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
Happy
Volunteering!
Stacy
Becker
Programs of the
Area 1 Agency on Aging
Eureka,
CA 95501
(707)
442-3711 x 218
*
*
* * *
* *
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!
*
*
* * *
* *
*
*
* * *
* *
New
Opportunities
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: (
*
*
* * *
* *
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
*
*
* * *
* *
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
*
*
* * *
* *
*
*
* * *
* *
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: 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,
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
*
*
* * *
* *
The
Switchboard’s
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
*
*
* * *
* *
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
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
*
*
* * *
* *
*
*
* * *
* *
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
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/
*
*
* * *
* *
Are you interested in assisting
folks with mobility and transportation needs? This is a developing program
in the
WHAT: Volunteer Drivers will
transport older adults and/or persons with disabilities from
WHEN: Times vary, flexible
schedule (Mon-Fri only, hours 7am-7pm).
WHERE:
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Valid
YOUTH FRIENDLY? No, minimum age =
25.
WHO: For more information, please
contact
WEBSITE: www.a1aa.org/vcor/
*
*
* * *
* *
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
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
*
*
* * *
* *
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!
*
*
* * *
* *
(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
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
*
*
* * *
* *
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
*
*
* * *
* *
*
*
* * *
* *
"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
*
*
* * *
* *
*
*
* * *
*
*