November 1-3

Join Fierce & Kind Spirits for a cocktail event at Understory on November 1, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Then, walk with the Fierce & Kind team at the MORE THAN PINK Walk on November 3.

San Diego Youth Services YAB (Youth Action Board) Traveling Through Time Gala

November 2

Check out the San Diego Youth Services YAB (Youth Action Board) Traveling Through Time Gala, where attendees are encouraged to dress in formalwear from any moment in history (or the future). All proceeds benefit the Youth Action Board, supporting young adults across the city.

Thrive San Diego Half Marathon & 5K

November 2

Join the eighth annual Thrive half marathon and 5K benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The mostly flat course begins and ends at Ski Beach in Mission Bay, featuring beautiful bay and sea vistas.

Kate Sessions Day Tree Planting

November 8

Fête the launch of the $10 million “Ready, Set, Grow” project by planting trees at a community event in honor of Kate Sessions, the “Mother of Balboa Park.” Funded by the USDA Forest Service and hosted by the City of San Diego, this event marks the start of tree-planting season.

“Hands Across Borders” Global Communities Gala

November 8

Support Global Communities’ work at Hyatt Regency La Jolla. This annual gala, which includes dinner, dancing, and a marketplace, benefits communities impacted by poverty, disasters, and conflict.

From San Diego with Love Charity Benefit

November 9

Ever dreamed of becoming a spy? Here’s your chance. This espionage-themed charity event benefits Feeding San Diego. A VIP pre-party includes a yacht excursion around San Diego Bay, followed by the main event at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.

Adopt-A-Pet Fundraiser

November 9

El Chingon in Gaslamp hosts a fundraiser for TAP (The Animal Pad), with 20% of bar proceeds donated to help find homes for pets. Enjoy tacos, margaritas, and adoptable furry friends.

San Diego Youth Services’ Walk & Rally

November 15

Join this two-hour walk, followed by refreshments and insight from young speakers, in downtown San Diego to raise funds to combat youth homelessness.

3rd Annual Kindness Fest

November 16

Support trafficking survivors at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. The live music fundraiser—complete with shopping and a silent auction—helps survivors get connected to critical resources.

Sixth Annual State of Hunger & 50th Anniversary Celebration

November 21

At the San Diego Hunger Coalition’s 50th anniversary, a panel of experts will discuss groundbreaking hunger relief strategies, followed by a networking reception and silent auction. Proceeds benefit local hunger programs.

Father Joe’s Village 23rd Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K

November 28

Join the annual Turkey Trot 5K at Balboa Park. All proceeds go towards providing meals for San Diegans in need, supporting the food program Father Joe’s Village.

19th Annual O’side Turkey Trot 5K

November 28

Taking place in Oceanside, this nationally recognized event features a costume contest and live entertainment (plus, of course, medals for all finishers) and benefits the Move Your Feet Before You Eat Foundation.

The post 12 San Diego Nonprofit Events to Attend This November appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

“I founded One Love Movement upon realizing my purpose in life: to make change for people who don’t have a voice,” Bauman says. Her mission is deeply personal, rooted in her experience as a Korean orphan adopted by an American family and inspired by a volunteer trip she took to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.

 “I was struggling with the heartbreak of being no different than all of the orphans I had met, yet, somehow, I was picked for a better life,” Bauman recalls. She felt inspired to create a nonprofit.

Today, One Love Movement brings people together through yoga, sound baths, and other events and retreats to support causes that promote social justice. It’s especially committed to advocacy, youth welfare, dignity, and wellness. For Bauman, the work is about helping others realize their strength and compassion to create positive change.

A standout moment for Bauman was meeting Michelle Obama via Zoom. “I freaked out,” she laughs, recalling her disbelief when she got the call. “I kept asking the guy if this was a scam!” When she finally logged onto the Zoom call and saw the former First Lady, it was a full-circle moment that reinforced her belief that anything is possible. “I knew that I didn’t have to know how I would get there, I just had to know that I would,” she says.

But Bauman’s journey building One Love Movement hasn’t always been smooth. For nine years, Bauman organized the largest charity yoga event in the country, a fundraiser that drew thousands. While the event was successful, it left her emotionally drained, with a yearly cycle of anxiety and depression that culminated after each event. 

“I kept thinking this great, big event was the answer!” Bauman says, realizing she had tied her self-worth to the event’s success. The pandemic in 2020 forced her to pause, and that’s when she had a breakthrough. “I realized that I was looking outside of myself for all of the answers,” she adds. It was a pivotal moment that led her to focus on internal fulfillment rather than external validation.

Bauman continues to build the One Love Movement, offering donation-based yoga classes and sound bath meditation and organizing volunteer retreats to Peru and Kenya. “The best way to support our work is through donations; coming to our yoga classes, retreats, and events; or sharing our work with your friends and family,” she says. 

As One Love Movement evolves, Bauman’s mission remains clear: to create spaces where compassion leads to action, making the world a better place for all.

The post One Love Movement Empowers Change Through Compassion & Community appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Photos Courtesy of Human Rights Campaign San Diego

The post Photos: Human Rights Campaign San Diego Fundraiser 2024 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Girls on the Run San Diego is part of a global movement that helps third- to eighth-grade girls build their confidence and navigate life’s challenges through physical activity and social-emotional lessons. GOTRSD’s inclusive and research-based curriculum fosters healthy physical and mental habits, with trained volunteer coaches guiding the girls. As a program volunteer, Gabriel works directly with youth to develop skills that will last beyond their time in the program.

What made you want to work for this organization?

Last year, I underwent a total knee replacement on my left knee, marking a significant step toward regaining my mobility. Overcoming the mental and physical challenges of transitioning from being fully able-bodied to using a wheelchair was incredibly tough. I promised myself that by the end of my recovery, I would find a role that not only aligned with the woman I am becoming but also allowed me to impact my community and give back to the city that has given me so much.

In August 2023, while applying to numerous roles at a coffee shop, one opportunity stood out: Girls on the Run San Diego. This role offered the chance to work directly with girls in my community and extend the program to underserved areas that could greatly benefit from it. The organization’s core values resonated deeply with me, particularly: embracing our differences and finding strength in our connectedness, nurturing our physical, emotional, and spiritual health, leading with an open heart, and assuming positive intent. These values perfectly aligned with my personal journey and aspirations.

Moreover, this job came into my life during a time of profound personal healing. The same week I had my first interview for this role, I experienced the heartbreaking loss of my goddaughter, Caloni, who was just 8 years old. Despite the challenge, something drew me to this position. Every day I clock in, I keep her in mind—not only because she would have loved a program like this, but also because I saw so many of our core values reflected in her even at a young age. This role has been a source of healing and motivation for me, driving me to continue pouring into the lives of girls her age and beyond.

What do your job duties entail?

In my role, I have the opportunity to coordinate programming and outreach, as well as manage our social media accounts. This past spring, I was responsible for programming in the Escondido Unified School District, acting as the point of contact for 21 sites. This involved ensuring coaches were properly trained for the season and thoroughly understood the curriculum. Additionally, managing our social media became a passion of mine, as it allowed me to showcase the joy and impact this program has on our girls.

One of the key aspects that drew me to this role is the flexibility to learn and grow. This is particularly evident in the outreach portion of my responsibilities. My peers and board members often hear me emphasize the importance of community, which is at the heart of my work. Understanding the communities we currently serve and those we aim to reach in the future is crucial. My job involves figuring out how to introduce our Girls on the Run and Heart and Sole to new sites while focusing on how to best support them in implementing it.

Essentially, my role bridges gaps in various areas, whether it’s entering new spaces, forging new connections, or nurturing existing relationships to ensure our longevity. The multifaceted nature of this job brings me immense joy. While the title “Program Coordinator” can encompass many responsibilities, at Girls on the Run San Diego, it represents a unique blend of flexibility, community engagement, and the sheer excitement of seeing our girls complete their 5k.

The brightness that emanates from our council is not just due to our company colors but also our core values. This role has allowed me to create lasting experiences for the girls we serve and healing experiences for myself. I truly enjoy the work I do and the meaningful impact it has on our community.

Can you describe your favorite or most memorable experience while at GOTRSD?

I have two experiences that stand out to me. My favorite experience thus far has been completing our NCT (National Coach Training) to train the next generation of coaches. This training was held in Charlotte, NC, and I attended alongside our Program Operations Manager, Izabel. We both started at Girls on the Run a few weeks apart and have been inseparable since. This experience was particularly meaningful because it was the first time in a long while that I truly heard my own voice. Over the past four years, I have faced numerous challenges that many might not have overcome, but through faith and perseverance, I found my voice again at this training.

As this role is my first significant professional position, I initially experienced imposter syndrome, unable to believe where I had ended up after all I had been through. The training provided ample opportunities for speaking, networking, and learning, which empowered me and reaffirmed my commitment to the work I do. By the end of the training, women from councils across the country were approaching me, commending my eloquence and expressing their excitement for the future work at our council. This trip allowed me to embrace the differences in the room and find strength in our connectedness. It was the first time in four years that I felt truly seen for who I am, beyond my physical challenges and the post-graduate phase of self-discovery.

My second most memorable experience occurred during a site visit as the Liaison for Escondido Unified School District. I had developed a strong relationship with a coach via email and was eager to visit her site, Del Dios Academy of Visual and Performing Arts. Although I had to reschedule the visit due to physical therapy for my second total knee replacement, it turned out to be a profoundly memorable day.

Growing up in Southeast San Diego, I was accustomed to a sense of belonging within my community. When I arrived at Del Dios Academy, a young Black girl saw me and her face instantly lit up. In that moment, I knew what her smile meant—she felt a sense of belonging. Throughout the visit, she would glance at me, unsure about approaching me, which I understood as I had once been a sixth grader too. Eventually, I had the chance to talk with her, as well as with other girls on the team. She mentioned that she did not enjoy middle school due to the challenges of being historically underrepresented and facing unkind peers. I reminded her of the power of being a Black woman and encouraged her to embrace her identity, despite the challenges she might face in spaces where she may not be respected or accepted.

This site visit reinforced my purpose in this role. While my goal is to connect and build relationships within the broader community, I also aim to be a representation for young Black girls in our community who participate in this program. I am where I am today because of the Black women and men who poured into me growing up and continue to support me. There have been many times when I did not feel safe until I saw someone who looked like me. Both of these experiences have been deeply impactful, as they have allowed me to find my voice and use it to inspire and support others.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced is making meaningful change at a slow pace. Since starting this role, I’ve felt a greater purpose in my heart, but refining exactly what that purpose is has been a journey. Girls on The Run and Heart and Sole have been a transformative agent for many girls, but what about our historically underrepresented communities? What about our Black communities with limited access to resources or funding? Each season, we open a window for schools to be eligible for funding to reduce program costs, enabling more participation.

However, the reality is that, despite our best efforts, we can’t financially support every site. Over the past year, we as an organization have explored numerous ways to secure funding to support these schools and make our program more equitable and accessible to the communities that need us most. Growing up in Southeast San Diego, I attended Nye Elementary and O’Farrell Community School. I know firsthand that these students could benefit from our program, but not if they can’t afford it.

That’s why Girls on the Run San Diego firmly believes that every girl deserves to participate in our program and offers several types of financial assistance to anyone who needs it. All participants and their families will have access to discount codes for financial assistance. I’ve been balancing the goal of expanding our reach while welcoming back sites that were once part of our community before Covid-19. We may be a small team, but we are mighty in our resolve.

In my quest to discover my purpose and navigate the challenges of effecting change, I’ve yearned to provide young Black girls with opportunities I didn’t have. Systemically, I have encountered numerous barriers in this role. I’ve questioned why I was chosen for the challenge of change and whether my efforts truly contribute to this generation. At times, it has felt overwhelming to be just one person striving to create the change I envision.

One constant in this process has been the importance of community. Systemically, I feel that Black women in this organization lack the proper communication channels and agency, and representation in both the staff and board. Connecting with many educated Black women who share my commitment to increasing reach and accessibility for Black girls has been invaluable. I’ve learned that sometimes, I need to take a leap of faith, even if the results are slow to manifest.

We have had numerous discussions on using intentionality in the curriculum to support a culturally responsive and inclusive programming effort by both our team and coaches. We’ve faced multiple resistance and a continued journey of learning how to be responsive to communities of color which we redefine as “not yet.” Despite these obstacles, this role has shown me the challenges of being a successful young Black professional. There are numerous systemic barriers we must overcome to grow in the communities where we are most needed.

From these challenges, I have learned that challenges provoke change. There is always a better way to do something, and finding the right solution takes time. Challenge comes when change is moving in the right direction. The word “challenge” contains “change,” reminding me that perseverance is key. I must long for change, regardless of how hard it gets or how long it takes. The goal is to implement incremental changes now so that one day, the change will be evident across our organization. I am here on an assignment and have embraced the challenges that come my way.

We are currently working on securing funding and developing fundraising methods with the team to make our program more accessible to girls throughout San Diego County. This pursuit of change has challenged me to grow in unexpected ways and to use the voice that this role has helped me find. As the only Black woman on our staff, the challenges I face do not instill fear but inspire change. I am dedicated to sending out the challenge of change so that we can grow as a council, remain vigilant in our work, and continue to advocate for our community. I strive to be a representation for future Black professionals and express gratitude to my ancestors who embraced the change that comes with challenges.

The question remains: What change is being held back by this challenge? How can I take the first step towards that change?

Any advice for someone considering volunteering as a way to give back?

Take the leap of faith and do it. I have a younger sister, and with our ten-year age gap, I understand how different our perspectives can be. Volunteering with Girls on the Run San Diego is healing in many ways. Our GOTRSD community is incredibly special, with a passion that extends beyond the board and staff to our dedicated volunteers. There is a unique joy that permeates in this space, especially when we all share the same gratitude for our core values in order to create a better future for the next generation.

I have had the honor of connecting with many amazing volunteers and often hold space for them to share what led them to GOTRSD and what keeps them involved. Many express the sentiment of wishing they could have experienced this program as a child or being the representation for young girls that they needed when they were younger. Volunteering often heals the inner child, which is profoundly meaningful to me.

This is a wonderful space to volunteer if you’re new to my hometown and seeking community, or if you want to contribute to the lasting experiences the girls are part of. One core value to keep in mind is to lead with an open heart and assume positive intent. When you come into this space, leave your fears behind and allow yourself to be fully present. Lead with an open heart because, although we are working with the next generation of doctors, lawyers, educators, and changemakers, these girls inspire us with their wisdom, courage, vulnerability, curiosity, and desire for a better world.

Get in contact with our San Diego council, and we will welcome you into our community with open arms. Give us a follow on Instagram @gotrsd and feel free to visit our website gotrsd.org. 

The post Volunteer Diaries: Girls on the Run San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

The iconic theater also recently announced its 2025 season, which includes world premiere musicals, West Coast and San Diego premieres, and two of Shakespeare’s popular comedies. Highlights include the musical comedy Regency Girls; Huzzah!, a musical from the creators of Legally Blonde and Mean Girls, Nell Benjamin and Laurence O’Keefe; Empty Ride by Keiko Green; House of India by Deepak Kumar; and The Janeiad by Anna Ziegler.

Two West Coast premieres, Deceived by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson and Small by Robert Montano, will run alongside San Diego premieres of Appropriate by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and One of the Good Ones by Gloria Calderón Kellett. The annual Shakespeare Festival will feature All’s Well That Ends Well and The Comedy of Errors.

Photos courtesy of The Old Globe

The post Photos: The 2024 Old Globe Gala Black & White Masquerade appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

From her work advocating for equitable education in underserved communities to her involvement in grassroots activism for LGBTQ+ rights, Hussain’s story is one of resilience, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Hussain was born and raised in Qatar, a country she describes as having “vast economic divides between the wealthy locals and the many migrant workers who support the booming economy.”

“I grew up in the Middle East in a largely Indian private school,” she says, explaining that most private schools were typically Arab and wealthy. Her school, with over 10,000 students, was a great equalizer—a place where all wore uniforms, hiding any wealth or relative lack thereof, and focused on education regardless of their backgrounds. For Hussain, school represented stability and opportunity, two things not easily afforded to many in the migrant communities around her. 

“All I wanted to do was go to school,” she recalls, emphasizing how education was a cherished privilege in her family. Though they struggled financially, with her family relying on aid to send all five children to the same school, Hussain’s experience instilled in her a belief in the transformative power of education and the fundamental right to receive a good one.

Hussain explains that her family experience, one of hardship and resilience, undergirds her volunteer lifestyle. She says that as immigrants in a country where visas are controlled by work permits, they navigated life with the constant fear of deportation, as her father’s jobs in the military ebbed and flowed, and he was frequently unemployed. She adds that it was a “huge opportunity” for her father to have immigrated to Qatar, and that it changed her life, regardless of the difficulties her family faced once there

“We never threw away boxes,” Hussain remembers, explaining how her family always had to be ready to pack up and leave at a moment’s notice. Growing up in an environment with a fundamental lack of security stuck with her. She’s impassioned to fight for others to have access to the opportunities she had to fight so hard to secure. Education was the core of that vision, and it became a mission in her budding career.

As she left school, Hussain started working for global nonprofits focused on education and humanitarian aid in South Asia and the Middle East. She built schools and implemented community programs in countries like Indonesia and Cambodia and says the work was deeply personal. “For me, it just felt like this is what I needed when I was a kid,” she says. The faces she saw were familiar—children wearing the same school uniforms she once wore and living in conditions that mirrored her experiences. It wasn’t just work for her; it became her mission.

But as Hussain’s professional work took her around the world, her heart stayed close to the migrant worker communities in Qatar, where she grew up. Seeing firsthand the inequities faced by these communities—who lived in labor camps and were often stripped of their fundamental human rights—she got into underground activism, volunteering indirectly for Amnesty International and focusing on supporting migrant workers. “I saw myself as part of those people in those camps, and that’s why I felt this urge that something had to be done,” she says. Her efforts included organizing food drives and finding ways to offer support, even when it meant operating in the shadows due to the sensitive political climate in Qatar.

This advocacy work came with risks. Whistleblowers within Hussain’s network started losing their work permits and faced legal repercussions for speaking out. Eventually, she felt she had to stop working underground and moved to San Diego in 2016 through a work transfer at a biotech marketing company.

She describes the culture shock of moving from what she describes as family—and community-oriented Middle Eastern cultures to fast-paced Southern California, remembering a sense that though people were friendly and well-meaning, people in the United States can be much more individualistic. She wasn’t catching the vibrant discussions about social issues and the sense of collective responsibility she had been used to in her communities back in Qatar.

To add to the disillusionment, her work visa was rejected during a renewal process in 2018, which she notes happened during a particularly contentious time in immigration history during President Trump’s administration, a climate that persists today. Hussain was facing deportation—a situation she describes as familiar from childhood, so she knew what to do. However, she felt her life was unraveling while her work status was on hold and her future uncertain.

Hussain says that, during that time, a friend from the LGBTQ+ community encouraged her to volunteer for the Human Rights Campaign’s annual gala in San Diego. “All I wanted to do was just feel like I was doing something,” she says, recalling how volunteering became a lifeline. What started as one night of pro bono event crewing quickly evolved into a deeper involvement.

“I got in immediately,” she says, taking on responsibilities within HRC’s steering committee and eventually becoming a digital communications leader. She says the work gave her a renewed sense of purpose and reconnected her to her activist and volunteer roots.

Hussain’s roles at HRC are multifaceted. She leads digital communications for the San Diego chapter, serves on the National Board of Governors, and is a leader within the organization’s Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) affinity group. 

Her work involves everything from year-round organizing for volunteers and membership outreach to supporting grassroots LGBTQ+ organizations with funding and visibility. For Hussain, it’s about creating a more inclusive movement that centers the voices of those traditionally marginalized—especially within the LGBTQ+ advocacy space itself, which she contends can often be “very white spaces.” 

“It takes one to know one,” she emphasizes, underscoring the importance of having diverse leaders who understand the nuances of intersectional identities.

Navigating the complexities of being a queer, South Asian, Muslim immigrant has given Hussain a unique perspective on advocacy, she thinks. She recognizes the challenges faced by those who straddle multiple marginalized identities, particularly in cultures where being queer is not widely accepted or even safe.

For Hussain, San Diego’s diversity—often hidden by geographic and social divides—offers challenges and opportunities for activism and impact. She dedicates herself to bridging these divides by elevating underrepresented voices and driving change at the local level through organizing campaigns for unhoused LGBTQ+ youth or supporting pro-equality candidates in political office. “Advocacy is more than just speaking up—it’s about systemic change and building communities that uplift one another,” she says.

Hussain’s humanist spirit has taken her from underground activism in Qatar to her leadership role at HRC San Diego, a journey that taught her the reality of intersectionality, the necessity of community support, and the enduring belief that change is possible even in the most materially and politically tense conditions. For now, San Diego has become where she continues to fight for that change, helping to bring the voices of all marginalized people out from the shadows.

The post Hooriya Hussain’s Global Path to Advocacy with Human Rights Campaign appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

October 4

From October 2-7, the second annual Del Mar Wine + Food Festival kicks off, with all Grand Tasting ticket proceeds benefiting Feeding San Diego. On October 4, as part of the culinary dinner series, a Coastal Cowboy dinner with Experience Scottsdale will be held to support Promises2Kids.

San Diego Civic Dance Arts Fundraising Nights of Theater (FNOT)

October 4

On October 4, the Casa Del Prado Theater will host this fundraising event to support San Diego’s theater arts programs and other community initiatives.

San Diego Humane Society’s 38th Annual “Fur Ball” Gala

October 5

The 38th annual Fur Ball gala will take place on October 5. It will offer a night of cocktails, silent and live auctions, and a vegetarian meal by chef Jeffrey Strauss. Proceeds from the gala benefit the Humane Society’s animal welfare programs.

Ronald McDonald House Dinner With Friends

October 5

On October 5, enjoy a Kentucky Derby-themed dinner to support Ronald McDonald House‘s mission of providing care for families with children undergoing medical treatments.

Kitchens for Good: Wasted

Oct 9 & 13

The first part of this two-part event, the Dinner Party, occurs on October 9 at Building 177 in Liberty Station. The follow-up Food Festival happens on October 13 at South Promenade, Liberty Station, where chefs craft small plates from food items typically wasted. Proceeds benefit Kitchens for Good’s sustainability programs.

Feeding San Diego: Pairings with a Purpose Dinner Party

October 10

Join an intimate dinner at a newly renovated Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. The evening will highlight Feeding San Diego’s hunger relief programs, particularly the School Pantry Program. It will feature dishes by chefs like Jason McLeod, Nic Webber, and Yara Lamers, with a dessert by chef Claudia Sandoval. Proceeds will aid over 100,000 local children experiencing hunger.

Raise Up for Monarch

October 10

Also, on October 10, the Monarch School Project’s fundraiser will take place at its Barrio Logan campus. The event features campus tours, student performances, and food and drink to support unhoused youth through Monarch School programs.

The New Children’s Museum’s “The Magical Treehouse” Gala

October 14

The downtown museum will host its annual gala, featuring a storybook-inspired theme, live entertainment, food, art installations, and a live auction. Proceeds benefit access and impact programs for children, including free field trips for Title I schools.

DIGNI-TEA Event by Alliance San Diego

October 24

Hosted at San Diego Made, this charity tea time supports Alliance San Diego’s mission to foster community connections and increase civic engagement.

Voice of Our City Choir Gala and Benefit Concert

October 26

This gala, set for October 26, will take place at San Diego’s waterfront venue EVE. The soirée will include live jazz, cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a performance by the choir to support its mission of empowering the homeless community through music. Ticket sales will benefit housing, health, and community programs.

The post 10 San Diego Nonprofit Events to Attend This October appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Several critical services are designed to meet the needs of seniors: One, called Rides & Smiles, relies on volunteers who drive seniors to medical appointments, grocery shopping trips, and other essential errands. It also organizes excursions, which are planned trips to cultural, recreational, and social destinations, helping to combat loneliness and isolation. Overall, the program is designed to be flexible, customizable, and responsive, ensuring that seniors can continue participating in community life, attend appointments, and maintain their independence as long as possible. 

Longtime On the Go volunteer driver Betty Carroll shares her experience driving seniors with Jewish Family Service of San Diego over the years. Those interested in becoming a volunteer driver can call (858) 637-3050 or fill out this form. More information on the On the Go program can be found here.

What made you want to volunteer for this organization?           

I was already a volunteer with two other organizations, but a friend who was a scheduler for Rides & Smiles thought that I needed something else to do! I was somewhat familiar with the program from talking to her, and it sounded like a good way to meet and help some nice people. Plus, I could fit rides around my other obligations.

What do your volunteer duties entail? 

Duties as a driver for Rides & Smiles are easy: contact clients who have requested rides, pick those clients up at an appointed time, drive them to their destination, and sometimes return to take the clients back home again. In my case, I have chosen to exclusively drive a visually impaired man for the last two years and stay with him at his appointments or assist him in grocery shopping.

Can you describe your favorite or most memorable volunteering experience?

It is hard to select a favorite experience. I have met some fascinating people: a 100-year-old gentleman who came to San Diego in his 40s and started a business (when I was driving him, he was going to play bridge every week), and a senior lady (I would rather not disclose her age) who lived in England during WWII, moved to the US in 1947, and had an exciting career path, including some jobs that would have been considered “man’s work” when she undertook them. My most memorable might be helping my visually impaired rider during his mother’s illness and her death.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

The biggest challenge is that it’s hard not to want to take as many rides as possible, as so many people need assistance. That is why I have been the exclusive driver for both the “senior lady” and the visually impaired man.

Any advice for someone considering volunteering?

Just do it! You really set your own schedule by accepting only the rides you want to take and you can meet some interesting people along the way.

The post Volunteer Diaries: “On the Go” with Jewish Family Service of San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

“Our mission is to teach craft to the community, and we have several programs that teach woodworking, organic gardening, and working with clay, glass, and textiles,” explains Steffanie Dotson, the founder of the San Diego Craft Collective. She’s a seasoned woodworking instructor who, while teaching at the college level, encountered students who lacked basic practical skills, despite their academic achievements. This disconnect between traditional education and hands-on learning inspired her to create a space where craft could be used to bridge that gap.

Dotson says this need became even more apparent during the Covid pandemic, and the Craft Collective’s mission became clearer. As the world grappled with isolation and heightened anxiety, the organization safely opened its doors, offering a creative refuge. “Craft is a remedy for mental wellness, depression, and anxiety,” she notes. “It’s not just a creative outlet; it’s actually good for your mind and body.” At the time, it was also something people could learn to do and take home in relative isolation while still actively using their minds and bodies.

A cornerstone of the Craft Collective’s impact is its high school internship program. Partnering with local schools like High Tech High and e3 Civic High, the program offers students a first taste of the professional world. These internships go beyond job training; they’re transformative experiences that help students discover and pursue their passions.

She remembers a project by two interns who created a stuffed bear using a wardrobe of old clothes. This creation became a storytelling tool for the collective’s “littles” program, designed for three- to six-year-olds. The project not only honed their sewing skills but also allowed them to see the direct impact of their work on young children, a first for many of the interns outside their own families.

Other interns need more encouragement to get started but find themselves blossoming once there. Dotson recalls another intern whose interests on his application were listed as music and video games. “He seemed a little bit lost, like he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life,” Dotson recalls. Through the program, he discovered a passion for woodworking and guitar making. This journey reignited his interest in math and opened his eyes to new career possibilities. “Being here as an intern really opened up his eyes to where he could go in the future,” she shares. “He now has ideas of teaching woodworking or instrument making.”

The Craft Collective’s influence extends well beyond individual interns: It works with Title One schools, teen recovery programs, and other community organizations, offering craft-based outreach that enriches lives and fosters a sense of community. Their efforts are powered by the generosity of donors and volunteers and grants that support their extensive programming.

Dotson says there are many ways to get involved in supporting this 501 (c)(3) nonprofit. Donations fund operational expenses and community outreach programs, ensuring the Craft Collective can continue to offer its wide range of services. They also welcome volunteers and encourage community members to visit during their open houses in Liberty Station on the first Friday of every month, where free kids’ crafts are available.

Nowadays, it’s easy to feel like the importance of tactile, hands-on learning is frequently overlooked. Not only does this mean that beautiful things are created less and less, but it also means that people are developing fewer skills in their absence. By bridging the gap between traditional education and practical skills while adding a serious dose of creativity and fun, Dotson and the San Diego Craft Collective are creating not just beautiful objects but brighter futures, too.

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Locally, there are two Girl Scouts summer camps, Camps Winacka and Whispering Oaks, near Julian. We checked in with one of the local council’s longest-running volunteers, troop leader Jeni Barajas, to see what it’s like to live and breathe Girl Scouts.

Also, a friendly reminder that Girl Scouts San Diego’s fundraiser, Urban Campout: Fortune Favors the Bold, is on Friday, Sept. 13 if you’d like to join the fun.

What do your GSSD volunteer duties entail? 

I have been a Girl Scouts San Diego (GSSD) troop leader for 12 years, and I am just now “bridging” my first two graduating seniors into adulthood. Our troop has eight Ambassador Girl Scouts who will bridge into adulthood next year. Last year, I started a new Girl Scout Daisy troop of 12 kindergarteners whom I hope to have throughout their entire youth, too. 

I became connected with the GSSD Volunteer Engagement Team and became a volunteer learning facilitator. I onboard Girl Scout volunteers with introductions to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and empower adults to foster a youth-led experience to engage and retain Girl Scouts. I also train adults to lead youth in planning outdoor skills like camping, outdoor cooking, archery, orienteering, and pretty much anything that involves getting youth outside to explore, learn, and take action.

I also volunteer as one of two Cookie Coordinators in my service unit (AKA a Girl Scout community in our region), overseeing our largest youth-led entrepreneur program…the Girl Scout Cookie Program. We train over 100 adult volunteer cookie program managers and leaders in our area to support more than 900 Girl Scouts in all things Girl Scout Cookies.

As a volunteer, I have been selected as a National Delegate (2017-2020 term) and have traveled to connect and engage with adult Girl Scouts and Girl Guides all over the world. I will always seek opportunities to support Girl Scouts locally, nationally, and globally. 

Can you describe your favorite or most memorable experience while volunteering? 

This summer, my Girl Scout Ambassador troop traveled to Italy together. We planned the trip together, knowing we would say goodbye to two of our girls as they moved on to college and adulthood. We chose to “bridge” them from Girl Scouts to adulthood over the Rialto Bridge in Venice. As we walked to the bridge together one evening, we were all emotional knowing what our ceremony represented. We have all grown up together. All nine of us wore matching scarves and our Girl Scout pins. As each of us shared a favorite memory and wish for the future of our bridging Girl Scouts, a violinist played Enya’s “Only Time” in the background. This was a fun, well-timed, meaningful coincidence we all giggled at through tears. 

The fact that I have such a large troop of high school youth who have been with our group for so long blows my mind. I felt such gratitude, joy, and pride in those moments on that bridge. This was a trip that we planned for together, raised money to get there together, and wanted to make those memories together. And after those two Girl Scouts bridged, they said, “You aren’t kicking us out, Ms. Jeni,” and I said, “Never!” They both will renew as Girl Scout Lifetime Members to remain part of Troop 4069 and Girl Scouts San Diego as volunteers. What more could I have hoped for in this summer trip and this side hustle as their volunteer Girl Scout leader? 

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced? 

One challenge I have faced is finding more time so I can play…er, “volunteer” as much as I really want to. HA! That is the truth, though.

Any advice for someone considering volunteering as a way to give back? 

My advice for someone who is considering volunteering as a way to give back is that it is easy if you find something you are passionate about. Sometimes our society may think that the best or easiest “giving” to an organization means donating money. That is not true. Time is incredibly valuable. Volunteering any time is gratifying because you support a mission you believe in. I’d suggest starting small and then adding time as you get comfortable. There may be opportunities to help do things behind the scenes from home or during times that best suit your schedule. Every task helps. 

What made you want to volunteer for GSSD? 

I started as a volunteer Girl Scout troop leader when my daughter asked to be a Girl Scout 12 years ago. As I reacquainted myself as a leader, I quickly sought more opportunities to connect with and support the organization that was a beacon of hope and joy in my childhood. I was a Girl Scout here in San Diego. At home, when I was younger, I lacked physical and psychological safety. As I look back, Girl Scouts was my safety. The meetings, camping, and leadership opportunities helped build me into who I am today. Giving back to GSSD was an easy choice…it was and is definitely my passion. I started by walking through new opportunities to give, and very quickly, I ran for as much volunteering as I could fit into my schedule.

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