Sometimes, an organization's mission is so compelling that you want to do more than help with projects; you want to help it operate. That's where volunteering to serve on a board of directors comes in. 

While you may think serving on a board is only for those who have a long-standing relationship with a nonprofit, many organizations seek new board members who are simply interested in their cause and/or have particular professional skills (like finance or fundraising)--and want to guide it into the future. 

In fact, several local nonprofits are currently recruiting new board members, including these: 

To find more board opportunities, search for "board" on the Volunteer Center website.

In addition, the Montgomery County government recruits residents throughout the year to serve on various boards, committees, and commissions.  You can learn more about current openings and  apply online. 

ArtStream Inclusive Theater Company volunteers and participants perform together

When people are engaged, stimulated, challenged, and inspired, they surpass perceived limitations and undertake challenges they might never have considered. That philosophy is what guides ArtStream Inc., an organization that teaches inclusive performing arts and social skills for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities--including autism--and other social and behavioral needs. Learning through the arts builds participants' confidence by allowing them to make their own choices. It also fosters social connections and allows them to practice communication skills like eye contact, listening, and self-awareness.

ArtStream's flagship program revolves around its Inclusive Theatre Companies (ITCs), which create and perform original musicals based on actors' ideas and improvisations. Volunteer mentors perform as peers with the actors. If a line is dropped in performance, mentors keep the dialogue moving. Backstage, the volunteer stage crew moves scenery, and operates light and sound for the production. The company is currently seeking backstage volunteers for ITC productions in Rockville in May, and in Silver Spring in June. 

The organization also offers performing arts classes in which class volunteers learn as peers with the participants, and may be asked to buddy with a participant to help him/her stay focused, or may be called on to lead a small group of participants during an activity. Class volunteers are needed on Tuesday evenings in June and July in Gaithersburg, and in July in Silver Spring. 

Volunteers learn along with participants as well in ArtStream's social skills classes, which use the arts as a way to explore communication and to connect with peers. In fact, volunteers often say that the social skills classes change the way they think about their own friendships. ArtStream is currently recruiting volunteers for social club meetings on Wednesday evenings, May through July in Rockville, and for party workshops held monthly on Saturday afternoons in Germantown. 

ArtStream is also looking for volunteer photographers to capture the magic at classes and on stage. 

Volunteering with ArtStream can be life-changing. As former volunteer Eliza Malakoff puts it, "The experiences I had not only brightened my day every rehearsal, but also made me think harder about the way I approach challenges, solve problems, and interact with others. In short, I believe my time with ArtStream has made me a better human."

To learn more about volunteering with ArtStream, email Chad Rabago or call 301-565-4567.

If this early spring weather has you doing some de-cluttering, consider donating items you don't need anymore to nonprofits and government agencies in our region. 

One easy way to do so is to list those goods in the Volunteer Center's weekly Hotlink e-newsletter, which is sent to the 800-plus organizations registered with us and features information about items available for donation. Agencies that are interested in the items contact the donor directly to arrange pickup and provide a receipt for tax purposes. Items appropriate for Hotlink include home and office furniture and equipment, medical devices, and craft supplies in good condition or better. We do not list clothing, books, televisions (except flat-screen units), or food. (Read on for ideas on donating those types of items.)

To submit your donations for inclusion, send us an email with

• a description of the items (including condition and, as appropriate, approximate size, color, and material),
• city or town from where they'll need to be picked up, and
• contact information (email and/or phone)

For items not accepted for Hotlink, or if you simply prefer to contact nonprofits directly, check out our compilation of local organizations that accept particular types of donations. The bottom of the page also includes information on recycling or disposing of items through county services, as well as online electronic trade-in programs.

On Sunday, April 2, join half a million volunteers from around the world for Good Deeds Day, an annual international day of service. Organized locally by the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, Good Deeds Day celebrates the idea that every person can make a positive impact on the lives of others and change the world through social action.

Participants will be able to choose from a variety of service projects throughout the region, including dancing with senior citizens, preparing and serving lunch for homeless individuals, and helping unite dogs with their forever homes. Learn more and sign up online. 

The 2017 Montgomery Serves Awards, Montgomery County's highest honor for service, will be presented at a gala ceremony attended by  county and state dignitaries Monday, April 24, 6:30 pm, at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. Join us that evening to help celebrate some of our county's superb volunteers. 

Tickets are available at no charge, but advance registration is required.