When Caroline Norris moved to Memphis in 2015, she sought productive ways to connect with her new community. She soon found the right fit in Volunteer Odyssey.
Founded in 2013, Volunteer Odyssey is a Memphis-based nonprofit that bridges the gap between potential volunteers and community organizations in need of service opportunities.
A native of South Carolina, Norris has long had a passion for giving back. She joined Volunteer Odyssey as a volunteer months after moving to Memphis, then became the organization’s president and CEO in 2024.
“When I moved here, I realized that getting to know your community is serving in your community,” said Norris, who also served in roles for ALSAC/St. Jude and Shelby Farms Park prior to her current role.
Norris’ experience in the corporate and nonprofit worlds provided the perfect backdrop for linking members of the community with hundreds of local nonprofit partners and city organizations. Memphis is often ranked at or near the top of annual lists of the nation’s most generous or philanthropic cities.
Volunteer Odyssey has streamlined the philanthropic experience to make it easy for anyone who is interested in service, whether it be a commitment of a few hours or something long-term.
Volunteer Odyssey has streamlined the philanthropic experience to make it easy for anyone who is interested in service, whether it be a commitment of a few hours or something long-term.
Supporters can view a calendar and register for events via the Volunteer Odyssey mobile app or website.
Norris said the organization’s big vision is for every nonprofit to have the right volunteers in the right place at the right time.
“Opportunities can be everything from pet rescues to keeping our aquifer clean and sustainable to feeding the hungry,” Norris said. “We work with these organizations and connect people who want to serve.”
Volunteer Odyssey currently has over 36,000 registrants in its database. Norris encourages longtime residents of the Memphis area as well as newcomers to explore the website to volunteer for a range of experiences.
“We make it so that all you have to do is show up,” Norris said. “We need people who will link arms with their neighbors and help other neighbors. That is what real civic engagement means.”
The digital experience at volunteerodyssey.com allows users to filter for causes and skills. Norris often hears that potential volunteers are worried about the time commitment.
She said that the simplest contributions—an hour or two—often are the most impactful.
“The Room at the Inn in Memphis serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week,”
Norris said. “If you can serve one of those meals, that’s an hour and a half out of your day.”
As community connectors, Norris said that she sees Volunteer Odyssey as capacity builders for nonprofits.
“Memphis is often touted as one of the most philanthropic cities in the nation, and we have a dense population of nonprofits per capita,” Norris said. “When you support Volunteer Odyssey, you are actually supporting the whole ecosystem of philanthropy in Memphis.
Community Connection: Where purpose meets people
At the heart of every great city are people who care — and in Memphis, that purpose runs deep. These local organizations are weaving connections, growing opportunity, and proving that when mission and community align, everyone moves forward.
