Phillyanthropy

Get Up, Get Out, Get Involved

by Jen Portante

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Published: Aug 27, 2008

From the upcoming election to the iffy economy to the temperature of this morning's latte, everyone has something to complain about. But now, fellow whiny Philadelphians, we have a willing audience. Along with Spector Projects, First Person Arts is starting Philly's first-ever Complaint Choir, and they want to hear about what's bugging you. Native to Birmingham, England, such choirs have spread throughout the world, fueled by an apparently universal need to bitch. After collecting grievances, these singing cynics publicly air everyone's frustrations in an effort to ease the city's collective tension. The Complaint Choir is currently looking for volunteers to join them in both gathering and announcing Philly's gripes. Call Nick Forrest at 267-402-2055 or e-mail complaintchoir@firstpersonarts.org.

Many animal lovers provide a saucer of milk for stray neighborhood kitties, but the folks at Project M.E.O.W. (Make Every One Wanted) take an even more hands-on approach. In order to keep both felines and humans safe and comfortable, this West Philly-based volunteer group works to maintain and care for the community's stray and feral cat population with a humane program known as Trap, Neuter and Release (TNR). If this sounds a little too intense, volunteers are always needed to foster rescued kitties that would do better with a family and assist with community education workshops and adoption events. E-mail Debby Boyd at projectmeow@gmail.com.

Twelve years after opening its doors, the William Way Community Center continues to act as a meeting space, resource center and support organization for Philly's LGBTQ community. Now host to 70 different groups, the center offers peer counseling, programs for seniors, book clubs, gallery shows and continuing education classes. All of these activities rely on help from a dedicated team of volunteers, which is currently 250 members strong. Have an idea for a new workshop or way to expand the center's mission? You're welcome to jump in with your badminton skills and design a program of your own. Stop by their first Wednesday volunteer orientation to get started and get helping. Call 215-732-2220 or e-mail firstrep@waygay.org.

Of course you love your pet, but why not let someone else enjoy Mr. McMuffin's company, too? Pals for Life enlists the help of volunteers and their cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets and other BFFs — along with critters from local shelters — to provide therapeutic animal visits to nursing homes, rehab centers and mental health facilities throughout the Delaware Valley. Visit palsforlife.org to complete an application.

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