Sat., Sept. 16, Time TBA

This neighborhood improvement project involves more than flora and fertilizer—it works with local and federal agencies to "weed out" violent crime, gang activity and drug use in neighborhoods. One innovative facet of the program is Drug Education for kids (DEFY), a yearlong prevention program for youth ages 9 to 12. DEFY uses mentors to serve as role models and lead anti-drug, life skills and leadership workshops. It needs volunteers one Saturday a month for the upcoming school year, four to five hours at a time. Contact Donna Griffin at 215-477-7747 or e-mail philaweedandseed@msn.com.

Every Tue. and Sat., 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., through Oct. 7

Ever since Christo defaced Central Park with his saffron fiasco, the "public art project" has been met with skepticism. Spiral Q is giving the form a new rep this fall when it hosts a series of open workshops to build papier-mâché masterpieces for October's Peoplehood Pageant. They will need help loading trucks, coordinating pageant scenes and leading groups in the parade. Contact Liza Goodell at 215-222-6979, e-mail lizago@spiralq.org or visit www.spiralq.org.

Daily, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. or 1:30-5 p.m.

Why fill your head with useless pop trivia when you can learn about infectious diseases? The Mütter is looking for docents to give guided tours and gross out school groups this fall. No previous experience is necessary, and training involves one three-hour orientation to learn about the exhibits. Contact Laurel Weller at 215-563-3737, ext. 203, or e-mail lweller@collphyphil.org.

Sat., Sept 9, 8 p.m.

Ever wanted to be a Band-Aid in the non-groupie sense? WorldFolk needs volunteers with a nose for the music biz to help organize its eighth annual Battle of the Bands. They're looking for judges, graphic artists, ticket takers, street teams, stagehands, photographers and writers, and basically anybody creative who wants to support local music. Contact Rodney Belford at 702-353-8178, e-mail rod_belford@yahoo.com or visit www.worldfolk.com.

Runs Sept. 1-16

Singing nuns, naughty cheerleaders and Andrew Wyeth—that's just a taste of Philly's largest arts festival. With more than 32 shows and 130 acts, the festival needs volunteers like a drama club needs hams. Duties include ushering, data entry, box office ticketing, driving shuttles, tech work and more. Detailed training is given on the first shift, and volunteers can earn free show vouchers based on how many shifts they work. Call 215-413-1270, e-mail volunteer@livearts-fringe.org or visit www.livearts-fringe.org.