GETTING SOCIAL THROUGH VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING
COURTESY OF LAUREN ROLLINSKAS, TSNA LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR
Most flexible schedule: Be My Eyes
Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision callers with a sighted volunteer to help quickly assist with a problem via video chat. There is no time commitment. If you are unavailable to take a call, it goes to another available volunteer.
Volunteer for Be My Eyes
Modern mental health resource: Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line provides virtual support for texters in need. After 30 hours of online training , counselors communicate with anonymous texters from all backgrounds to guide them past a crisis moment. Schedules are flexible and a 200-hour commitment is required.
Volunteer for Crisis Text Line
Get out and about: Meals on Wheels
The need for volunteers varies based on each community, some of which are in desperate need during this time.Deliver food to homebound seniors and have a quick physically distanced chat on your lunch break. Flexible schedules are available.
Volunteer for Meals on Wheels
Use advanced creative skills: The United Nations Volunteers Program
The UNV program allows volunteers to virtually help communities worldwide. Some opportunities involve translation, writing, design, and more.
Volunteer for The United Nations Volunteers Program
Great for groups: Letters/Cards to the Elderly
Many local organizations are accepting simple cards that will make someone’s day. Grab the markers, get creative and send someone a smile.
Middle Tennessee: Greater Nashville Regional Council
Sending Care Cards through GNRC
East Tennessee: YWCA
Sending Care Cards through YWCA
West Tennessee: Meritan
Sending Care Cards through Meritan
Nationwide: Love For Our Elders
Sending Letters through Love For Our Elders
Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision callers with a sighted volunteer to help quickly assist with a problem via video chat. There is no time commitment. If you are unavailable to take a call, it goes to another available volunteer.
Volunteer for Be My Eyes
Modern mental health resource: Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line provides virtual support for texters in need. After 30 hours of online training , counselors communicate with anonymous texters from all backgrounds to guide them past a crisis moment. Schedules are flexible and a 200-hour commitment is required.
Volunteer for Crisis Text Line
Get out and about: Meals on Wheels
The need for volunteers varies based on each community, some of which are in desperate need during this time.Deliver food to homebound seniors and have a quick physically distanced chat on your lunch break. Flexible schedules are available.
Volunteer for Meals on Wheels
Use advanced creative skills: The United Nations Volunteers Program
The UNV program allows volunteers to virtually help communities worldwide. Some opportunities involve translation, writing, design, and more.
Volunteer for The United Nations Volunteers Program
Great for groups: Letters/Cards to the Elderly
Many local organizations are accepting simple cards that will make someone’s day. Grab the markers, get creative and send someone a smile.
Middle Tennessee: Greater Nashville Regional Council
Sending Care Cards through GNRC
East Tennessee: YWCA
Sending Care Cards through YWCA
West Tennessee: Meritan
Sending Care Cards through Meritan
Nationwide: Love For Our Elders
Sending Letters through Love For Our Elders
Federal Government Resources
The U.S. House of Representatives is where you will find your congressman or congresswoman. There are 435 members of the House proportionally representing the population of the 50 states. Below, you will find a link that will allow you to find your U.S. Representative based on your address.
The great state of Tennessee, along with every other state in the union, elects 2 persons to fulfill the role of US Senator. Currently, Lamar Alexander and Marsha Blackburn fill these positions. Below, you will find external (government) sites of information regarding those two elected officials.
State of Tennessee Government Resources
The Tennessee General Assembly, the state legislature, consists of the 33-member Senate and the 99-member House of Representatives. Below you will find a link to find your State Representative and State Senator by entering your address.
Below is a link to the Tennessee General Assembly's legislation website where you can search for and browse current legislation before the General Assembly.
Other Helpful Resources
GovTrack.us is an organization that is devoted to making the public more involved and aware of what is going on with their government. They have many helpful tools to help you with staying involved and educated.
The American Nurses Association has a division of its organization devoted to Government Affairs. This site offers a plethora of information for current and future nurses regarding government affairs.