In a time of great division in our nation, it is important for us to take steps to bridge the differences within our own city.

Over the past six months, Philadelphians have made their voices heard. We’ve marched, volunteered, and put signs in our windows supporting diversity. We’ve seen unprecedented levels of interest as more volunteers have signed up to serve in their communities, and take on tough challenges right in their own neighborhoods.

I’m asking you to continue to promote peaceful and positive engagement in our city.

To do that, we’ve put together ways you can support one another in the City of Brotherly Love.

Serve with the City.

From emergency meal sites to volunteering with childhood literacy programs, here is a list of ways you can volunteer.

Volunteer in a rec center.

Recreation centers offer a variety of safe, structured activities for youth during out-of-school time, including sports, arts, and homework help. Volunteers can contribute many skills and talents to support programming according to each center’s needs. If you want to help at a recreation center in your neighborhood, please contact staff at the center near you.

Become a foster parent.

In Philadelphia, there are more than 5,000 children in foster care. Foster parents are always needed to provide loving, stable homes. If you want to make a difference to a child in need, call our foster care line at 215-683-5709 or learn more here.

Use your tech skills to help bridge the digital divide by volunteering or supporting one of these organizations.

• KEYSPOT: a citywide coalition of community-based groups committed to bringing Internet access, training and technology to all Philadelphia communities.
• Coded by Kids: providing free tech education, tech industry exposure and career mentorship to children who lack access to these opportunities.
• TechGirlz: inspiring middle school girls to explore the possibilities of technology to empower their future careers.
• Schoolyard Ventures: helping teens launch businesses, non-profits, and other real-world projects that are meaningful to them.

Support our immigrant community.

Philadelphia has worked hard to be a welcoming place for people from all walks of life, from all over the world.  Our immigrant residents, play an essential role in the civic, economic, and cultural life of our city.  Find ways to help our immigrant community.

Hire a Philadelphia citizen returning from incarceration.

Philadelphians who find themselves incarcerated face an uphill battle when they are released, including the challenge of securing a job. These individuals deserve a second chance. Learn more about the Fair Chance Hiring Initiative, a program which offers a reimbursement for employers who hire returning citizens.

Connect with Community Schools.  

The community school model believes that, in order for our children to succeed academically, our schools need to address non-academic factors that are holding them back. And many of our children are falling behind because of the trauma they experience as a result of neighborhood violence. You can reach out to a local community school to find out how you or your employer can strengthen them through volunteering, program sponsorship, or other in-kind support. Join the Mayor’s Office of Education mailing list for future updates.

Promote safety and support quality of life in your neighborhood.

Town Watch Integrated Services (TWIS) trains, organizes, and provides equipment to residents who want to be a part of Town Watch groups in their community. Town Watch volunteers help improve the quality of life in their neighborhood. Learn more about Town Watch or sign up to volunteer in your neighborhood.

Remember: If you see a hate crime being committed against anyone, you should call 911 for the police immediately.  

You should also report it to the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) at 215-686-4670 or pchr@phila.gov.  The PCHR also has an anonymous hotline at 215-686-2856. Learn more about hate crimes.