Volunteer Connection Service Bulletin: April 1, 2005
A bi-weekly newsletter of local service opportunities (also see the bulletin
archives)
April 1, 2005 ~ #6
This bulletin lists information about one-time and on-going service opportunities, special events, and nonprofit agencies to help you get involved in the community! If you're a SCSU student, staff, or faculty member interested in volunteering but aren't sure which agency might be a good fit, contact the Volunteer Connection staff. Please drop by Atwood 139, call, or email us (contact info and instructions for [un]subscribing are listed at the end of the bulletin.)
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer Connection
Volunteer Connection is currently accepting applications for their Service-Learning Coordinator/AmeriCorps member, who will serve from September 2005 through July 2006.
The Service-Learning Coordinator assists SCSU faculty with the integration of academic service-learning into their teaching. The Service-Learning Coordinator educates the campus about service-learning, assists faculty with their service-learning courses, develops collaborations, serves as a liaison between faculty and local non-profit agencies, and supports the Volunteer Connection office as a campus resource center for service-learning. This position is through the AmeriCorps program. Applicants must be 17 years or older, United States Citizens/National/Legal Permanent Resident, and be in the process of obtaining/have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent. Desired skills include a strong commitment to service and the experience of service learning, leadership experience, ability to develop and coordinate a comprehensive service-learning program, and bachelor's degree (required). AmeriCorps members receive a $10,600 living allowance and are eligible for a $4725 educational award once they have completed their term of service.
If interested, visit www.stcloudstate.edu/americorps to apply. If you have specific questions about the Service-Learning Coordinator position, please contact Laura or Eveily at lcmerrill@stcloudstate.edu or elfreeman@stcloudstate.edu. For more information on AmeriCorps, please contact Jennifer Rausch, AmeriCorps Program Director, at 320-308-3058 or email americorps@stcloudstate.edu.
National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week is April 18-22, 2005. A community wide celebration is taking place Thursday, April 21st from 4-7pm at the Paramount Arts Center. All community volunteers are invited for refreshments, door prizes and a performance of the GREAT Theatre Children's production of Grease!
For more information, please contact Laura Merrill at (320) 308-5693 or lcmerrill@stcloudstate.edu.
Earth Day Half Marathon
The 5th Annual Earth Day Half Marathon Festival attracts over 1,600 runners from Minnesota and the nation. The festival events on the weekend of the 15th include a 1K kids run, 5k run, pasta feed, music, kids games, registration, and more. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the duration of the event. A free t-shirt will be given to those working more than 4 hours. There are no training requirements, and there are many volunteer opportunities.
For more information, please contact Chris Haukos at (320) 308-3325.
Sisters of St. Benedict's
The sisters of Saint Benedict are a community of women who seek God in their daily lives. The St. Benedict's Monastery is in need of volunteer EZGo drivers. The EZGo is an electric enclosed cart that transports sisters to their places of work and around campus on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed for 2-3 hour shifts. Volunteers are also needed to prepare the bedrooms for guests of the Spirituality Center. Tasks include: preparing beds, replenishing the supplies for the bedroom and bathroom, dusting, and being alert to other needs, repairs, etc. If you would like to volunteer at St. Benedict's Monastery, these opportunities are for you!
For more information, please contact Sr. Patrice Reed at (320) 363-7105.
Good Shepherd Community
The Good Shepherd Community provides a ministry of health care and housing services for young and older adults in Central Minnesota. Good Shepherd is sponsoring their 2nd Annual Join Hands Day on May 7th, 2005. Volunteers are needed for three projects throughout the day with the possibility to continue throughout the month. Join Hands Day projects include construction, gardening and kit assembly.
For more information, please contact Beth at (320) 252-6525 ext. 2124 or bethchapin@ecumen.org.
Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement programs are taught by volunteers during the school day to help young people understand the economics of life. Volunteers have the opportunity to go into a classroom for 5 sessions of 30-40 minutes each. Volunteers use curriculum provided by Junior Achievement which is fun, grade appropriate, easy to use, and enjoyed by the students! Make a difference in the lives of children by volunteering for Junior Achievement.
For more information, please contact Ileana Merten (320) 255-8624.
Place of Hope
Place of Hopes' mission is to bring the healing and restorative message of Jesus Christ to individuals and families in concrete ways. Volunteers are needed to help at Place of Hope's new Expressions of Hope Thrift and Specialty Store. Volunteers are needed to sort through donations, do small repairs, assist customers, and run the front register. Hours will be between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Volunteers are also needed to drive residents to their appointments. Transportation volunteers must have a clean driving record.
For more information, please contact Konroy at (320) 203-7881.
Tsunami Relief Effort/Kids Against Hunger
The Tsunami Relief Event is being held on the weekend of Friday May 20th - Sunday May22nd. The packaging sessions will be held on Saturday May 21st from 9am - 7pm and Sunday May 22nd from 9am - 5pm. Clean up for the event will be on Sunday from 5pm - 7pm.
Additional volunteer opportunities are available for individuals in senior high school and older. These individuals may volunteer in "Staff" volunteer positions. "Staff" volunteers must be willing to work as team leaders (greeting groups as they arrive and supervising their packaging session); scale and sealer supervisors/instructors; boxing supervision, refreshments etc.
- On Friday, May 20th from 11am - 3pm volunteers will be setting up at the armory and preparing for the event. To volunteer for set up log on to: www.unitedwayhelps.org (starting April 4th).
- On Saturday, May 21st and Sunday, May 22nd volunteers are needed to commit to a minimum of two 1/2 hours to assist in the areas listed above.
- On Sunday, May 22nd from 5pm - 7pm volunteers are needed to assist in cleaning up the facility. To register for clean up log on to: www.unitedwayhelps.org (starting April 4th).
For more information and to register for the event, please contact Kids Against Hunger at (320) 203-1799 - or go to the United Way website for set up and/or clean up.
St. Cloud Hospital
The St. Cloud Hospital needs volunteers to assist the Home Care office staff with various clerical duties. Hours are flexible Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm. Volunteers are also needed to help in the gift gallery, give tours and to help with other office work. If you would like to volunteer in the healthcare setting, these opportunities are for you!
For more information, please contact St. Cloud Hospital Volunteer Services at (320) 255-5638.
Senior Helping Hands
Senior Helping Hands is a community-based outreach program designed to serve older adults experiencing chemical use or mental health problems. Senior Helping Hands is looking for volunteers who have an interest in chemical dependency to assist elderly clients in treatment with log book assignments and offer support once the client is discharged from treatment. Occasionally the organization needs volunteers to provide transportation. Hours are flexible.
For more information, please contact Sandy Manderfeld at (320) 260-3760.
VA Medical Center
The VA Medical Center's mission is to maintain and improve the health and well being of network veterans. Transportation volunteers are needed to drive "courtesy" carts around medical center grounds from April - September. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, possess a current driver's license and pass a physical exam. Volunteer are needed Monday through Friday, from 7:30am - Noon or Noon - 4pm.
For more information, please contact Voluntary Service at (320) 255-6365 or patricia.aljets@med.va.gov.
Albany Public Library
Albany Public Library provides preschoolers with the opportunity to hear and interact with stories while at the library. The Story Time program runs Wednesdays from 11am - 11:45am. Volunteers are needed to tell stories, do finger plays and/or craft activities with a group of preschoolers. Training is provided and library staff is available to assist volunteers with ideas. Volunteers can do one story time hour or help on an ongoing basis. If you love working with children, this is the opportunity for you!
For more information, please contact Karen at (320) 845-4843.
Catholic Charities - Food Shelf
Catholic Charities builds communities, promotes family life, and enhances human dignity by providing quality services. Many clients come into the food shelf for the first time and aren't sure where to go or what to do. The Hospitality Assistant can greet this individual or family, welcome them to their shopping experience and direct them where to register. The Hospitality Assistant would also help these clients feel welcome by greeting them, serving them cookies and refreshments, talking with them or directing them to the individuals that can answer their questions. This is a great opportunity for anyone who would like to make some new friends.
For more information, please contact Diane Swenson at (320) 650-1559.
Central MN Adult Basic Education
Central MN Adult Basic Education is looking for volunteers to assist in the classroom. Volunteers are needed at Hilltop School in Sauk Rapids on Wednesday mornings and Tuesday evenings. Volunteers are also needed for classes at the Community Education building on Tuesdays or Thursday afternoons from 12pm - 3pm. Bethlehem Lutheran classes need volunteers Tuesday through Friday from 9:30am - 11:30am. Volunteers will help with subjects like reading, math and learning English. If you would like to help out in the classroom, this is the opportunity for you!
For more information, please contact Lannie Bulka at (320) 529-6500 ext. 6254.
The Service Bulletin is brought to you by Volunteer Connection, located in 139 Atwood Memorial Center on the St. Cloud State University campus.
2004-2005 Volunteer Connection Staff:
Laura Merrill, Interim Coordinator, 308-5693
lcmerrill@stcloudstate.edu
Maren Greathouse, Graduate Assistant, 308-3058
greatm01@stcloudstate.edu
Eveily Freeman, AmeriCorps member, Service-Learning Coordinator, 308-3898
elfreeman@stcloudstate.edu
Additional volunteer information is available from:
- Volunteer Central MN is a service of the United Way of Central Minnesota that instantly links you to volunteer opportunities that match your interest, skills, and schedule, visit www.unitedwayhelps.org.
- Z-Club, a SCSU student organization that promotes service opportunities, has weekly meetings Wednesday’s at 4:00pm in the Lady’s Slipper Room in Atwood. For more information look at their web site www.geocities.com/zclubscsu/home.html or email zclubscsu@hotmail.com.
- Volunteer Connection website has info about special events, non-profit agencies, and archives of all past Service Bulletins: www.stcloudstate.edu/volunteer.
Bulletin Information
Please note that recipients of this newsletter may not post messages to the entire group. If you have comments or an item you'd like included in future newsletters, please email the information to the moderator at volunteer@stcloudstate.edu.
Feel free to forward this newsletter to others at St. Cloud State University and encourage them to sign up to receive the newsletter directly.
Anyone can SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE online by following the instructions on the Volunteer Connection website at http://www.stcloudstate.edu/volunteer/bulletins/archives.asp.
