Volunteering is a astonishing way to meet new people, have a blast and support a great cause. By donating your time and energy, you are giving something back to your community. In the act of volunteering, many volunteers might discover a hidden talent or develop new skills. Perhaps you’ll learn something about yourself and your life will be headed in a different way – something you never thought about. Ultimately, volunteering is about helping others or a cause you believe in. Do you feel strongly about something that is happening or not happening in your community and want to get involved? Adding your effort to the work of others makes everyone’s lives better. Volunteering around a personal interest or hobby can be enjoyable, relaxing, and revitalizing. It might impact your life in ways you never imagined. In an effort to help you find inspiration, we’ll be featuring different "green" volunteer opportunities. So please come back often until you find yourself emboldened to try something different. Featured Volunteer Opportunity - Maui Coastal Land Trust ...the time is at hand to protect Maui shorelines forever... Maui Coastal Land Trust is a non-political, non-profit organization that works with private landowners, neighborhoods, community groups and government agencies to protect significant environmental and cultural resources in perpetuity. The protected resources are site specific and may include shoreline access and recreation, endangered species habitat, agricultural lands or culturally significant sites.

Green Festival™ Green Festival™ is a cooperative project of Global Exchange and Green America. In recognition of what’s working in our neighborhoods, the Green Festivals™ feature programs and products that have the ability to help us restore the planet. Shop in a unique emporium of over 350 Earth friendly businesses, let the kids delight in fun activities, enjoy vegetarian cuisine, and catch how-to workshops. Green Festival™ is the largest sustainability event in the world, and is growing every year. It’s the only environmentally friendly event that screens exhibitors for their pledge to sustainability, ecological balance and social justice. And they offset 100% of their electricity emissions with clean, renewable energy. Volunteer at the... Seattle Green Festival – March 28th and 29th, 2009 Denver Green Festival – May 2nd and 3rd, 2009 Chicago Green Festival – May 16th and 17th, 2009 Washington DC Green Festival – October 10th and 11th, 2009 San Francisco Green Festival – November 13th, 14th, and 15th, 2009 In addition to the sense of accomplishment for serving a cause you believe in, you’ll get other perks. Volunteer for at least one 4.5 hour shift and you’ll receive – free admission each day, free organic and sweatshop-free Green Festival™ T-shirt, a 10% discount coupon for the Global Exchange Store, and an optional free one-year Green America and/or Global Exchange membership (new members only). Register now!

Green Festival Books available at Better World Books. Green Festival™ is a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America that celebrates what’s working in our communities—for people, business and the environment. The books below are from those leading the movement, the speakers of the multi city party with a purpose.