Getting Outside and Giving Back
Another long and tiring week comes to a close. Going to Zilker park time after time is starting to feel repetitive. However, there is a cure to break the monotony!
Volunteering at local Austin organizations not only adds some spice to your week, but also ensures your ability to get outside. In adding some weekly volunteering to your routine, you are not only ensuring the longevity of the Austin we know and love, but you are also guaranteeing the feeling of fulfillment that can only be brought in through helping others.
It can feel daunting to find a place to give your time; students work hard, and play harder. Here at Drift, we decided to compile a list of places where you can get your fresh air fix, without missing out on student life.
With the garage door propped open to allow warm summer breezes in, volunteers can hone biking skills or invent new ways to take thrifted or donated bikes and turn them into revamped cruisers. With new COVID procedures in place, it can be difficult to get a reservation for a workbench spot, but the feeling of bike grease on your hands and the shop music in your ears is worth it.
Rows of bikes lined outside the Yellow Bike Project shed
Dogs vs. Cats: The age old saga. Here, cat and dog lovers can unite under one roof (or lack thereof) to care for the creatures that need us the most! Whether you want to walk a dog or nurse a cat to health, you will leave here feeling both fulfilled of your nature needs and the serotonin that only household pets can provide. Beware the temptation to adopt.
Perky Vera, an Austin Pets Alive foster dog belonging to a UT college student
An organization dedicated to Austinites’ favorite place. The outdoors. Every April this site organizes a list of Austin parks, gardens, and other greenspaces for Austin locals to sign up and care for for the day. We love our parks, folks, so it’s time we give back!
Downtown Austin reflected on Lady Bird Lake
Sponsored and supported by countless Austin businesses, Austin Parks Website is the ultimate location to sign up for your ideal day of volunteering. These opportunities are guided and in a group setting. Check out the Austin Parks Website calendar to see an updated list of monthly clean ups. Plan ahead to make the most of your volunteering days!
Barton Creek Greenbelt caves hidden along the trail
Founded by two UT students in 2019, the ACP is dedicated to getting students out and around Austin to not only enjoy what the city has to offer, but also protect it. If cleaning up Lady Bird Lake sounds like your ideal way to make a difference, check out their website to apply!
Photos by Chandler Maloney