Beyond Belief Network Guides: Winter Service Projects

By

BBN

Winter is the most difficult season to plan a service event. Volunteer groups can find themselves at the mercy of frigid temperatures, treacherous roads, and snowstorms. However, with careful planning, a volunteer group can stage a successful service project in winter.  
 

Tips to Get Started
 

  • Stay inside. With winter, hosting an outdoor service event can be problematic. Planning an indoor service event during this season will probably meet with a greater volunteer turnout. There are a variety of options for an eager volunteer group. Volunteer at a local food bank. Collect winter coats/boots during a group meeting and donate to a local shelter. Host a raffle and donate the proceeds to a Foundation Beyond Belief beneficiary.  

 

  • Pay attention! Assign a volunteer or volunteers to watch weather reports for your area. A day before the event, contact them and discuss whether it’s okay to host the event. If a serious meteorological event (sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall, etc.) is expected, be prepared to cancel and/or postpone the event. Have a prearranged emergency contact method with group members.
     

  • Warm-up. If your volunteer group is set on an outdoor service event, plan accordingly. Make sure all volunteers are dressed warmly. Bring hot drinks in thermoses. Have designated warming spots (ex. a member’s car or available building) where members can warm up and recuperate. If weather conditions are such that frostbite could set in within a matter of minutes, take extra precautions. One potential outdoor event is shoveling the driveway/sidewalks of senior residents.

 

  • Remember Foundation Beyond Belief Beneficiaries. Remember, hosting a fundraiser on behalf of Foundation Beyond Belief or any of its beneficiaries counts as two events. Perfect for those teams looking to quickly raise their team’s BBN level.
     

Potential Service Events
 

If your volunteer group is looking for fresh ideas or looking to escape your service routine, check out our guide on Volunteer Opportunities and Ideas. While not all of the ideas listed are winter-friendly, you can make adjustments or use the season to organize a big service event for spring.
 

Questions or Concerns?

If you need help with planning your event or have additional questions, the best way to contact Beyond Belief Network is to use the contact webform, which enables us to track the resolution of your question: foundationbeyondbelief.org/contact-bbn. You can also email us at bbn@foundationbeyondbelief.org.