The Web Can Make a Difference
Mozilla Service Week (9/14-21/09) - We believe a group of committed, energized, service-minded people can accomplish almost anything. That's why we're harnessing the power of the Web and the passion of the Mozilla community to see how big a difference we can make in one week.
Miniature Golf Tournament-For Cheaters!
Volunteer Southern Maryland is hosting its first ever Mini Golf Tournament-for cheaters! The event will be held at the Fun Haven Golf course in La Plata Maryland on October 3 from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Teams can raise money to earn items to cheat during the game. The cost is $30 per team, $25 per team for CSM students with student ID. Please visit www.csmd.edu/vsmd/Golf.html for complete details and to register by September 18, 2009. "
Do you have Community Service Opportunities for College Students??
VSMD is working with the Leadership Program at the College of Southern Maryland to help provide students with community service opportunities. The students are required to complete 5 hour blocks of community service before April 2010.
If you have upcoming events and could use volunteer assistance for a block of 5 hours or more, please e-mail Heather Zeolla at hzeolla@csmd.edu or call 301-934-7790 X 7016.
If you have upcoming events and could use volunteer assistance for a block of 5 hours or more, please e-mail Heather Zeolla at hzeolla@csmd.edu or call 301-934-7790 X 7016.
Compulsory volunteerism?
In concept, the idea of compelling high school students in Gilroy to volunteer is a good one. What's not to like?
Students learning about their community in a service-oriented setting is a very good thing. Whether it's practical and should merit priority status is another, more difficult, question.
In the first phase of the "volunteer" program, the idea is to encourage volunteerism. In a perfect world, that first phase would work so well that moving into compulsory volunteering - truly an oxymoron of sorts - is unnecessary.
By Dispatch Editorial Board
Students learning about their community in a service-oriented setting is a very good thing. Whether it's practical and should merit priority status is another, more difficult, question.
In the first phase of the "volunteer" program, the idea is to encourage volunteerism. In a perfect world, that first phase would work so well that moving into compulsory volunteering - truly an oxymoron of sorts - is unnecessary.
By Dispatch Editorial Board
Volunteer Maryland is looking for a new Support Team member to oversee the VM VISTA program!
The Program Manager (PM) will oversee the AmeriCorps*VISTA program at VM. In addition, the Program Manager will process, track, and report all payments and revenue for all aspects of Volunteer Maryland. The Program Manager will work closely with Preston Complex and GOCI staff to maximize resource sharing, logistics, and communications between VM, the Governor's Office, and State Government. As a member of the Volunteer Maryland Support Team, the Program Manager will also take an active role in all aspects of Volunteer Maryland organizational development.
Volunteerism still strong, but changing
The spirit of volunteerism appears to be alive and well, but it also is changing from long-term to more targeted commitments.
By ROBERT M. COOK
By ROBERT M. COOK
As economy sags, many turn to volunteering
At last, the up side of the worst unemployment to batter the country since the early 1980s: Americans are rediscovering volunteer work.
By Anita Creamer
By Anita Creamer
The truest measure of a nation
Even in tough economic times, Americans generally agree that our greatness as a nation springs from our democratic traditions, diverse cultures and ingrained traits such as self-reliance, ingenuity and a "can-do" spirit.
By AL BRANDEL and DEBRA WASSERMAN
startribune.com
By AL BRANDEL and DEBRA WASSERMAN
startribune.com
First Lady calls for volunteers, young Americans answer
Michelle Obama asked for more community service Monday, but rising volunteerism among Generation Y suggest it has already caught the spirit.
By Michael B. Farrell
By Michael B. Farrell
So, what are you doing this summer?
The drive to involve more middle-school youth in service during the summer months got a big boost today from the Corporation for National and Community Service as the agency announced grants totaling $900,000 to six national and local organizations.
Volunteerism - the Strength of a Community
Volunteers are one of the most important groups in any community. If you want something to happen, just put together some volunteers and get out of the way.
Mike Sloan
Bounary County Chamber of Commerce VP 2009
Mike Sloan
Bounary County Chamber of Commerce VP 2009
Volulnteerism and teens
Volunteerism is a valuable lesson and powerful tool for the youth of today – it empowers them, connects them to the community and is a huge asset on college applications.
Deirdre Ward
Newark Parenting Teens Examiner
Deirdre Ward
Newark Parenting Teens Examiner
Dedicated to volunteerism - 14 new members join the youth board YAPPERS
She joined because it would look good on all of her college applications.
She stayed because it allowed her to make a difference in the life of the people in her community.
STACEY BECKERTH, Staff Writer
She stayed because it allowed her to make a difference in the life of the people in her community.
STACEY BECKERTH, Staff Writer
Beverly student starts summer as volunteer
When Beverly resident Lizzie Chaps finished her last final exam at the University of Illinois this spring, she could easily have said, "Goodbye freshman year and hello summer vacation."
Instead, Chaps plunked down $300 in travel expenses, picked up her suitcase and said, "Goodbye freshman year and hello Gesundheit! Institute," where she chose to work for a week as an unpaid volunteer.
Instead, Chaps plunked down $300 in travel expenses, picked up her suitcase and said, "Goodbye freshman year and hello Gesundheit! Institute," where she chose to work for a week as an unpaid volunteer.
Bellingham Explorations grad found volunteerism and herself
BELLINGHAM - When Heidi Johnson graduates from Explorations Academy, she knows her next step will be attending Western Washington University in the fall.
Just don't ask her what she'll study - she has too many interests to decide on just one....
KIRA MILLAGE - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
Just don't ask her what she'll study - she has too many interests to decide on just one....
KIRA MILLAGE - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
The Role of Volunteer Resources Managers in the Serve America Act: Stay Up-to-Date and Lead
After so many months of anxious build-up, the signing of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act in April may feel like a signal to volunteer managers that now is the time to relax.
Not so fast. Successful policy is a product of good legislation and good implementation both -- and there’s still plenty left to do before the hopes of volunteer managers can be fully realized.
A recent Energize Inc. article by nonprofit management consultants Paula J. Beugen and Susan Ellis makes the precarious state of things clear. Beugen and Ellis do a terrific job explaining where the Act is today and what nonprofits can and should be doing now to prepare to tap into new funding the Act provides.
Not so fast. Successful policy is a product of good legislation and good implementation both -- and there’s still plenty left to do before the hopes of volunteer managers can be fully realized.
A recent Energize Inc. article by nonprofit management consultants Paula J. Beugen and Susan Ellis makes the precarious state of things clear. Beugen and Ellis do a terrific job explaining where the Act is today and what nonprofits can and should be doing now to prepare to tap into new funding the Act provides.
Governor's "Smart, Green and Growing" Initiatives
On behalf of the Governor's office, the Maryland Higher Education Commission is collecting names and contact information for student volunteers to assist with promoting the Governor's "Smart, Green and Growing" Initiatives. These students would be contacted by MHEC to attend various fairs, festivals and cultural events throughout the state to discuss the State's "green" initiatives. Many of these are outlined on the Governor's website at: http://www.green.maryland.gov/ . If you have students interested in assisting the Governor in promoting these initiatives and policies, please forward the name and contact information to:
Christopher Falkenhagen
Director of Communications
Maryland Higher Education Commission
839 Bestgate Road, Suite 400
Annapolis, MD 21401-3013
Phone: (410) 260-4511
Cell: (443) 758-7644
Fax: (410) 260-3201
cfalkenh@mhec.state.md.us
Christopher Falkenhagen
Director of Communications
Maryland Higher Education Commission
839 Bestgate Road, Suite 400
Annapolis, MD 21401-3013
Phone: (410) 260-4511
Cell: (443) 758-7644
Fax: (410) 260-3201
cfalkenh@mhec.state.md.us
Charity and children
Amidst the multitude of problems clouding today’s American horizon, there is a ray of hope. A wonderful trend is taking place in communities around the country: children are grasping the concept of being good, contributing members of society. As the need to extend a helping hand to neighbors continues to grow, our children are helping by donating their time, energy, and even their allowance money—and these many contributions have added up.
By Kimberly Spaulding
Hartford Special Interests Examiner
By Kimberly Spaulding
Hartford Special Interests Examiner
More Americans turning to Peace Corps
With President Obama extolling the volunteer agency as an exemplar of public service and U.S. diplomacy, applications have jumped. The idealism is tinged with pragmatism, amid joblessness at home.
By Chris Kraul
June 2, 2009
By Chris Kraul
June 2, 2009
House Sends Landmark National Service Bill to President Obama
March 31, 2009 2:15 PM
"WASHINGTON, D.C. – With Americans facing unprecedented challenges in their communities, the U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation that will launch a new era of national service and volunteerism to help the nation emerge stronger from the economic crisis. The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act was approved by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 275 to 149."
"WASHINGTON, D.C. – With Americans facing unprecedented challenges in their communities, the U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation that will launch a new era of national service and volunteerism to help the nation emerge stronger from the economic crisis. The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act was approved by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 275 to 149."
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
National Volunteer Week, commemorated April 19-25, is "Celebrating People in Action." The theme captures the meaning behind this signature week – honoring the individuals who dedicate themselves to taking action and solving problems in their communities.
The 2009 National Volunteer Week theme, Celebrating People in Action, captures the meaning behind this signature week: honoring the individuals who take action and solve problems in their communities. This celebratory week will also focus national attention on the impact and power of volunteerism and service as an integral aspect of our civic leadership. Established in 1974 by former President Richard Nixon, National Volunteer Week has grown exponentially in scope each year, drawing the support and endorsement of all subsequent U.S. presidents, governors, mayors and other respected elected officials, as well as corporate and community groups across the country.
The 2009 National Volunteer Week theme, Celebrating People in Action, captures the meaning behind this signature week: honoring the individuals who take action and solve problems in their communities. This celebratory week will also focus national attention on the impact and power of volunteerism and service as an integral aspect of our civic leadership. Established in 1974 by former President Richard Nixon, National Volunteer Week has grown exponentially in scope each year, drawing the support and endorsement of all subsequent U.S. presidents, governors, mayors and other respected elected officials, as well as corporate and community groups across the country.
What we do:
Volunteer Southern Maryland serves as a one-stop shop for volunteerism that connects volunteers with opportunities to serve, as well as local non-profit agencies in need of volunteers. We do this through a free interactive online database of local nonprofit agencies and volunteer opportunities that is accessible to anyone at anytime. In addition, Volunteer Southern Maryland sponsors monthly events, activities, and drives to meet local community needs.
Become a Service-Learning Agency Partner at the College of Southern Maryland
Service-learning is a teaching method in which students better grasp the course curriculum by actively engaging in service work in the community and integrating their experiences into the course material through in class reflection activities. Students' service-learning requirements and objectives vary, so please communicate with interested students your agency needs and discuss the possibilities for service-learning with at your site.
Since CSM students find their service-learning opportunities on the Volunteer Southern Maryland (VSMD) database, it is important for our community partners to keep their agency listing and available service opportunities up to date. Sign up as a Service-Learning Community Partner NOW!
Once you register as an agency partner you will then have the opportunity to list appropriate service-learning opportunities on the database. When listing a service-learning opportunity on the database you be will directed you through a series of fields including the Volunteer Job Title, description, locations, contacts, dates, times, and other relevant details. Under the “Volunteer Options” section, make sure you choose the Service-learning box, so students know that the opportunity is available appropriate for them.
Why Volunteer?
Whether your passion is youth, education, animals, politics, art, elders, music, theatre, or community issues such as violence prevention, literacy, public health, hunger or homelessness, there is a public or private nonprofit organization in southern Maryland that can use your unique qualities and talents. You can positively affect someone or something in a meaningful way.
Benefits of Registering with VSMD
1-800-volunteer.org Database access– As a registered agency partner, you will have unlimited access to your agency listing and volunteer opportunities.
Free volunteer opportunity promotion and referral through our web site and database.
Personal contact with interested volunteers by phone and direct email.
Volunteer referral management and tracking tool provided through 1-800-Volunteer.org software.
Free trainings sponsored by Volunteer Southern Maryland in volunteer management, grants writing, and other issues facing nonprofits.
Opportunity for specific agency highlight in quarterly newsletter and press releases by Volunteer Southern Maryland.
Receive goods or materials from your wishlist from a Volunteer Southern Maryland sponsored drive on your behalf.
Library of volunteer management resources including videos, books, and articles.
Free volunteer opportunity promotion and referral through our web site and database.
Personal contact with interested volunteers by phone and direct email.
Volunteer referral management and tracking tool provided through 1-800-Volunteer.org software.
Free trainings sponsored by Volunteer Southern Maryland in volunteer management, grants writing, and other issues facing nonprofits.
Opportunity for specific agency highlight in quarterly newsletter and press releases by Volunteer Southern Maryland.
Receive goods or materials from your wishlist from a Volunteer Southern Maryland sponsored drive on your behalf.
Library of volunteer management resources including videos, books, and articles.
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