Ever wake up one morning thinking about how great this neighborhood is and decide you want to give back? We've all been there -- and promptly turned over and hit the snooze button on the thought. But it's time to wake up, because you probably have more time than you think. Besides, whether you volunteer or do a little advocacy, community work isn't a give-away but an investment. Organizations, groups and clubs are looking for you. What are you looking for?

The Fort Greene Association and the Society of Clinton Hill serve as hubs for neighborhood activities, and welcome volunteers and activists interested in strengthening the community through social, cultural and educational events. Both civic groups meet periodically throughout the year and support a wide range of community organizations and activities,

Often described as north Brooklyn's town hall, Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church lists volunteer options as well a community news on the bulletin in its vestibule at 85 South Oxford. The church community regularly supports local Habitat for Humanity projects, including the Atlantic Avenue Project, which, with 41 units in three four-story buildings, is the largest multifamily project in the New York City chapter's history. Other volunteer opportunities are announced during the Sunday service (weekly at 11 am and 10 am in July and August) and sent out over email through the church listserve.

If you've got the outdoors on your mind, the Fort Greene Park Conservancy is always looking for extra hands to help maintain the park. Green Fort Greene & Clinton Hill also seeks people power to help reduce the neighborhood's contribution to global warming and its use of nonrenewable resources. They've already installed 72 bike racks and created a local Green Map already, and could use you to green more.

Those more interested in a pen than a recycling bin should look into the New York Writers' Coalition, which trains volunteers to lead creative writing workshops where the formerly voiceless -- particularly at-risk youth, adults from low-income housing, seniors and others -- get a chance to tell their stories. The Clinton Hill Library is also looking for volunteers to get involved with the Friends of Clinton Hill Library. Its librarians have contact information for neighbors who are eager to meet up and reform that currently defunct group.

If you think making the neighborhood safer shouldn't just be left to the police, take the wheel for RightRides, which offers women, LGBTQ and gender queer individuals a free and safe ride home to Fort Greene and Clinton Hill on Friday and Saturday nights from midnight to 3 AM.

If you have stuff but no time to give,there are number of outlets, including the Salvation Army at 22 Quincy between Classon Avenue and Downing Street. Teen Challenge, which provides a residential program for men and women 17 years old and up overcoming drug addiction, accepts gently used clothing, electronics and furniture donations. During the winter, students Benjamin Banneker Academy for Community Development usually collect coats during the New York Cares Coat Drive.
 
By Jeca Taudte