Instant Karma

Arts

Arts of Life
Take a break from the snooty Chicago art scene and find the sublime at Arts of Life, a studio for adults with developmental disabilities. You don't need an M.F.A. to assist the studio manager during workshops, and opportunities exist to teach and also photograph and catalog the artists' work. No macaroni collages here: Check out the stunning, sophisticated work on the website or contact executive director Denise Fisher for more info. 2110 W Grand Ave, 312-829-2787; www.artsoflife.org

Business Volunteers for the Arts
How many of you nine-to-fivers wish you could do something more creative? Turns out the poets, painters and playwrights of Chicago desperately need your overdeveloped right brain to help them get their shit together. Every year, a select group of business professionals joins BVA to provide pro bono consulting on a project basis for small to mid-size arts organizations. Applications are available for experts in marketing, PR, strategic planning, finance, IT and HR. 312-372-1876, ext 228; www.artsbiz-chicago.org

Merit School of Music
Future virtuosos get their start at this nationally recognized community music school for Chicago youth, where even Yo-Yo Ma has taught. Young musicians go on to Juilliard and Tanglewood, among other places, and college-counseling services ensure a 100 percent college-acceptance rate for students. Trained musicians can perform with student ensembles and help students during class as teaching assistants. Tone-deaf folks are needed, too, as mentors outside the classroom who help with personal development. 38 S Peoria St, 312-267-4468; www.meritmusic.org

Street Level Youth Media
Digital divide deez nuts: The revolution will definitely be televised if the young media activists at Street Level have anything to say about it. West Town's teens have been throwing block-party film festivals since 1993 to air community issues from gang violence to gentrification. Always hungry for new media skills, they can use your expertise in audio/video production and Web or graphic design. For those just looking to work with youth on a grassroots level, homework helper and computer-lab supervisors are also needed. 773-862-5331; www.street-level.org

Education & tutoring

Carole Robertson Center for Learning
Named for one of the girls killed in the 1963 Birmingham church bombing, CRCL is one of the few Chicago organizations founded by members of the community it serves. Perfect for the volunteer who wants to be everywhere at once, CRCL provides family services for youths and adults on the Near West Side, in North Lawndale and also Little Village. Tutor students ages 6 to 16 in basic reading or math, or help adults in ESL and GED courses. Volunteers can also develop a workshop on a topic of their choosing. 312-243-7300; www.crcl.net

Chicago Youth Centers
As an alternative to Boys & Girls Club and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, try tutoring with CYC. Serving kids in the toughest Chicago neighborhoods, it's the largest locally based independent youth organization in the city. Each center is governed by members of the community so it stays rooted in the neighborhood's unique needs. Tutors can work one-on-one or with small groups, or serve as Club Leaders, organizing clubs for sports, chess, art, social issues and the like. 312-795-3500, ext 438; www.chicagoyouthcenters.org

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
Hey, smooth operator: RFB&D has a job for you. This national organization has more than 240,000 titles in its audio library and is looking to add 5,000 more this year. Readers are needed in its downtown studio to record an array of titles, from children's stories to grad-school textbooks on physics. Directors are also needed to operate recording equipment, cue readers and edit pieces. 18 S Michigan Ave, Ste 806, 312-236-8715; www.rfbd.org

The Safer Foundation
Most people understand how difficult it can be for ex-offenders to reenter society, but the Safer Foundation does something about it. In partnership with the Department of Corrections, the Safer Foundation operates several Adult Transitional Centers throughout Chicago where staffers prepare former inmates to enter the workforce. Tutors are needed in all kinds of areas: reading, writing, parenting, financial management, professionalism, and arts and recreation. 312-922-2200; www.saferfoundation.org

Environment

Alliance for the Great Lakes
Much of the country's water supply comes from our front yard, so it's kinda in your best interest to preserve it. Pull your friends or family together to adopt a beach and spend some quality time with the shoreline. Test water-bacteria levels, monitor litter and carry out "action projects" like arranging for new signage or re-plantings. Adopters only have to commit to five visits a year and, best of all, can pick their favorite beach. We call dibs on 12th Street. 312-939-0838, ext 6; www.greatlakes.org/adopt

Department of Natural Resources
Even nature-haters can find kick-ass volunteer opportunities at a state park, such as removing pine trees and issuing burning permits. And it just gets wilder: Steer a fish rodeo, watch eagles, monitor butterflies, plant trees, conduct raptor surveys (!), control beetles, release quail, take a deer census. The closest state parks are about an hour from downtown, but ain't it worth it for a little frog counting? Call 217-557-9432 or visit www.dnr.state.il.us/volunteer for opportunities near you.

Friends of the Parks
Chicagoans have a special duty to preserve our public green space. After all, our city motto is Urbs in Horto (Latin for "City in a Garden"). Adopt a park or volunteer three hours a month to mulch and water trees, plant gardens, weed, rake or pick up litter. Playgrounds and forest preserves also need the same care and are selected based on requests for help, so if there's a neglected space in your neighborhood, take easy action and mention it to FOTP. 312-857-2757, ext 13; www.fotp.org

Openlands Project
Treehuggers can now live up to their label by becoming certified arboriculturists through the Openlands Project. Passing a seven-week course taught by guest professionals initiates you into the street team that cares for trees all over the city. A little intense? Yes, but only those experts who have completed the course get to plant, prune, mulch, check for disease and learn cool tricks like identifying a tree without its leaves. Then, you can take all the credit for Chicago's beautiful tree-lined streets. Contact TreeKeeper Jim at 312-863-6259 or visit www.openlands.org/volunteer.asp.

Health

Chicago Women's Health Center
Born out of the women's-health movement of the '70s, CWHC has offered progressive ob-gyn health care on a pay-what-you-can basis for under- or uninsured women for more than 30 years. Practically unheard of practices—such as an all-women staff, longer appointments and an emphasis on self-care—empower women and create a safe space to ask questions and share concerns. The organization relies on volunteers for patient intake and phone support. 3435 N Sheffield Ave, 773-935-6126, ext 231; www.chicagowomens healthcenter.org

Gilda's Club
Gene Wilder founded this cancer-support group in NYC in 1995 for his wife, Gilda Radner, of Saturday Night Live fame. The organization's signature red door welcomes cancer patients and their families and friends, providing free emotional and informational support in a homelike environment. Volunteer scheduling is flexible, with opportunities to assist in daily operations, newsletter writing and at Noogieland (a children's playroom). Professionals are also needed to lead exercise therapy, yoga, meditation and nutrition classes. 537 N Wells St, 312-464-9900; www.gildasclubchicago.org

Chicago Department on Aging
Help the elderly make the system work for them. Volunteers can meet one-on-one or over the phone with seniors to explain what's covered in Medicare and what's not, how much they'll have to pay, and where to find a good pharmacy. Join the Senior Medicare Patrol to make presentations to senior-citizen groups on Medicare fraud and abuse. Or become an ombudsman for residents in nursing homes in the neighborhood of your choice; these volunteers mingle and check in on seniors to help report complaints and mediate conflicts with nursing-home staff. For details, call Martha Romero at 312-742-6455 or e-mail cdoavolunteer@cityofchicago.org.

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
One of the highest-ranked rehabilitation hospitals in the country, RIC treats every kind of physical disability, from cerebral palsy to broken bones. A range of volunteer opportunities allows you to work with patients of all ages. Assist adults with everyday stuff like opening mail, making phone calls and eating meals, or play games and watch movies with younger patients. Back up disabled athletes in recreation or help senior patients obtain free legal services. 312-238-6026; www.ric.org/community/volunteers.php

Housing & hunger

The Caring Closet
Families who have lost or are on the edge of losing housing turn to the Caring Closet to furnish their homes. Volunteers deliver furniture and household necessities to fire victims, newly single moms, families leaving shelters, Section 8 residents facing an inspection and families trying to meet the requirements of DCFS. Caring Closet also operates a resale shop and a prom dress recycling program. Volunteers are needed for all services, including delivering furniture and sorting clothes at the shop. 1745 E 71st St, 773-947-9043; www.caringcloset.org

Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation
One of the largest food banks in Chicago, CAHF serves 50,000 people a month and is also the only hunger agency distributing grade-A produce. Acting as a placement agency of sorts, it points volunteers toward one of the 200 soup kitchens and food pantries with which it partners. Outline the neighborhood and hours you want to work, and CAHF will find an agency that matches your preferences. Volunteers are also encouraged to organize food drives. CAHF's website offers great ideas to get you started. 773-252-3663; www.antihunger.org

Vital Bridges
More than 28,000 Chicagoans live with HIV or AIDS, most at or below poverty level. Vital Bridges sees to it that they can meet their daily needs (food, housing and medical referrals, among other things) while dealing with a complex disease. More than 420 volunteers drive the organization by delivering food, sorting donated goods at its numerous pantries, greeting clients, and tutoring in basic reading and computer literacy. 773-826-7066; www.vitalbridges.org

Inspiration Café
It's a soup kitchen with a twist: Clients are seated restaurant-style and served meals by volunteer waiters. All patrons are members of the Inspiration Corporation, a nonprofit organization based in Uptown, which offers job training and housing in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Volunteers at the café cook and serve meals, and also prepare bagged lunches. Opportunities also exist in job training to teach computer, résumé writing, and pre-GED classes. 4554 N Broadway, 773-878-0981; www.inspirationcorp.org

Getting folks on their feet

Bottomless Closet
Thought only the rich had personal shoppers? Here, volunteers select up to five head-to-toe outfits, including jewelry and handbags, for low-income women starting new jobs. BC asks that people only donate clothes they would feel comfortable wearing to work themselves, so clients really feel confident walking out of the store and into their interviews. The agency also offers its clients postemployment support through workshops in professional image, money management and other areas. 312-527-9664; www.bottomlesscloset.org

Heartland Alliance
If you can think of it, Heartland Alliance already provides it. In a nutshell, this organization offers housing, health care, human services and human-rights protection to the city's most vulnerable populations. Among the 100-plus programs it offers are Neon Street, a teen homeless shelter; Designs for Dignity, an interior-decorating service for public-housing residents; the International Refugee Center; and theVictims of Trafficking Assistance Program. 312-660-1310; www.heartlandalliance.org

Instituto del Progreso Latino
Show your love for your country by helping permanent residents pass the citizenship test through the largest citizenship program in Illinois. In addition to earning the right to vote, statistics show that families who obtain citizenship increase their income by around $10,000. The lengthy test includes exams in ESL and civics, in addition to an interview with an immigration officer. IDPL prepares its clients with mock interviews, prep courses in U.S. history, computer classes and assistance filling out the complex application. Bilingual volunteers are highly desirable. 2570 S Blue Island Ave, 773-890-0055, ext 216 or 259; www.idpl.org

Chicago Children's Advocacy Center
In a single day, more than seven cases of child sexual abuse are reported locally. CCAC is there to respond with intake, investigation and follow-up services. This colorful, child-friendly center designed by Stanley Tigerman also operates a program for pregnant or parenting girls who are the victims of rape or incest. CCAC relies on volunteers to greet families, answer phones, play with waiting children and help with building landscape projects. Training may be required. 1240 S Damen Ave, 312-492-3700; www.chicagocac.org

Crisis relief

Chicago Abused Women Coalition
CAWC started both the first local domestic-violence hotline and the first in-hospital program to train clinicians on handling survivors of abuse. It also operates the Greenhouse Shelter, serving more than 700 women and children annually with food, clothing, counseling services and a safe place to stay. Volunteers can assist at the shelter with the hotline and playgroups, but need to complete a sensitivity training program over seven Saturdays. 773-278-4110; www.cawc.org

American Red Crossof Greater Chicago
Yes, this probably was the first organization to pop into your head when we mentioned crisis relief. But not everyone can cut it as a Disaster Action Team member. These volunteers are the Navy SEALs of social service, responding to emergency calls, opening shelters, assisting in "mass feeding" and following up with victims until everything is under control. Serious training is involved. Think you can handle the heat? Give 'em a call. 312-729-6222; www.chicagoredcross.org

National Runaway Switchboard
The only federally designated communication system for runaway youth was founded in Chicago in 1971, and it still operates out of Lakeview. It receives more than 100,000 calls a year from all over the U.S., including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. Crisis-line operators (or "liners") provide nonjudgmental, confidential intervention as well as 24-hour referrals to shelters and other services. Volunteers are needed as liners, material distributors and committee members. Teenage volunteers are also welcome. 3080 N Lincoln Ave, 773-880-9860; www.nrscrisisline.org

Rape Victim Advocates
RVA is everywhere: It operates the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline, is on call in 16 hospital emergency rooms, provides free counseling to survivors, and educates and trains the public throughout the city. Its intense yet life-altering training program certifies you as a Medical Advocate who can perform most of the above services in Illinois. Volunteers who are bilingual or from the South and West Sides are especially needed. 312-663-6303, ext 26; www.rapevictim advocates.org

Animals

Chicago Animal Care and Control
If you're considering getting a pet but not sure you're ready to take the leap, try fostering—a great noncommittal compromise and a feel-good double whammy to boot. Dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets made available for foster adoption by rescue groups may be too young to be adopted, fighting a cold or recovering from a minor injury—things that can mean the end of the road for animals at already crowded shelters. "Parents" are usually asked to open their homes for about two to six weeks, depending on the pet's particulars. Some shelters provide food and supplies, others ask you to foot the bill to keep their costs down. What do you get in return? Licks, nuzzles and the chance to test the waters of life with a furry companion. 312-747-1392; www.chicagoanimalcare.org

Other area shelters and rescue groups with foster programs include Red Door Animal Shelter (2410 W Lunt Ave at Western Ave; 773-764-2242; www.reddoorshelter.org), Anti-Cruelty Society (510 N. LaSalle St at Grand Ave; 312-644-8338; www.anticruelty.org), PACT Humane Society (P.O. Box 841, Downers Grove, IL 60515; 630-375-7017; www.pacthumanesociety.org) and PAWS Chicago (3516 W 26th St between Drake and St. Louis Aves; 773-521-1408; www.pawschicago.org).

Chicagoland Stray Cat Coalition
This alliance of area humane groups offers a unique opportunity to provide long-term care for feral (undomesticated) cats. The group's primary mission is to humanely trap, evaluate, vaccinate and sterilize stray and feral cats already living outdoors. Kittens and tame cats are put up for adoption, while healthy adult cats that are too wild to be adopted are returned to their habitats, where volunteers monitor them and provide food and shelter from extreme weather. P.O. Box 617693, Chicago IL 60061, 773-517-5199; www.chicagolandstrays.org—Judy Sutton Taylor