VOLUNTEER
WFWA is 100% volunteer run
The more volunteers we have, the stronger voice we create to put forth our demands for systemic change. Jobs with wages we can live on, adequate food, safe and secure housing and utilities are necessities to end poverty for all working people. Please call WFWA at (503) 681-9399 to schedule a time you can come in and attend an organizing activity that starts with an orientation for new volunteers. Bring a friend!
HOW IT WORKS
No Machines or AI Chatbots,
Just Human Contact
WFWA’s phone lines are staffed by volunteers who are ready to answer your call!
1
You call us.
Call us seven days a week,
including evenings.
2
We answer.
A volunteer will answer your call and any questions you have.
3
You schedule to volunteer!
No prior experience is necessary and you are productive your first day as a volunteer!
(503) 681-9399
GET STARTED
Simple Steps to Get Involved
No Minimum
Flexible Hours
Volunteers are needed daytimes and evenings, whether for a day, an hour, a week, a summer, or anytime. Call WFWA today at (503) 681-9399.
On-the-Job Training
No Experience Needed
We use “on-the-job” training, so anyone can learn while taking action and making a difference. No prior experience or special skills are needed. Volunteers are productive from their first day in!
Learn Organizing Skills
Dare to Care
Participation is open to all those who dare to care and invest the time. Poverty wages force working families to “choose” between putting food on the table, paying rent and utility bills. Your participation can make a difference for service workers organizing to end poverty conditions.
Call 503-681-9399 to schedule for a volunteer activity
Food Distributions
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning
Twice per week WFWA members run supplemental food distributions from their homes to other members. We prioritize fresh, organic and healthy food items and always need donations, volunteer drivers and other assistance.
Clothing Distributions
Twice per month on Friday and Saturday
WFWA’s donated Benefit Office space is located at Emanuel Lutheran Church and available for members twice per month. Volunteers assist sorting and organizing clothing, greeting members as they arrive and doing benefit intakes for other types of member benefit requests.
Benefit Advocacy
Thursday at 9am - 3pm
Volunteers learn how to work with WFWA members to fill benefit requests ranging from recovering stolen wages to stopping illegal evictions or utility shutoffs to resolving unmanageable medical bills.
Canvasses
Saturday at 10am - 5pm
Alone and isolated we cannot achieve anything, united we can win! Volunteers canvass door-to-door in low-income neighborhoods where members and potential members live, to build organization where it’s needed the most.
Operation Camp Crew
Sundays May to September
WFWA members who work the Willamette Valley’s farms host WFWA volunteers at farm labor camps to bring the benefit of organization, community connection and material aid, such as food, clothing, sun protection and cooling supplies to their families, and to report on farm worker conditions. Call WFWA to join us!
Neighborhood Food Drives
Sunday 10am-3pm
WFWA’s emergency food benefit is only possible through contributions of private individuals and groups to stock the emergency food closet. On a neighborhood food drive, volunteers work to reach potential allies who may be willing to donate food or assist in other ways, like volunteering to get food to members who need it.
Publications
Sunday at 10am - 3pm
Produce an independent newspaper, eye-catching flyer or a poster to aid the cause of low-income workers. Professionals with skills or complete beginners are welcome!
Speaking Engagement
Call to schedule
WFWA volunteers and members speak to college classes, clubs, faith congregations and other groups to teach about the working and living conditions of farm workers and other low-paid workers, the economic problems WFWA’s members face and how people from all walks of life can participate in building solutions from the bottom up.
Phone Training Session
Twice Weekly
Volunteers conduct group telephone training sessions to call members about upcoming benefit activities and re-contact interested individuals met on community outreach about participating with WFWA’s organizing activities.
WFWA’s Method of “On-the-job” Training
See One, Do One, Teach One
WFWA teaches basic organizing skills to all who dare to care and invest the time to learn. No prior experience or special skills are needed.
Organizing as a Profession
Full-time Organizers Needed!
WFWA provides training through all its activities, thus giving volunteers the opportunity to become professional volunteer organizers. Ask about our organizer training programs, including classes in WFWA’s organizing method and lessons from history of labor and political organizing in the U.S. Volunteers are needed 365 days a year!
WFWA:
Green since 1988
Volunteer your skills as a Spanish translator or interpreter
Click to See WFWA in Action!
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Build
Build an 11-point self-help membership benefit program of emergency food, preventive medical and non-emergency dental care, legal advice, utility bill advocacy, clothing and more. The benefits provide stability to low-income workers fighting for long-term change. Volunteer benefit staff coordinate professionals, advocates, drivers and interpreters.
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Mobilize
Mobilize campaigns alongside WFWA members to end government policies that undermine the survival of working families, while fighting for full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 goals now!
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Assist
Assist WFWA members in organizing self-help holiday campaigns in the spirit of solidarity and mutual aid, so low-income workers can celebrate the season with decency and dignity.
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Celebrate
Celebrate with WFWA members, volunteers and supporters from all walks of life at special events that mark WFWA milestones. Invest your time and special talents to help make these events extraordinary!
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Contribute Skills
Contribute your skills to organize day-to-day activities in WFWA’s office including group publication and letter mail-outs, clerical work, phone calls, driving and more.