We harness the transformative work of volunteers to relieve the effects of poverty and address its root causes.
We match dedicated volunteers with partner nonprofit organizations that have proven records of effectively addressing barriers to economic mobility. We then support volunteers and partners organizations through learning events that build community and advance understanding of how to make a meaningful dent in poverty. Join a group of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about working together to make a meaningful impact in our city!
Volunteer with Opportunity Saint Paul
- Special opportunity beginning March 2: Interfaith Action is partnering with Ramsey County Attorney John Choi to train community volunteers to participate in “restorative justice circles” with young people accused of a crime. These circles provide an alternative to the traditional approach of charging crimes and seeking incarceration for young people. Training for volunteers begins March 2, and continues on March 9, 16, 23, and 30. To learn more or sign up, contact Sarah Peterka by February 23.
- Commit to volunteering once per week for a year with one of our effective partner organizations. You will receive all the support and resources you need to be successful in your role.
- Attend learning community events, that provide context for our volunteers and build community in an open and safe environment.
Volunteer Opportunity: Restorative Justice Circles
Interfaith Action is partnering with Ramsey County Attorney John Choi to train community volunteers in how to participate in “restorative justice circles” with young people accused of a crime. Restorative justice circles provide an alternative to the traditional approach of charging crimes and seeking incarceration. County Attorney Choi is looking to these circles to handle cases involving young people that might normally be charged as crimes and result in incarceration. Participating in a circle is a concrete way to make a significant difference in a young person’s future.
Training for OSP volunteers in restorative justice practices begins January 5, 2021. To learn more or sign up, contact Sarah Peterka.
Become an Anchor House of Worship
Is your faith community looking for a well-supported pathway to engage in effective social justice? Become an anchor house of worship (HOW). Each HOW identifies two lay leaders who commit to participating in Opportunity Saint Paul along with helping to recruit additional volunteers. These HOW lay leaders then recruit eight additional members to volunteer at the chosen nonprofit partner and to weave learnings from Opportunity Saint Paul into the life of the congregation. To learn more, contact Sarah Peterka, (651)-789-3853.
Numerous houses of worship have signed on to be a HOW:
- Beth Jacob Congregation
- Christ the King Lutheran Church, New Brighton
- Church of St. Peter Claver
- Corpus Christi Church
- Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
- Macalester Plymouth United Church
- Mount Zion Temple
- Saint Thomas More Catholic Community
- St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ
- St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
- Unity Church – Unitarian
“Volunteering through OSP allows me to make an immediate impact and, hopefully, become a part of the long-term solution to these issues.”
—Josh Rebholz
“I joined Opportunity Saint Paul because it is helping a group of us to come to grips with the hard data about poverty in our city while acknowledging that real change comes from the heart, from seeing ourselves in one another.”
—Suzanne Donovan
Our Impact
3,360
Volunteer hours contributed for a value of $98,918
11
Anchor houses of worship provide deep support for tutoring and job coaching
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Highly effective nonprofit partners depend on OSP for quality volunteers