Looking for Your People? Find Them at the Volunteer Expo.

This story is published in cooperation with Willamette Week and The Standard.

Maybe you’re an extrovert (we prefer the term “social butterfly”) who feels reinvigorated by being around people.

Perhaps you’re a seasoned professional looking to put your hard-earned skills to work for the community.

Maybe you want the next generation to know what service and giving back is all about.

Or maybe you’re just a quiet someone who loves being with animals and giving them a chance at a better life.

No matter what kind of volunteer you are – or may want to be – chances are you’ll find the right fit at The Standard’s Volunteer Expo. Held this year from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, in Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square, the 2026 Volunteer Expo is Oregon’s largest gathering of nonprofits, volunteers and donors.

“Our company was founded in Portland in 1906, and we’ve always prioritized taking care of our customers and the communities where we live and work,” said Dan McMillan, president and CEO of The Standard. “The Volunteer Expo is a perfect example of our shared commitment. There are so many great nonprofits helping strengthen our community and each year, the expo allows people to find volunteer opportunities that perfectly match their passions so they can give back and make a difference.”

Now in its 19th year, the Volunteer Expo will feature more than 100 local nonprofits representing the arts, humanities, the environment, animal welfare, health, human services and more. They’ll be set up in Pioneer Square to meet with prospective volunteers of all sorts. What follows, dear readers, are just a few examples of the kinds of volunteers and nonprofits that you can find, or that will find you, at this year’s expo.

The animal-loving introvert

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The Rose City loves its dogs and cats, not to mention the occasional parrot on the shoulder passing by. For those who might feel more at home spending time with four-legged friends, Oregon Humane offers a long list of volunteer opportunities. Adults can do everything from dog walking and in-shelter animal care to special events and ground maintenance, while youths aged 12-17 can sign up to socialize with dogs, cats and small animals or help maintain facilities.

“Volunteers help with nearly every aspect of our work at Oregon Humane,” said Jessica Carl, co-interim CEO and Chief People & Culture Officer at Oregon Humane. “Animal-focused roles like dog walking and cat enrichment are ideal for introverts who prefer the company of animals to people. There are also forward-facing roles that assist clients or help at events. We have something for everyone!”

The passionate passing service along

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One of the best ways to share the importance of volunteering with youth is to do it with them. Many nonprofits, including Portland social services nonprofit Blanchet House, make it easy for families to volunteer together assembling sack lunches and care kits at home or, for those 14 and older, serving meals and drinks in the Blanchet House café, sorting clothing or helping at the women’s shelter.

Bring your kid (or, if you’re a kid, bring your parents) and meet one of the many nonprofits doing boots-on-the-ground work in our community. It’s never too early, or too late, to help them make a difference.

“Some of our favorite volunteers are families who serve together,” said Elizabeth Ashworth, Blanchet House’s volunteer manager. “Parents and grandparents show younger generations that kindness is something you do, not just something you talk about. Serving a meal side by side creates memories, builds empathy and reminds all of us that community is strongest when we care for one another.”

The social butterfly

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If you like being around – and making a difference for – lots of people, Habitat for Humanity Portland Region may be just right for you. From putting in a few hours at an actual home construction site to helping customers in one of Habitat’s four ReStore locations, volunteers are key to the housing nonprofit’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

”If you’re someone who feels energized by connecting with people, volunteering with (us) is a perfect fit,” said Liz Connor, director of volunteer programs. “Whether you’re building homes alongside a team, processing donations in our ReStore or helping at a community event, every volunteer experience is built on collaboration and connection. You’ll leave knowing you’ve made new friends, strengthened our local community and helped create affordable homes for local families and individuals.”

The professional

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Portland education nonprofit In4All looks for industry professionals who can connect with students as “co-learners” throughout the school year through engaging, hands-on STEM experiences. By the end of the nonprofit’s elementary and middle school programs, students will have interacted with local professionals at least 20 times – helping students see new possibilities while also fanning the flame of volunteers who enjoy sharing their skills with the next generation.

Said one In4All volunteer: ”Once the kids got the idea of the experiment we did in class, it was rewarding to see them talk out their ideas and bring them to life when they had to build something. Plus, their competitive spirits were hilarious to watch.”

The bigger picture

Keep in mind that the best thing about the Volunteer Expo is that there will be no shortage of nonprofits that align with your philanthropic goal. Take the recommendations above, or venture outside of the box. All that matters is that you show up.

To find out more about the volunteer opportunities at The Standard’s 2026 Volunteer Expo, visit standard.com.