* GETTING INVOLVED runs periodically in...

* GETTING INVOLVED runs periodically in the Daily Pilot on a

rotating basis. For information on adding your organization to this

list, call (949) 574-4298.

ACADEMIC YEAR IN AMERICA

Costa Mesa families can host a German student and earn up to

$1,000 toward a number of travel abroad programs. Danielle Carpino,

(800) 322-HOST.

BEST BUDDIES

The nonprofit organization is looking for volunteers, 18 and

older, to provide companionship for adults with developmental

disabilities. As a ‘’Citizen Buddy,’’ volunteers will visit with a

buddy twice a month and call or e-mail them once a week. The

organization lso has an e-Buddies program that forms friendships

entirely over the Internet. Volunteers for that program must be at

least 12. (714) 546-1826 or www.bestbuddies.org.

COSTA MESA SENIOR CORP.

The nonprofit organization at the Costa Mesa Senior Center is

looking for new board members. The fund-raising and policymaking

board needs volunteers who will participate in monthly meetings,

occasional committee meetings and special projects. Candidates should

have connections in Costa Mesa and surrounding communities and an

interest in serving the community by helping seniors. (949) 645-2356,

Ext. 16.

COURT-APPOINTED

SPECIAL ADVOCATES

Volunteers are needed to serve as advocates for abused, neglected

and abandoned children. Volunteers work one on one with a child for

three hours a week. (714) 663-9034.

CRISIS ASSISTANCE

PROGRAM INC.

The nonprofit organization is seeking volunteers for its expanding

trauma response program. Some volunteers assist law enforcement,

firefighters and emergency-type responders by providing emotional

first aid and support to injured or traumatized people. Other

volunteers provide dispatch and office support. No experience is

necessary. Training will be provided. (949) 588-1414.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES

Volunteer mediators, case specialists and outreach assistants are

needed to help in a variety of mediation cases. Bilingual language

skills are needed for office volunteers and for mediators. (949)

250-0488.

ORANGE COUNTY WORKS

Participate in life management and employment training workshops

as a success coach to foster teens 16 to 18. (949) 509-1451.

ORGANIZATION FOR THE HUMANE CARE OF ANIMALS

Volunteers are needed to care for stray and lost animals in the

Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Corona del Mar areas. (949) 722-1357.

ORTON DYSLEXIA SOCIETY ORANGE COUNTY BRANCH

Volunteers are needed to teach reading skills, work on mailings

and coordinate the adult group. (714) 999-0118 between 9 a.m. and 3

p.m.

READING BY 9

The mentor reading program seeks volunteers to read to students in

kindergarten through third grade. In Costa Mesa, Pomona Elementary

School, (949) 515-6980; Whittier Elementary School, (949) 515-6898;

Wilson Elementary School, (949) 515-6995; and New Shalimar Learning

Center, (949) 646-0396, need help in assisting students in reading,

writing and English. Mentor sessions may be scheduled from 8:30 to

11:30 a.m. and after school, from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

SAVE OUR YOUTH

The Westside Costa Mesa youth organization is looking for

volunteers to help create a positive alternative for people 12 to 23.

Volunteers are needed to help in areas such as boxing, sports,

health, fitness, aerobics and academic tutoring. (949) 548-3255.

SERVICE CORPS

OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES

Join other business professionals to help small businesses succeed

by leading seminars and coaching entrepreneurs online. The corps is a

nonprofit charitable organization composed of 11,500 volunteer business mentors, both working and retired, who counsel businesses

from nearly 400 offices throughout the country. (714) 550-5369 and ask for membership.

SERVING PEOPLE IN NEED

Serve as a guide for homeless families by helping them set goals

and maintain a basic budget. Bilingual skills needed. Orientation and

training provided. Theresa Rowe, (949) 757-1456.

SENIOR MEALS

AND SERVICES INC.

Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to homebound senior

citizens residing in Costa Mesa who are not able to prepare their own

meals and do not have anyone to prepare meals for them. A hot lunch

is delivered Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to the

senior’s home. A one-day-a-week commitment is all that is asked.

Substitute drivers are also needed to fill in for regular drivers.

(949) 631-8171.

VISIONS FOR PRISONS

Visions for Prisons, a nonprofit program that teaches attitudinal

healing and meditation in prison, needs typists to transcribe letters

from inmates to troubled kids. Weekday hours, Mesa del Mar. (714)

556-8000.

VOLUNTEER CENTER OF GREATER ORANGE COUNTY

With more than 1,500 volunteer opportunities, the Volunteer Center

will match people and groups wishing to volunteer with nonprofit

agencies in their area. Volunteer Connection Line, (714) 953-5757,

Ext. 106.

WEST SIDE BOYS

& GIRLS CLUB

Volunteers are needed from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays

to tutor students in first through sixth grades in reading. (949)

631-7724.

WOMEN HELPING WOMEN

Mentors and donations are needed to assist victims of domestic

violence. Volunteer teachers are also needed for computer classes.

The organization is at 711 W. 17th St., Suite A-10, Costa Mesa. The

center also needs volunteers to help with client intake and dressing,

donation collection, sorting clothes and general office work. (714)

631-2333.