If you like to be out in "the neighborhood" you might like:

The Community Partners team is rooted in our community and actively partners with local organizations to deepen networks of support and connection for our members and our larger community. Best part: Finding new ways to engage. 

Lead: Sara Lennox

Our Gatherings for Good program has made cards and phone calls with Chamber of Commerce members, flowerpots and recycled totes with Montessori middle schoolers, posted hundreds of warm notes with the Northampton High School Key Club, and even had a tea party at Smith College. We are looking for a lead to support and grow this program. Skills include ability to find and try new things within a multigenerational framework. This role requires 1–2 hours per month. Best Part: bringing people together to make and share good vibes. 

The Inclusion team works to ensure that residents from all areas and all groups in our city are welcomed at NN. The Team employs various strategies to reach out to those currently underrepresented within NN. Best Part: welcoming people of all ages from every corner of the community.

NN Laptop Exchange program strengthens how we all stay connected in this increasingly digital world. And, as a secondary benefit, we keep donated laptops out of our growing landfill. Best Part: using your technical skills for good.

Lead Nina Kleinberg 

The Neighborhood Circles program is a way for members to connect with those who live nearby. Circles pop up in backyards, public parks, and pubs—once a year, once a month, or just when the stars align—it's up to the neighborhood. It can be a block party, a tea party, or simply a party of 3. Best part: a neighborly connection.

Pioneer Valley Memory Care Initiative and Dementia Friends are two programs that focus on living with memory loss. PVMCI trains and supports NN volunteers to offer support for people living with memory loss and their care partners. People with dementia sometimes need a helping hand to go about their daily lives and feel included in their community. Dementia Friends shows us the things we can do to make a difference. The Memory Care Lead promotes these and other local programs. Skills include gathering and sharing print and digital resources and requires 1–2 hours per month. Best part: shine a light on living well with memory loss.

Our Events Team creates social events all year long. It is a lot of work, but also a good time. If you are a party planner or picker upper, please step up! Best part: creating cozy, tasty events for every member to enjoy.

Lead: David Bliss

The Speaker Series features lively and engaging speakers on a wide range of topics. The Speaker Series Team is guided by a commitment to present topics of particular interest to older people and those intended for a broader audience. Best Part: finding and seeking new ideas.

Lead: Sarah Bachrach

The Volunteer Support Team listens to our volunteers to learn what’s working and what we can do better for the people who keep us going everyday in countless ways. Best part: getting to know volunteers and supporting their contributions to NN.

Want to help? Contact Linda Desmond and Mary Warren

Want to come our office, be at your place, or a combo? Then you might like:

The Connections team listens to all our neighbors and helps spread the word about NN. Works with the Wellness Information Neighbors to post healthy guides and the NN Office on special projects and collaborations. This role requires 1–2 hours per week. Skills: Good communication and computer skills and the ability to see the big picture and keep track of all the little things, too. Best part: engaging others in the NN mission.

The Birthday Card Brigade and High Notes programs send birthday cards to our neighbors all year long or short notes every week or every now and then. Birthday Cards take about an hour a month and High Notes—a new offering inspired by an NN member—could be an hour a week. Best part: putting your stamp on neighborliness.

Our Dispatch team tend our phone message machine all week long and match members and volunteers. Skills include listening, data entry, and problem solving. Best part:connecting members who need a hand with volunteers who like to help.

Our Interest Group program promotes hikers, walkers, readers, gardeners, and others who come together to explore and share passions and hobbies. The role of Interest Group lead requires 1–2 hours per month to welcome new groups and stay connected with the seasoned leaders. Skills include communication and some data entry. Best Part: encouraging people to share a passion, or find a new one.

The Volunteer Registry Team oversees onboarding and training of volunteers—those who offer direct services as well as interest group and program leaders. NN volunteers are usually members and that’s great! The wider community deserves a chance, too. We are expanding to include more people who want to do more with NN. This role requires 4–5 hours per month. Skills needed include data entry, phone, print, and digital communication. Best part: connecting people who want to help with ways to help.

The Web Team lead ensures that our website and other platforms work for all of us. This role requires 2–3 hours per month to support our world wide web investments with print and digital how-to guides. Best part: ensuring that our engine is running at top speed.