Welcome to the Susquehanna Valley where there are numerous organizations working to make the world (and our little piece of it) a better place to live. If you are interested in getting more involved on the issues that really matter, check out the organizations active in the region. The listing that follows offers contact information and in some cases specific volunteer opportunities for groups working for progress in the region.
Whether you’re interested in environmental issues, equality, human rights, healthcare or all of the above, there is an organization working locally that could use your help. Every group has needs. No effort is too small. The future depends on each and every one of us.
Consider getting engaged today.
ACLU of PA Central Susquehanna
Our chapter is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership organization dedicated to defending and expanding individual rights and personal freedoms serving throughout the five country area of Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Synder and Union Counties.. Through advocacy, public education and litigation, our staff and volunteers work to preserve and enhance personal liberties, including freedoms of speech, religion and association; the right to petition the government; separation of church and state; the right to privacy; reproductive freedom; due process of law; the right(s) of the accused; and the right to equal treatment under the law.
WEBSITE: aclupa.org
EMAIL: centralsusquehanna@aclupa.org
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/pages/ACLU-of-PA
AIDS Resource
Our mission is to provide culturally sensitive support to people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS and to prevent further infection through education and outreach programs.
VOLUNTEER: Light administrative tasks (e.g., preparing testing files and safer sex kits).
WEBSITE: aidsresource.com
EMAIL: info@aidsresource.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/AIDSResourceAlliance
TWITTER: @AIDSresource
Central Susquehanna Valley Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)
CSV SURJ is part of the SURJ national network. We work to mobilize white people to confront internalized racism and enable meaningful action as part of a multi-racial movement for justice. Our work includes educational events, engaging with the community, and supporting efforts led by people of color.
VOLUNTEER: There’s much to do and a range of ways to participate, whether it’s hosting a discussion about race, putting up a yard sign, talking to your neighbors, or going to a demonstration. Please reach out to us with your needs and interests! We hold “SURJ” Socials every third Tuesday at 8pm at the Bull Run Tap house which are free and open to the public. We have “No matter who you are or where you’re from, we’re glad you’re our neighbor” yard signs available for $10 each.
WEBSITE: showingupforracialjustice.org
EMAIL: csvsurj@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/CentralSusquehannaValleySURJ
FACEBOOK GROUP: facebook.com/groups/1085678734878440
CommUnity Zone
The CommUnity Zone unites area nonprofit organizations and the people in our community through collaborations to conduct and support community education and build capacity to sustain and improve a quality of life for all community residents. We are particularly interested in ways to empower all voices in the achievements of personal goals.
VOLUNTEER: We are looking for an energetic and friendly person to join us here at CommUnity Zone. Opportunities include web design, publicity and a willingness to work with a wide variety of people. Assist in the creation of brochures and flyers; assist with website, Facebook and other social media; assist with visitors with inquiries about volunteer opportunities, available resources, and Zone programs and activities. Contact Cindy Peltier at peltier@bucknell.edu or 570.238.1818 to learn more.
WEBSITE: communityzonelewisburg.org
EMAIL: community.zone.lewisburg@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/lewisburgzone
TWITTER: @CommUnityZonePA
Fair District PA – Susquehanna Valley
A working group of Fair Districts PA – a coalition of citizens and organizations who believe that in American democracy, elections should represent the will of all the people, not just the politicians, and should provide citizens with meaningful choices in electing representatives. Learn more at FairDistrictsPA.com.
VOLUNTEER: Write letters to the editor, attend legislative meetings, help manage social media, help organize training events, become a presenter (training available for all volunteer levels).
WEBSITE: fairdistrictspa.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/groups/fairdistrictsSV
EMAIL: fairdistrictsSV@gmail.com
Mondragon Bookstore
What is Mondragon Bookstore? It is a cooperatively-owned venture, committed to bringing together ideas and people. The store sells used books and records, provides a showcase for local artists, and supports a meeting room for community groups. Mondragon Books has a separate online inventory! Please visit our amazon store and search under “products” tab.
WEBSITE: mondragonbooks.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/pg/Mondragon-Bookstore-and-Meeting-Space
PHONE: (570) 523-1540
Otzinachson Group, PA Chapter of the Sierra Club
To explore, enjoy, and protect the wind places of the earth; to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems resources; to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural world and the human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.
VOLUNTEER: Plenty of opportunities to engage. Attend outings, become an outings leader; help organize or lead educational programs; submit content for newsletter; serve as newsletter editor; help manage website and social media.
WEBSITE: Otzsierraclub.org
EMAIL: otzinachson@yahoo.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/Otzinachson
Rivertown Coalition for Clean Air & Clean Water
To educate the public about environmental issues. Key issues for 2017: clean energy, health risks of fossil fuels, protecting resource in our region.
VOLUNTEER: Public outreach (attend meetings, speak about Rivertown projects), website updating, social media, research issues, writing.
WEBSITE: rivertowncoalition.org
EMAIL: RivertownCoalition@embarqmail.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/RivertownCoalition
Shalefield Organizing Committee
Shalefield Organizing Committee works to cultivate a grassroots movement for healthy people and ecosystems in the shalefields. Through outreach, education, capacity building, and campaign organizing we empower citizens directly impacted by economic injustice and ecological degradation. We demand accountability from those who hold power through community mobilization and direct action.
VOLUNTEER: This summer we launched our Planted Against the Pipeline project on Hearts and Bones Farm, an organic farm on the proposed route of the Atlantic Sunrise natural gas pipeline. The threat of the pipeline has prevented the farmers from planting their field with their usual crop of organic veggies. We are bringing the community together to plant the fields as an act of resistance and to raise awareness about the impacts of pipelines. We need volunteers for weeding and other tasks throughout the summer!
WEBSITE: shalefieldorganizing.wordpress.com
EMAIL: info@shalefieldorganizing.org
FACEBOOK facebook.com/shalefieldorganizing
TWITTER: @shalefieldOC
Susquehanna Valley Climate Action
A network of organizations, groups and individuals who are committed to protecting the environment, addressing changes to our global and regional climates, and working to educate and strengthen our region. We share information, support each other in our specific work and together develop projects that encourage the communities in our region to be healthier and more resilient in the face of these challenges and changes.
WEBSITE: svclimateaction.weebly.com
EMAIL: penngarvin@hotmail.com
PHONE: (570) 716-9828
Susquehanna Valley Ethical Society
The Susquehanna Valley Ethical Society is a humanist, non-theistic, educational, philosophical and charitable organization. We are inspired by the ideal that the supreme aim of human life is to create a more just, equitable, diverse, sustainable, and compassionate society. We endeavor to nurture the capacity and responsibility of human beings to act in their personal relationships and in the larger community to help create a better world. Our commitment is to the worth and dignity of every individual and to treating each human being so as to bring out the best in him or her.
VOLUNTEER: Be a presenter at one of our Sunday platform meetings. Be (or recruit) guest musician(s) for our Sunday meetings. Subscribe to our newsletter and join our events. Donate items for displaced women and children; household items, baby furniture, diapers and supplies, toys, linens, non-perishable food, personal care kits for adults (identifying as female). Donate backpacks, school and art supplies for needy children and teens in our area schools.Collect winter coats (all sizes) for our Coat Drive. Donate yarn to be made into hats and mittens. BECOME A MEMBER! It’s a great time– we promise.
WEBSITE: susquehannavalleyethicalsociety.org
EMAIL: info@susquehannavalleyethicalsociety.org
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/susquehannavalleyethicalsociety
TWITTER: SVES@SVethical
Susquehanna Valley Progress
Susquehanna Valley Progress is a nonpartisan organization united for the betterment of the whole community. We envision a community that empowers individuals to be engaged in and educated on the democratic process; promotes equality and appreciation of diversity; improves the living and working standards of all that live in Susquehanna Valley and actively protects our natural world.
VOLUNTEER: Help manage social media; contribute to op-ed columns; help organize educational programs and events; participate in advocacy efforts.
WEBSITE: SVProgress.org
EMAIL: SVProgressives@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/svprogressives
TWITTER: @SVProgressives
West End Progressives
A group of people becoming more politically active as a result of the divisive presidential election in November 2016. Our group most often aligns with the Democratic party but also includes Independents and Moderates of both parties in the political spectrum. In addition to being politically active, seeking fair districting, speaking with legislators, and confronting injustices in our communities, we want to build bridges and find common ground with people who think differently. We want to be part of a political movement that strengthens our communities for everyone.
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/westendprogressives
EMAIL: sharonkoppel1@gmail.com