(1) Join a Board or Commission. I’ve made the plug before, but this really is a great way to dip your toes in local government and share your passion or expertise in a low time commitment, yet impactful way. Even if there is no current vacancy in the B&C you’re interested in, all meetings are open to the public so you are welcome to attend, observe, and share your thoughts. www.fallschurchva.gov/130/Boards-Commissions

(2) Fill the Pipeline. November 2017 is not so far away. Start paying attention to city issues and consider running for office. Share my blog with friends and recruit them to get interested and involved in local government. Here is the list of upcoming City Council meetings www.fallschurchva.gov/471/Watch-City-Council-Meetings and upcoming School Board meetings fccps.org/index.php?option=com_gcalendar&view=google&Itemid=658&lang=en

If you are considering a run for local office – I am no expert, but I am happy to share my personal experience and help you however I can.

(3) Give Back Locally

Today, November 11th

• Girl Scouts Stop Hunger Now Service Project – Falls Church Episcopal Church – 6-8 pm. They are looking for additional financial contributions (helping hands also welcome) to meet their goal before the meal making event tonight. A $15 per hour donation is requested to cover cost of meal ingredients. www.signupgenius.com/go/508084daaad2-girl

Tomorrow, November 12th

• Habitat Restoration (plant native plants) at Howard E. Herman Stream Valley Park on from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity for families and groups to get their hands dirty (literally!) and make a difference in a beloved park. www.fallschurchva.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=4976&month=11&year=2016&day=6&calType=0
• Boys Scouts Scouting for Food – door to door non perishable food pick ups. Remember to set out your bags before 9 am.

Saturday, November 19th

• Help the Environment – VPIS Neighborhood Tree Planting at 8:30 am. Contact Seth Heminway at heminway.seth@gmail.com
• Spend Yourself 5K Run/3K Walk – 8 am – supports a local food pantry and fights hunger in Haiti and India www.columbiabaptist.org/sy5k
• Deliver Thanksgiving Meals to Falls Church families (7416 Arlington Blvd) – Volunteers needed to deliver food to over 100 households in the Falls Church area on Saturday, November 19th. If you are interested, call Linda Rice-Johnston at 703-560- 5288 or email fcswecare@aol.com. Even if you don’t contact FCS ahead of time, you can come to Knox Presbyterian Church beginning at 10 a.m on November 19th. Bags will be ready with names and addresses of the recipients on them. You may take as many or as few as you wish.

Later and Anytime

• Falls Church Homeless Shelter (217 Gordon Road) opens on November 15th and needs volunteers for November 21, 22, 23, and 24 and many other dates. Volunteers come in to help with shelter operations from 5:45 pm to midnight. The primary duties are to serve dinner to the residents, store leftovers, make sure that the areas are in good order and to assist the full time staff in other areas as needed. Contact Robyn Stewart at Robyn@fallschurchshelterfriends.org to sign up. There are also many other flexible ways to support the FCHS – preparing bagged lunches or dinners, donating food supplies. www.fallschurchshelterfriends.org/volunteer/
• Hope NoVA (610 Park Ave) supports women in crisis pregnancies. They are collecting unwrapped gifts for the holidays before December 10th and have other volunteer opportunities in sorting clothes, cleaning items. www.hopeinnova.org/volunteer.html
• Spend Yourself Food Pantry at Columbia Baptist in Baileys Crossroads – Saturday mornings from 830 am to 1215 pm. Learn more and sign up here: columbiabaptist.org/foodpantry
• Homestretch – Helping homeless families get back on their feet and find permanent housing, right here in Falls Church. Donations are needed and volunteers are also welcome. www.homestretch.org/donations-equipment-supplies-furniture.htm
• A is for Africa Shoe Drive (701 Jackson) – cleaning out your closets? A local Falls Church City family is running a shoe drive that benefits children in Tanzania. Shoes in any sizes and any condition are welcome to be dropped off at 701 Jackson. Learn more about A is for Africa.
• Other volunteering opportunities are available through Falls Church City government: including being a mentor at the Aurora House or a bingo caller at the Community Center for seniors on Wednesdays. Find the list here: www.fallschurchva.gov/352/Volunteer-Internship-Opportunities