Phillyanthropy

Get Up, Get Out, Get Involved

by Dana Henry

Tired of all the post-New Year's hype about how getting in shape can be fun? Well here's a new one that you can actually believe: Getting in shape can help others. Back on My Feet seeks to increase self-confidence and health among the homeless population through running. The local nonprofit organizes teams for shelters and is always looking for fellow athletes who can keep up morale or just plain keep up at 1- to 6-mile runs throughout Center City. Call Andrew Marr at 610-306-5439 or visit backonmyfeet.org.

If you can appreciate a quality protractor, MATHCOUNTS has an opportunity for you, nerdy do-gooder. Rowan University will host the national enrichment program's middle school challenge and needs help overseeing all the brainy students. As a volunteer, you'll supervise and grade the tests (an answer key will be provided) and help organize lunch. Call Maureen Bradley at 856-235-7170 or visit mathcounts.org.

Looking for a way on to the eco-activist platform? As a naturalist aide at Silver Lake Nature Center, you'll give a little and get a lot. During six weekly classes, the staff will teach you some basic environmental concepts along with the history of Bucks County's 253-acre natural preserve. In return, they ask that you pass your new wisdom on to wee ones during their programs for students. Call 215-785-1177 or visit silverlakenaturecenter.org.

Keeping on the cutting edge of contemporary dance isn't easy, but Group Motion pulls it off with grace. However, the Philly-based troupe does require a little help when bringing their self-choreographed presentations to the public. Their upcoming Spiel Uhr Series, which mixes up local and national dance artists, needs volunteers to handle seating and ticket sales at Meetinghouse Theater. In return, you'll get our favorite seat in the house: the free one. Call Traci Connaughton at 215-387-9895 or visit groupmotion.org.

Situated in Northwest Kensington, Taller Puertorriqueño has a lengthy commitment to serving Philadelphia's Latino communities. Their annual Arturo A. Schomburg Symposium addresses racism and explores connections between the African diaspora and Latin American culture. This year will focus on the historical development of Latin America and feature speakers, panel discussions and Q&A sessions. Volunteers looking to soak up a little culture are needed for registration, food service and evaluation distribution at Taller Puertorriqueño's headquarters. Call Melissa Shapiro at 215-426-3311 or visit tallerpr.org.