One Brick
Category: Community Service/Non-Profit [Edit]
Neighborhood: Outer Richmond1629 Lake St
(between 17th Ave & 18th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94121 (415) 246-4321
34 Reviews for One Brick
One Brick is a great way to get involved with orgs in a limited way when you just have a little while to volunteer and you want to socialize while you do it. It's a great place to make friends when you're new to the city, and it can really expose you to some fun events. That said, One Brick can be rather cliquey, but it's cliquey with open arms. Personally, I like to have a different kind of impact, but I think One Brick does what it aims to do and offers a great venue for young professionals.
Looking to do some good, have fun, and meet some nice people in the process? Then volunteer with One Brick. Whoever called One Brick "volunteering for the commitment-phobic" was right on. The whole process is super easy - you just go to their calendar and select an event that interests you, sign up online, and you're done. No red tape and no ongoing time commitment necessary.
The variety of events is amazing. With this group I've sorted produce at the SF Food Bank, packed up books at the end of a Fort Mason book sale (volunteers were encouraged to pick out a few books for themselves), put together candy and supply packs for homeless teens, collected bids at a swanky auction, pulled weeds at an SF park I didn't even know existed, ushered for a play and then got to sit and watch it, and poured wine at a lovely event up in Napa.
I recently became more involved with the group (I'm an Event Manager now), and that has made my One Brick experience even more enjoyable and rewarding. Another incentive for getting more involved: the more people they have running the show, the more events they can put on.
There's usually a social outing at the end of each event - folks will go out to a nearby restaurant or bar for food and drinks. Don't skip these - they're a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers even better!
Check it out. And do it now - events fill up quickly!
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (3)
Cool (7)
I'm going to call One Brick an excellent gateway for volunteer work.
I got a general broadcast message from a friend one day, saying that he's going down to New Orleans to work on houses, bang up his knees, drink, and cuss. Sounds like fun, I though, so I asked how to get involved. Enter One Brick. I signed away a week of my life for a trip to St Bernard Parish, outside New Orleans, to work with Habitat For Humanity rebuilding a community devastated (still) by Hurricane Katrina.
Since that trip, I've found a variety of ways to volunteer... through One Brick, I've worked with the SF Food Bank (will do more) and the St Vincent's de Paul in San Leandro (not my thing). Outside One Brick, I found how easy it was to work with Habitat For Humanity here, and I directly contacted the St. Bernard Project and am going to spend another two weeks down in Louisiana in a few weeks.
The One Brick people are good, but I think that things could be better. More east bay activities, for one.
So that's what One Brick does. It connects you to other organizations that need help, and with no ongoing commitment on your part. It's a great way to get started, or find something you really enjoy.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (3)
As we all know, volunteering opportunities often require lengthy and regularly recurring commitments that are off-putting or prohibitive to potential volunteers. Luckily, One Brick is an amazing organization that makes volunteering easy and fun. Just check out the calendar on their website to find an event that matches up with your availability and click the link to RSVP; show up at the specified time and place, and be ready to fulfill the tasks assigned to you by the organizers. It really can't get any more simple, so get off your ass and volunteer already!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
I got started with one brick because I had heard about them through a social group I belong too. I thought it was a great concept and wanted to check it out.I had always loved volunteering through school and church activities..and while my sister was involved in Jr. league..i didn't have the time nor monetary commitment that I could give. Additionally I was co-chairing my own event, a Lobster Feed (www.lobsterfestbenefit...), and since many of the events they volunteered at were events like this, I wanted to see how they acted at such events. I had so much fun, I volunteered at a few other events.
I've never had a problem of not having enough work to do..the only issue I've encountered is other volunteers maybe not liking the task they were assigned compared to others available at the event.
I'm only giving them 4 stars because last year when I did ask them to volunteer my event, the event happened to be the same day as their anniversary so they weren't staffing any events. Their anniversary party was in golden gate park..in April..and it ended up raining that day. I think they should have given event options to have the one brick volunteers without a manager.After all we were on the peninsula and the event was in the city. We did have them for our set up event the night before and wow! what usually took us until 10-11..we finished by 8pm. We'll definitely be coordinating for this years event with setup..the day of event..and the next day for cleanup!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Yelp, you've done it again. I would have never known about this fantastic organization without your guidance!
I had been meaning to volunteer. I know, you've heard it before... but One Brick makes it so easy and fun!
Park clean-ups, habitat restoration, serving food to the homeless at Glide, assisting in Oktoberfest debauchery, marathons, food bank, wine country festivals... the variety of events is incredible! You get to choose what you want to do and at a time that's convenient for you! No commitment, but plenty to do if you're so inclined.
And every event ends with a little social get-together... pizza, drinks, Indian food, cool people, good chatter.
Do some good, have some fun, meet new people! Why hasn't this been done before?
If you're ready to give a little back, One Brick is definitely the way to do it.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
I love One Brick's concept: make volunteering easy and the people will come - and they sure did! This is great for One Brick and those they serve, but not so much for some of their once dedicated volunteers such as myself.
I started volunteering for One Brick almost after they first started. I loved it because I could sign up for events at the last minute, and there were plenty of a variety events to choose from. Sadly, with One Brick's popularity increasing it seems the number of events has decreased as well as the ease of signing up (too many volunteers = events filling up/closing quickly).
Even when I am able to sign up for an event, when I get there I find that the number of volunteers out ways the number of things needing to be done. As one other Yelper so accurately observed, at there is mostly busy work to do. But I'd also add that you can hustle your way assertively into the "prime" jobs if you get there early, before the start time, and it helps to know the event coordinator.
And as final nail in the coffin for my feelings about One Brick, I thought that with the popularity of One Brick spreading that they would be able to have more and a larger variety of events in the East Bay, but I haven't really seen a significant increase. But I suppose there's still hope. I will keep a watch on One Brick's web site for now.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
This organization makes it easy to volunteer! You just check out the calendar, pick out something you'd like to do, sign up, and presto - you are registered and ready to go. Next step, show up and have fun!
My hon of hons husband and I spent yesterday afternoon decorating Mercy Retirement Care Center in Oakland for Christmas. We had a crew of about 30 volunteers, and the work went smoothly and quickly.
We will definitely volunteer with One Brick again!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
ONE BRICK IS AWESOME!!!
I started volunteering with OneBrick in January of 2007. Now I'm an Event Manager. Come out and volunteer and you might just see me. It'll be L337. Be there!
The Event Managers and Event Coordinaters are there to help the volunteers have fun and enjoy their volunteering experience. The people who volunteer range in age from 18-70+. Normally, 20-30 something professionals looking to help their community. There's always a social event with the volunteering. This is a great way to give back and meet other people who enjoy helping out as well!
It's super fun, easy, efficient and completely volunteer run. OneBrick works with a myriad of different non-profits. There are numerous different kinds of volunteer opportunities from building houses, to digging ditches, to playing with kids, to sorting pipettes. There's just about every kind of volunteering that anyone would want to do.
I volunteered with One Brick on their most recent trip to New Orleans. While the trip was relatively well organized (they only recently hired a paid staff member, before that it was all volunteer) and a good time overall, my problem with One Brick came near the end of the five days of volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. While at a job site I became very ill and found a ride back to Camp Hope, first notifying the "people in charge" for both One Brick and Habitat, as well as my rideshare companions. I was dropped off at camp where my symptoms escalated very quickly and eventually i asked somebody for a ride to the medical center. From the medical center I had an ambulance ride to a hospital, then another...the story is long but the end of it is that I had a very serious emergency surgery (not caused by the work or anything on the job site, this was internal) and spent three days in the hospital. When released I was unable to walk more than a few steps at a time and thankfully my boyfriend flew out to New Orleans and stayed with me in a hotel for 8 days until I was prepared to fly back to San Francisco. Through all of this, I did not receive a phone call from anyone at One Brick, they didn't notify my emergency contacts or even the person that I was sharing a car with, they apparently did not even follow up to find out what happened after I left the work site that day. I somehow managed to bring my cell phone with me (they didn't have any phones for me to use in the hospital until after surgery) and called home before the battery died (my charger, along with everything else that I had traveled with, was back at camp) or else I would not have been able to get my boyfriend out as quickly and my family would have had no idea where I was. The only person who called me was another volunteer who I should have been sharing a ride into the city with that night.
I understand that One Brick is for adults and I signed a few waivers going in. Even so, I would assume that a group of people who likely identify themselves as "compassionate" would be kind enough to check and see if a fellow volunteer is okay.
One Brick gets two stars because they want to do the right thing. unfortunately that didn't happen in this case.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (1)
This is a great way to kill time meet new people, and do something for the community in the process. Ive participated in a few different type activies...all being for somewhat selfish reasons, but the great thing about one brick, is they dont care why you are there...just that you are there.
1. handed out water at the sf marathon (my friend erica was running)
2. Cleaned up shrubbery on Fulton off of GG park. (hung out with my friend amanda that day, she volunteers too)
3. Helped promote recycling at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (i was going to be there anyway, why not get all access passes too!!)
4. Helped collect money at Stern Grove for the Ozomatli show. (showed up at 1. had prime seating. they stopped letting people in at 11:00, i just cruised up, showed em my volunteering badge, and they said "right this way"!)
No commitment, choose what interests you...just make sure you sign up for the good ones quickly...they fill up fast.
I keep on meaning to attend a happy hour too. I hear they are good times.
THANKS YELP FOR DONATING YOUR MONEY TO A GREAT ORGANIZATION
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (1)
Cool (6)
One Brick is a wonderful organization, but my opinion may be a bit biased considering that I've volunteered at over 100 projects since discovering One Brick at a KFOG KaBoom event back in 2005.
I've always been a volunteer-junkie, but One Brick just makes it so easy. No more exchanging emails and phone calls with volunteer coordinators. Just sign up online (name and email, that's it!) and you get a confirmation and a reminder with additional instructions as the event approaches. One Brick has allowed me to help out at some of the biggest, most exclusive Bay Area parties, and an opportunity to volunteer at the annual SF International Beer Festival in late April, KFOG's KaBoom in mid May, the Golden Glass Wine Tasting Festival in early June or the annual Oktoberfest by the Bay can not be passed up.
I really enjoy the weekend morning gardening and weeding projects and I have discovered so much more of SF parks since volunteering through One Brick. Other favorite projects you can often find me at are the SF Food Bank, the Monday Night Playground events at the Berkeley Rep and the annual Craigslist.org Non Profit Boot Camp.
I'm not always a social person, but the fact that there is an opportunity for a post-event social at many of the events is a plus. Great people, great organization.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (1)
Cool (4)
A great way to lend a hand to your community. The events are usually pretty fun and are a great way to meet people. There's no obligation too! All you have to do is sign up for a scheduled event and that's it, because, you know, like, making a committment might get in the way of my busy social life. So put down the bong for a few hours on a Saturday morning and help your fellow man.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I've been a One Brick member for a year now. I'm not an avid volunteer (I don't go all the time and I've only been to one fundraiser). However, I did take the "volunteer plunge" and went with One Brick to New Orleans in May.
It was life changing.
We worked in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity, slept in bunk beds in a run down school house, and drank lots of FEMA water.
In one week, we worked on 3 houses, met all of the residents and came away changed people. We didn't go on this trip because we "wanted to feel good about ourselves" -- we went down to NOLA because, simply put, it was the right thing to do.
There's another trip coming up in July 07. You should go. New Orleans needs you and One Brick keeps the same motto when in the South... "helping should be fun" .
Volunteer for a gardening project, a food bank or a reading program. Heck, you could even go to NOLA. Whatever you choose, ....It's the right thing to do.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I volunteered for my first project this weekend at the SF Botanical Gardens. As mentioned by others, it's great to be able to sign up for things on a project by project basis. Also, I was looking for volunteer activities that would require me to be outdoors and One Brick has a lot of them.
On Saturday, I was late because I grossly underestimated how long it would take me to find parking and then I had to leave early for a wedding in San Jose but the One Brick organizers were understanding. There were around 30 or so other volunteers and I met some cool people while weeding an area of the park on a gorgeous day. It was nice to be up and out that early on a weekend.
I wasn't able to hang out with people afterwards but I definitely will next time. I hope the other projects I signed up for are as fun.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (2)
I love one brick!
One Brick specializes in introducing those who love to volunteer with organizations that needs volunteers (who would have thunk it?). I may not have volunteered with Glide Memorial through One Brick since I was first introduced by them, but I have returned on my own. That's the beauty of it. Making connections and getting people out there.
Very organized, extremely helpful and full of fun activities. Enjoy volunteering outside? They'll hook you up with Friends of the Urban Forest. What about feeding the homeless? Hey, they happen to be great friends with Glide Memorial Church. They also cover every part of the Bay Area and have many activities in specific neighborhoods.
For calendar information or to sign up for email updates check out the website www.onebrick.org
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (3)
Have you ever tried to volunteer your time only to have to fill out forms in triplicate and give a blood sample and four forms of I.D.? Okay, maybe not quite, but a lot of places make it difficult to volunteer. Seriously. Maybe I'm not always sure I'll have the time free three weeks in advance. Maybe faxing them copies of ID to sign up isn't convenient.
One Brick is NOTHING like that. Check their website or get on their mailing list. Have a weekend that you'd like to dedicate to cleaning a park, restoring native plants to the sand dunes, replant flowers, feed the homeless, help children with their reading, hydrate marathoners, and do lots of other cool stuff? Good. Sign up. On line. Easy.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Cool (4)
The project coordinator said it was like "volunteering for the commitment-phobic".
Oh, dear One Brick... where have you been all my life? I can have a reckless one nighter with you and not worry about whether I have to call you back or get in touch with you the next week. You know who I am. I just can't commit to 6 months of consecutive volunteering at this point. It's not where I'm at, babe.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (8)
Cool (6)
I've been volunteering via One Brick off and on since 2003. That's right, off and on, as in commitment-free Volunteering Made Easy :)
I like volunteering because I enjoy meeting new people, conversing with others, learning hands-on skills, and experiencing a sense of accomplishment afterwards. One Brick fulfills all of the above, and keeps me interested with various activities.
I joined the management team this year, and I now volunteer as an event manager. Hopefully, I'll see you all around at various events.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (3)
I have been to three One Brick events, four volunteer events and one Happy Hour. All three were a blast. One Brick makes it so easy to fit volunteering into any schedule and you can work on something different everytime. There are a variety of events envelope stuffing, gardening, fashion shows. etc. I volunteered as a bartender at Oktoberfest. So much fun and free beer. I poured a perfect glass every time.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (3)
One Brick is a great organization... in theory. I know some of the devoted fans will not be happy with this review, but it is honest. One Brick is perfect for the person that is looking to feel good about themselves without having to do very much.
I joined One Brick about 2 years ago. A friend of mine was out of work and was looking for something to say he was doing while he interviewed. I went to about 10 different events with him and alone. I would say that I accomplished very little at each event.
The problem was they had too many people and not enough work or structure. Look at the review from Natalie that gave it 5 Stars: "We were helping clear out an area in the park and even though I think I pulled up five weeds and got in the way of at least three volunteers, I had a blast"
What she is saying is she did next to nothing, but felt good about it because she was doing something good.....
Don't get me wrong. They have their Heart in the right place. Out of the events I went to, most of my time was spent doing busy work... or work in a very inefficient manor. Several of my friends that joined he same time as me felt the same way.
If you are able to seriously commit to a charity or a hospital there is a lot more you can do with your time to better serve the community. I volunteered in an ER for 3 years and know they are always desperate for people.
That being said, if you can not commit to an organization and can only show up on random occasions, this is for you. I loved the idea and thought it would be perfect for me because I travel so much, but I was disappointed with how my time was spent.
Because in Theory it is a good idea... I will give 3 stars. Keep in mind, I have not attended any events for a year. Maybe they have better organization and use of volunteers now.
Easy peasy lemon squezzy.
Pick an event from the calendar. RSVP. Show up. Sign away your body parts in case of accident. Do good. Maybe have food afterward.
I did a habitat for humanity this last weekend and usually do the food bank sort with them.
There could be more peninsula events, but then I should probably step up to be a manager and organize them.
Am told their benefit mixers are good people-meeting.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
I love volunteering for One Brick. I have lots of other demands to volunteer from friends in non-profit and health-care but sometimes I want to volunteer on something not work/friend/family/church related and One Brick is always there with the ideas!
They even have stuff in the east & south bay which is more convenient since I live on the border of both in Fremont.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (4)
I can't think of a better way to get to know San Francisco than volunteering through One Brick. I was easily the youngest volunteer that day about three years ago yet everyone was so welcoming. We were helping clear out an area in the park and even though I think I pulled up five weeds and got in the way of at least three volunteers, I had a blast. Definitely check out One Brick if you have a free weekend. You won't regret it!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Volunteering for those who don't have the time or patience to seek out their own opportunities. What more could one ask for? Their sign-ups allow you several weeks up to a month beforehand to sign up, which is really nice, since that means if you're on top of it all, you should be able to sign up for the event of your choice. Move a little slow, and it may be full.
I've yet to get to know the people who go, but it's a nice way to meet people too... especially if you're new to the city and what not. They usually go out afterwards for a bite or a drink.
I really wish I had more time though. I've been to a few of their volunteering events, which left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside for the good deed just done.
Star #1: No commitment - well, just make sure you show up to your RSVPed event, but you aren't committed to return. You do what you can in your time?
Star #2: Carpools can be set up through the site, if necessary.
Star #3: The different types of events available. You can cheer on runners, stuff goodie bags, go to the foodbank, clean up a garden...
Star #4 and #5: Warm fuzzy feeling afterwards.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (3)
I was driving through GG Park yesterday (as I do everyday) and was amazed to see this swarm of people (with name tags on) tending to the Rhododendron garden/island. I stopped and asked a lady who they were. She explained the whole 'one brick' concept... pretty cool... volunteer first, party later. Nothing is better than helping others and then enjoying a BBQ :) Check out their website: www.onebrick.org Maybe you'll see a volunteer event that fits your schedule.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Cool (2)
I made 4 lifetime friends in one day working at a One Brick event (at Coit Tower), AND I helped beautify my City. I love One Brick - THANKS, Dave!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
One Brick is another organization offering volunteering without a commitment, unlike Hands On, where lots of activities require a minimum of three months. They are funded almost exclusively through fundraising events, such as happy hours, and the kayaking event that I did with them in October during Fleet Week. I also organized curriculum for Girls on the Run (www.gotrsf.org) through One Brick. You see the same people volunteering at every event. Certain activities fill up VERY quickly (beer festivals, SF Magazine's Best of the Bay) so it requires a careful watch of the weekly newsletter if you want to be involved. Unfortunatly, those tend to be the events that I am interested in, but the activities managers understand that and are trying to address the issue.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (1)
These guys are experts at making volunteering easy. Sign up for events like you would for an e-vite and just show up. Went today and 25 of us cleaned Three and a Half TONS of lettuce for the SF Food Bank! Not a bad way to spend a Tuesday evening.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
One Brick is the solution if you're busy, you want to volunteer and give something back, but can't decide on your cause and aren't ready to make a big time commitment. One Brick has a variety of volunteer ops--mostly weekend and evenings, mostly 2-3 hours long. It's a great way to meet a generally fun group of people and give a little something back. There is nothing worse than volunteering and then standing around because there's too many people, so I appreciate that One Brick is very well organized and always seems to size their volunteering pool just right for the task at hand. I like helping at the SF Food Bank and preparing supplies for homeless youth for At the Crossroads. Someday I will time it right to help out at one of the many cool events they volunteer for (Stern Grove Festival, fundraising walks, etc.) Their events often fill up quickly, but you can sign up to get alerts for sign-ups when the popular ones are available to sign up.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
If you are looking to give back to the community (as I am always taking from the community) this is an easy way to do it.
I enjoy the gardening in the park bit.
Enjoy the after project social meal.
Best way to do the beer festival.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
stop being such a cold and heartless piece of dirty ass shit and do something good for once.
People thought this was:
Useful (9)
Funny (11)
Cool (11)
they do a great job making volunteering very easy and fun. i'm a huge fan. great way to meet people, do something good, and get off the couch!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
A top notch organization. Free-form volunteering at its finest. All the joy of giving back to the community without the long-term commitment. From sorting food at food banks, to planting and restoring parks, to volunteering at events like the SF Beer Festival, or races around the bay. Great way to meet new people. And after volunteering, people usually head out for beers/grub afterwards.
check them out!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
-
-
-
San Francisco School…
3 reviews
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA
Category: Public Services & Government -
-
Related Lists
-
The Volunteer Experience
Volunteering is a large part of my life. These… -
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,… -
Ideas for One Brick…
Potential places for a group of volunteers wanting… -
Volunteer Here
Opportunities to donate your time (or $$$, if you…
Hot and New
- Kasa Indian Eatery
96 reviews
Neighborhood: Castro
- Eiji
245 reviews
Neighborhood: Castro
- Icebee
186 reviews
Neighborhood: SOMA
- Ristorante Umbria
147 reviews
Neighborhood: SOMA
- Asuka Ramen
18 reviews
Neighborhood: Union Square