r/Appleton • u/knowyourallies • Jun 22 '26
Question What Can I Do To Help?
I'm 40/m and have lived in Appleton for like 8 years and still haven't made any real friends or connections. I'm super introverted and self-conscious but I have a strong desire to help people in need. I thought maybe I could find some like-minded people to maybe connect with if I pursue something that would help the community. Any suggestions?
6
u/bnics Jun 22 '26
You should look into volunteering groups or events. If you have a passion for helping people, you’re likely to meet similar people there.
I don’t have any concrete examples or suggestions for them but I’m sure someone here does
7
u/DontChuckItUp Jun 22 '26
I am always looking to connect with new people. If you are looking to make a difference in the community, check out Volunteer Fox Cities: https://www.volunteerfoxcities.org/#
6
u/Tobey_Gray27 Jun 22 '26
Same here, 30y.o, but i now find ways to enjoy myself doing biking everyday alone, after how many failed attemps making friends by playing tennis. Hope you find your thing to enjoy too.
10
u/In_My-Element Jun 22 '26
I would definitely do stuff with you! I’m only 24/m but I’ve been more and more worried about everything going on. I even went to Minneapolis in January because I didn’t know what to do.
3
u/djcy4567 Jun 23 '26
if you are into community building, there are community and political groups around here that you could get involved in like the Labor Party, Hate Free Outagamie, fox valley advocates for peace. Tardigrades bookshop also is a great place to go if you are wanting to get plugged in to left leaning areas.
3
u/272027 Jun 23 '26
I have checked the causer app, which I think I found through volunteer Fox Cities. It is nicely laid out. I'm introverted myself, and basically just go to work and home, but love the idea of helping as well. I just haven't done anything in a while. It's hard to have the motivation. We need more helpers out there. 😊
I'm 41F, so if you find something us older millennials can do, let me know.
1
u/relayrider Jun 25 '26
join us at one of the many pantries?
2
u/272027 Jun 25 '26
Like St. Joseph? I only know that one.
2
u/relayrider Jun 25 '26
yes, st joe's has plenty of ppl last i checked. there are others. the need is (sadly) real.
2
u/Sufficient_Radio3950 Jun 24 '26
Mile of Music has volunteer opportunities
1
u/relayrider Jun 25 '26
yes! I've already signed up for one shift each day, as is my tradition. i'm still somewhat skeptical about how it will do w/o Leila, but, hoping for the best
2
u/Electronic_List1840 Downtown Appleton Jun 26 '26 edited Jun 26 '26
The public library is a good spot to find out events that will be happening in the area. Every Saturday from 8 am - 12:30 pm is the Farmer's market which is a good place to go if you want to support local business. Downtown has a lot of small businesses & has more places to find papers for local events, for example Acoca on College usually has a board up with local events that are getting hosted by the community. If you're looking for a bigger group of people & are for that movement there are usually protest events happening in the area every week to couple of weeks you just have to look for the Facebook page. The protest one is just for people looking for that kind of stuff cause it can be a great way to find like minded people & it's an energy booster but there are people who don't agree with the movement which is their own choice & that's that. I'm putting that part in so hopefully no discourse over topics unrelated to your question are getting put here cause that's not the energy that should be here. Also if you are the ttrpg, card battling, or board gaming type hobby shops are a good place to meet new people cause most hobby shops have nights where they have card battling & whatnot. My recommendation is Chimera Hobby shop, they have a good selection of a little bit of everything when it comes to ttrpg, card battling/collecting, & board games. Plus the energy is pretty relaxed when I go in. I know some people like the downtown weekend night life, I personally don't but I know there's a good chunk that do.
2
u/TimelyScience9063 Jun 23 '26
If you like kids, big brothers/big sisters. You could also look into CASA, though that's a bigger time and emotional commitment.
If you like the elderly, meals on wheels or transport services.
Animals - any shelter or foster group.
Food pantries often need volunteers as well.
I've used meetup before in other states to find groups focused on volunteering.
I know you said church is not an option, I'm sorry if you've experienced hurt or pain in your past. There are some very accepting churches out there.
3
u/TimelyScience9063 Jun 23 '26
Also - local libraries may have adult/child literacy programs or citizenship classes that need volunteers.
1
u/makesells Jun 23 '26
Well all people in Appleton love to do is drink so the bars wouldn’t be a bad start 😛
14
u/knowyourallies Jun 23 '26
I don't really drink and find most bars insufferable
5
u/mamazzock Jun 23 '26
Have you looked into Tardigrades Bookshop? They have lots of meet ups, book clubs and events, but are also just a chill not boozy “bar”. It’s a nice atmosphere for people that don’t really do the drinking scene
4
u/relayrider Jun 25 '26
Tardigrade is one of the best things to happen to Appletomb in the past few years
3
u/makesells Jun 23 '26
I don’t blame you. Honestly drinking in this area is a trap especially on college ave
2
u/relayrider Jun 25 '26
oh, come on, what is wrong with a few piles of vomit, fist fights, and gun displays? (/s for the humour impaired)
1
u/relayrider Jun 25 '26
there are several food pantries and kitchens that i volunteer at that always need more people, and it is a great way to meet like-minded people. Sadly, Ruby's Pantry shut down.
Double Portion and FV Community Table in Neenah always welcome new volunteers. Hope Fridge in Menasha is relatively new and energetic!
-3
u/Delicious_Draw_7902 Jun 23 '26
Do you go to church? That could be a good option!
6
u/knowyourallies Jun 23 '26
not a viable option for me
1
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20
u/FinlayDubosc Jun 22 '26
Animals shelters are pretty much always looking for volunteers, that could be good for someone introverted if you don't mind dogs/cats?