Local Opportunities

This is where students can find organizations in the Greater Boston area that work on local and global issues.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person volunteering and study opportunities may be limited. Note: Some organizations may offer virtual experiences.

If a student would like to add an opportunity to the lists, they may submit a suggestion at the bottom of the page.

Local Opportunities

The organizations, actions, and opportunities below are organized by topic. Note that this is not an exhaustive list; it's a starting point. If you need additional advice or support, please contact Ms. Otty, who can help you work through ideas and/or contact organizations.

Starting Your Search

American Friends Service Committee Action Center

American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization devoted to service, development, and peace programs throughout the world. Their work is based on the belief in the worth of every person, and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice. Here, you'll find action alerts on various justice issues around the world.

Boston Network for International Development (BNID) Organizations

The Boston Network for International Development (BNID) was founded in 2004 with the goal of serving as a point of connection for groups and individuals in the Boston area who are concerned with issues of international development (ID) and global justice.  This is an excellent place to search for organizations doing work on a number of global issues.

Idealist.org

Start by looking for organizations in the greater Boston area. You can narrow your search by clicking on "issue areas."

Phillips Brooks House

The Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA) is a student-run, community-based, nonprofit public service organization affiliated with Harvard College. For more than a century, PBHA has offered vital experience to generations of leaders in service while strengthening partnerships between college students and local communities. Today, 1,500 volunteers participate in more than 80 programs serving 10,000 low-income people in Greater Boston. PBHA brings the creativity and enthusiasm of students together with the guidance of professional staff and the knowledge of community members to offer inspired and effective year- round programming.

Youth on Board

Since 1994, Youth on Board (YOB) has been a leader in the field of youth organizing in the Boston area and beyond. YOB is a youth-led, adult supported program where young people have the space and tools to recognize and utilize the power they hold to dismantle political and economic structures that reinforce inequity.