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Drop of a Hat Brigade Digest

February 1st, 2010

 

Yes, it’s February, and time for all good lovers, ground hogs and volunteers to shine a light on the shadows of winter and spread a bit of cheer…  Here at the Volunteer Center, we thank you for that light and the positive change you cultivate.

 

Happy Volunteering!

Stacy Becker

Volunteer Center of the Redwoods & RSVP

Programs of the Area 1 Agency on Aging

434  7th Street

Eureka, CA 95501

(707) 442-3711 x 218

rsvp@a1aa.org

 

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Please contact me if you know of an event to post in this Digest, anyone who would like to join the Brigade, wish to update or unsubscribe from this email list, or just plain have any questions! 

 

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New Opportunities

 

The 7th Annual Northcoast Youth Summit: “Connect for a Cause!”

 

All Youth (grades 7 and up) and Adults in Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity, Mendocino and Lake counties are welcome!  Come, join over 100 teens from Humboldt County and beyond at the seventh annual Northcoast Youth Summit:      “CONNECT FOR A CAUSE!”  This FUN, interactive conference will increase the leadership skills of youth and adults and empower them to become agents of change in their world. Participants will learn what it takes to confidently enter leadership roles in the real world and will gain an understanding of the value of service in their communities. By the end of the conference, you will have gained skills which will challenge you to take leadership positions at school and in your community. There will be over 24 dynamic workshops available for youth and adults to attend, plus two motivational keynote speakers.

 

WHAT:   We need four people to help people find workshops and direct them to classrooms.  Part of the time there will be an information table to staff and part of the time there will be a need for people to show where the classrooms are located.  We also need a couple of volunteers to help with food prep and serving at lunch time. 

WHEN:  February 27th from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

WHERE: at College of the Redwoods Campus

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:  Informal to Business Casual attire.  Walking shoes. 

YOUTH FRIENDLY:  Both youth and adults are welcome to volunteer at the event!

WHO: Contact Sandy Sathrum at the 4-H office for more information.  445-7351; email: sksathrum@ucdavis.edu

WEBSITE: (Humboldt County 4-H0) www.ysummit.org

 

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Lawn Seeking Mower ~ Humboldt Community Breast Health Project (HCBHP)

 

Please help HCBHP keep our lawn trimmed and tidy so we don’t become an annoying neighbor!  HCBHP needs both the mower and the person kind enough to use the mower at the Humboldt Community Breast Health Project, at your convenience, and ideally on a regular basis.  Is this you?  Contact Lindsey at 825-8345 Ext. 135 or lindseyf@hcbhp.org if you can help!

 

WHAT: Mow lawn at the Humboldt Community Breast Health Project office.

WHEN: Help out once or twice at a time convenient to your schedule, then see if you can return to mow on a regular basis of your choosing...

WHERE: HCBHP Office at 987 8th Street in Arcata (across from the Co-op)

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: We would appreciate if you could provide your own mower.

YOUTH FRIENDLY?  Yes, we welcome volunteers of all age; however, previous lawn mowing experience is necessary.

WHO: For more information, please contact Lindsey Fuller at 825-8345 Ext. 135 or lindseyf@hcbhp.org

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2010 Redwood Coast Jazz Festival! 

 

Four fun-filled days of traditional Dixieland Jazz, swing, calypso, zydeco and more! Happening all over town with food, beverages and nonstop fun everywhere! Plenty of opportunities and nice perks for volunteers (and not just the wonderful music) – read on…

 

WHAT: Volunteers can help with Ticket or Merchandise Sales (cashier experience is helpful), Door/Greeter or Venue Helper/Main Floor.

WHEN: The festival takes place March 25-28, 2010. 

WHERE: Various locations around Eureka.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Volunteers who serve for two shifts or more will receive their choice of a free Friday or Sunday pass OR an Adult 3 day discount pass for $55. In addition you will receive a discount on one 2010 Festival shirt or sweatshirt as well as one ticket to the volunteer/sponsor party, which will be held at he conclusion of the Festival.

WHO: For more information and a volunteer recruitment form, contact Volunteer Coordinator Jacky Owsley a info@redwoodjazz.org

WEBSITE: http://www.redwoodjazz.org/index2.html

 

 

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Trainings & Orientations for Volunteers

 

Hospice of Humboldt Bereavement Group Co-Facilitator Training

 

Hospice weekly grief support groups provide education, comfort, and healing to the community. Learn how to be a Bereavement Group Co-Facilitator by attending the information session first to see if the volunteer work is right for you, then the two day training for Facilitators. The mission of Hospice of Humboldt is to provide heartfelt end of life care and bereavement services to all who need them in northern Humboldt County.

 

WHAT: Information meeting and training dates for Bereavement Group Facilitator

WHEN: Information Meeting on Tues., Feb. 2nd, 6-7:30 to learn about becoming a facilitator of Hospice grief support groups and other bereavement volunteer activities. The training days are Saturday 2/20 & 2/27.  There are also 5 weekly meetings held in follow up to the training for the purpose of providing additional support and training in preparation for being assigned to a group.

WHERE: Hospice Office, 2010 Myrtle Ave., Eureka

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:  Hospice asks for a 1 year commitment from those who elect to attend the training and become a co-facilitator.  In addition, volunteers at Hospice are fingerprinted. 

YOUTH FRIENDLY? (volunteers 18 years and younger encouraged): Not appropriate, but stay tuned for new programs involving teens in the future!

WHO: Call Sheri Whitt at 445-8443 for more information.

WEBSITE: http://www.hospiceofhumboldt.org/ or swhitt@hospiceofhumboldt.org

 

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The Switchboard’s Community Liaisons Training Academy- New information!

 

The United Way Switchboard is building our base of volunteers who know their community and can work the phones to refer the people of Humboldt County to all the resources they need.

 

WHAT: The training academy is an ongoing program, where volunteers will learn about the various social issues affecting Humboldt County – homelessness, poverty, domestic violence, youth issues, and much more; volunteers will learn how to work the phones at the Switchboard and how to refer people to resources to deal with these issues; volunteers will also learn together about the political systems underlying these issues as well as what activism is being done to improve and challenge those systems. 

WHEN: The first training will be an “issues” training about Housing and Homelessness.  It will occur on Tuesday, February 23rd, at 5:30pm.  Location to be announced. 

WHERE: The Switchboard is located at 525 2nd st, Suite 103, in Old Town Eureka, but trainings will be in other locations.

YOUTH FRIENDLY?  High school students and adults of all ages are encouraged to come.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: This is an ongoing commitment that will hopefully result in volunteers making a weekly commitment to work the phones for 2 to 4 hours per week.

WHO: Please contact Lane Levine to learn more and to enroll – 441-1092 or email lane@unitedwaywinecountry.org

WEBSITE: www.theswitchboard.org

 

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Humboldt Mediation Services Training ~Communication & Conflict Management

 

This interactive workshop teaches participants to understand conflict, communicate effectively, and resolve disputes by creating workable solutions at home and at work. There is a fee for this valuable workshop, but discounts are available…  Humboldt Mediation Services is a 26-year-old-nonprogrit that provides low-cost “community mediation” a three person panel through trained, volunteer mediators for hundreds of Humboldt County citizens each year.

 

WHAT: A one-day interactive workshop teaching communication and conflict management skills.

WHEN: Saturday, February 6, 8:45am-4:30pm

WHERE: Call for location

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:  Early registration (by 1/7) earns the discount fee of $65. Registration after 1/7 is $75. Sign up with a friend, earn a 10% discount. If you are affiliated with a non-profit, the price any time is $60.

WHO: Call 445-2505 for more information

WEBSITE: www.humboldtmediationservices.org

 

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Returning

 (Events that have already been listed in the Digest, but may still be seeking volunteers. Please contact the coordinator listed for more info.)

 

College of the Redwoods Academic Tutors for Student Athletes

 

Tutors for all subjects (especially English or retired teachers) are invited to help student athletes achieve academically at CR.  This is a short-term commitment for at least one semester, and your support will make a great difference in the success rate of CR student athletes!

 

WHAT: Volunteer tutors will work with student athletes who need individual attention on improving their academic skills for college. The need will vary from student to student and that is why retired teachers are usually the best fit but not exclusive – grad students or anyone with expertise in a particular subject will be considered. The volunteer will be a key component in helping a student academically under-prepared for college begin to learn how to achieve in the current college environment. Tutoring will be held two to three times a week in the late afternoon to early evenings. The location is the Learning Resource Center on the campus of the College of the Redwoods

WHEN: Two hour shifts may be conducted Mon-Fri, afternoons and evenings during the Spring Semester, 1/25/10 – 5/7/10.

WHERE: College of the Redwoods 7351 Tompkin Hills Rd, Eureka CA

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:  Four tutors are needed.  Ability to communicate with a diverse population and explain the same concept in different ways. Current knowledge of the subject matter to be tutored. Tutors will have an opportunity to create a relationship and impact a young person’s life in the most positive manner possible. Most of the people who have done this for Mike Miller (see the coordinator below) in the past are still in contact with a host of student athletes with whom they worked.

YOUTH FRIENDLY? (volunteers 18 years and younger encouraged): No.

WHO: For more information, contact Mike Miller at 707-476-4265 or email: mike-miller@redwoods.edu

WEBSITE: http://www.redwoods.edu/

 

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Eel River Valley Volunteer Driver Program

 

Are you interested in assisting folks with mobility and transportation needs?  This is a developing program in the Eel River Valley area to assist those unable to take the usual public transportation routes with rides to medical appointments.

 

WHAT: Volunteer Drivers will transport older adults and/or persons with disabilities from Eel River Valley to medical appointments.

WHEN:  Times vary, flexible schedule (Mon-Fri only, hours 7am-7pm).

WHERE:  Eel River Valley

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:  Valid California driver’s license; vehicle liability insurance; cell phone; must pass criminal background check.

YOUTH FRIENDLY? No, minimum age = 25.

WHO: For more information, please contact Todd Metcalf, Volunteer Center of the Redwoods 442-3711 x 217

WEBSITE: www.a1aa.org/vcor/

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Vector 27th Annual Chocolate Gala ~ Sign Up/Help in the planning stages!

 

This is Vector's only major fundraising event! It has been known as the most elegant chocolate Valentines party north of San Francisco.  The event features chocolate tasters, cakes from local chocolate lovers for chocolate lovers. The event includes; live/silent auction, music, food & champagne. The funds raised support Vector's mission, which is: To promote wellness of the body, mind and spirit through providing outstanding physical rehabilitation, education and research to our community regardless of a person’s ability to pay. 

 

WHAT: Help with Vector's Annual Chocolate Gala fundraising event  - give a call now to see if you can help with planning in these initial stages, or you can sign up early!  Volunteers will help pick up and transport donations ahead of the event; at the event assist with set up, serving, greeting, auction baby-sitting, clean up, etc.

WHEN: The event takes place February 12th, 2010 - 6pm -10pm; you can help plan ahead of time.

WHERE: Wharfinger Bldg. Eureka

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:  To be discussed, depending on activity.

YOUTH FRIENDLY? (Under 18 years encouraged):  Yes!—Youth are encouraged to assist with the planning stages but volunteering at the event will be limited due to alcohol being served.

WHO: For more info, please contact event organizer Taffy Stockton at 834-6460 or email her at info@sandsevents.net; or Bill Ruff @ Vector, 442-6463.

WEBSITE: www.vectorpt.org

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Write about your volunteer experience for the Volunteer Center’s new

Times Standard column, Volunteer Voices!

 

Here’s an opportunity for you or any budding journalist or creative writer you may know!!  The Volunteer Center is now hosting a new ongoing column in the Times Standard’s “Boomers & Beyond” section called “Volunteer Voices” and we want your voice included!  Please share this with your friends, family, school and nonprofit groups, etc., as we want to feature perspectives from all age groups and backgrounds. Please contact us for the column guidelines…

 

WHAT: We are calling for articles promoting the message of volunteering, under 750 words in length. Articles can also be stories of fond memories and life-changing events of people of all ages; a short writer’s bio will be included, along with a list of a few recent volunteer opportunities.  Please contact us for the column guidelines!

WHEN: Anytime! The column will run every other Tuesday. Some articles may be time sensitive.

WHERE: Wherever you feel comfortable writing!

YOUTH FRIENDLY?  Yes!!!  --We’d love to hear from writers of all ages!

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:  Please contact us for a set of guidelines for your articles. Articles may require editing to make them consistent with the theme of the column or to fit the word length or for some other reason. 

WHO: For guidelines or more info, please contact Todd Metcalf  at  vcor@a1aa.org,  442-3711.

WEBSITE: http://www.a1aa.org/VCOR/  Under construction!

 

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(Returning) Trainings & Orientations for Volunteers

 

Food for People ~ Food Bank Volunteer Orientations Every Monday

 

Come see what it takes to be a Food Bank volunteer! Food for People holds volunteer orientations each Monday for interested volunteers. Attend one of these sessions to see what kind of ongoing volunteer work you might want to do to make a difference for those in need in the community. Food for People works to eliminate hunger and improve the health and well-being of our community through access to healthy and nutritious foods, community education and advocacy.

 

WHAT: In the first half of the orientation, you will tour the facilities and Kristina will answer any general questions about food bank volunteering. The second half of the orientation is for those ready to make a commitment; it will cover procedures, safety training, paperwork, etc. You’re welcome to come to the first half, then attend the last half on another Monday!

WHEN: Orientations begin each Monday at 12:30 and last about 2 hours.

WHERE: At the Food Bank, located at 307 W. 34th street, Eureka

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:  Have a sunny disposition and the ability to work with sensitivity and without discrimination towards people of diverse cultures, races/ethnicity, socio-economic positions, ages, religions, genders, physical/mental challenges/disabilities, and sexual orientations. These orientations are to prepare volunteers for ongoing volunteer work. The Food Bank is currently looking for ongoing volunteers to help clients choose foods from the Choice Pantry, and as back up/substitute drivers for the Brown Bag delivery program—contact Kristina for more information!   

WHO: For more information or to sign up, contact Kristina Price at 445-3166 ext 310 or email her at kprice@foodforpeople.org

WEBSITE: www.foodforpeople.org

 

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 Sequoia Humane Society Volunteer Orientations

First Sunday of Each Month

 

Learn what it takes to be a Sequoia Humane Society Pet Adoption Center Volunteer! Volunteer orientations are held once a month (unless otherwise noted) at the Sequoia Humane Society Pet Adoption Center. This is a required introduction to ongoing volunteering opportunities at the adoption center. Sequoia Humane Society promotes the humane treatment of all animals and strives to end pet overpopulation through programs such as pet adoption, spay & neuter and community education.


WHAT: The orientation lasts approximately one hour and is held on the first Sunday of each month unless otherwise noted. Orientation includes information about volunteering, a tour of the Shelter, a small training, time to fill out paperwork and receive your Volunteer Handbook for this hour. New volunteers will be paired with a staff member during their first volunteer visit (to be scheduled another day) so that volunteers receive training in safe animal handling procedures ("Buddy-Up" training).
WHEN: Orientations are held the first Sunday of each month 3:30-4:30pm, please call or email to make sure they’re happening and to sign up!

WHERE: Sequoia Humane Society Pet Adoption Center, 6073 Loma Avenue (off the King Salmon Avenue exit), Eureka.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:  Space is limited for the orientation, so please call or visit the Shelter to sign up early! For group volunteering (schools, organizations, special needs), it is best to contact or schedule a special training with the Volunteer Coordinator. For more information on these orientations and volunteering at the shelter, please call or visit the Sequoia Humane Society Volunteering web page (link below).   

YOUTH FRIENDLY? All youths 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult who will also be an active SHS volunteer. No more than 2 youths per adult (some limitations may apply).

WHO: For more information, please contact Cheri Esparza at volunteer@sequoiahumane.org or by phone at 707-442-1782.

WEBSITE: http://www.sequoiahumane.org/volunt/volunt.htm#volunteer

 

 

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"We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors....but they all exist very nicely in the same box."  ~Unknown

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