for every schedule — one-time shifts, remote help, weekend projects, and more.
Source:
https://www.idealist.org/en/careers/how-to-get-started-volunteering
Local governments that need you
Cities, counties, schools & special districts — with boards & commissions neighbors can join.
What this means
Every community has seats for everyday people — arts boards, parks boards, housing committees, and more.
Source:
https://www.stlouisfed.org/publications/regional-economist/2024/march/local-governments-us-number-type
Want to lead locally?
Type your city & state and we’ll open a quick Google search for boards & commissions applications.
Examples (open in new tab):
https://www.houstontx.gov/boards/
https://oca.harriscountytx.gov/Boards-And-Commissions
HFB Advocacy Center
The Houston Food Bank invites neighbors to take simple steps that add up: learn the basics, speak up, and lend a hand. Below are quick, clear actions sorted by time. Pick one that fits your day and follow the button to their site.
Climate Mental Health Network
The Climate Mental Health Network supports emotional well-being in the face of climate change by empowering communities with resources, conversations, and intergenerational healing tools.
Belonging Builders: A Resource Guide
A powerful, practical guide for anyone working to build systems of equity, inclusion, and shared power. Created by the Othering & Belonging Institute (OBI) at UC Berkeley, this resource outlines how to move from “inclusion” to true belonging—grounded in structural change, Targeted Universalism, and bridging across difference.
The School of Thought – Toolkit Profile
In an age of misinformation, polarization, and rapid information overload, equipping people with tools for clear reasoning and respectful dialogue is essential. These toolkits help build the foundations for better civic understanding, inclusive dialogue, and more informed decision-making.
Toolkit: Overcoming Fear in Public Speaking
Whether you're preparing for a civic speech, hosting a community meeting, or simply speaking up at work, the fear of public speaking is real—and common. This toolkit is a quick, powerful resource for community members at any stage of engagement who want to build confidence and clarity in their voice.
Civics 101 – Civics for Life
Millions of Americans lack a working knowledge of how government functions or what their civic responsibilities entail. Civics 101 meets this challenge head-on with fast, foundational lessons that help people of all ages—from students to retirees—understand the systems that shape their daily lives. With trust in institutions declining and polarization rising, resources like Civics 101 play a vital role in rebuilding civic competence and confidence.
Kids Discover Online
Informed citizens start young. Kids Discover Online provides engaging, age-appropriate content that helps students understand systems, history, and science—all essential foundations for civic readiness. From ancient civilizations to climate change and democracy, Kids Discover connects learning to the real world, building civic awareness and critical thinking from a young age.
Over Coffee Conversation Cards Game
In a time of polarization and disconnection, small, intentional conversations can be powerful civic acts. These cards offer a low-barrier way to strengthen social cohesion by encouraging people to share their lived experiences and values. They support healing, bridge-building, and story-centered engagement — all central to Change Lab’s mission.
Braver Angels eCourses
Braver Angels eCourses
These free, self-paced online courses are designed to help individuals navigate political and personal divides with empathy, clarity, and courage. Each course takes approximately 40 minutes to complete and can be taken independently or in conjunction with Braver Angels worksho