Labor’s Community Service Agency (LCSA) has launched a program that will help union members and labor advocates volunteer for neighborhood and public service projects throughout the Portland metropolitan area.
The Team Labor! program offers an array of volunteer jobs and services with various times and locations to choose from. Registered volunteers will work side-by-side with other union members, as well as the general public, lending a hand with community-enriching projects such as park clean up, library book repair, local conservation efforts, even knitting for newborns. Volunteers will also be encouraged to wear clothing or gear printed with their local union logo while volunteering.
The program came about on the heels of LCSA’s 2014 Presents from Partners toy drive and holiday giving party.
“Our volunteers, along with brothers and sisters who read or heard about Presents from Partners, were asking us for additional opportunities,” said LCSA Executive Director Vickie Burns. “We considered several possibilities, but the Team Labor! concept fits best with our goals and mission.”
LCSA will work with its partner United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and United Way’s Hands On Greater Portland agency to develop and choose projects best suited to Team Labor! volunteers.
On May 17, Burns and two union retirees — Paula Kingsbury and Leanna Hakala of the American Federation of Teachers-Oregon, volunteered at a knitting club to make items for newborn babies.
“Union members have a sincere interest in helping our neighborhoods and communities grow and thrive,” said Burns. “With such an abundance of talent and enthusiasm in our midst, Team Labor! volunteers can make a significant difference in the quality of life in the Portland Metro area.”
To become a member of Team Labor!, register online here.
For more information, visit the LCSA website.
