6 ways to celebrate Juneteenth by giving back this month

Channel the spirit of unity, justice, and service this month by volunteering with organizations that are making a difference right here in Memphis. Whether you’re cleaning up the neighborhood, supporting local culture, or helping neighbors meet basic needs, Juneteenth is a time to honor freedom by showing up for your community. There are plenty of ways to give back while commemorating this important day.

 

Court Watch With Just City 👈

Mondays through Fridays | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The courtroom belongs to the people. As a Court Watch volunteer with Just City, you’ll help bring transparency and accountability to Shelby County’s justice system. Volunteers attend real-time court proceedings, observe interactions, and document patterns that impact fairness and equity. Just City provides all the training you need to know what to look for and how to track courtroom conduct. Your presence matters – and your notes can help drive meaningful reform. 

 

National Veterans Golden Age Games 👈

Sunday, June 1 to Wednesday, June 4 | Multiple Shifts Available

The National Veterans Golden Age Games are coming to Memphis, offering a powerful way to give back by supporting older Veteran athletes from around the country. Whether you’re helping with logistics, greeting guests, or cheering on competitors, your presence makes a meaningful impact. 

 

Soulsville Community Clean-Up With Memphis Rox 👈

Saturday, June 7 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Memphis Rox’s neighborhood clean-up brings together neighbors, volunteers, and local leaders to beautify the area and show pride in the place they call home. Volunteers will be provided with all the materials needed and you’ll help remove litter and debris from surrounding blocks. This is a simple, hands-on way to contribute to the well-being of a historic neighborhood that holds deep cultural significance.

 

POA at the Pride Fest 50th Anniversary 👈

Saturday, June 7 to Sunday, June 8 | Multiple Shifts Available

This year’s Mid-South Pride Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary with a weekend full of music, community, and love. You can be part of the action while volunteering at Protect Our Aquifer’s (POA) table. POA educates the community about the Memphis Sand Aquifer, the vital water source beneath our city, and how to protect it for future generations. You’ll help engage with visitors, hand out materials, and share the importance of safe, clean water for all. 

 

WYXR Stereo Sessions: O.V. Wright 👈

Wednesday, June 11 | Multiple Shifts Available

WYXR’s monthly Stereo Sessions at Memphis Listening Lab take a deep dive into iconic, rare, and overlooked albums by Memphis artists. This month’s feature is Memphis Unlimited by O.V. Wright – a soul classic that echoes the city’s deep roots in gospel and blues. Volunteers will help with event setup, check-in, and breakdown, all while soaking in stories and sounds that shaped a movement. It’s a unique way to connect history with service.

 

Food Pantry Friend 👈

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in June | 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Food justice is a cornerstone of community equity, and you can help advance it by volunteering as a Friends For All Food Pantry Friend. Opportunities are available to sort, pack, and distribute food for neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Whether you’re unloading deliveries, organizing shelves, or handing out meals, your time helps families put food on the table and stand in solidarity with your fellow Memphians.

 

Ready to get involved?

Juneteenth is a call to remember, reflect, and act. By giving your time and energy to causes that uplift our communities, you become part of meaningful change and contribute to a stronger, more equitable Memphis. 🏙️〽️


Find even more ways to serve by checking out Volunteer Odyssey’s full volunteer calendar at serve.volunteerodyssey.com.

This blog was written by Caroline Norris // Volunteer Odyssey

 
Our mission is to amplify the voices of our nonprofit partners, recruit volunteers, support our partners with best practices in volunteer management, and provide quality, transparent data of the positive hours of service and community impact.
 

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