I first heard about One Brick in Chicago, where they have a chapter, but did not get to participate in any volunteer events. When I moved to D.C., I somehow looked them up and I have been regularly attending volunteer events ever since. The idea of a commitment-free volunteer experience is simple and excellent. It is so beneficial for those individuals who want to give back to the community but don't want to pick one organization that they have to work with for x hours or on x days per week. One Brick events are from a few hours to, at most, half of the day. In addition, the one-time aspect makes it possible to experience different kinds of events supporting different kinds of causes. Some examples are preparing food at the D.C. Central Kitchen, sorting books and groceries at different facilities, helping with annual events like the Safeway Barbeque Festival, and helping with social events for organizations. After events, volunteers often go out for a beer and get to know one another. Also, there are Happy Hours where people can get to know one another outside of a volunteer activity. The most commitment-intensive but also the most important project that One Brick puts on is a cross-chapter effort to help rebuild one of the most badly affected parishes in New Orleans. This is a one-week event that I have not participated in, but I know from talking with those that have that it has been both fulfilling to the volunteers and very beneficial to the residents there.