February 16, 2010
Dear
Brigadiers,
Here are
some mid-February goings-on in the world of volunteering… Thank you for joining
in to help!
Happy
Volunteering!
Stacy
Becker
Programs of the
Area 1 Agency on Aging
Eureka,
CA 95501
(707)
442-3711 x 218
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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
As a result of community interest
in the Zoo offering a docent-guide program, Sequoia Park Zoo is implementing a
new volunteer program called the Zoo Interpreter Program (ZIP).
WHAT: ZIP volunteers will inspire
visitors at the Zoo to explore birds and mammals using Discovery Carts and
props.
WHEN: The ZIP program runs
throughout the summer starting with Memorial Day weekend and ending with Labor
Day weekend. Volunteer shifts are on Saturdays and Sunday from 11-1 and 1-3. If
enough volunteers participate, we may also extend these shifts into the week. We
are still determining the training schedule, but anticipate that training will
take place in early May. We are accepting applications until March
30th.
WHERE:
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Must
be able to push a discovery cart from the closet to the aviary or other area of
the Zoo.
YOUTH FRIENDLY? (volunteers 18
years and younger encouraged to assist): Yes, youth are encouraged to apply,
though anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. We also encourage youth
to work in teams of two.
WHO: For more information, contact
Amber Nielson at 707-442-5649
WEBSITE: http://sequoiaparkzoo.net/Volunteer.html
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Help Prep the
Site for the new Friends of the Dunes’
We are getting ready to start the
construction of the new
WHAT: Volunteers are needed to:
Shake sand out of tires…Pick up trash and load it into a dumpster…Haul up to 9
tires to Humboldt Waste Management Authority Transfer Station. (We will provide
the coupons for free disposal)…Help set up the new, relocated Wildberries
Trailhead
WHEN: Saturday, February 20th,
anytime between 10am-4pm.
WHERE: Humboldt Coastal
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Please
bring drinking water and wear closed-toed shoes, comfortable work clothes.
Gloves, tools, and cookies will be provided.
YOUTH FRIENDLY? Yes,
volunteers under 18 are encouraged to join in (without a guardian), but a
guardian signature is necessary. You can download a form from the FOD website
ahead of time, or your parent/guardian can sign one the morning of the
event. Here’s the link for the form: http://www.friendsofthedunes.org/volunteer/Volunteer_Services_Agreement.pdf
WHO: Call 444-1397 or visit the
FOD website for more information
WEBSITE: www.friendsofthedunes.org
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Join the A1AA
Substitute Receptionist Pool
The Area 1 Agency on Aging is
building a pool of substitute receptionists to help us answer phones and greet
visitors when our staff receptionist is out. Here’s a great opportunity to
learn about A1AA programs and resources, and serve a great community of people,
while building reception skills! The Area 1 Agency on Aging mission is to
provide leadership and guidance in supporting an older person’s ability to lead
a dignified, safe, healthy and independent life; and provide leadership and
resources to support volunteers as they make positive changes in our
community.
WHAT: The volunteer substitute
receptionist will greet clients and answer/transfer phone calls, with additional
tasks as needed.
WHEN: As the need arises, and
depending on your availability!
WHERE: Area 1 Agency on Aging,
YOUTH FRIENDLY (Under 18 years of
age considered?): No, not appropriate.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Training & orientation provided. Once trained, your name will be placed on a
list of volunteers available on short notice to help out in the reception area.
Volunteers will be expected to: Operate a multi-line phone system; be familiar
with and remain updated on Area 1 Agency on Aging programs; greet all clients
and visitors respectfully; maintain a professional and positive
demeanor.
WHO: For more info, please contact
WEBSITE: http://www.a1aa.org/
(under construction!)
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Easter Seals
Telethon – Music Coach Volunteer Needed!
On April 3, 2010 Easter Seals is
holding its annual telethon to raise funds for local programming. The telethon
event features a North Coast Idol contest where local high school students
compete for the North Coast Idol Title. Easter Seals Adult Day Services program
participants will be singing two songs for the telethon event and could use some
coaching and buddy support! One performance will take place in mid-March during
the Idol contest at the
WHAT: We need a volunteer who has
a background in music to work with adults with developmental disabilities on two
songs they will be performing at the Idol show and telethon.
WHEN: 1-2 times per week for
approx. 3-4 weeks, for no more than 1 hour at a time. The rehearsals would
preferably begin the week of 2/15 between the hours of 9 and 2 (Monday through
Friday)
WHERE: Easter Seals,
YOUTH FRIENDLY?: Yes,
if the right person steps forward!
WHO: For more information, please
contact Leah Thompson (707) 445-8841, ext. 3
WEBSITE: www.noca.easterseals.com
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2009 Building
Green Communities Conference IV:
Local
Self-Reliance ~ Plan It Green!
Help with the efforts to host the
4th Annual Building Green Communities Conference! The theme of this year’s
conference is Local Self-Reliance. This is a fast spreading, grass roots
movement that is breathing life back into communities across
WHAT: Volunteers can assist Plan
It Green in the following ways… Collecting donations (flowers, food, sponsor
banners, etc.), Staffing the registration booth, Selling t-shirts, Staffing the
coffee & tea booth; Setting up and breaking down activity areas; Equipment
and A/V Technicians; and Helping to wash dishes in order to reduce event
waste!!!
WHEN & WHERE: The event is
Saturday, April 3rd, 2010 from 8am to 8pm at the
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Some of
the work will be strenuous (such as moving tables and hundreds of
chairs). If you have physical limitations, we will accommodate your
needs. WHO: For more information and to sign up, contact Steve Salzman at
(707) 822-0597 or ssalzman@humboldtplanitgreen.org
WEBSITE: www.humboldtplanitgreen.com
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Trainings
& Orientations for Volunteers
Literacy Tutors
Training Workshop~Fortuna ~ Humboldt Literacy
Project
There is an urgent need for
literacy tutors for the Fortuna area. Volunteer tutors can have the rewarding
experience of helping someone learn or improve their reading. The mission of the
Humboldt Literacy Project (HLP) is to teach
WHAT: Attend the Tutor Training
Workshop to learn how to tutor adults building literacy
skills.
WHEN: March date to be set. Please
call for details.
WHERE:
YOUTH FRIENDLY? (volunteers 18
years and younger encouraged): No.
WHO: For more details, contact
Melanie Chase at 725-0655 or 445-3555.
WEBSITE: http://www.humlit.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.)
The
7th Annual Northcoast Youth
All Youth (grades 7 and
up) and Adults in
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: (
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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
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
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
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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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
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
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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Write about
your volunteer experience for the
Times Standard
column, Volunteer
Voices!
Here’s an opportunity for you or
any budding journalist or creative writer you may know!! The
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
WEBSITE: http://www.a1aa.org/VCOR/ Under
construction!
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(Returning)
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
WHAT: Information meeting and
training dates for Bereavement Group Facilitator
WHEN: 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,
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
The United Way Switchboard is
building our base of volunteers who know their community and can work the phones
to refer the people of
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,
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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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
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
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
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:
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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"The
harder it is to give someone something, the greater the deed
is."
~
Nicole Barchilon Frank, Lay Leader at
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