What are some volunteer opportunities in Colorado Springs where I can meet people my age (20somethings)? (transfer)

[overground55]

I have lived in Colorado Springs for most of my life, but I've found it difficult to reach out and make lasting relationships. Ive heard that the best way to meet people is through church groups and volunteer opportunities. I am interested in helping out in the community in some way, and possibly making some new friends along the way. Any suggestions and I would be incredibly grateful. Thanks all.

[otowi]

I would start with making a list of your own personal hobbies/interests. Or something you've never done but want to try. Are you into sewing/crafts? Do you play golf, volleyball, or softball? Curling or disk golf? Hiking/nature? Are you passionate about a particular social or political issue? Are you really into reading or movies? Do you draw or paint or take photos? Are you interested in Bible Study? Are you into cooking or trying out restaurants? And so on. Keep trying and doing new things to meet new people.

After you get a list, then you start looking for groups, classes and organizations that are about those things. For example, JoAnn's has crafting classes and Hancock Fabrics I think can help you find quilting bee groups, etc. Or you could volunteer as a Scout leader. You can sign up for recreational sports leagues through Park and Rec. You can volunteer at the El Paso County nature centers or go through some training and volunteer with search and rescue. You can join a church young adults group or a political/social activism group. You can join a book club or film club, or take an art class at Bemis or PPCC or join an art club. Google your interests, try MeetUp.com, find local groups on Facebook with your interest and learn from them about local events, etc.

When you're out there doing the things you enjoy, make an effort to work on the relationship piece. Some people will be there just to do the activity and not to make close friends necessarily, but there will be others looking to build relationships, too. So pick some people out and get to know them, and start asking them to do things at other times - like, "Hey, I'd like to practice this photography technique before our next lesson, would either of you be interested/available to go with me this Saturday to a park to practice?" It won't always work out that they're available or interested, but just keep trying.Get used to the idea of being the 'social organizer' to try to plan things with people you like. And if you don't make a great friend at every activity you do, at least you'll have had the enjoyment of doing it. If you really like something, stick with it, because the longer you stay at something the more likely you'll develop relationships with the other people who do it, too.

Some of my best friends as adults I found volunteering for a teacher's organization - today we gather regularly to do stuff that has nothing to do with teaching, and that happened because when our time at the organization ended we decided, "Let's meet up for dinner once a month" and worked consistently at organizing that - some months it fell through but we kept at it - some people gradually dissolved away from the group, not everyone. We send each other birthday and Christmas cards and if someone has a family tragedy we offer to help out and pool together for a gift card or some other sort of assistance, etc. The little things do matter for keeping relationships together.

[g89]

Colorado Springs Young Professionals
https://www.facebook.com/cosyoungpros

[overground55]

thank you both for your postings, I will try and make better attempts at making lasting relationships with what you two have recommended.

[beezle1]

If you don't have a job, perhaps a part time job will give some opportunity to meet people, as would taking college classes.

[Carrera32]

Overground: Just to give you an example of how just a tentative "toe in the water" can mushroom into a wide circle of friends and associates and to reiterate Otowi's advice. We moved here about 4 years ago. Back in VA I was very peripherally involved in a large sports car club (I was a 'magazine member' i.e., got the monthly magazine and newsletter, but participated very little in any of their activities). When I moved here (and transferred my membership to the local region), I decided to get more active and started going to both social and driving events. Pretty soon the VP tapped me and asked me if I'd consider chairing an event. I agreed and all of a sudden started I started meeting a bunch of great folks as I started soliciting volunteers to help with the event. When that event was successful, I got tapped again to be a Board member. Two years later, I'm still chairing that same event, participating in other events, and am now VP of our region and just completed certification as an instructor in our high performance drivers ed program. Through the club, I've also gotten to know a few of drivers in the Pikes Peak Hillclimb, and crewed for one of them last year and will do so again this year.

Bottom line, by just showing up and showing interest in something I was already passionate about, I've met a large circle of new friends that I would have never met before. I think Otowi's advice is spot on. Identify the things you enjoy doing (be they hobbies, sports, professional groups, charities, etc.) and find a group that shares your interest. Then get involved. Just volunteer once or agree to take on a project when asked and believe me, you'll keep busy (very busy) and you'll make plenty of new friends and relationships in the process.

Good luck