People Making a Difference (PMD)

03/21/2026

03/10/2026

Lend a hand this Sunday 3/15, for a 1-hr shift, 12noon-5pm, in Randolph.
(Masks and gloves provided for volunteers' protection.)

We need a few more people to help sort and count out 4,000 seed packets requested by 47 The Trustees - Boston Community Gardens to grow vegetables and flowers in Boston this summer.

Even if you have a brown thumb, you can support those who have green thumbs!

Learn more at https://www.pmd.org/project/?id=1082

Sign up asap (ideally TODAY 3/11) at pmd.org/s/SeedVolunteer2026.htm

02/26/2026

"I really liked working with all the other volunteers."

02/24/2026

THANK YOU to the 34 folks who have signed up to officiate since Sunday, in addition to the 30 who signed up earlier!

Our fingers are crossed that 5-12 more people will register to help, running exciting, head-to-head matches for the 22 high school teams competing in the National Ocean Sciences Bowl's Virtual Sponge Bowl on Saturday, 3/21, 9:25am to 4:45pm ET in zoom.

Could you serve in one these positions that we still need? (updated 2/26 at 6:30pm)
*3 Moderators who read the questions and run the matches, plus zoom host
*2 Rules Judges who monitor teams in zoom and ensure rules compliance, from attendance to staying in frame in zoom; may also keep score/time
*7 Monitors who watch the students in zoom for signaling tech issues or challenges - No practicing required unless you prepare for a desired backup role

Volunteers will receive the 2026 buff/fandana, 2026 theme sticker, virtual badge, and zoom background.

Practice sessions will take place in zoom 3/1-12.

After you see these motivated and knowledgeable students compete, you will immediately feel more optimistic about the future of the US, the oceans, and the planet!

Details: https://www.pmd.org/project/?id=1077

Sign up ASAP at https://pmd.org/s/SBvolunteer2026.htm

* * *
Volunteer officials run the exciting head-to-head matches between teams.
So that 22 teams from across the country can compete, we still need 14+ officials all Saturday with breaks, plus 6 monitors for single teams during the Team Challenge Question (TCQ) sessions 9:25-10:40am and 1:15-2pm ET on Saturday.

(as of 2/25 at 6pm)
Could you serve in one these positions that we still need?
4 Moderators who read the questions and run the matches, plus zoom host
1 Recognizer who runs the online buzzer system and calls on students who buzz in first
5 Timekeepers who time question responses & screenshare the scoresheet and game clock
2 Rules Judges who monitor teams in zoom and ensure rules compliance, from attendance to staying in frame in zoom; may also keep score/time
7 Monitors who watch the students in zoom for signaling tech issues or challenges - No practicing required unless you prepare for a desired backup role.

Volunteers will receive the 2026 buff/fandana, 2026 theme sticker, virtual badge, and zoom background.

No STEM background is required to recognize/run the buzzer system or keep time/score, and NO online practice is required for dedicated monitors who are not preparing for backup roles.

Details: https://www.pmd.org/project/?id=1077

Spread the word among your partners and friends
AND
Sign up ASAP at https://pmd.org/s/SBvolunteer2026.htm
Thank you!

02/19/2026

Don't forget to register to officiate for the 2026 virtual Sponge Bowl regional high school competition of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl on Saturday 3/21 and/or Sunday 3/22.

We currently have 22 teams from across the country who plan to compete, so need LOTS of officials. (There will be NO 2026 Finals with buzzer questions, so this is the final virtual competition of the 2025-26 year.) We even have one school on the backup list who can only compete if we exceed the recruiting goals below.

Could you serve in one these positions we still need?
4 Moderators
5 Science Judges/TCQ Proctors
6 Rules Judges
6 Recognizers
8 Scorekeepers
2 Ocean Sciences Graders (limited time commitment for 2 sessions on Saturday and/or 1 shorter session on Sunday)
11 Timekeepers
11 Monitors (No practicing required unless you prep for a backup role)
3 TCQ Proctors (Anyone except Moderators can proctor 1:1 with a team, but need to practice/train on how the software works.)

Volunteers will receive the 2026 buff/fandana, 2026 theme sticker, virtual badge, and zoom background.

No STEM background is required to recognize/run the buzzer system, keep time, or keep score, and NO online practice is required for dedicated monitors who are not preparing for important backup roles.

Details: https://www.pmd.org/project/?id=1077

Spread the word among your networks
AND
Sign up by Tuesday 2/24 (but ideally sooner to get your first-choice role) at https://pmd.org/s/SBvolunteer2026.htm

Thank you in advance!

If you're an experienced volunteer official or former competitor, please join us to
OFFICIATE for the 3/21&22/2026 virtual Sponge Bowl high school ocean sciences competition again hosted at People Making a Difference® (PMD) for high school teams without regional bowls nearby.

We seek volunteer officials to serve as Moderators, Science Judges, Recognizers, Graders, Scorekeepers, Team Challenge Question (TCQ) Proctors, and Monitors on Saturday and/or Sunday (afternoon only) so that teams can compete in the exciting, head-to-head format. Volunteers must watch an orientation recording and/or review the slide deck, and after role assignments are made, complete role-specific tutorials BEFORE participating in a 2.25-hr practice session in order to demonstrate proficiency. (You do not need any STEM background to run the buzzer system and recognize the first student to buzz, keep score, or keep time, and no advance tutorial or practice is required for monitors without backup roles. Graders must participate in video training in zoom on Sunday 3/15 evening.)

We need a commitment for either or both of the complete competition days (all Saturday or Sunday afternoon ET), but guarantee that you will enjoy volunteering and interacting with motivated and curious high school students AND you will receive a free buff, theme sticker, volunteer badge, zoom background, and immense gratitude.

STEM role models are particularly encouraged to apply to officiate.

Learn more at https://www.pmd.org/project/?id=1077 and sign up asap online by 2/24 at https://pmd.org/s/SBvolunteer2026.htm

Contact .Tsuruda if you have questions.

Please help spread the word to others who might be interested in lending a hand!

02/03/2026

OFFICIATE for the Saturday 2/28/2026 Maine Science Bowl high school ocean sciences regional competition hosted by .

We seek 13 more volunteer officials who will serve as Moderators, Science Judges, Recognizers, Scorekeepers, and Monitors so that teams can compete head-to-head in exciting matches. (You do not need any STEM background to keep score or time, and no advance practice is required for Monitors.)

We need a commitment for the whole competition day, but guarantee that you will enjoy volunteering and interacting with motivated and curious high school students.

Learn more at https://www.pmd.org/project/?id=1078, and sign up asap online BY 2/4 at https://pmd.org/s/022826.htm

Please help spread the word to others who might be interested in lending a hand!