Thursday, June 30, 2011

28th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards Presented

Over 150 individuals and groups received Governor’s Volunteer Awards from Governor Terry E. Branstad during a special recognition ceremony held June 24 in Waterloo at the E.W. Kersenbrock Auditorium at West High School.
   
The Governor’s Volunteer Awards (GVA) program was created in 1982, with inaugural awards presented in 1983. The program has grown from a small program only available to state agencies to its present function of providing all Iowa nonprofit, charitable, and government organizations with an easy and effective way to honor their volunteers with a prestigious state-level recognition award.

Volunteers may be nominated for an award in one of several categories: Individual, Group, Length of Service, or Disaster Volunteer. More than 700 volunteers were selected for awards in 2011 throughout the state.

“Iowa is currently ranked second in the nation for its state volunteerism rate, which is most certainly a direct result of the devotion of Iowa’s volunteers,” said Governor 

Branstad. “I am honored to have this opportunity to personally thank this year’s award
recipients for donating their time and talent to help their fellow Iowans and make a tremendous difference in our state.”

Lauren Finke, Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley Director states, “The outreach we have seen in our community is huge. This event is a great opportunity to say thank you to the hundreds individuals that are making a big difference right here in the Cedar Valley.”

Guests were welcomed by pianist West High School senior Courtney Richman and Sheila Bohr, RSVP Director. Representative Deborah Berry emceed the event introducing Governor Terry Branstad.

The annual “Volunteering in America” study, released each June, details the millions of hours that volunteers in Iowa collectively contribute. The estimated annual economic impact of that service is well over $1 billion. The entire report can be viewed at www.volunteeringinamerica.gov.

The Governor’s Volunteer Award program is coordinated by the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and the Governor’s Office in partnership with the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.

Congratulations Volunteers!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

The "DO's" of Great Volunteering

The "DO's" of Great Volunteering

  • Do be flexible. Open-mindedness will help you enjoy your experience even more.
  • Do be persistent. If you are not contacted by your volunteer coordinator or agency right away, it doesn't mean they aren't interested. Why not call them?
  • Do be responsible. Show up on time and follow through with commitments. Your work ethic now will be your work ethic later in life.
  • Do take initiative. You can even start your own volunteer program and do it on your own time.
  • Do expect to get plenty of satisfaction and fun from your volunteer experiences.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Why Volunteer?

Why Volunteer?

Through volunteerism, teens have the power to positively impact their community! Have you ever thought about volunteering your time to a community organization? There are many different reasons for you to start volunteering:
  • To explore a career
  • To improve your communication skills
  • To gain work experience for your resume
  • To enhance personal development and growth
  • To develop new friendships and meet interesting people
  • To learn how to bring about community change
  • To use individual creativity and explore new ideas and concepts
  • To develop leadership sills, gain confidence, and self-esteem
  • To learn skills in problem solving
  • To fulfill need to achieve
  • To increase chances for scholarships
  • To help others
  • To practice something you're good at, such as music or computers

Monday, June 27, 2011

VCCV Now Using a New Volunteer Application

Volunteer Solutions
Volunteer Solutions is a Volunteer Matching Application that helps connect individuals to volunteer opportunities in their community.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is now using Volunteer Solutions as their new Volunteer Platform. Volunteer Solutions allows volunteers to register to volunteer, agencies to register to seek volunteers, and serves to promote volunteerism in the Cedar Valley.

To register as a volunteer, visit, http://volunteer.truist.com/vcocv/volunteer/

To register as a nonprofit agency, visit, https://volunteer.truist.com/vcocv/agency/

To visit Volunteer Solutions, go to, https://volunteer.truist.com/vcocv/agency/ 

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley welcomes new volunteers and nonprofit agencies.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Weekly Volunteer Opportunities Update

  • The Waterloo Jaycees 2011 Fireworks Festival will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight in downtown Waterloo. Volunteers are needed to check ID’s, sell beer tickets, pour beer and sell glow necklaces (volunteers must be 21 years of age to pour beer). The night is broken into three short shifts: 5:45 - 8:00 p.m., 7:30 - 10:00 p.m., and 9:30 - 12:00 a.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

  • The Cedar Falls Historical Society is seeking volunteers to manage the front desk on the weekends; Saturday from 10:00 - 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

  • The Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens is seeking volunteers to assist with the Fall Harvest Festival Committee with many volunteers helping on-site during the event. The Arboretum also hosts a Midsummer Celebration. Opportunities exist daily with flexible times. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

  • The Cedar Falls Tourism & Visitors Bureau needs volunteers at the Visitor Center on Hudson Road. Visitors are looking for assistance in directions and what there is to do in our community. Opportunities exist Monday - Saturday, shifts are from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 - 4 p.m. Sunday’s shift is from Noon - 4 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.
  •  

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

2011 National Conference Recap

Thousands of thought leaders, social entrepreneurs and change makers gathered in New Orleans for the 2011 National Conference on Volunteering and Service. Attendees were transformed; inspired, equipped for greater impact and mobilized by new tools and resources.

We were joined by a stellar lineup of speakers, award winners and other special invited guests including civil rights activist Ruby bridges, media personalities Deborah Roberts and Soledad O'Brien, comedian John Oliver, political commentators James Carville and Mary Matalin, and many others. Like our attendees, they represented a wide variety of sectors, backgrounds and perspectives on service.

The 2011 National Conference on Volunteering and Service honored the individuals, organizations and programs that are proving that service solves problems. Now more than ever, people are at the heart of community change and must champion efforts in their communities to solve problems. Our conference theme "Champions of Servic" recognizes that everyone can be a champion in their community by mobilizing the energy, ingenuity and compassion of citizens to lead the way for a better future.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Camp HOPE Needs Volunteers

ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program is looking for volunteers for Camp HOPE from August 1st - 5th for children of all abilities. We need Buddies, Group Leaders, Activity Leaders, and Registration Help. The camp is held at the National Cattle Congress in Waterloo from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information please contact us at (319) 296-0964 or at info@aspiretrp.org.




Monday, June 20, 2011

Mark your calendar! UNI Volunteer Fair

Mark your calendar!

The UNI Volunteer Fair

Thursday, September 1, 2011.

Maucker Union

10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

More detailed information to follow.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Weekly Volunteer Opportunities Update

  • Back to School Project needs volunteers to register families in Black Hawk County to receive new school supplies Monday through Friday, June 13 until July 29. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

  • The Cedar Valley Volunteer Emergency Club needs volunteers to assist with the Sturgis Falls Celebration from Friday, June 24th through Sunday, June 26th. Opportunities include providing traffic control for several events including a short parade late Friday afternoon, the main parade on Saturday morning, half marathon Sunday morning, and working at the food stand throughout the celebration. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

  • Care Initiatives Hospice is seeking volunteers to join the team as office assistant. Responsibilities include answering telephones, filing, and database entry. Opportunities exist Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

  • The Catholic Worker House needs volunteers to prepare meals to be frozen and served at a later date. Opportunity is flexible and volunteers of all ages can participate.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Strengthen your Child's Empathy Muscle

As the headlines remind us daily, empathy and compassion are often in scarce supply. But something can be done.. Says Prof. Simon Baron Cohen of the University of Cambridge: "Empathy is a skill like any other human skill; if you get a chance to pevidence suggests that service to others even contributes to an individual's healthy development. Just think! Individuals who do for others are more likely to be happier, more successful and even live longer. Here are ways to strengthen your child's empathy muscle: 
empathy_cycle
  • Together watch movies and read books with themes of caring and giving, or characters that practice compassion. Check out our comprehensive resource list.
  • Take on a simple service project and talk about how you feel as a giver -- and how the person you're helping feels. 
  • Establish simple family traditions of service. Rather than one-time projects, these are small routines for your everyday life.
  • Start a tradition of charitable giving.
  • Do activities that emphasize the diversity of the world's cultures. Visit a Russian museum, Mexican festival, Korean market or African church. Remind children of the similarities among us and talk about valuing the differences.          
*From "Doing Good Together."

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

3rd Annual CLASSY Awards

"Hollywood has Oscar, Broadway has Tony, and now philanthropy has the Classy."

Do you know a volunteer or charitable organization going above and beyond in their community? Submit their achievement for a CLASSY Award by June 19 to give them a chance to win money and recognition for their cause and a place in the spotlight!

The 3rd Annual CLASSY Awards is the largest philanthropic awards competition in the country, recognizing the most outstanding philanthropic achievements by charities, businesses and individuals nationwide. The competition culminates at the CLASSY Awards Ceremony on Saturday, September 17, hosted by StayClassy, a leader in social fundraising software for nonprofits.  The Hollywood-esque event features a host of celebrity presenters, nonprofit and tech industry leaders, top-notch musical talent and thousands of do-gooders from across the country.

Charity AwardsThis charitable organization epitomizes all things 'classy'! As if making the most significant impact on their community wasn't enough - this charity's staff members personify service, dedication and leadership. They've gone above and beyond to make a tangible difference by giving back to others.
 
Small Charity of the year
Good things come in small packages and what this charitable organization lacks in size they more than make up for with impact. A small charity is characterized by annual revenue of less than $250,000. The winner will be one that does the most with just a little.

Best New Charity
Awarded to the new kid on the block! This charity filed their paperwork no earlier than June 1, 2009, but they’re already making their name known in the community. They’re fresh out of the gate, but their enthusiasm and passion for their cause has already made an impact.

Most Creative Fundraiser by a Charity
"Outside of the box" is the motto for this charitable organization. They've taken fundraising creativity to the next level. Standard galas, silent auctions and door-to-door solicitations just won't cut it for this organization. Instead, the staff of this charity has created a new standard in fundraising for the causes they care about most.

Most Effective Awareness Campaign by a Charity
Awarded to the charitable organization whose activism has yielded the most tangible results for their community. Whether they've engaged the most people, raised the most money, or have seen their tireless efforts make a true difference for their cause - this award is all about communities reaping the rewards of this charity's hard work.

Most Innovative Use of Social Media by a Charity
Awarded to the charitable organization that applies new social media technology to raise funds or communicate their message. These early adopters were the first to use online social media tools like StayClassy, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube, etc. to build their member base. The staff of this charity doesn't just follow a trend - they establish it.
Individual / Group Awards

Volunteer of the year
Awarded to the person who has donated the most time and commitment to support the cause that inspires them. Volunteering requires a different type of commitment - one that is based on personal time and energy - and these individuals have demonstrated that commitment over and over again.

Young Nonprofit Leader of the Year
Awarded to a nonprofit professional (between the ages of 22-35) who stands out above the rest as a role model to their peers. Through their innovative ideas and fresh approach to philanthropy - this young leader has devoted their personal and professional life to making the world a better place for us all.

Most Successful Fundraiser by an Individual or Group
Awarded to the person or group that has raised the most support for the cause they care about. These individuals may have embarked on impressive athletic feats, dedicated countless hours of campaigning, and/or made significant financial contributions, all in the name of the cause that inspires them.

Most Influential College student or College Organization
Awarded to a student, student-run organization (including clubs and the Greek system) or university that knows how to do more than just party! They've gone above and beyond typical service or fundraising to give tangible benefits to its community or greater society as a whole.
Business Awards

Philanthropic Business of the year
This business breaks all stereotypes about Corporate America! It has given the most back to its community and it takes social responsibility seriously. Whether it's through group volunteer work or generous donations of money, products or services - its community is a better place because of its efforts.

Philanthropic Small Business of the year
This business with annual revenue of $1,000,000 or less proves that you don't need millions of dollars to make a difference. Their resourcefulness and creativity helps stretch their dollar and whether it's a fundraiser that unifies their community or a program that tackles a local issue - this small business is known for the positive impact they've made.  

StayClassy is an on-demand social fundraising solution for Nonprofit organizations. Our web-based platform allows Nonprofits to receive online donations, organize fundraising events & campaigns, manage donors across social media, and access our real-time reporting and analytics engine. StayClassy helps these organizations market themselves across the web, particularly to a younger demographic, with plug-ins to popular social sites like Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and more. Since it's free to register your Nonprofit on StayClassy, we also help out by decreasing the administrative time and costs associated with traditional enterprise software.





Monday, June 13, 2011

Service Learning Update - The Finale

As the school year ends, it is time to assess the service learning opportunities; the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley afforded the young people in our area. When I first started to quantify our impact, I was clearly astounded by the sheer numbers of students we had contact with this year. Approximately 240 young people in our schools participated in a semester long service learning project. Sixty elementary aged students were involved in the Do Something Clubs at the Boys and Girls Club site, and approximately another 240 students volunteered for a one time experience. In all, we had approximately 540 students involved with some type of service projects this school year and had at least 3000 service learning student contacts.

The most important aspect of this year’s service learning is not just the numbers. It is the projects that indeed helped make the Cedar Valley a better place to live. The young people of the Cedar Valley helped fight hunger. Don Bosco, West High, and Peet Junior High all participated in projects that benefited the Salvation Army and the Food Bank. The West High class saw the need to raise awareness of hunger and produced a radio show and a public service announcement concerning hunger. The Home Schooled students helped the homeless by making hats, scarves, and blankets for the Salvation Army. Students at Expo produced posters concerning STD’s in our community and gave them to the County Department of Health to be used as an awareness tool. The beauty of two preschools were enhanced by an environmental project conducted the schools 4 and 5 year olds. Janesville students raised money to build a walking bridge in order to make their town a safer place to live. Our environment was also improved by the several groups that worked to clean up litter in our parks and sidewalks. Military people were remembered by letters, animals were protected and the elderly were cheered all because of some of our service learning projects.

Students helped make the Cedar Valley a better place. However, I really believe our students received as much as they gave as evidenced by these comments from some of our students.

· “This project made me feel grateful for what I have.”
· “I liked how with so little effort, I could make a difference in the community”
· “I learned new things, met new people, and had good experiences.”

For more information on Service-Learning contact Jean Seeland at 272-2087 or Jean_Seeland@vccv.org. 


Thursday, June 9, 2011

Weekly Volunteer Opportunities Update

  • Back to School Project needs volunteers to register families in Black Hawk County to receive new school supplies Monday through Friday, June 13 until July 29. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

  • The Cedar Valley Volunteer Emergency Club needs volunteers to assist with the Sturgis Falls Celebration from Friday, June 24th through Sunday, June 26th. Opportunities include providing traffic control for several events including a short parade late Friday afternoon, the main parade on Saturday morning, half marathon Sunday morning, and working at the food stand throughout the celebration. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

  • Aspire Therapeutic Riding Program needs volunteers for the Sturgis Falls Parade on June 25 from 8:30 a.m. until noon. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

  • Birthright needs volunteers to edit Birthright's newsletter.  Editors will compile and arrange articles, a list of donors, work with the treasurer and communicate with the printer. Opportunities exist daily with personal flexibility. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Spotlight Agency - Waterloo Community Schools Foundation

The mission of the Waterloo Community Schools Foundation is to encourage educational excellence by providing resources to enhance the educational opportunities available to students.

Volunteers are needed at the Waterloo Community Schools Foundation to enter database information into computer programs. Hours are flexible for volunteers age 18 and over.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Spotlight Agency - Waterloo Convention & Visitor's Bureau

The mission of the Waterloo Convention & Visitor's Bureau is to promote Waterloo and the Cedar Valley as a destination for conventions and meetings; sporting events; group tours and reunions; and leisure travelers.

Volunteers are needed to greet incoming and outbound passengers by providing visitor information, maps, and assistance with in-city travel. Various shifts available 7 days a week based on arriving and departing airline schedule. Orientation & training provided onsite for volunteers age 16 and over. Volunteers are also required to assist with parking cars & selling and taking tickets at the air show to be held at the Waterloo Regional Airport on Saturday & Sunday, August 27 & 28, 2011. Three hour shifts from 7:30 am until 6:00 pm each day. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Independent Sector Announces New Estimate for Value of Volunteer Time

Independent Sector announces that the 2010 estimate for the value of a volunteer hour has reached $21.36, an increase from $20.85 per hour in 2009.

“While the value of volunteers can be measured, we know that commitment volunteers put into helping millions of people is priceless,” said Diana Aviv, president and CEO of Independent Sector. “America’s tradition of giving back is very generous and should make us all proud. We continue to support and celebrate the volunteers for their selfless service.”

The valuation of volunteer time provides one way to measure the impact millions of individuals make with each hour they dedicate to make a difference. 

Friday, June 3, 2011

New VCCV Changes

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is in the process of changing our agency and volunteer portal from 1-800-Volunteer.org to Volunteer Solutions.

Member agencies will be receiving a form in June to update agency profile data.

As a recipient of the VGF Grant, services will now be provided free of charge to area non-profits.


Thursday, June 2, 2011

Weekly Volunteer Opportunities Update


  • Back to School Project needs volunteers to register families in Black Hawk County to receive new school supplies Monday through Friday, June 13 until July 29. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

  • The Cedar Valley Derby Divas need volunteers for ticket sales window, will call window, ticket takers and merchandise table for a roller derby bout on June 11 from 5:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

  • The Cedar Valley Volunteer Emergency Club needs volunteers to assist with the Sturgis Falls Celebration from Friday, June 24th through Sunday, June 26th. Opportunities include providing traffic control for several events including a short parade late Friday afternoon, the main parade on Saturday morning and the half marathon Sunday morning. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

  • Aspire Therapeutic Riding Program needs volunteers for the Sturgis Falls Parade on June 25 from 8:30 a.m. until noon. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Utilizing Youth Volunteers - Summer Opportunities Needed

Youth Volunteer Statistics
  • 55% of youth volunteer – 15.5 million people!
  • The typical youth volunteer contributes 29 hours per year.
  • ¾ of youth who volunteer do so through youth, school and religious organizations.
  • 10.6 million youth have engaged in community service as part of school activity.
  • If family members volunteer, youth will too.
Benefits for Youth Volunteering
  • Volunteering can help explore interests.
  • Meet people you might not normally meet.
  • Volunteer activities add value to college applications and work resumes.
  • It’s fun.
  • You’re sharing your talents and knowledge with others.
  • Your advancing the common good.
Tips for Working with Youth
  • Engage now = lifelong volunteers
  • Positive first experience
  • Believe in the value of youth volunteers
  • Be youth-friendly
  • Be honest
  • Provide support
  • Determine age levels
  • Be flexible and tolerant
  • Provide training session
  • Group activities
  • Reassure them
  • Build character and leadership skills
Youth Volunteer Recruitment
  • Determine your organization’s needs
  • Recruitment done through the VCCV, word-of-mouth, advertising, newsletters, bulletins, etc.
  • Interview and screen
  • Orientation and training
  • Performance evaluations
  • Recognition
For more information on the youth programs contact Jean Seeland at 272-2087 or Jean_Seeland@vccv.org.