Volunteer
Volunteering builds and strengthens our democracy. We must begin to build trust, empathy and inclusiveness.
Many people have reached out wondering how we will be changing our volunteer tasks in the age of social distancing. This is an evolving process, and we are taking steps to ensure we are still all working together for positive community change even when we can’t be together in person. While the set up my look different, we need your help now more than ever!
Remember the most important thing is to register to vote and make sure your friends are registered to vote! Check out our voting page for quick links to start the process right now!
Register People to Vote.
There are approximately 1,500 residents of voting age that are not yet registered. Some may not be able to; others don’t know how to do it or continue to feel their single vote doesn’t count. You can:
Help register voters at events, community centers, & after church.
You can even register your neighbors!
Encourage People to Vote.
There are another approximately 1,500 registered Democrats in Yancey County who didn’t vote in 2018. Encouraging voter participation is one of the most important volunteer opportunities we have! You can:
Help get your friends and neighbors out to polls during Early Voting or on Election Day
Knock on doors; find out what can be done to get the vote.
Know the issues; promote our candidates.
Plan Events.
Yancey County Democrats’ events enable us to work hard for democracy in Yancey County. Our events sustain Yancey County Democrats and are vital to our success. You can:
Host or plan fundraising events.
Host candidate forums or meet-and greets.
Collaborate on new ways to engage our community.
Use your creativity to help get out the vote!
Coordinate Activities.
Create a buzz about democratic candidates from behind the scenes. Help us deliver timely information and motivate civic engagement. These jobs are perfect for introverts and volunteers of all skill-sets. You can:
Help work with our names and addresses to be sure they are accurate.
Help gather information and contacts to maintain our website
Write and send post cards about timely issues and upcoming elections.
Organize and support our canvassers.
Help Fellow Volunteers.
Yancey County Democrats is all about building up our community, and that starts with helping each other out. You can support fellow Democrats by:
Providing transportation.
Providing childcare for volunteers who are working at polls or in other high-demand roles.
Cooking for one of our pancake breakfasts or other gatherings.
Bringing snacks for volunteers at events or meetings.
Donate.
We work tirelessly to defend democracy, which starts with empowering individuals to realize their vote matters and their opinions are important. This work starts at the local level. Your donation allows Yancey County Democrats to continue doing everything possible to get out the vote and improve the quality of life in Yancey County.
Other Organizations That Need Your Help
Progressive Women’s Association
Please join with us as we focus on the needs of women and children. We are not of any one party affiliation but are strongly motivated to do whatever we can to promote Yancey County. This year the focus will be to work on local state and national levels to bring back empathy, ethics and respect.
When: First and third Wednesday every month
Where: Yancey County Library, upstairs
Contact:: conjerie@aol.com or 828-675-4756
My Neighbors
An all-volunteer community of support and services that enable members to live in their homes for as long as practical
Website: myneighbors.clubexpress.com
Contact: 828-295-2412 or myneighborsmail@gmail.com
S.E.A.R.C.H.
Promoting safe, quality, affordable local healthcare to Mitchell and Yancey Counties. SEARCH formed in response to the loss of services to the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital.
Check out their website: searchwnc.org
Social Equality Coalition
The Social Equality Coalition, formed in January 2017 in response to the national election, provides a supportive space for progressive Yancey County folks to share information, concerns and activities for justice. The Social Equality Coalition focuses on local groups such as DigIn!, SEARCH, NAACP, Vincenos, Pisgah Legal Services, LGTBQ, poverty, climate action, local elections, and other issues. The group also coordinates bread and dessert donations and a cookbook for Dig In! Empty Bowls.
When: Meets third Wednesday of the month
from 12:30-2 p.m.
Where: Yancey County Library, small conference room.
Contact: Jennie Boyd Bull
P.A.T.H.
Partners Aligned Toward Health works to bring people together to identify community needs and improve the health of children and families. Check out their programs for after school, substance abuse prevention, youth to youth, and more: pathwnc.org
Reconciliation House
The Reconciliation House provides physical assistance to families in crisis. They help with food shortage, heat needs, housing and medication assistance: rec-house.org
NAACP of Yancey and Mitchell County
Working to unite Rural NC coalitions fighting for social, economic and environmental justice.
The North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program
The NC Guardian ad Litem Program trains community volunteers to advocate and represent abused and neglected children in Yancey and surrounding counties.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the local Guardian ad Litem program, please call Erica Edwards at 828-682-4754.