Volunteering Opportunities in Olympia, WA - updated link

Are you been looking for a way to get a bit more involved in Olympia?

I have always enjoyed volunteering, thanks to my Mom & Dad and their encouragement in my childhood. But I had a hard time fitting Volunteering in between demands of personal time and a busy work schedule. And I really wanted to find something where I could use the skills I have.

So I was quite happy to find the Advisory Boards. A perfect fit for me!

These Boards review projects or help formulate plans and give citizen feedback to the Council and the departments that are responsible for that bit of the City.

The city of Olympia is currently (until February 25th) accepting Applications to fill the vacancies on the following Boards:

Arts Commission - 3 positions
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee - 3 positions
Design Review Board - 3 positions
Heritage Commission - 5 positions
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee - 3 positions
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee - 4 positions
Planning Commission - 3 positions
Utility Advisory Committee - 3 positions

(I serve on the Design Review Board.)

The application and more information is available at the Advisory Board page on the City of Olympia Website.
Some of the available spots require a specific skillset- like Architect, but the majority of the spots are for any Citizen of Olympia.

We are really blessed to live in a community like Olympia, Washington. Citizen activism is pretty high, the City has embraced technology to communicate to the people, and our elected officials are not afraid to rely on the experience of the people! As Olympians, we are actively encouraged to get involved, and I am very happy I decided to apply for the DRB. It is a commitment of time, but very worth it.

Of course, if you live in other areas, like Lacey or Tumwater or Shelton, or out in the countryside of Thurston County or Mason County, these communities are looking for help too! Get ahold of me and I can help you find that information.

UPDATED LINK (I can't believe I forgot this!)
If you are from somewhere other than the Olympia area, and you looking for different ways to volunteer, please don't overlook these sites:
http://www.volunteermatch.org/ and http://1-800-volunteer.org/
Both sites are Nationwide.
You simply identify your location and your interests and it matches you with the Need in your area. Go look today!