If you are looking for a great way to meet new people, network, volunteer, or otherwise get involved in our local Harrisonburg community, take a look at this roundup of fun groups to join in our area!
Doing Good
Friendly City Food Co-op
According to their website, a coop is “a business based on community and sustainability. It’s about using profits to make a difference in the community and the world. Friendly City Food Co-op is a business that’s owned and democratically controlled by a large group of owners right here in our area.”
Young Friends of Downtown
Sponsored by the Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, this group of young professionals gather together to socialize, volunteer, and support the revitalization of downtown Harrisonburg.
The Community Foundation
Their mission statement says it all: “Strengthening our communities through purposeful giving and active engagement.” Take a look at how they’ve helped organizations in Harrisonburg/Rockingham through fundraising and activism.
Rotary Clubs
There are couple different Rotary groups in the Harrisonburg area, but every single one holds the same goal of making positive, lasting change at home and abroad.
Lions Clubs
There are also a few Lions Clubs in our area, all with a mission “to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding.” Find out how you can get involved on their website.
Ruritan Clubs
If fellowship, goodwill, and community service sound right up your alley, you may want to find out more about the handful of Ruritan Clubs scattered throughout Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
Pilot Club
The Pilot Club of Harrisonburg was chartered in 1970. The service focus is on projects that benefit individuals with brain-related disorders and brain injury prevention.
Moose Club
There are a couple different Moose Clubs in the area, which is a brotherhood that helps the cherished youth and honored seniors and the communities in which we live.
Elk’s Club
The Elk’s Club invests in the community through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of today’s veterans, and improve the quality of life. Harrisonburg’s Lodge #450 is located at 482 S. Main Street.
SCORE (Service Core of Retired Executives)
This organization is devoted to counseling small businesses for free. Volunteers bring a wide range of on-the-job experiences to small businesses in the area from Winchester to Lexington and west to Bath and Highland Counties. The organization is based at the Economic Development Department in Waynesboro VA.
Physical Activity & Learning Opportunities
Dancing with Karen
Join social dance classes and/or sessions no matter your skill level at Dancing with Karen! Several different types of dance to choose from, and you can try it out for free during First Fridays.
Second Fridays Barefoot Boogie
Love to boogie woogie the evening away? Come join the Barefoot Boogie group at the Lucy Simms Center the second Friday of each month!
Golf Leagues
Join a group of fellow golfers on a weekly basis at any of our local courses: Lakeview, Packsaddle, Heritage Oaks, and Massanutten.
Recreation Programs
There are a wide variety of activities, events, and learning opportunities available at both Rockingham County Recreation and Harrisonburg Recreation.
JMU Lifelong Learning Institute
This member-driven organization promotes lifelong learning by providing affordable, not-for-credit, intellectual, cultural, and social experiences to enrich the lives of adults in the central Shenandoah Valley.
Shenandoah Valley Athletic Club
This organization is open to everyone who is a sports enthusiast! Meetings are monthly except December, June and July at Early Katering in Harrisonburg.
Volunteer Opportunities
Explore More Discovery Museum
Love kids? Want to make a difference in your community? Have special hands-on skills you want to teach? The Explore More Discovery Museum downtown has lots of ways to volunteer!
Gift and Thrift
This community thrift and used book store (which recently expanded and is in the process of getting solar panels) has volunteer opportunities for all ages – and for a variety of tasks.
Theater
Have a flair for the dramatic? Enjoy supporting the local theater scene with your time and/or talents? Various area theaters are always in need volunteers – whether it’s ushering, or helping with lights, sound, or design of a production. Both the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts and The Valley Playhouse offer these opportunities in Harrisonburg.
Skyline Literacy
This organization strives to provide needs-based literacy, English, and citizenship programs to adults in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham areas through trained volunteers.
Our Community Place
This center offers community meals, recreational activities, meaningful work, and basic services for the area homeless population. Help enrich your community and fellow neighbors!
Central Valley Habitat for Humanity
Enjoy working with your hands and building houses and communities? This organization builds and finances homes for low income families in the central valley area. Those who receive a home must assist in the construction process. Volunteers can help with many facets of the process – from wielding a hammer to administrative duties.