When houses sell towns get a bonus crop of newcomers, eager to explore all that their new community offers: schools, restaurants, shopping, beaches, recreation and fun. Many are also eager to get involved, contributing time, talent and energy to make their new home town even better than it already is. We've offered ideas on how to get involved through the schools in the past, but this is just one avenue to take. There are many more ways for new residents (and "old") to give back.
Starting from the ground up, Fairfield County takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. Wakeman Town Farm in Westport has a wealth of programs and relies heavily on volunteers. Similarly driven is Lachat Town Farm in Weston. Sustainable Westport, Fairfield & Weston work hard to achieve the state's Net Zero goals. Aspetuck Land Trust preserves and administers open space, with the help of volunteers providing trail maintenance, communication & fundraising support.
Are animals your thing? Westport Animal Shelter Advocates, Connecticut Humane Society and Paws CT in Norwalk can always use helping hands for their paws. Beyond pets, Wildlife in Crisis and Earthplace offer opportunities to help injured and orphaned animals.
Have you enjoyed movies at the Remarkable Theater in Westport? Volunteer on a movie night or help with the big push to bring a permanent theater to Westport. Westport Country Playhouse also needs volunteer ushers – a great way to see some amazing shows. Want to support the arts education for special needs students, the economically disadvantaged and the artistically gifted? Give Neighborhood Studios a try!
You’ve probably learned that our libraries are true town treasures. Groups of passionate and eclectic volunteers make them hum, helping with the books of course, but also a plethora of programs and events. Every town has one.
Doing good works, year-round are a variety of Women’s Leagues. They’ve been improving our towns, our nation and the world for over 100 years, and a steady flow of new members keeps them young and fresh. Here’s a few links to get you started — Westport Woman’s Club, Westport Young Woman’s Club, Weston Women’s League
One more group of energetic women doing great things is AWARE. The acronym stands for Empowering Women through Action, Resources and Education. Each year they pick a local organization that works with women or children. AWARE raises funds for them, provides mentors, and develops strong friendships that transcend borders.
But you don’t have to be a female to join a club with local and international reach. There are plenty of options, such as: Sunrise Rotary in Westport, Westport Rotary Club, Weston Kiwanis, Rotary Club of Fairfield. International Save the Children is headquartered in Fairfield, offering a host of volunteer options.
And you don’t have to be a senior to volunteer at the Westport Center for Senior Activities, aka “The Senior Center”. The handsome building on Imperial Avenue hums with action every day. Whatever your expertise – fitness, lectures, arts, or anything else – director Sue Pfister can use your help. Try the Bigelow Center in Fairfield and The Hub in Weston too!
A word to the “wise”: Seniors who have just moved to town should check out the Westport/Weston Y’s Men and Y’s Women. Two of the area’s largest organizations offer educational and social activities, trips, and fascinating speakers. Both have many sub-groups, for every interest and hobby.
If you’d like to advance the causes of a community you identify with – and meet like-minded residents – consider AAPI Westport for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; Westport10 for people of color, Westport Pride. The Kennedy Center offers wonderful options to help those with disabilities.
Food pantries and soup kitchens can be found throughout our towns and always need help cooking, collecting, sorting and distributing food. For the energetic — volunteer fire stations can be found in most towns, or you can train to become part of an EMS crew. Of course, you can always run for public office or serve on a town board. We could go on…
All of us on KMS Team at Compass volunteer in the community and find our experiences rewarding and fun. We’re happy to tell you more and are always here to help open the doors. We want you to love where you live and getting involved is the very best way to start!