We at 7x7 live a good life. Designer threads? We try. A night out at Pabu? Reservation for five, please. Invites to all the parties? What do you think. But now it's time we gave back to show our gratitude for our #blessed lives—for one day at least. (Baby steps, people.) Our editors donated their time at their favorite local organizations. Here's how they gave back.
• Girls Inc. of Alameda County (510 16th Street, Oakland)
Volunteer:Sarah Medina, managing editor
Why Girls Inc. of Alameda County is so important: Girls Inc. is a national non-profit that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold (a motto that blinks in the form of a neon sign in their lobby) by offering academic help, skill-building programs, counseling, and even fitness and nutrition activities.
Job duty/duties: Volunteer yogi responsible for making a fool of myself by trying to form a "downward L dog" (or something like that) without stretching first.
Comments: Girls Inc. is the kind of program I wish I could have attended when I was a kid, so I was excited to see their state-of-the-art facility and the various programs in action. While I was getting tangled in yoga hour, the classrooms next to me were engaged in cooking classes, getting their kickboxing on, and quietly working on homework. After a long day of the office, it was refreshing to spend some time meditating, especially with my giggling classmates (girls ranging from tiny to teenager), who eagerly introduced themselves and never hesitated to try something new, even if it was awkward or a little embarrassing. The focus of the day's lesson was partner poses and I was instructed to think about sisterhood as we supported each other's weight and we were encouraged to notice how bad-ass we looked in the mirror. After all, whether fourteen or twenty-four, all girls need some time to feel like their best selves.
Lasting memory: The girls here are smart, funny, and polite. I really want to go back, like every day.
• Castro Country Club (4058 18th Street, SF)
Volunteer: Brock Keeling, editor at large
Why Castro Country Club is so important: The CCC is one of the very few social spaces in the Castro that is sober. In addition to holding AA and CMA meetings for those in recovery, the newly revamped space features a cafe, a sun-drenched patio, free Wi-Fi, AA literature, and much more. But the most fun one can have at the Castro Country Club is simply sitting on the steps and chatting with other sober-minded folks (and/or catcalling the cute passersby).
Job duties: Barista babe. On Sundays, I help in the kitchen and cafe—e.g., making coffee drinks, slicing bagels, chatting with customers, laughing (a lot) behind the counter, and keeping the place looking sharp.
Comments: Since 1983, the Castro Country Club has been a safe place for LGBT people in recovery. (All, however, are welcome!) I cannot stress the importance of this space. Located inside a gorgeous Victorian (in a rapidly changing neighborhood with prime real estate), it's a breath of focused, sparkling clean air in the midst of all the bars and clubs. The neighborhood would not be the same without it. Oh, and although the Club is self-supporting, any and all are welcome to make donations here.
Lasting memory: Seeing people return day after day, week after week. Also of note? The other volunteers. Few people in this life are as quick-witted as a recovering gay alcoholics; an awesome bunch of fellows.
• Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA
Volunteers: Schuyler Bailey, editor at large; Leilani Marie Labong, editor at large
Why they're important: They rescue thousands of animals a year, and not just dogs (though that’s their specialty)—you can find a snake, chinchilla, or chicken, if your heart so desires! But they do boast a 100% adoption rate for dogs, which is heartwarming in itself.
Job duty/duties: There are lots of options in this state-of-the-art facility, from reception, outreach, and manning the thrift sore (for those not so into cuddling) to dog walking, foster care, and adoption counselors.
Comments: I’ve had pets my entire life, and the absence of a canine companion as a consequence of city living weighs heavily on me—sometimes a spoon fest with a pup is more effective than therapy. And there are so many animals that are neglected, treated poorly, or abandoned due to housing circumstances, which means rescue operations are particularly important to the wellbeing of these animals (my sister also happens to run a dog rescue operation in Bakersfield, so this issue is close to my heart). The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s facilities are impossibly clean and well-maintained, they have wonderful accommodations (called condos—no joke), and they're meticulous with the tracking of each pet’s care, so you know a dog you’re adopting from there has been well cared for. We were tasked with shadowing one of the more advanced volunteers (she gets a special colored badge due to her experience level), which meant cuddling with puppies (no, really), playing fetch with some surprisingly rambunctious senior dogs on the indoor turf, and taking a nice, long walk with a troop of rug rats with attitude to spare.
Lasting memory: When ragamuffin Bonnie transformed from mellow lap dog to LOTP (Life of the Party) during turf time. Her white coat blowing back as she race-flirted with cohort Shelly was pure doggie joy.
