Most small cleanups need no permit
In 24 of 27 cities, a small group picking litter with no tables, tents or speakers has a no-permit route. Usually the city lends the kit and collects the bags.
An Hour for Change · December 2026
Get Involved with An Hour for Change
Give an hour this December: on your own, with your team, or by hosting an event.
Pick how you want to take part below, then open your city guide. Each of our 27 guides lists local partners you can sign up with, the route that needs no permit if you host, deadlines for your date, and projects that fit December. Looking for something to do? See the project ideas and setup guides.
First, pick how you'll get involved
Join an existing organization
Sign up for a volunteer shift that a food bank, shelter or city cleanup program already runs. Come on your own or bring your team.
They handle: permission, insurance, supplies and the plan.
You handle: signing up early and getting there (plus headcount for a group).
Best for: individuals, first-timers and larger teams.
Start your own event
You pick the cause, the place and the format, like a litter pick, care kit assembly or a coat drive.
You handle: permission (often none for small groups), supplies, safety and drop-off.
Best for: hosts with a cause in mind, remote teams, or when partner slots are full.
Not hosting? Option A works just as well on your own. You can also join a colleague’s event, or give your hour from home: holiday cards, a food drive or remote volunteering all work for one person.
Your city isn't listed?
Create planning ideas for your city: project picks for your weather, a timeline, and where to look for partners to join or permits if you host.
Your December date
Dec 9, 2026
Region
All 27 · US & Canada · UK & Europe · Australia
Find a city
e.g. Denver
*Research as of September 28, 2026, from official city sources where available. Hosts should confirm with the office listed before the day.
Planning your December hour
Three cities want permission at any size
Miami: a free volunteer permit above 10 people. Dublin: written permission for any organised activity in city parks. Barcelona: a district licence for organised use of the public way; joining a city-backed cleanup is easiest.
Food banks fill up in December
Boston’s food bank was booked through December last year. London’s Felix Project books up to 3 months ahead, and Berlin’s Stadtmission asks for 6–8 weeks. Reserve group slots in October.
Daylight runs out early in Northern Europe
Sunset is 2:47 pm in Stockholm and about 3:50 pm in London, Manchester and Berlin. Edinburgh and Glasgow set around 3:40 pm. Indoor formats are safer there.
It’s summer in Australia
Sydney and Melbourne have December highs around 25–26°C and sunsets after 8 pm. Outdoor hours work well there, but plan for heat, sun and water. Collect summer essentials, not coats.
Pick your city
Easy: a clear no-permit route for small groups · Check first: unclear rules or a catch · Permission needed: even small groups apply.
Deadlines for your date
Example date: December 9, 2026. Program sign-up is the cleanup program’s request deadline. Permit filing applies when you go past the small-group rule. Where no lead time is published, 3 weeks is suggested.