Hawaii Opera Theatre
The only opera company in Hawaii needs assistance year-round to produce its season performances, and to support its numerous education and outreach programs. Programs include helping schools to produce mini-operas, and bringing students to Hawaii Opera Theatre’s performances. HOT also nurtures young artists through master classes at the Mae Z Orvis Opera Studio.
How to Help: Most volunteer opportunities are associated with its opera season, which in 2012 runs from January through the end of February. HOT needs volunteers to sing chorus, be a supernumerary (non-singing onstage performance), help with wardrobe, take notes, help with special events and other various positions.
Volunteer Requirements: Chorus volunteers must have singing expertise and pass an audition. Supernumerary volunteers must have acting ability. And, to volunteer for the wig and makeup department, volunteers must complete a series of three classes before they can volunteer.
How to Give: HOT offers many ways for you to donate to the organization’s expenses, which include orchestra, singers, artists, costumes, etc., at a price point that works for you. Donate what you can, become a member or be a corporate sponsor. Hawaii Opera Theatre, 848 S. Beretania St., Suite 301, Honolulu, HI 96813, hawaiiopera.org.
Hawaii Fashion Incubator
HIFI is an all-volunteer organization sponsored by national nonprofit Fractured Atlas. It hopes to bring Hawaii’s fashion community together to interact, collaborate and move the local fashion industry forward. Recently, it has opened a space at Ward Warehouse that members may use to work on projects, host meetings and use as needed.
How to Help: Volunteers are welcome to help with setting up, breaking down and decorating at its fashion and art events. HIFI also needs assistance with model casting, putting together newsletters and website and graphic design projects.
How to Give: Become a member or sponsor (from $50 to $500), while receiving open studio time, perks and invitations to events. If you’d like to write a larger check, $500 can help stock a library with fashion and sewing books, as well as magazine subscriptions. $1,500 helps to buy furniture and shelving for the Ward Warehouse location. HIFI also accepts in-kind donations of sewing equipment, furniture and building materials. Make a donation, or contact Toby at toby@hawaiifashion.org to volunteer. hawaiifashion.org.
Child-Sized Care
Volunteer at a museum, become a lifelong mentor and help with kids with their homework at these keiki-specific organizations.
Photo: Courtesy Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu
This nationwide agency places children in a one-on-one relationship with an adult mentor in hopes of creating lifelong friendships that will empower the youth to take on new adventures, develop resiliency and discover their potential. The average match length is just under two years, but many mentors keep in contact with their “littles” for a lifetime. Bigs Honolulu also runs more than 20 after-school programs at elementary and middle schools on Oahu and Kauai.
How to Help: The agency’s community-based program needs mentors, 18 and older, to be paired with a child in need. Mentors commit to take their little brother or sister on two to four outings a month for two to four hours each, for one year. Outings can include beach days, sports events or eating together; creativity is encouraged, and volunteers take on the cost of the outing.
How to Give: Money donated to the Honolulu chapter stays in Hawaii and goes towards supporting the child-mentor matches and case-management. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu, 418 Kuwili St., Suite 106, Honolulu, HI 96817. Jeff Mullis, community-based program coordinator, 695-4554, bigshonolulu.org.