Opportunities From: Volunteer River Counties

Volunteer: Community Confab: Event support

DO YOU LOVE OUR NORTHERN NECK PLANTS, PLACES & PEOPLE?
WANT TO HELP CREATE A PLACE THAT CELEBRATES AND HELPS SUSTAIN ALL 3?
THEN PLEASE JOIN US AS WE GROW RIVER ROOTS DISCOVERY GARDENS INTO SOMEPLACE SPECIAL!

***

Do you get your energy from being around other people?

Do you enjoy seeding stimulating conversations?

Or perhaps you thrive on planning and sharing gracious hospitality?


Work with River Roots Discovery Gardens founders and other volunteers to organize a series of ‘Community Confabs’ or ‘kitchen table talks’—small, regularly scheduled, informal meetings at local venues to engage the community in our garden creation.


DESCRIPTION

The best public spaces reflect the desires and dreams of the communities who will use them. To ensure that River Roots Discovery Gardens will be gardens of and for the Northern Neck, we need help planning, organizing, and running informal sessions where people can connect with each other, with River Roots’ mission, and share ideas of how they’d like to see the gardens evolve.

Join us to fill one or more of the roles below:

Help plan the series--may include scheduling, locations, volunteers, materials, hospitality, participation incentivesIdentify communication channels to reach interested community members.Solicit in-kind and/or partnership support from local venues to host table talks.Write copy to publicize events; distribute through identified channels to reach targeted groups.Help run the series—may include coordination with host locations; set up/take down; welcome/check-in desk; conversation facilitation; creative design games; record conversations.Organize and maintain attendance records with contact details to build stakeholder database.Transcribe talk output; identify and organize by emerging themes.

TIMING/DURATION

Minimum 4-8 hours/month (depending on role) for 6 months

QUALIFICATIONS

Enthusiasm for River Roots Discovery Gardens mission Interpersonal skillsAbility to work with teams Organizational skills (for roles planning, running, and organizing attendance and output data)Marketing communication skills (for publicity roles)

LOCATIONS

Some at garden site*.Other sites to be determined but may include Lancaster Public Library (Kilmarnock), coffee shops, gathering spaces in Irvington/Kilmarnock/White Stone area.

TRAINING/SUPPORT

Introduction to Community Confab series concept and goals provided.Access to the garden development team by email and phone for questions and concerns.Work with other Community Confab volunteers.

BENEFITS

Help shape a brand-new public space. Enjoy informal, fun conversations about possibilities. Collaborate with other volunteers to create welcoming events.


* NOTE ABOUT GARDEN SITE

The site to be developed as River Roots Discovery Gardens is in Lancaster County, VA, on 14 acres of land behind the under-construction Lancaster County Middle/High School on Irvington Road.

All are welcome to visit the site which is access via Old St John's Road, the northernmost entrance road to the Hills Quarter Community.  Turn onto Old St John's Road.  The site is on the left just beyond the pond behind the high school.  Park across Old St John's Road in the gravel parking lot by the small yellow building. 

Organization: River Roots Discovery Gardens

DO YOU LOVE OUR NORTHERN NECK PLANTS, PLACES & PEOPLE?
WANT TO HELP CREATE A PLACE THAT CELEBRATES AND HELPS SUSTAIN ALL 3?
THEN PLEASE JOIN US AS WE GROW RIVER ROOTS DISCOVERY GARDENS INTO SOMEPLACE SPECIAL!

***

Do you get your energy from being around other people?

Do you enjoy seeding stimulating conversations?

Or perhaps you thrive on planning and sharing gracious hospitality?


Work with River Roots Discovery Gardens founders and other volunteers to organize a series of ‘Community Confabs’ or ‘kitchen table talks’—small, regularly scheduled, informal meetings at local venues to engage the community in our garden creation.


DESCRIPTION

The best public spaces reflect the desires and dreams of the communities who will use them. To ensure that River Roots Discovery Gardens will be gardens of and for the Northern Neck, we need help planning, organizing, and running informal sessions where people can connect with each other, with River Roots’ mission, and share ideas of how they’d like to see the gardens evolve.

Join us to fill one or more of the roles below:

Help plan the series--may include scheduling, locations, volunteers, materials, hospitality, participation incentivesIdentify communication channels to reach interested community members.Solicit in-kind and/or partnership support from local venues to host table talks.Write copy to publicize events; distribute through identified channels to reach targeted groups.Help run the series—may include coordination with host locations; set up/take down; welcome/check-in desk; conversation facilitation; creative design games; record conversations.Organize and maintain attendance records with contact details to build stakeholder database.Transcribe talk output; identify and organize by emerging themes.

TIMING/DURATION

Minimum 4-8 hours/month (depending on role) for 6 months

QUALIFICATIONS

Enthusiasm for River Roots Discovery Gardens mission Interpersonal skillsAbility to work with teams Organizational skills (for roles planning, running, and organizing attendance and output data)Marketing communication skills (for publicity roles)

LOCATIONS

Some at garden site*.Other sites to be determined but may include Lancaster Public Library (Kilmarnock), coffee shops, gathering spaces in Irvington/Kilmarnock/White Stone area.

TRAINING/SUPPORT

Introduction to Community Confab series concept and goals provided.Access to the garden development team by email and phone for questions and concerns.Work with other Community Confab volunteers.

BENEFITS

Help shape a brand-new public space. Enjoy informal, fun conversations about possibilities. Collaborate with other volunteers to create welcoming events.


* NOTE ABOUT GARDEN SITE

The site to be developed as River Roots Discovery Gardens is in Lancaster County, VA, on 14 acres of land behind the under-construction Lancaster County Middle/High School on Irvington Road.

All are welcome to visit the site which is access via Old St John's Road, the northernmost entrance road to the Hills Quarter Community.  Turn onto Old St John's Road.  The site is on the left just beyond the pond behind the high school.  Park across Old St John's Road in the gravel parking lot by the small yellow building. 

Organization: River Roots Discovery Gardens

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Oct 17, 2026

Zip Code: 22480

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Help us grow roots! Grant writer

DO YOU LOVE OUR NORTHERN NECK PLANTS, PLACES & PEOPLE?
WANT TO HELP CREATE A PLACE THAT CELEBRATES AND HELPS SUSTAIN ALL 3?
THEN PLEASE JOIN US AS WE GROW RIVER ROOTS DISCOVERY GARDENS INTO SOMEPLACE SPECIAL!

***

Does finding resources to connect small non-profits to big futures float your boat?

Interested in fueling a unique, creative initiative that will advance community, education, and conservation?


Help River Roots Discovery Gardens identify and pursue the mission-aligned funding sources that will put the gardens on the map.


DESCRIPTION

The 3 pillars that will support River Roots Discovery Gardens’ mission advancement—community, education, and conservation—open broad prospects for grant seeking.

Research grant opportunities to identify those targeted to our mission areas, geography, and scope.  Leverage grant search databases if possible.Help write compelling grant proposals.Track submission deadlines and award timelines.Help River Roots plan for required impact reporting.Follow up with funders for feedback on how to improve future proposals.

TIMING/DURATION 

Minimum 8 hours/month for 6 months; longer term volunteers welcome!

QUALIFICATIONS

Strong support of and ability to communicate River Roots Discovery Gardens missionBasic grant research skills with a willingness to advance skills by leveraging digital grant resourcesStrong written and communication skillsAbility to work independentlyComputer skills

LOCATIONS

Virtual

TRAINING/SUPPORT

Access to the garden development team by email and phone for questions and concerns.

BENEFITS

Play a pivotal role in establishing River Roots Discovery Gardens.Professional developmentShape a brand-new public space.


NOTE ABOUT THE RIVER ROOTS DISCOVERY GARDENS SITE

The site to be developed as River Roots Discovery Gardens is in Lancaster County, VA, on 14 acres of land behind the under-construction Lancaster County Middle/High School on Irvington Road.

All are welcome to visit the site which is access via Old St John's Road, the northernmost entrance road to the Hills Quarter Community.  Turn onto Old St John's Road.  The site is on the left just beyond the pond behind the high school.  Park across Old St John's Road in the gravel parking lot by the small yellow building. 

Organization: River Roots Discovery Gardens

DO YOU LOVE OUR NORTHERN NECK PLANTS, PLACES & PEOPLE?
WANT TO HELP CREATE A PLACE THAT CELEBRATES AND HELPS SUSTAIN ALL 3?
THEN PLEASE JOIN US AS WE GROW RIVER ROOTS DISCOVERY GARDENS INTO SOMEPLACE SPECIAL!

***

Does finding resources to connect small non-profits to big futures float your boat?

Interested in fueling a unique, creative initiative that will advance community, education, and conservation?


Help River Roots Discovery Gardens identify and pursue the mission-aligned funding sources that will put the gardens on the map.


DESCRIPTION

The 3 pillars that will support River Roots Discovery Gardens’ mission advancement—community, education, and conservation—open broad prospects for grant seeking.

Research grant opportunities to identify those targeted to our mission areas, geography, and scope.  Leverage grant search databases if possible.Help write compelling grant proposals.Track submission deadlines and award timelines.Help River Roots plan for required impact reporting.Follow up with funders for feedback on how to improve future proposals.

TIMING/DURATION 

Minimum 8 hours/month for 6 months; longer term volunteers welcome!

QUALIFICATIONS

Strong support of and ability to communicate River Roots Discovery Gardens missionBasic grant research skills with a willingness to advance skills by leveraging digital grant resourcesStrong written and communication skillsAbility to work independentlyComputer skills

LOCATIONS

Virtual

TRAINING/SUPPORT

Access to the garden development team by email and phone for questions and concerns.

BENEFITS

Play a pivotal role in establishing River Roots Discovery Gardens.Professional developmentShape a brand-new public space.


NOTE ABOUT THE RIVER ROOTS DISCOVERY GARDENS SITE

The site to be developed as River Roots Discovery Gardens is in Lancaster County, VA, on 14 acres of land behind the under-construction Lancaster County Middle/High School on Irvington Road.

All are welcome to visit the site which is access via Old St John's Road, the northernmost entrance road to the Hills Quarter Community.  Turn onto Old St John's Road.  The site is on the left just beyond the pond behind the high school.  Park across Old St John's Road in the gravel parking lot by the small yellow building. 

Organization: River Roots Discovery Gardens

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 22480

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Listen to the space! Context researcher

DO YOU LOVE OUR NORTHERN NECK PLANTS, PLACES & PEOPLE?
WANT TO HELP CREATE A PLACE THAT CELEBRATES AND HELPS SUSTAIN ALL 3?
THEN PLEASE JOIN US AS WE GROW RIVER ROOTS DISCOVERY GARDENS INTO SOMEPLACE SPECIAL!

***

Are you curious?

Do questions like ‘I wonder what happened here’ energize you?

Do you enjoy demographic and/or market analysis?


Work with River Roots Discovery Gardens founders and other volunteers to uncover our garden site’s story—its natural and cultural history, and current dynamics.


DESCRIPTION

Well designed landscapes listen to what the land reveals about a place and its people. We need help collecting this ‘context research’ to inform the design of our garden spaces so they reflect and respect the past, speak to the present, and anticipate the future.

Use online and/or other resources, independently or with others, to research one or more of the questions below:
o How did the land our site sits on evolve geologically and ecologically?
o How did people impact the site over time?
o What are past and current demographics of communities surrounding our site?
o What regional activities, amenities or programs exist that might compete or complement our public garden? Organize findings of your research so they can provide input to the design process by telling the stories you uncover, e.g. summaries, tables, photos, narratives

TIMING/DURATION

Minimum 5 hours/month for 4 months; longer term volunteers welcome!

QUALIFICATIONS

Strong interest in the landscapes and people of the Northern Neck Basic research skillsStrong written and communication skills Ability to work independently Computer skills helpful

LOCATIONS

Research may be done virtually, at the garden site*, and/or at historic record sites depending upon research pursued.Regular check-in meetings to rotate between in-person (at gathering spots in the Irvington/Kilmarnock area) and virtual.

TRAINING/SUPPORT

Introduction to context research as it relates to design of public garden will be provided.  Access to the garden development team by email and phone for questions and concerns.A mix of in-person and virtual monthly check-in gatherings with research volunteers and the garden development team to share progress and ideas, and connect with others with shared interests.

BENEFITS

Commit those deep local research dives you love to a legacy—your findings will help ground River Roots in a true sense of place to benefit our environment and community. Meet others with similar or complementary interests. Help shape a brand-new public space. Make sure this new garden space remembers its past and reflects its present.

* NOTE ABOUT GARDEN SITE

The site to be developed as River Roots Discovery Gardens is in Lancaster County, VA, on 14 acres of land behind the under-construction Lancaster County Middle/High School on Irvington Road.

All are welcome to visit the site which is access via Old St John's Road, the northernmost entrance road to the Hills Quarter Community.  Turn onto Old St John's Road.  The site is on the left just beyond the pond behind the high school.  Park across Old St John's Road in the gravel parking lot by the small yellow building. 

Organization: River Roots Discovery Gardens

DO YOU LOVE OUR NORTHERN NECK PLANTS, PLACES & PEOPLE?
WANT TO HELP CREATE A PLACE THAT CELEBRATES AND HELPS SUSTAIN ALL 3?
THEN PLEASE JOIN US AS WE GROW RIVER ROOTS DISCOVERY GARDENS INTO SOMEPLACE SPECIAL!

***

Are you curious?

Do questions like ‘I wonder what happened here’ energize you?

Do you enjoy demographic and/or market analysis?


Work with River Roots Discovery Gardens founders and other volunteers to uncover our garden site’s story—its natural and cultural history, and current dynamics.


DESCRIPTION

Well designed landscapes listen to what the land reveals about a place and its people. We need help collecting this ‘context research’ to inform the design of our garden spaces so they reflect and respect the past, speak to the present, and anticipate the future.

Use online and/or other resources, independently or with others, to research one or more of the questions below:
o How did the land our site sits on evolve geologically and ecologically?
o How did people impact the site over time?
o What are past and current demographics of communities surrounding our site?
o What regional activities, amenities or programs exist that might compete or complement our public garden? Organize findings of your research so they can provide input to the design process by telling the stories you uncover, e.g. summaries, tables, photos, narratives

TIMING/DURATION

Minimum 5 hours/month for 4 months; longer term volunteers welcome!

QUALIFICATIONS

Strong interest in the landscapes and people of the Northern Neck Basic research skillsStrong written and communication skills Ability to work independently Computer skills helpful

LOCATIONS

Research may be done virtually, at the garden site*, and/or at historic record sites depending upon research pursued.Regular check-in meetings to rotate between in-person (at gathering spots in the Irvington/Kilmarnock area) and virtual.

TRAINING/SUPPORT

Introduction to context research as it relates to design of public garden will be provided.  Access to the garden development team by email and phone for questions and concerns.A mix of in-person and virtual monthly check-in gatherings with research volunteers and the garden development team to share progress and ideas, and connect with others with shared interests.

BENEFITS

Commit those deep local research dives you love to a legacy—your findings will help ground River Roots in a true sense of place to benefit our environment and community. Meet others with similar or complementary interests. Help shape a brand-new public space. Make sure this new garden space remembers its past and reflects its present.

* NOTE ABOUT GARDEN SITE

The site to be developed as River Roots Discovery Gardens is in Lancaster County, VA, on 14 acres of land behind the under-construction Lancaster County Middle/High School on Irvington Road.

All are welcome to visit the site which is access via Old St John's Road, the northernmost entrance road to the Hills Quarter Community.  Turn onto Old St John's Road.  The site is on the left just beyond the pond behind the high school.  Park across Old St John's Road in the gravel parking lot by the small yellow building. 

Organization: River Roots Discovery Gardens

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 22480

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Learn About Board Service at The Haven (Virtual)

Are you passionate about creating safer communities? Curious about what nonprofit board service really entails?

The Haven invites community members to attend a Virtual Board Information Session to learn more about our mission, impact, and what it means to serve as a member of our Board of Directors.

This session is an opportunity to explore leadership through service — no commitment required.

About The Haven
The Haven supports survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence across the Northern Neck and Essex County. Board members play a vital role in ensuring this work continues and grows.

What We’ll Cover
During this virtual session, you’ll learn:

The Haven’s mission, programs, and community impact
The governance role of a nonprofit board
Board member responsibilities and expectations
Fundraising and ambassador roles
Time commitment and committee structure
Current priorities and strategic direction
The nomination and onboarding process
Hear directly from current and past board members as they share:Why they chose to serve
What surprised them about board service
The most meaningful parts of their experience
The time commitment in real life
Advice for prospective members
There will be time for live Q&A so you can ask candid questions and gain real insight.

Who Should Attend?

Individuals interested in nonprofit leadershipProfessionals seeking meaningful community serviceCommunity members passionate about supporting survivorsThose considering board or committee involvement

No prior board experience is required — just a willingness to learn and engage.

Format & Commitment
One-time virtual session via Zoom
No obligation to apply for board service

Why Consider Board Service?
Board service is a powerful way to:

Strengthen local safety networks
Shape organizational strategy
Support long-term sustainability
Advocate for survivors in our community

Organization: The Haven Shelter and Services, Inc.

Are you passionate about creating safer communities? Curious about what nonprofit board service really entails?

The Haven invites community members to attend a Virtual Board Information Session to learn more about our mission, impact, and what it means to serve as a member of our Board of Directors.

This session is an opportunity to explore leadership through service — no commitment required.

About The Haven
The Haven supports survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence across the Northern Neck and Essex County. Board members play a vital role in ensuring this work continues and grows.

What We’ll Cover
During this virtual session, you’ll learn:

The Haven’s mission, programs, and community impact
The governance role of a nonprofit board
Board member responsibilities and expectations
Fundraising and ambassador roles
Time commitment and committee structure
Current priorities and strategic direction
The nomination and onboarding process
Hear directly from current and past board members as they share:Why they chose to serve
What surprised them about board service
The most meaningful parts of their experience
The time commitment in real life
Advice for prospective members
There will be time for live Q&A so you can ask candid questions and gain real insight.

Who Should Attend?

Individuals interested in nonprofit leadershipProfessionals seeking meaningful community serviceCommunity members passionate about supporting survivorsThose considering board or committee involvement

No prior board experience is required — just a willingness to learn and engage.

Format & Commitment
One-time virtual session via Zoom
No obligation to apply for board service

Why Consider Board Service?
Board service is a powerful way to:

Strengthen local safety networks
Shape organizational strategy
Support long-term sustainability
Advocate for survivors in our community

Organization: The Haven Shelter and Services, Inc.

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Apr 16, 2026

Zip Code: 22572

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Easter Bunnies Needed!

Assist with the hands-on preparation for two spring fundraisers: Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls and Easter Egg Bundles at our Administrative Office (102 Walnut Street Warsaw, VA 22572). Volunteers will help create homemade chocolate peanut butter balls and stuff Easter eggs that will be sold to support survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence in our community.

This is a meaningful, short-term opportunity perfect for individuals, families, friend groups, or service clubs who want to give back in a tangible (and delicious!) way.

Volunteers can sign up for either or both shifts on Thursday, April 2nd:

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Volunteers will rotate through hands-on stations such as:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ball Production

Prepare peanut butter batter
Scoop and shape balls
Refrigerate trays
Dip in chocolate
Package and label finished treats

Easter Egg Bundle Assembly

Stuff plastic eggs with candy, fruit snacks, and stickers
Count and bundle eggs into designated quantities
Package egg bundles for distribution


No experience necessary — we’ll provide all materials and instructions!


Organization: The Haven Shelter and Services, Inc.

Assist with the hands-on preparation for two spring fundraisers: Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls and Easter Egg Bundles at our Administrative Office (102 Walnut Street Warsaw, VA 22572). Volunteers will help create homemade chocolate peanut butter balls and stuff Easter eggs that will be sold to support survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence in our community.

This is a meaningful, short-term opportunity perfect for individuals, families, friend groups, or service clubs who want to give back in a tangible (and delicious!) way.

Volunteers can sign up for either or both shifts on Thursday, April 2nd:

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Volunteers will rotate through hands-on stations such as:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ball Production

Prepare peanut butter batter
Scoop and shape balls
Refrigerate trays
Dip in chocolate
Package and label finished treats

Easter Egg Bundle Assembly

Stuff plastic eggs with candy, fruit snacks, and stickers
Count and bundle eggs into designated quantities
Package egg bundles for distribution


No experience necessary — we’ll provide all materials and instructions!


Organization: The Haven Shelter and Services, Inc.

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 22572

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Shelter Improvement Day

Join us for Shelter Improvement Day as we refresh and care for the physical space that provides safety to survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence.

Volunteers will help beautify and maintain our shelter property so it remains a welcoming, dignified, and peaceful environment for survivors and their children.

This is a meaningful, hands-on opportunity to make an immediate impact — no direct client interaction required.

Volunteer Tasks May Include:

Weeding and revitalizing garden beds
Planting seasonal flowers or refreshing the soil
Washing exterior windows
Power washing portions of the shelter exterior
Light outdoor cleanup and general beautification
Tasks will be assigned based on comfort level and physical ability.

Due to the confidential nature of our work:

The shelter location will be shared only with confirmed volunteers.
All volunteers are required to sign a confidentiality agreement upon arrival.
Admission to the shelter property is at the discretion of The Haven staff.
This opportunity involves moderate physical activity (standing, bending, lifting).

This is an outdoor, hands-on workday. Please come prepared by wearing/bringing:

Closed-toe shoes (sneakers or work boots required)
Comfortable clothing suitable for bending, lifting, and getting dirty
Weather-appropriate layers
Hat and/or sunglasses (if sunny)WaterWork glovesSunscreenAny preferred personal gardening tools (optional)

All major supplies , equipment (including power washing materials), and lunch will be provided.

Organization: The Haven Shelter and Services, Inc.

Join us for Shelter Improvement Day as we refresh and care for the physical space that provides safety to survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence.

Volunteers will help beautify and maintain our shelter property so it remains a welcoming, dignified, and peaceful environment for survivors and their children.

This is a meaningful, hands-on opportunity to make an immediate impact — no direct client interaction required.

Volunteer Tasks May Include:

Weeding and revitalizing garden beds
Planting seasonal flowers or refreshing the soil
Washing exterior windows
Power washing portions of the shelter exterior
Light outdoor cleanup and general beautification
Tasks will be assigned based on comfort level and physical ability.

Due to the confidential nature of our work:

The shelter location will be shared only with confirmed volunteers.
All volunteers are required to sign a confidentiality agreement upon arrival.
Admission to the shelter property is at the discretion of The Haven staff.
This opportunity involves moderate physical activity (standing, bending, lifting).

This is an outdoor, hands-on workday. Please come prepared by wearing/bringing:

Closed-toe shoes (sneakers or work boots required)
Comfortable clothing suitable for bending, lifting, and getting dirty
Weather-appropriate layers
Hat and/or sunglasses (if sunny)WaterWork glovesSunscreenAny preferred personal gardening tools (optional)

All major supplies , equipment (including power washing materials), and lunch will be provided.

Organization: The Haven Shelter and Services, Inc.

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Apr 23, 2026

Zip Code: 22572

Allow Groups: Yes