Acting Locally The vast majority of environmental groups are locally-based efforts formed around a specific place or resource or issue. The Earth Day Network is linking together hundreds of local groups organizing activities for Earth Day each year. You can visit their calendar and search for events and groups anywhere. If you don't find a local project or group that you can regularly connect with, I recommend seeking out a local email activist list where you regularly respond to alerts for phone calls, email letters or to attend public hearings in your area. Make sure you seek out what you are most passionate about and match it with what you are most willing and able to contribute.
Some people have specific skills that are desperately needed by volunteer organizations.
Others want to learn how to do new things. For me, I wanted to figure out how to do what was most needed - regardless of the type of work. I was more interested in the culture of the group and was drawn to work where I could learn the ins and outs of various approaches. When you are asking about volunteer jobs, be as specific as you can about how much time you have and what you are interested in. But I also recommend dropping by the office, or attending an event or meetings organized by the group.