Written by Alissa Weintraub
Most young professionals in Southie have grown out of living in Allston, but still aren’t feeling grown up enough to be actively involved in the community. Here are some ways to get more connected to the city that fit a young urban professional’s lifestyle.
1. Have Drinks for a Charity
Many non-profits in Boston have event calendars, full of fun things to do, and your money goes to a good cause! Project Place runs a young professionals group with multiple events throughout the year. Their next event is a free Slumbrew beer tasting on April 15th at Savvor from 6-8pm.
2. Get Connected
Amazingly, more than one-third of Boston’s population is between the ages of 20-34! To accommodate this, the city launched ONEin3 to connect Boston’s young adults with resources related to: housing, professional development, financial health, entrepreneurship and civic engagement. Follow them and check out their resources.
3. No Strings Attached Volunteering
Most people like the feeling of volunteering but may not be up for an ongoing commitment. One Brick Boston provides a calendar of events you can choose from. Find a day you’re available, or pick a charitable mission you can get behind, then volunteer that day with no strings attached. One Brick serves as the coordinator and go-between so you don’t have to feel pressured to get more involved.
4. Run!
Back on My Feet Boston uses running to help those experiencing homelessness change the way they see themselves so they can make real change in their lives. Find a group of runners to join for a morning jog, and get moving!
5. Be informed. Get involved.
Attend community meetings and find out what issues are going on around town. Caught in Southie regularly posts important meetings so save the date and plan to attend one. There are also so many great charities right here in South Boston looking for volunteers at many levels. Whether you want to stuff envelopes, help at an event or be a mentor, there are many non-profits in Southie that would love your help. To find out more information visit
South Boston Association of Non-Profits
Alissa Weintraub, a 29 year old living on the East side of Southie, is a Senior Development Associate at Project Place who runs the Open Door Network, a young professionals networking group.
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One of the first thing a Yuppie needs to do is to stop calling it ‘The East side ‘. It just sounds so – yuppyish..
Why don’t they start by “volunteering” to sweep in front of their condos or shovel the snow from their stairs?
The condo association isn’t your mother, they’re not going to do it for you.
Don’t forget to volunteer with the local youth sports teams. Southie fields teams in all sports from hockey to cheerleading. Spring sports include lacrosse (boys and girls) and baseball. It’s a minimal commitment (2-4 hours per week, usually on the weekend or a weeknight, with short seasons) and an easy way to get engaged with the community and meet people. While the lacrosse season has already begun, additional volunteers would be welcomed!