We may be biased, but we think Eastie is one of the tightest-knit neighborhoods in the Boston area. Whether you’re interested in group fitness, civic meetings, music advocacy, or anything in between, there’s a group (or two, or three) waiting for you to join.
We’ve rounded up 10 neighborhood organizations that are always accepting new members and volunteers. Here’s how to get involved in the East Boston community:
East Boston Run Club
Run (or even walk) at your own pace with this welcoming local running group. The events take place every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and Friday at 7 a.m. Simply show up at the golden staircase on Marginal Street and get ready to make new friends as you jog around the neighborhood. There’s also a Strava page you can join to track your progress.
Eastie Gals
Founded by an East Boston resident, this community space seeks to connect women in the area with various social meetups. Past events include a picnic at Downeast Cider, sunset oyster shucking with East Boston Oysters, and a movie night at Tall Ship. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on future events.
East Boston Pickleball Club
If you missed this group’s inaugural pickleball tournament in September, don’t fret! There are regular open play sessions at the Porzio Park courts, usually held once or twice a week. Ready to try your hand at the fast-growing sport with the city skyline as your backdrop? Be sure to follow the club’s Instagram account to find upcoming open play dates.
ZUMIX
For the musically inclined – this nonprofit youth organization’s mission is to build community through music and creative technology. You’ll find a range of volunteer opportunities on their website, from photography and videography needs to homework tutoring. ZUMIX is located at the former Engine Company 40 Firehouse on the corner of Sumner and Orleans Streets.
Eastie Farm
A grassroots organization, Eastie Farm provides a space for community-supported agriculture, gardening, food waste management, and other eco-conscious practices. To be a part of these community efforts at the Sumner Street green space, check out one of the weekly volunteer work parties – or, text “Volunteer” to 617-207-6545 to find more opportunities.
Eagle Hill Civic Association
The Eagle Hill Civic Association holds monthly meetings in the East Boston High School cafeteria, where developers, homeowners, and renters present projects and ideas. This is a great group for Eagle Hill residents interested in historic preservation, community cleanups, and creating a greener neighborhood.
Friends of Belle Isle Marsh
Friends of Belle Isle Marsh is a grassroots organization who originally came together in the 1980’s to protect the salt marsh and abutting uplands from toxic industrial use and development, and instead work towards conservation and non-intrusive recreation. We aim to protect nature that protects us from storms and sea-level rise, serves as a much-needed respite for migrating birds and as a habitat for many species, including some on the endangered species list, and provides a beautiful and rare open green space to relax in. FBIM members find meaning in connecting with nature, and we welcome youth, teachers, nature lovers, bird lovers, environmentalists, and particularly, people of less privilege who are more adversely affected by environmental crises, including climate change. You can learn more here.
Piers Park Sailing Center
This waterfront nonprofit on Marginal Street works to make Boston Harbor more accessible and provide a recreational outlet for people of all ages and abilities. From youth offerings like the “Harbor Explorers” marine ecology program to adult programming like a learn-to-sail course, there’s something for everyone. You can also opt to volunteer with tasks like boat maintenance and fundraising.
Veronica Robles Cultural Center
Eastie’s Latin American cultural center is open to anyone who’d like to participate in their programs, which cover skills development for artists and entrepreneurs, a youth leadership program, and a variety of dance, art, and music classes. Check out the website to find current volunteer needs, plus a calendar of annual events and festivals.
East Boston Social Centers
100-plus years – that’s how long East Boston Social Centers have been serving the neighborhood. Browse the EBSC website to find volunteer information and learn more about the programs, which range from after-school offerings for children and teenagers to year-round activities for adults aged 55 and older.
Eastie Rising
Since 2014, this group has provided free, bootcamp-style workouts to any and all Eastie neighbors. Head to LoPresti Park Tuesdays through Thursdays at 6 a.m. for a 45-minute fitness gathering. These Eastie Rising workouts include push-ups, sprints, burpees, and other classic “bootcamp” activities.
Friends of the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway
The Mary Ellen Welch Greenway is a recreational open space in East Boston that runs from the historic Jeffries Point Waterfront through the neighborhood towards Constitution Beach and beyond. Residents of all ages use it running, jogging, walking, biking, or just strolling while taking in the historic and ecological beauty of various points along its length. Though the Greenway is part-owned by the City of Boston and in part by Massport, the Friends of the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway, an organization of residents, stewards its use and serves as the stewardship body. This organization is always looking for more people to get involved. You can learn more here.
Did we miss your favorite charity or organization? Let us know who you like to donate to and why! Email us at [email protected]
Sara Frazier is a writer and editor living in East Boston. She has a degree in journalism from Boston University and can usually be found with her nose in a book at a local coffee shop.
Please add the Friends of the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway to organizations to join!
Please add Friends of Belle Isle Marsh. This organization’s mission is to preserve, protect and enhance the largest remaining salt marsh in Boston, the Belle Isle Marsh Reservation managed by DCR, while also nestled on the periphery of Winthrop and Revere.