This bi-weekly bulletin lists information about one-time and on-going service opportunities, special events, and nonprofit agencies that we hope will help you get involved in the community! If you’re interested in volunteering, but aren’t sure which agency might be a good fit, please contact the Volunteer Connection staff—drop by Atwood 139, call 308-5693 or email volunteer@stcloudstate.edu.
SCSU Volunteer Connection Service Bulletin
Published twice per month
Sept. – April
Fall 2005 – December 1st 6th Edition
SCSU Gift Drive November 28th - December 12th
St. Cloud State University is once again teaming up with the local Big Brothers/ Big Sisters organization. Help make kids holidays brighter by donating a new unwrapped gift! Gifts are needed for kids between the ages of 4-14. Examples of gifts needed for this age are; games, dolls, books, sports equipment, cars/trucks, non-violent educational toys and equipment. Drop off your new unwrapped gift at any of the resident halls (there will be large gift boxes to drop the gifts into) or drop it off at the Volunteer Connection office in Atwood 139.
Holiday Gift Drive
Make a child smile! Volunteer Connection and Big Brothers, Big Sisters are teaming up to provide a brighter holiday to area children ages 4-14. From now through Dec. 12th new, unwrapped gifts are being collected in large, red donation boxes outside of the CSOLD/Volunteer Connection office complex and at the residence halls. This is a fun and easy way for you or your organization to make a difference this holiday season in the life of a child. You may also contact Jennifer Walker at Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central MN (253-1616) if you or your group is interested in helping to wrap the gifts that are collected. Please consider donating educational, recreational, books, toys, and games which are of a non-violent nature. Thank you!
Rich Murray Volunteer Scholarship Applications
Do you know a student who is active in volunteer and community service work? Then encourage him/her to apply for the Rich Murray $500 Volunteer Service Scholarship. This award recognizes an SCSU student who has demonstrated a commitment of giving through volunteerism while a student at SCSU. This may be service with an established organization or individual acts of service over a significant period of time. The scholarship is available to any SCSU student (undergraduate or graduate). Only service activities done while at SCSU will be recognized. Please print a copy of the application from the Volunteer Connection website at: www.stcloudstate.edu/volunteer or stop in to the Volunteer Connection office in Atwood Center Rm. 139 to pick up an application. Applications are being accepted now and are due no later than February 10, 2006.
Alternative Spring Break
Participant Applications Due: Monday January 30, 2006
(Early Submission is encouraged)
2006 ASB Destinations
are: Lame Deer, MT Cumberland,
TN, and El Paso, TX
For more information please contact Erin Van Bruggen @ vaer0501@stcloudstate.edu or call her at 320-308-3058.
Kaleidoscope Family Winter Carnival
When: Saturday December 3rd
Where: St. Cloud State University Field House
in Halenbeck Hall
Sept up starts at 10:00 am clean up starts at 3:00pm.
Any time you can give within this time frame would be appreciated!
This
event has carnival activities, we need volunteers to assist with activities
and also people to assist with security.
All the money raised from this is being donated to help build the playground called Kaleidoscope, which is going to be accessible for children of all abilities
UNITED WAY
100 Matches in 100 Days
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota serves children in the area by providing one on one mentoring relationships with volunteers in the community. They are kicking off their campaign to match 100 children in the area with 100 volunteer Big Brothers, Big Sisters, or Big Couples within the next 100 days. During this campaign, matched volunteers will be entered in a drawing for great prizes. Volunteers are asked to share their time and interests to become a role model for a child. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and be willing to make a 12 month commitment to building a relationship.
If interested, contact Bethany Bamberg at (320) 253-1616.
Tax Preparation Assistance
Tri-CAP provides opportunities for residents in our communities to expand their social and economic well being. They offer tax preparation services for individuals and families that meet income guidelines. They are looking for volunteers to assist during the upcoming tax season. Experience in tax preparation is not required. Volunteers will be trained to help with greeting, screening, and preparing taxes for clients. Training sessions will begin in January. Volunteers are needed from January through April but are not asked to commit to the entire season.
For more information, contact Sonny or Kim at United Way (320) 252-0227.
Clerical Assistant
Stearns-Benton Employment & Training Council helps community members acquire and attain skills to be successful in the workforce. They are currently looking for volunteers to help with clerical duties such as copying materials for staff and organizing mail. Volunteers would be trained and supervised by the Administrative Assistant on site.
If interested in this opportunity, contact Kathy Zavala at (320) 229-5702.
Crisis Phone Volunteers
St. Cloud Area Crisis Nursery offers services for families in the community who are facing difficult situations. They offer services to protect children from possible harm while supporting parents. Volunteers are needed to answer the St. Cloud area crisis phone on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Thorough training is provided for volunteers to handle calls from their own homes. Volunteers may have to provide transportation for children to a service provider. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and have a clean driving record.
For more information contact Carol at (320) 282-2143.
Play Santa
Reach Up Inc. provides a variety of supports for families while maintaining an environment of respect and trust. They are looking for a jolly volunteer to play Santa for children 4 years of age and younger. The volunteer is asked to provide his/her own suit. They are looking for help during the week of December 19. This would be a great opportunity for a volunteer that is looking to share their holiday spirit with local children and families.
For more information contact Lois Paulson at (320) 253-8110.
Skilled Listener
Senior Helping Hands provides support, counseling, and information for older adults and their families who may be experiencing chemical dependency or mental health problems. They are looking for volunteers who are interested in chemical and mental health issues to offer support to other older adults who are experiencing difficulties in these areas. Volunteers provide transportation to and from support meetings, help with treatment assignments, and a listening ear. Training is provided through a 6-hour session annually as well as shorter trainings every other month.
For more information contact Sandy Manderfeld at (320) 229-3766 ext. 23766.
Activity Assistant
Independent Lifestyles, Inc. promotes independence and choices to ensure people with disabilities have the right to choose how they live. They are looking for volunteers to work one on one with clients. Volunteers would help with activities, household chores, and provide a friendly relationship for someone living with a disability. Interested people are asked to fill out an application and complete a short training on site. Volunteers must have their own transportation and a positive attitude.
If interested, contact Lydia White at (320) 529-9000.
Volunteer to Welcome New SCSU International Students!
DEADLINE: Please let the Center for International Studies know by Dec. 9th, 2005
There are three options for you to participate in welcoming students from all over the world to St. Cloud State University!
- Join the International Hospitality Committee in organizing potluck dinners provided to new international students at Mitchell Hall from 5-8:30 pm beginning Wednesday, January 11th and continuing through Monday, January 16th. Choose a night that works well with your organization!
- Welcome students as they arrive at the St. Cloud Airport, Holiday Inn, or Bus Depot (this includes stopping at Wal-Mart and helping them to pick out sheets for bedding if they are staying at the dorms, hats and mittens for the cold weather, and perhaps stopping at a nearby grocery store to grab some food…could also stop at the Great Dragon to grab something to go…they may be very hungry after a long journey). When you bring the students to campus, you will help them get their keys and find their rooms for them.
- Peer Advisors for Orientation: This begins Thursday, January 12 with an all day orientation where you will learn about and plan for orientation. Then the actual orientation is on M-W January 16th -18th. If you also want to be a part of the dinners over the weekend that is also possible.
* Contact Kim Koffi at the Center for International Studies, Lawrence Hall 104 for applications and information: 320-308-4287 or kjkoffi@stcloudstate.edu.
Good Shepherd Community
The Good Shepherd Community is looking for volunteers to assist with their Home Delivered Meals program in their apartment community. They are looking for volunteers that like to walk and visit! Times are 11:15-12:15 Monday through Friday. This is a great opportunity for individuals, groups, or organizations.
For additional information please contact Beth Chapin at 320-252-6525 or bethchapin@ecumen.org
INSTITUTE ON PHILANTHROPY AND VOLUNTARY SERVICE
Scholarship applications are now being accepted for the 2006 Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service, a dynamic summer program for undergraduate students interested in volunteerism and careers in the nonprofit sector. Faculty members and nonprofit professionals can nominate outstanding students for priority scholarship consideration at www.dcinternships.org/nominate
This summer: June 10 – August 5, 2006
Georgetown University,
Washington, DC
This face-paced Institute offers a rigorous combination of professional experience, academic learning and service projects that will provide students with an unparalleled experience in the nation’s capital.
- Internships – Competitive placements with leading nonprofit organization
- Classes – Up to 9 credit hours from Georgetown University
- Housing – Furnished on-campus apartments
- Service – Variety of hands-on community projects
- Guest Lectures – With Washington’s top nonprofit executives and scholars
- Leadership Development – Leadership, mentoring and career building activities
- Scholarships – Over half of all students receive full or partial funding
For more information or to request a brochure, please visit the website at www.dcinternships.org/ipvs
For more information on this exciting opportunity, please contact Ms. Shane Goldsmith, Program Director, by phone at 1-800-741-6964 or via email at sgoldsmith@tfas.org.
ST CLOUD HOSPITAL
The following volunteer positions are currently available:
Volunteer Ambassador
Looking for a way to gain experience in the medical field? Try volunteering as a transport/discharge volunteer at the St. Cloud Hospital. This volunteer must be an independent, caring individual who can assist with transporting and escorting patients. For more information on this volunteer position contact the Volunteer Office at 320-255-5638 or e-mail volunteer@centracare.com.
Gift Gallery Volunteer
Gift gallery volunteer needed at the St. Cloud Hospital to help customers in a friendly positive manner while assisting in the Gift Gallery. The Gift Shop is open M-F 9-5:30 p.m., Saturday 9-12 p.m. For more information contact Volunteer Services by calling (320)-255-5638 or by e-mail at volunteer@centracare.com.
Admitting Escort Volunteer
Looking for a fun, rewarding way to spend your time? The St. Cloud Hospital is looking for volunteers with warm and friendly personalities to escort patients as they are admitted to the St. Cloud Hospital. For more information on this volunteer position contact the Volunteer Office at 320-255-5638 or e-mail volunteer@centracare.com.
For additional information please contact:
Alison Dahlin
Volunteer Program Specialist
St. Cloud Hospital
251-2700 ext 54577
Fax: 320-255-5817
International Volunteer Organization
Want to travel overseas and explore a new and exciting
country this summer?
Ever wanted to travel to New Zealand, Australia,
Costa Rica or Dominican Republic? Want to volunteer and make a contribution
to the global community?
Want to possibly earn academic credit for having
this awesome adventure of a lifetime?
Who are ISV: A non-profit international volunteer organization who send thousands of students overseas each summer to explore the world and give something back by volunteering. Students spend two weeks participating in volunteer programs and then two weeks taking part in adrenalin packed adventure activities while exploring their host country! For more info check out ISV's website www.isvonline.com
Upper Midwest Human Rights Fellowship Program
The Upper Midwest Human Rights Fellowship Program encourages residents of the Upper Midwest – including students, teachers, lawyers, health professionals, community leaders, and others – to undertake practical experiences/internships in human rights organizations, locally, nationally, and internationally.
The Fellowship Program is designed to promote social justice by providing practical training in the varied aspects of human rights work worldwide. The fellowship placement provides both training for the individual and assistance to the host organization, as well as fosters links between communities in the Upper Midwest and human rights/social justice organizations around the world. Participants return with a stronger commitment to a lifetime of work in human rights/social justice and contribute to bringing human rights concerns home to communities in the Upper Midwest.
Over the past 16 years, the Human Rights Center has sponsored 300 interns and fellows to work with human rights/social justice organizations in more than 70 countries and awards approximately 25 fellowship grants each year. In 2005, the Human Right’s Center’s Upper Midwest Human Rights Fellowship Program awarded grants to 26 individuals committed to the promotion of human rights and social justice.
Grant details:
- Awards are competitive; approximately twenty grants will be awarded for the 2006 program.
- Fellowships should be a minimum of 10 weeks in duration.
- Grants will ordinarily range from $1,000 to $4,500, averaging about $3,200 and are intended to cover food, lodging, and transportation during the fellowship experience.
- Applications must be received by Monday, February 27, 2006, at 4:00 p.m.
- Decisions will be made by April 1, 2006.
For more information and an application, please check out our website at http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/center/uppermidwest/
If you have more questions after reviewing our website, feel free to contact us at (612) 626-2226 or via email at hrfellow@umn.edu.
The Service Bulletin is brought to you by Volunteer Connection
located in
139 Atwood Memorial Center on the St. Cloud State University campus
2005-2006 Volunteer Connection Staff
- Beth Knutson-Kolodzne, Coordinator, 308-5693,
beknutsonkolodzne@stcloudstate.edu - Erin Van Bruggen, Graduate Assistant, 308-3058,
vaer0501@stcloudstate.edu - Christopher Bineham, AmeriCorps member and Service-Learning Coordinator, 308-3898, crbineham@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 club that promotes service opportunities, has weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 4:00 PM in the Atwood Lady’s Slipper or Voyageurs North Room. For more information, go to their website: http://studentorg.stcloudstate.edu/z_club/ or email z_club@stcloudstate.edu.
- The Volunteer Connection website has info. about special events, non-profit agencies, & archives of all past Service Bulletins: www.stcloudstate.edu/volunteer.
Volunteer Connection ~ St. Cloud State University ~ Atwood 139 ~ 320-308-5693
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.
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