Are you a teen or pre-teen who’s eager to volunteer in Beijing, but don’t really know where to start? Do you find yourself wondering what you can do, who you should contact, the time commitment, or what will even interest you?
Well, look no further! This guide is here to help you in your quest to help others! As a teenage volunteer enthusiast, I have gathered a few spectacular volunteering opportunities, so that you can give back to your community this summer. What’s more, they’re open all year round.
Rainbow Angel Coffee House
Rainbow Angel Coffee House (RAC) was founded in March 2017 by Felicia Li, a mother who volunteered in Beijing Tianyun Hearing and Speech Rehabilitation Center. After seeing the difficult road to recovery for deaf teens and the financial burden it puts on their families, Li determined to help the community and give its children the future they deserve. Since its inception, RAC has been committed to training deaf or hearing-impaired youth in Beijing’s lower-income rural areas for free. Through the program, they learn how to bake handmade snacks and develop important life skills. Through their growth, they become bakers, have a stable income, and support themselves and their future families.
Ways to volunteer:
- To volunteer for event organizations, teens can participate in the RAC Youth Volunteer Training Course. High schooler Helena 石榴, the youth ambassador, will be leading an upcoming training course on Jul 17, from 10am to 4pm.
- Teenagers can also volunteer at RAC charity activities, whether it be performing or assisting in reception and venue affairs.
- To volunteer at RAC charity sales, visit the RAC Nuanshan Life Store (咖啡屋暖山生活店).
Interest groups:
- Age: 10-18
- Event management
- Selling baked goods
- Performing
Contact information:
- Felicia Li, founder, owner, and teacher
- Phone number: 13520366533
- WeChat: Felicia1226
- Helena 石榴, youth ambassador, youth volunteer instructor
- Phone number: 19901191006
Left: Youth ambassador Helena 石榴; Middle: RAC chefs; Right: Founder Felicia Li
World Origin • Youth Power
World Origin • Youth Power (WYOP) is a restorative force for the preservation and evolution of ethnic cultures, such as the last standing matriarchal society Mosuo, raising awareness through documentaries and direct grassroots aid. WOYP has organized multiple fundraising campaigns, which have brought in more than US 10,000 to date. At the age of 17, WYOP founder Vania 葡萄 was recognized at the 63rd UN Women’s Conference in 2019 as the youngest recipient of the Global Woman of Distinction Award and was honored with the Most Popular Vote and Bronze Prize at the China Intangible Inheritance NGO project competition. Vania aims to “race against time to slow down the extinction of inheritance of the world’s ethnic cultures and arts.”
Ways to volunteer:
- Summer-long fundraising event to purchase school and art supplies for schools in Mosuo, an ethnic minority group.
- Collecting books in your community for the upcoming book sale in August and Chinese children’s books for the Mosuo school.
- An upcoming event in August: Calling for teens interested in organizing events, performing (singing, dancing, etc.), art, helping at book sales.
- Creating videos to raise awareness.
Interest groups:
- Age: 14+ for event management
- Age: 8-18 for creating art, performing, and everything else
Contact information:
- Vania 葡萄
- Email: ahawacir@126.com
- www.vaniapt.com/world-origin
Left: Mosuo children; Right: Founding initiator Vania 葡萄
Roundabout
Roundabout, the first charity store in China, was founded in 2008. They support 48 charitable organizations across China, aiming to bridge the community and the cause. To raise funds, Roundabout sells donated items in their retail store, at charity events, and book fairs. All of the proceeds go towards covering the medical costs of low-income children and orphans, as well as providing shelter and necessities for older folks. Roundabout is known for its transparency, with all monetary donations and funds going directly to charities. As Roundabout is organized by a group of volunteers, there are always opportunities for teenagers to engage.
Ways to volunteer
- Sorting out donated items for the retail store and various outside events.
- Donating books, clothing, toys, furniture, household goods, etc.
- Cleaning and working at the Roundabout retail store.
- Helping at book fairs, charity activities, and events. Work entails book sorting, setting up, helping on the book fair day.
Interest groups:
- Age: 8-18
- Handling money
- Helping customers
- Selling items
Contact information:
- Maggie, volunteer coordinator
- Phone number and WeChat: 18510449951
- www.roundaboutchina.com/volunteers/
Roundabout book fair at Euro Plaza, Jun 5
The Voice of Love
Through charity concerts, teenagers utilize their voices to raise funds for schools in disadvantaged areas. Initiated by high schooler Apple Liang, the Voice of Love (VOL) focuses on art education and donating teaching materials. VOL provides children from poverty-stricken regions a stage to realize their musical dreams, supporting their growth and development.
Ways to volunteer:
- Performing at VOL’s charity concerts (upcoming: 2022).
- Helping at fundraising events.
- Working with students at VOL’s partnering schools (upcoming: August).
Contact information:
- Apple Liang 梁凯淇
- Phone number: 18801008576
KEEP READING: Stranded Nomad: Even More Volunteering Opportunities This Summer
Images: Helena 石榴, Vania 葡萄, Felicia Li, Apple Liang, Roundabout
