One of the best ways to become ingrained in a community and meet new people is to join a club or volunteer your time.  The Greater Manchester area has plenty of great nonprofits and community focused organizations.  Most are constantly welcoming new members and volunteers.  

CASA of New Hampshire

Court Appointed Special Advocates serve all of New Hampshire with the task of  recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers that serve as advocates for children that have experienced neglect or abuse.  Advocates interact with the child and important people in their life and serve as their voice in the court system.  You can change the outcome of a child's life.  CASA has recurring recruitment and training sessions throughout the area.   www.casanh.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire

BBBS makes a difference in hundreds of children's lives yearly through mentoring programs in the community and schools.  Not only does choosing to become a Big enrich the life of a child, but it can also bring joy, meaning, and satisfaction to the volunteer.  Bigs are in need throughout Southern New Hampshire.

Roca Kidz Club

Manchester based community outreach program serving children affected by poverty, neglect, and abuse. They are constantly looking for volunteers to serve as a sense of stability in a child's life.  They just ask for people to come and visit and see what inspiration comes from it. www.rocakidzclub.com

Veterans Count Manchester

As a division of Easterseals NH, Veterans Count's mission is to provide timely and critical assistance and services to veterans, service members, and their families when other resources are unable to. Community outreach, board memberships, and event sponsors are opportunities to serve those that have served this country. www.vetscount.org    

Families in Transition

Based in Manchester with locations throughout New Hampshire, FIT's mission is to empower people experiencing homelessness.  From homeless services to food programs to substance use treatments, FIT works throughout the community to effect positive change upon those who need it most.  Over 700 volunteers donated their time last year in various roles. www.fitnh.org  

Special Olympics of New Hampshire

Helping children and adults with intellectual disabilities discover confidence, joy, and fulfillment through sports training and competition.  Volunteers are needed for specific events, to manage teams, or just to support the athletes. www.sonh.org

Boys & Girls Club of Manchester

With a mission to inspire youth and help them achieve their full potential, the Club relies on volunteers to serve as mentors, coaches, and program directors to achieve its goals.  No specific experience is required, just a desire to help local youth with their journey to success.  www.mbgcnh.org

Bedford Italian Cultural Society

You don't have to be Italian or live in Bedford to join.  Just have an interest in the food, culture, and language of Italy.  Monthly meetings feature guest speakers, language learning, and outstanding food. www.bics-nh.org  

Animal Shelters

Both the Manchester Animal Shelter and the Animal Rescue League of NH depend on volunteer support to achieve their goals.  From kennel maintenance to socialization to fostering, shelters can't serve the local community without you. www.manchesteranimalshelter.org/ and www.rescueleague.org/

Bless This Home

Working with local organizations, Bless this Home seeks to help women and children complete their transition to independent living.  By creating functional, pleasing, and welcoming living spaces they look to help establish women in their new homes with dignity and pride.  They accept gently used furniture and home decor and are always looking for volunteers to facilitate their work.  www.blessthishome.org/

Garden Clubs

Put your green thumb to work while beautifying your town's open spaces.  Most towns have a local garden club that hosts annual plant sales, plants annuals and perennials around town, and spreads local horticultural knowledge.  

The Palace Theatre

100 plus year-old theater in Manchester that hosts a mix of professional and youth theater, concerts, and comedy shows year round.  Volunteer to become an usher to help out a treasured landmark while seeing a variety of amazing performances. palacetheatre.org/

Girls Inc

Manchester based mentoring organization for girls ages 5-18 that seeks to inspire girls to be confident, strong, and smart.  Volunteers can work directly in a program, teach a class, participate as a mentor, or tutor.  Participants of Girls Inc live healthy lifestyles, are more successful in school, are eager to learn and grow, and exhibit resilience.  girlsincnewhampshire.org/

Piscataquog Land Conservancy

Southern New Hampshire focused land conservation organization that is currently protecting just under 10,000 acres of land.   Volunteer opportunities include property monitoring, trail stewardship, writing, and photography.  plcnh.org/

Most towns have Men's and Woman's clubs that focus on charitable endeavors in their communities and host several events per year.  There are also Rotary and Lions clubs in each town.  They typically welcome new members at their monthly meetings and can easily be found by a Google search.  Many high schools have athletic booster clubs that support local sports teams and are always looking for people to get involved.